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Join us on the First and Third Sunday of each month at 7:00 AM at the parking lot behind the Ranger Station!
Thanks to Jane Frigo for providing these reports. For more information, contact Jane (757-873-0721).
July 4, 2010 was clear and warm! The extreme heat wave was predicted to return so bird watchers were taking advantage of the cooler morning hours. Nick Flanders, Eileen O'Toole, Margaret Ware, Elisa Enders, Virginia and George Boyles, Richard Hudgins, Mike Lowry and Jane Frigo began the morning with optimism. Later they were joined by Brian Barmore and Sharon Burton. Together the group was able to identify 56 species for the morning. Being the nation's birthday, several Bald Eagles were hoped for. Both adult and immature were seen. Eastern Wood-Pewee's were seen and an active nest located. Mike Lowry got a great picture of the nestlings being fed! No luck finding the owls again this walk, but GREAT views were had of a Scarlet Tanager and a Yellow-throated Vireo. A Red-eyed Vireo was seen singing. Great Crested Flycatchers must have fledged for they were seen in abundance having fun playing tag. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Laughing Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
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Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
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American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Prothonothary Warbler
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
Father's Day, June 20, 2010, was warm, clear and calm. A group of eleven birders chose to spend the morning outdoors in search of feathered beauties. Robin and Bill Samper, Bill Ferris, Marilyn and John Adair, George and Virginia Boiles, Marc Nichols, Elisa Enders, Nick Flanders and Jane Frigo were especially interested in catching a glimpse of the Barred and Great Horned Owls seen on the last park walk. Although they tried they were unsuccessful this morning. Inspite of that they were able to see some great beauties including both Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Prothonotary Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and a host of other species, 66 altogether! A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
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Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
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Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
June 6, 2010 began with cool temperatures and clear skies but warmed up considerable over the morning. John and Marilyn Adair and Bill Ferris made an early walk to the Swamp Bridge to get views of the Barred Owl missed on the last walk. Eileen O'Toole, Stuart Sweetman, Nick Flanders, Marc Nichols and George and Virginia Boiles joined them later and were able to complete visiting the usual stops and finding a total of 60 species for the morning. A walk through the Arboretum provided a good look at the Great Horned Owl and young owlet. A complete species list follows.
Canada Gose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Rock Pigeon
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Great Horned Owl
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
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Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
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American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
A good thunderstorm passed through the area early in the morning of May 16, 2010. Newport News Park was wet, but at the time of the regular park walk the showers had stopped. Mike Lowry, Richard Hudgins, Cathy Bond and Jane Frigo were the only birders showing up to search for spring migrants. They were able to identify 55 species for the mourning. The Barred Owl was seen again just past the Swamp Bridge. Later in the mourning he was heard vocalizing. Eastern Kingbirds were seen and a nest identified near the Spawning Pond. A FOS Louisana Waterthrush gave a long show at the Ranger Station Bridge. FOS Wood Thrush were heard. Sadly, the Blue-gray Gnatcather nest observed the previous walk had been destroyed. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
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Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Piliated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
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House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Blackpoll Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch
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May 2, 2010 began with overcast skies but warm temperatures and rather brisk winds. The sun finally broke out near the end of the morning, but winds remained strong. Eileen O'Toole, Tom Charlock, Jim Harrison, Cathy Bond, Marilyn and John Adair, Lindsay, Ian and Mike Lowry, Seth Wilmore, Diane Mrava, Nicolas and Grace Ferree, and Jane Frigo mixed up the morning by walking to the Swamp Bridge after the first stop at the Ranger Station. Although missing some regular birds such as the Northern Mockingbird and Brown Thrasher, the change allowed great views of a Barred Owl, Yellow-throated Vireo, Common Yellowthroat and Prothonotory Warblers. Fifty-four species were identified for the morning. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Laughing Gull
Barred Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
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Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
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Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Northern Parula
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black--and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Prothonotary Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch |
For our walk on Sunday, April 18, 2010, we had a great turn-out of people and birds – a total of 68 species! The 16 participants were: Meredith and Lee Bell, Stuart Sweetman, John and Marilyn Adair, Libby Carmines, Mike Lowry, Nick Flanders, Louis Johnson, Vivian Moore, Elisa Enders, Marc Nichols, Joe Kohen, Margaret Ware, Julie Breeden and Jane Frigo. Highlights included:
- First-of-season Red-Eyed Vireo and Green Heron at the park
- a wonderful spotting of a Barred Owl by Marc Nichols near the Swamp Bridge, seen by all
- fabulous looks at the remarkable nest of a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher through Mike Lowry's scope
- excellent view of a singing Black-throated Green Warbler late morning
- 3 Bald Eagles (1 adult, 2 immature) in the air at the same time, with a crow chasing the adult vigorously
- 3 species of Swallow, plus Purple Martin & Chimney Swift - all flying over reservoir
Complete list of species is listed below. Many thanks to Mike Lowry for sharing these great photos for us on our website!
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Prothonotary Warbler
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Barred Owl |
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Accipiter sp.
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Royal Tern
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
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Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
White-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
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Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Northern Parula
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Palm Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
April 4, 2010, Easter Sunday, was another perfect day. Spring temperatures were in the 60's rising into the 70's, the winds were calm and the skies clear. Newcomers Molly Edmonds, Joe Kohen and Joann Roos joined regulars Marilyn and John Adair, Tom Charlock, Stuart Sweetman, Libby Carmines, Julie Breeden, Elisa Enders and Jane Frigo to find 47 species, one HUGE snapping turtle and a muskrat. FOS Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were welcome spring arrivals. Ring-billed Gulls were absent. There was a flyover of Laughing Gulls sporting their summer black hoods. No new warblers were seen, but hopefully will arrive by the next walk. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Royal Tern
Mourning Dove
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
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Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
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Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
March 21, 2010 was another perfect birdwatching morning. The time change made it a bit darker at the start time but the weather was clear, cool and calm. Marilyn and John Adair, Bill Ferris, Eileen O'Toole, Tom Charlock, Stuart Sweetman, Marc Nichols, Mike Lowry, Phyllis Roth and Jane Frigo tallied 55 birds for the morning. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and their colors spectacular. "Love" was in the air as a pair of Hairy Woodpeckers shared their affections. Male Pine Warblers were singing as were the Northern Cardinals and Tufted Titmice. A Winter Wren and a Brown Creeper were still at the park. A Hermit Thrush gave a lengthy vocalization that was a treat. A pair of Black Snakes were seen nestled in a hollowed tree. Sadly the ducks seemed to have moved out. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
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Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
March 7, 2010 was another beautiful day. The sky was clear, temperatures in the 40-50's and winds calm. The birds were active and quite vocal. Although no Tundra Swans were observed in the reservoir, a magnificant flight of 40-50 were seen flying overhead. Several Winter Wrens were spotted. One was particularly busy gleaning bugs from the logs. He gave quite a lenghty showing. Participants speculated that he was getting ready to make a journey north. A male Pine Warbler was brilliant in the morning sun. Although the Great Horned Owl could not be found, several pellets were spotted under a cedar tree. In all, 51 species were identified by Bryan Barmore, Sharon Burton, Maggie Silverman, Marc Nichols, Steven David, Joe Hudick, Margaret Ware, Dick and Stuart Sweetman, Tom Charlock, Richard Hudgins, Phil Bogart, Eileen O'Toole and Jane Frigo. A species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
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Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird |
At last a good weather day for bird watching. Sunday, February 21, 2010 was perfect. Temperatures were in the 50's, winds were calm and the sun was shining. We had six newcomers--Laura and Brent Slaughter, Cathy and Bobby Thacker, Samantha Denny and Joe Hudick and 13 old timers--Geoff Giles, Eileen O'Toole, Nick Flanders, Margaret Ware, Stuart Sweetman, Elisa Enders, Marc Nichols, Mike Lowry, Richard Hudgins, Tom Charlock, Hong Trinh, Theu Le and Jane Frigo. It was a large group, but many eyes and ears equal many birds. The group was able to count 59 species for the morning--which included a walk to the Swamp Bridge. Tufted Titmice and Red-headed Woodpecker's gave great shows. A pair of Mute Swams were obeserved in what was decided to be "nest building activity." Misses for the day included a much sought after Fox Sparrow, Great Egret, Tundra Swan and Great Horned Owl. Hopefully March will bring in some early warblers. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher |
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird |
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird American Goldfinch
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Fear of black ice on the roads caused the cancellation of the February 7, 2010, park walk. Thanks goes out to Mike Lowry for braving the weather and walking into the park to make a species list for the morning, inspite of the weather. Mike was able to list 30 species. Ring-necked ducks and a single Bufflehead were special sightings. Also, five Field Sparrows were seen at the field by the Discovery Center. Bird's of prey were also out, including Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk.. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Double-crested Cormorant
Black Vulture |
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse |
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Brown Thrasher
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle |
NOTE! The list below is an addition to the "canceled" park walk list above. Nick Flanders, Elisa Enders and Stuart Sweetman made it up to the park around noon. They were able to make a hike through the park and out to the swamp bridge. Their additions to the morning's list are impressive. The following species were added to the morning's sightings making a total of 52 species for the day.
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Great Blue Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker |
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Carolina Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren |
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
American Goldfinch |
January 15, 2010 was warmer than the last walk, 45 degrees, but spoiled by rain. In spite of the wet day, Tom Charlock, Stuart Sweetman, John Adair, Nick Flanders, Mike Lowry and Jane Frigo managed to get in two hours of birding before being defeated by the weather. The lake was still iced over with only a few spots of free water. Birds and ducks were few in number but the group was able to identify 29 species. A complete list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron |
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch |
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird |
Happy New Year! The first walk of the new year, January 3, 2010 was a frigid one. Temperatures were in the low 20's and the wind was blowing hard. Jane Frigo was unable to lead the morning's walk because of participating in the Mathews Christmas Bird Cound. Thanks to all those that did show up and brave the weather, especially Stuart Sweetman who relayed the species list for the morning. 27 species were identified which was a remarkable accomplishment considering the weather.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Mallard
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Double-crested Cormorant
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk |
Ring-billed Gull
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch |
Golden-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird |
A winter snow storm hit the area the night before the December 20, 2009 walk, leaving several inches of snow on areas just north of the park. Only an inch or so covered the park but temperatures were freezing and the ice and snow were still around this morning. Rangers even had the road closed at the Ranger Station because of icy conditions. Inspite of that, Richard Hudgins, Mike Lowry and Jane Frigo braved the elements and identified a decent number of species for the morning. Killdeer were seen on the golf course just east of the Discovery Center along with a beautiful Red-tailed Hawk enjoying breakfast. Several extremely large blackbird flocks were observed as were two unusually large flights of Canada Geese. The Great Horned Owl was seen, too. Notable misses were Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher and Yellow-rumped Warbler. A complete species list of the 43 species follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
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Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch |
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch |
December 6, 2009 was clear and calm early in the morning with winds increasing near the water. Temperatures were in the 30's making it feel like the middle of winter. Tom Charlock, Stuwart Sweetman, Nick Flanders, Bill Ferris, Eileen O'Toole, Marilyn and John Adair, Richard and Barbara Hudgins and Jane Frigo made up the morning's observers. Forty-four species were seen and heard. Bald Eagles were numerous and a pair of Great Horned Owls were observed at length. Two pair of loon species were seen flying over. Not one Yellow-rumped Warbler was seen and ducks were scare. Beaver activity was evident with one particularly large tree nearly severed. A complete species follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Loon species
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk
Killdeer
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Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet |
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch |
November 15, 2009 began with calm, sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 50's. The recent Nor'easter left the area covered with fallen leaves and branches and evidence of high water marks. The park road was closed at the Ranger Station and the morning walk was done entirely on foot. John and Marilyn Adair, Richard and Barbara Hudgins, Nick Flanders, Dave Youker, Mike Lowry and Jane Frigo enjoyed the morning walk and were able to identify 53 species. All 7 woodpeckers were seen. At least 4 Bald Eagles were flying. Tree Swallows were busy gathering insects over the water. One lone Lesser Scaup was seen close to the bank but in general ducks were hard to find. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Lesser Scaup
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
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Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush FOS
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
November 1, 2009 began with temperatures in the 50's and light drizzle. Weather conditions continued to degrade ending with light showers. Inspite of that 53 species were identified by Margaret Ware, Bill Ferris, Nick Flanders, Steven David, Mike Lowry, Jane Frigo, Marilyn and John Adair. There were several notable sightings. A Bald Eagle was observed wearing two leg bands. The right leg had an aluminum band with what appeared to be the numbers 699. The left leg had a purple band that appeared to have the letter A and the number 5 or 6. Double-crested Cormorants were gathered in a flock of nearly 200 in the weather and on the pipeline. Three Lesser Scaup were cooperative allowing for excellent photographs to be taken by Mike Lowry. The male and two female were close to the shore and in a tight group. Finally, a rare sighting of a Pied-billed Grebe in flight was enjoyed. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Lesser Scaup
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
|
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird |
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
Sunday, October 18, 2009 was cold (50 F. and dropping), windy and wet. Inspite of that 13 hardy souls perservered to tally 52 species. Those attending included Marilyn and John Adair, Stewart Sweetman, Nick Flanders, Marc Nichols, Geoff Giles, Hong Trinh, Theu Le, Jane Frigo, newcomers Carolyn and Bill Ferris and New Mexico visitors Sandy and Dick Conway. Sandy and Dick had a list of target birds they hoped to add to their life list. They were able to successfully see five new birds, but sadly were unable to see a Piliated Woodpecker, just hear one calling in the distance. Hopefully they succeeded later in their visit. If not they must return again on a better day. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
|
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker--heard
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse |
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch |
Because of the Fall Folk Festival in the park, the Sunday, October 4, 2009 bird walk was held in the campsite area across the reservoir. The day was perfect--temperatures in the 60's, skies calm and clear. Eleven birders gathered at 7 AM: Nick Flanders, Marc Nichols, Elisa Enders, Tom Charlock, Richard Hudgins, Mike Lowry, Jeff Giles, Dave Youker, Marilyn and John Adair and Jane Frigo. Walking from the campsite office to the archery range and on to the power lines produced 41 species. The most abundant species was American Robin. Woodpeckers put on a good show. Sadly no Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was spotted. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Laughing Gull
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
|
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin |
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Common Yellowthroat
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Common Grackle |
September 20, 2009 began with perfect fall weather. The skies were clear and the temperature comfortably cool. Twelve birders showed up to see what fall migration had to bring. Some just couldn't manage to stop looking on such a beautiful day and stayed until nearly 1 PM and walking all the way to the Swamp Bridge. Those participating some time during that time included John and Marilyn Adair, Mike Lowry, Tom Charlock, Phyllis Roth, Hong Trinh, Theu Le, Harry Carlson, Richarad Hudgins, Marc Nichols, Betsy Garrett and Jane Frigo. Red-headed Woodpeckers, both immature and adult, were very abundant. Hong asked to see some "big" birds and was treated to great views of a Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl and Turkey Vulture. 43 species were noted. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
|
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Gray Catbird |
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch |
Fall was in the air and migration has begun. Sixteen birders came out to see what's moving on this September 6, 2009 walk. They included Jeff Giles, Mike Lowry, Marc Nichols, Richard Roundtree, Theu Le, Hong Trinh, Eileen O'Toole, Nick Flanders, Richard Hudgins, Margaret Ware, Libby Carmines, Betsy Garrett, Tom Charlock, Jane Frigo and Teri and Cathy Bond. The group was able to identify 51 species, most of which were seen. Misses for the day were Brown Thrasher, House and Chipping Sparrow. Great views were had of Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Parula, and American Redstart. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Laughing Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
|
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch |
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Veery
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starliing
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
This morning, August 16, 2009, the skies were clear but the air heavy with moisture from previous days heavy rains. The "dog days of summer" seemed to have arrived and things were quiet. A notable omission again was Canada Goose. Other species missed included Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and House Wren. The highlight of the morning was a Great Horned Owl that put on quite a show sitting at length in the sun. Those present to enjoy the morning were John Steinbauch, Mike Lowry, Tom Charlock, Richard Hudgins, Margaret Ware, Eileen O'Toole, Marc Nichols, Eleanor Young, Diane Mrva, Nicolas Ferree, Grace Ferree and Jane Frigo. Forty-five species were identified. A complete species list follows.
Wood Duck
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Laughing Gull
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Great Horned Owl
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
|
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Purple Martin
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse |
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
The dog days of summer have arrived on Sunday August 2, 2009. This morning skies were overcast, the air was muggy and the temperature was already nearly 80 degrees. In spite of that there were still great experiences on the morning's walk. Nick Flanders, Margaret Ware, Tom Charlock, Mike Lowry, John Steinbauch and Jane Frigo tallied 50 species. Highlights included two Great Horned Owls behind the Japanese Tea House, a Scarlet Tanager in the Arboretum, several pairs of spotted fawns and a very cooperative Blue Grosbeak that serenaded the group at the Discovery Center. There was also a flyover of three Greater Yellowlegs and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. All three mimics--Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird and Brown Thrasher. A notable omission for the morning was Canada Goose and Green Heron! A complete species list follows.
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Greater Yellowlegs
Laughing Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Great Horned Owl
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
|
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird |
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
At last a perfect Sunday morning on July 16, 2009! The sun was shining for once and the temperature was perfect--in the 70's. Tom Charlock, Nick Flanders, Marc Nichols, Richard Hudgins, Mike Lowry, John Steinbaugh, Jane Frigo, Ben and Mary Copeland took advantage of the beautiful day and turned out for the day's walk. 58 species were identified--51 seen and 7 heard. The group visited the Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest but did not see the bird on the nest. Mike Lowry got a picture of it through his scope. The other notable sighting was of a female Summer Tanager bathing in one of the streams. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Forster's Tern
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
|
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren |
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
The Sunday walk on July 5, 2009 began with overcast skies, no wind and temperatures in the seventies. Nick Flanders, Richard Hudgins and Jane Frigo turned out for the walk. The group tallied 58 species--47 seen. Wood Ducks were abundant in the cloudy weather--29 counted. A Green Heron and Louisiana Waterthrush were observed at lenght at the Spawning Pond. An Orchard Oriole was seen singing and then flying to a nest near the second platform of the Swamp Bridge. The highlight, however, was a Ruby-throated Hummingbird sitting on a nest just past Post 16 on the Swamp Bridge Trail. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
|
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush |
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
The torrid humidity of the previous day limited the attendance at the June
21, 2009, Sunday Bird Walk in Newport News Park, but Margaret, Phil, Tom
Charlock, Richard Hudgins, and Mark Nichols enjoyed a summer solstice of
reduced dewpoint and a count of 51 species. Insect eaters like the
Great-crested Flycatcher were especially active near the bridge behind the
Ranger Station. Marc Nichols later used a spotting scope to identify a
female Wood Duck with young (but no daddy - on Father's Day!) afloat in the
distant, green muck. Above-water speedsters included Swallow (Barn and
Tree), Chimney Swift ("cigar with wings"), and a small flock of excited
Killdeer.
Acadian Flycatcher
American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
Bald Eagle
Barn Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Blue Jay
Brown-headed Cowbird
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Thrasher
Canada Goose
Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Wren
Chimney Swift
Chipping Sparrow
Common Grackle
|
Downy Woodpecker
Double-crested Cormorant
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Pewee
European Starling
Fish Crow
Great Blue Heron
Great Crested Flycatcher
Great Egret
Green Heron
House Wren
Indigo Bunting
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Mallard
Morning Dove
Mute Swan
|
Northern Cardinal
Northern Flicker
Northern Mockingbird
Osprey
Pileated Woodpecker
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-eyed Vireo
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Summer Tanager
Tree Swallow
Tufted Titmouse
Turkey Vulture
White-breasted Nuthatch
Wood Duck
Yellow-billed Cuckoo |
At last the weather gave us a break on Sunday, June 7, 2009. Skies were mostly sunny, temperatures perfect and winds calm. Tom Charlock, Marc Nichols, Eileen O'Toole, Mike Lowry, Diane Mrva, Nicolas and Grace Ferree and Jane Frigo made the most of the morning. Prothonotory Warblers were abundant and gave breathtaking views. Great Crested Flycatchers, Brown Thrashers and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were also easy to see. The group spent some time watching an Acadian Flycatcher on it's nest. Mike, Marc and Jane extended the walk all the way to the Swamp Bridge. They were able to add Scarlet Tanager, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Vireo, Eastern Phoebe and numerous Green Heron to the list. A complete list follows--55 species.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Mourning Dove
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe |
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird |
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Parula
Yellow-throated Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch |
Mike Lowry, Margaret Ware, George Roundtree, John Porter, Tom Charlock, Richard Hudgins, Jane Frigo, Mike, Terry and Bryce Cuthriell all came out to the park this morning, May 17, 2009, with high hopes of seeing some great birds! The weather this month, however, has been most uncooperative. Steady rain moved in and forced a halt to the day's walk by 8 AM. The species list is rather short, but all enjoyed watching a Pine Warbler gathering nesting material and frantically working to complete her nest and a Carolina Chickadee feeding young. A complete list of the 22 species follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee |
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
Carolina Chickadee |
Tufted Titmouse
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch |
In spite of the fog, birding at the park was quite exciting forthis morning's walk on May 3, 2009. Eileen O'Toole, Cathy Bond, Elisa Enders, George Roundtree, Richard Hudgins, Dave Youker, Mel Pettard and Jane Frigo were able to spot over 60 species. Some outstanding sightings included Spotted Sandpiper, Northern Waterthrush, Marsh Wren, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Summer and Scarlet Tanager, a possible Rusty Blackbird, Indigo Bunting and a female Blue Grosbeak. Other FOS included Green Heron, Eastern Kingbird and Eastern Wood-Pewee. Wood Ducks were abundant and mixed among them was a late pair of Gadwall. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Gadwall
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Spotted Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-headed Woodpecker
'Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee |
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Marsh Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Northern Parula |
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird--possible
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
Sunday, April 5, 2009, was PERFECT for bird watching. Tom Charlock, Jim Harrison, Richard and Barbara Hudgins, Mel Pettard, Nick Flanders, Elisa Enders, Mike Lowry, Marc Nichols, Eileen O'Toole, Cathy Bond, and Jane Frigo counted 67 species! Several winter residents were still around including a Winter Wren, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Gadwall, Red-breasted Merganser and American Wigeon. FOS arrivals were a male Purple Martin and several Blue-gray Gnatcathers. The best bird was a Broad-winged Hawk flyover! A Great Horned Owl was seen near the Japanese Tea House. Following the regular walk, Mike Lowry, Marc Nichols, Eileen O'Toole and Jane Frigo went in search of the Painted Bunting reported off of Witch Duck Road in Virginia Beach. The female bunting was seen but no sign of the male. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
American Wigeon
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk*
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Royal Tern
Mourning Dove |
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet |
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch |
The early switch to Day-light Savings Time, coupled with the rainy weather made for a very dark beginning to the morning on March 15, 2009. However, as with most things, there were benefits to the situation. Great Horned Owls could be heard calling to each other with their "Who's awake?" "Me too." Nick Flanders, Richard Hudgins, Mike Lowry and Jane Frigo persevered through the steady light rain and were able to identify 51 species over the morning. FOS Laughing Gulls were heard and seen flying in mass through the low cloud cover. Wood Ducks and Green-winged Teal were observed, but no sign of the Red-head Duck. Brown Thrashers were very vocal in the Arboretum. A Hairy Woodpecker gave a good show, but no Downy could be found. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull |
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird |
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch |
What a difference a year makes! Last year's walk on March 2 yielded 62 species. Today's walk on March 1, 2009 yielded only 44 species. Phil Bogart, Nick Flanders, Richard Hudgins, Tom Charlock, Marc Nichols and Jane Frigo braved the 37 degree temperatures and dark, damp conditions. They were rewarded with some interesting birds. Three Fox Sparrows were seen. At the Discovery Center, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks were seen coupling. 16 Tundra Swans were still present on the reservoir along with a beautiful pair of Redhead Ducks. Eagles were abundant with a pair of juveniles seen chasing each other and then joined by two adults. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove |
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle |
On Sunday, February 15, 2009, the morning was beautiful--crystal clear but cold and breezy. Phil Bogart, Richard and Barbara Hudgins, Eileen O'Toole, Marc Nichols, Mike Lowry, Nick Flanders and Jane Frigo pulled out the handwarmers and set out to find the morning's treasures. And a good morning it was. Bald Eagles were showing off and that is always a treat. Also, the ducks were in abundance. Some time was spent watching a pair of Redhead 's as they fed and preened among the American Wigeons and Ring-necks. Tundra Swans were also present. Mike, Marc and Nick continued the morning walk by going to the Swamp Bridge. They were able to add three species* to the morning's list. A notable omission was Red-winged Blackbirds. A total of 45 species were found. A complete list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck*
Mallard
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle |
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker*
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper |
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow*
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle |
The morning was beautiful for our February 1, 2009, walk! Richard Hudgins, Eileen O'Toole, Margaret Ware, Marc Nichols, Eleanor Young, Jane Frigo and newcomer Louis Johnson were up and ready to see some birds--but the birds seemed to be sleeping in. The day as a whole was remarkably quiet--only 35 species identified. Although ducks were in good numbers many reliable species were missing--like Eastern Bluebird, Northern Mockingbird, Downy Woodpecker and even European Starlings. We shall see what the next walk has to offer in two weeks. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double Crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture |
Bald Eagle
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch |
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Eastern Towhee
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch |
Winter was showing her fury on our January 18, 2009 walk! Today's walk was under cold, cloudy skies complete with a few snow flakes. Richard Hudgins, Mike Lowry, Nick Flanders and Jane Frigo braved the weather and tallied 47 species. Hermit Thrushes put on quite a show and woodpeckers were busy. At the Arboretum a leucocitic Dark-eyed Junco was seen. It foraged on the ground with many other Juncos and White-throated Sparrows. Much of the reservoir was frozen so waterfowl were quite concentrated. A group of 20 Tundra Swans were observed, along with Black Ducks, Gadwall, Hooded Mergansers, Mallards and lone Northern Shoveler. Here is a complete species list.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Hooded Merganser
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull |
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Wren
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren |
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch |
The new year began on a good note with our first walk of 2009 on January 4, 2009! Rain did not materialize as predicted and Richard Hudgins, Barbara Hudgins, Marc Nichols, Margaret Ware, Tom Charlock and Dave Youker enjoyed the morning finding 42 species. Duck numbers were low but species numbers were fair. A complete species list follows.
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Mute Swan
Canada Goose
Mallard
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon |
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren |
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch |
This Sunday, December 21, 2008, began with heavy rains. In spite of that, Richard Hudgins, Tom Charlock and Jane Frigo turned out to brave the elements and search for those illusive ducks. Only Tom came prepared to brave the elements. Clad in his Gortex rainsuit, Tom bravely checked the reservoir. He was able to see the Mute Swans, Mallards, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron and quite a few "little brown jobs" before calling it quits. Not the best way to end 2008; however, spirits are not broken, only bruised. We are all looking forward to 2009 and a new year of discovery. Come join us!
Winter seemed to have arrived at the park. The weather was cold and windy on Sunday, December 7. Richard Hudgins, George Roundtree, Mike Lowry, Eileen O'Toole, Marc Nichols, Nick Flanders and Jane Frigo braved the elements in hope of seeing the arrival of winter ducks. The ducks did not want to cooperate. Bald Eagles gave quite a show with 5 beings seen very early in the walk. Woodpeckers, too, were seen, with all but the Hairy showing up. The biggest surprise was that not a single Carolina Wren was seen or heard! 39 species were tallied. A complete list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Black Duck
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-Crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove |
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch |
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch |
What a difference a day makes! Saturday the 15th was warm and rainy; for our walk on Sunday, November 16, 2008, it was clear, cold and windy. Leaves covered the paths and made walking slippery. Still, a hardy group of twelve were able to spot 47 species. Newcomers Pam and Greg Camblin joined Cathy Bond, Marc Nichols, Mike Lowry, Richard Hudgins, Nick Flanders, Julie Breeden, Tom Charlock, Eleanor Young, Joe Piotrowski and Jane Frigo were treated to quite a show by a Winter Wren. Brown Creepers were cooperative, too. One male Ruby-crowned Kinglet was quite put out by the whole group and flashed a whole head of red. Another big surprise was a group of three Meadow Larks! A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Accipiter species
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull |
Tern species
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper |
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
For our November 2, 2008, walk, the day was beautiful and Fall was beginning to show its colors! The trees reflected in the reservoir were a spectacular sight. Richard and Barbara Hudgins, Denise (their niece from D.C.), Lee and Meredith Bell, Jim Harrison, Tom Charlock, Eileen O'Toole, Julie Breeden, DaveYouker, Mike Lowry and Jane Frigo were able to compile a list or 53 species. These walks are open to all. Consider joining the group! A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove |
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
What a difference a day makes! Fall certainly blew in this morning for our walk on October 19, 2008. The skies were clear and the winds were biting. Heavy coats and even gloves were put to use. Richard Hudgins, George Roundtree, Nick Flanders, Diane Mrva, Nicolas Ferree, Grace Ferree, Eleanor Young and Jane Frigo turned out to greet the dawn. Great Horned Owls began the morning with their hoo-hoo's. One owl was seen perching and then treated the group to a flight across the lake! Bald Eagles were also showing off as the morning progressed. At least four were seen in various stages of development. Six ducks species were spotted, although numbers were low. Finally, the leaves were just beginning to show their fall colors. So beautiful! Remember these walks are open to all. Come join us! A complete list of the 57 species follows and includes species seen by Nick and Jane on an extended walk to the Swamp Bridge.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull |
Ring-billed Gull
Caspian Tern
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparron
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
House Finch |
The Newport News Fall Festival was held this weekend (Oct. 4-5), with near perfect weather and a tremendous turn-out. The regular park walk on October 5, 2008 had to be held elsewhere. Nick Flanders, Marc Nichols, Richard Hudgins and Jane Frigo met at the campgrounds as an alternative. Although not nearly as many diverse habitats, 24 species were identified. The most noteworthy was a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, first of season (FOS). Warblers seen included Northern Parula, Pine, American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat. Absent were sparrows, with only the Eastern Towhee seen. A complete species list follows.
Double-crested Cormorant (flyover)
Great Blue Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (FOS)
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe |
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird |
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
American Redstart
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
]Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle |
Sunday, September 21, 2008, was perfect--clear skies, low humidity, gently breezes and cool temperatures! Barbara and Richard Hudgins, Marc Nichols, Margaret Ware, Julie Breeden, Eileen O'Toole, Mike Lowry, Ben Copeland, Dave Youker, Eleanor Young, Tom Charlock, Joe Piotrowski, and Jane Frigo spent the beautiful morning looking for fall migrants. Marc Nichols' early arrival for the walk was rewarded with a serenade by two Great Horned Owls. After their exchange, he was able to see them fly silently across the reservoir against the early morning glow. The rest of us could hear them hooting across the water. Other notable sightings included numerous American Redstarts and a cooperative Pileated Woodpecker. Forty-six species were identified. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Laughing Gull
Royal Tern
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Great Horned Owl
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher |
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird |
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Common Yellowthroat
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
Sunday, September 7, was clear and calm after tropical storm Hanna passed through the Peninsula with little impact. Jim Harrison, Cathy Bond, Julie Breeden, Mike Lowry, George Roundtree and Jane Frigo turned out to see what the storm may have blown in. The morning began with American Redstarts. Flitting from branch to branch with tails flaring, these tiny warblers put on quite a show. A Red-tailed Hawk also gave the group a long, unencumbered frontal view before showing his backside briefly and flying off. Another outstanding sighting was of a Yellow-throated Vireo singing his heart out. All totaled, the group had 44 species and one group of 3-4 small gull/tern species which could not be identified. A complete list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher |
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch |
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Brown Thrasher
Yellow Warbler
Pine Warbler
American Redstart
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
Today's walk on August 17 began with a smaller group of bird watchers than the last walk. The sky was hazy and the wind extremely calm-- very typical of an August day in Tidewater Virginia. Julie Breeden, Eileen O'Toole, Marc Nichols, Jim Harrison, Tom Charlock, Phyllis Roth, Barbara and Richard Hudgins and Jane Frigo were able to identify 50 species by sight or song. Notables included three Green Herons, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart and Piliated Woodpecker. Eastern Wood-Pewees were abundant. Again, no Bald Eagle was seen and surprisingly no vultures. A complete list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Osprey
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Laughing Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker |
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crwo
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch |
Carolina Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Blouebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Prothonotary Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
The "Dog Days of Summer" are here. The morning's walk on August 3 began under hazy, humid skies. Eighteen early risers turned out. (Jim Harrison, Margaret Ware, John Steinbach, Mike Lowry, Rosalyn and Robbin Riddick, Miles Watts, Nick Flanders, Richard Hudgins, Julie Breeden, Eileen O'Toole, Diane Mrva, Richard and Nicolas Ferree, Tom Charlock, Marc Nichols, Eleanor Young and Jane Frigo) A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers started off the morning and were followed by a flyover pair of Green Herons. The still air and abundance of bugs provided food for the flycatchers. Ospreys were also easily seen, but no Bald Eagles. Sadly, the wild flower meadow by the Discovery Center has been completely cut down. Although it will grow back, it will be missed by birds, deer and birders. A complete the 47 species follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mouring Dove
Yelow-billed Cuckoo
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher |
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse |
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
Hot, humid skies greeted the July 20 morning's bird watchers. Julie Breeden, Nick Flanders, Mike Lowry, Richard Hudgins, Sharon Burton, Bryon Barmore and Jane Frigo met in the parking lot and had a welcome suprise. Yellow-billled Cuckoos finally decided to make their presence known. At least three individuals were foraging in the trees surrounding the parking lot. Everyone was able to observe the cuckoo's behavior. During the morning, they continued to be seen and heard, causing the group to actually become somewhat bored with them! The Osprey made an appearance after an absence at the last walk. Discussions concerning identification of tern species and swallow species made for a real learning experience. The morning ended with showers but a total species list of 50. A complete list follows.
Canada Goose
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Laughing Gull
Common Tern
Forster's Tern
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker |
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jan
American Crow
Fish Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
|
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
The July 6 walk began with light sprinkles that quickly turned to showers. Marc Nichols, NIck Flanders, Eileen O'Toole, Ken Sheide, John Steinbach, Eleanor Young, Jim Harrison, Jane Frigo and newcomers Robin and Rosalyn Riddick and Miles Watts dodged the drops and perservered to compile a group list of 51 species over four hours. Northern Flickers and Green Heron gave wonderful appearances. A Great Blue Heron landed in the Stable Road corral. Yellow-billed Cuckoos could be heard in the campground but never showed themselves. One unusual omission for the morning was the Osprey. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Laughing Gull
Rock Pigion
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee |
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush
|
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
This morning's walk on June 15 began with light showers and overcast skies. In spite of the weather, Eileen O'Toole, Tom Charlock, Nick Flanders, Marc Nichols, Richard Hudgins, Mike Lowry, Russ Wood and Jane Frigo turned out to see what birds could be found. Between 7 AM and 9:30 AM the group had a 51 species list. Three Green Herons were particularly cooperative. A Great Horned Owl made a spectacular flight through the pine trees before being lost from view. And, just before leaving the park, a lone Pied-billed Grebe was seen on the reservoir. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker |
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird |
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
June 1 brought another great group of birders to the park to enjoy a beautiful morning. The rather large group included Diane Mrava, Nicolas Ferree, Nick Flanders, Courtney Thompson, Julie Breeden, Richard and Barbara Hudgins, Jim Harrison, Dave Youker, Marc Nichols, Raquel Rickards, Tricia Lane--visiting from San Francisco, George Rountree, Eileen O'Toole, Tom Charlock and Jane Frigo. The day was warm and sunny with just a light breeze. The group began breaking up around 9 AM with about half continuing until noon. Great sightings of an Orchard Oriole and Blue Grosbeak singing were highlights. Fifty-five species were listed by the end of the morning. A complete list follows.
Canada Goose
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Hawk species
Red-shouldered Hawk
Laughing Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker |
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird FOS
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird |
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Parula
Yellow-throated Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
Sunday, May 18, 2008, was beautiful and thirteen eager birders turned out to enjoy the day. Dave Youker, Peter and Lorena Hawkins, Jim Harrison, Fred Blystone, Tom Charlock, Cathy Bond, Julie Breeden, Chuck Engel, Eleanor Young, Eileen O'Toole, Diane Mrava, Nicolas Ferree and Jane Frigo were able to identify 58 species in a little over three hours. Although some regular species were missing, like Brown Thrasher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Laughing Gull and Double-crested Cormorant, there were special treats like Magnolia Warbler and observations of Brown-headed Nuthatch, Carolina Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker nest activity. A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee |
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush |
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Prothonotary Warbler
Ovenbird
Summer Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
With migration in full swing, on May 4, 2008, Phil Bogert, Phyllis Roth, Raquel Rickard, Marc Nichols, Jim Harrison, Cathy Bond, Eileen O'Toole, Libby Carmine, Eleanor Young, Fred Blystone and Jane Frigo combined skills and were able to find 72 species. The weather was perfect and the first bridge was extremely productive with: Prothonotary Warblers, Summer and Scarlet Tanager, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Bluebirds and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers.
In the reservoir a raft of twenty+ Wood Ducks were seen. At the Spawning Pond Bridge, the Great Horned Owlet was seen and photographed by Fred Blystone (photo at right ). While most participants headed home or to church around ten, Marc, Raquel, Libby and Jane continued on to the Swamp Bridge. They were led by Blue Jays to a Barred Owl! Notable omissions for the morning include Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow and Orioles. No Eastern Kingbird showed either. |
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Fred also provided these photos of the group.
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The first bridge by Ranger Station |
Spawning Pond Bridge |
A complete species list follows.
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Royal Tern
Forster's Tern
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Barred Owl
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker |
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing |
Northern Parula
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Palm Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Prothonotary Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
The regular third Sunday walk at Newport News Park took place on April 20, 2008, in spite of the predicted rain. Eleven participants - Marc Nichols, Tom Charlock, Fred Blystone, Jim Harrison, Eleanor Young, Phyllis Roth, Mel Pettard, Libby Carmine, newcomer Margie, Raquel Rickard and Jane Frigo - dodged a few sprinkles to see a great list of 60 species of birds, a box turtle and two huge snapping turtles. New species for the year included Green Heron, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Barn Swallow, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Northern Parula, Prothonotary Warbler and Blue Grosbeak. Complete list is shown below the photos.
Thanks to Fred Blystone for providing these photos from the morning's walk.
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Jane Frigo in the lead |
Walking towards the water |
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Prothonotary Warbler |
Prothonotary singing |
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Looking for birds |
Snapping Turtle |
Here's the list of all birds seen on today's walk :
Canada Goose-with goslings
Wood Duck
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
tern species
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker |
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Great Crested Flycatcher
White-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jan
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
N.Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird |
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling'
Northern Parula
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Chipping S[arrpw
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
The regularly scheduled Sunday park walk on April 6, 2008, at Newport News City Park began under drizzle and heavy cloud cover. Four hearty souls, Richard Hudgins, Tom Chalock, Fred Blystone and Jane Frigo, braved the 50 degree temperatures to see what spring migrants had arrived. FOS arrivals included Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Rough-winged Swallows. 43 species were recorded. A complete list follows.
Canada Goose
American Wigeon
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle (Imm.)
Hawk species--Sharp-shinned or Cooper's
Red-shouldered Hawk
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
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Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush |
American Robin
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch |
On Sunday, March16, 2008 the second monthly walk at Newport News City Park began under cloudy skies and temperatures in the 40's. Tom Chalock, Jim Harrison, Richard Hudgins, Marc Nichols, Eileen O'Toole and Jane Frigo braved the damp and dreary morning and still managed to identify 48 species before giving in to the sprinkles. Notable absent species included Brown Creeper, Winter Wren and Red-headed Woodpecker. A total species list follows.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
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Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpcker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Pileated Woodpecker
American Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Brownn-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
We had a wonderful Sunday morning walk at Newport News City Park on March 2, 2008. The day was perfect with clear, calm skies and temperatures cool but not frigid. The group was rather large and included Julie Breeden, Richard Hudgins, Richard and Nicolas Ferree, Lee and Meredith Bell, Eileen O'Toole, Dave Youker, Ben Copeland, Nick Flanders, Tom Charlock, Phil Bogert and Jane Frigo. From 7 AM to 10:15 AM the group had identified 60 species. Notable spottings included at least 13 Brown Creepers and 6 Winter Wrens. The feeling among the group was that these species may be getting ready to move out. Five members of the continued the walk going to the Swamp Bridge and back. They added 2 more species to the already impressive morning list. The following is a complete species list.
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
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Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
The weather was variably cloudy and cool for the February l7 walk. There was a slight wind. Fred Blystone, Eileen O'Toole, Julie Breeden, Marc Nichols, Barbara Hudgins, Richard Hudgins, Nancy Gruttman-Tyer, Mel Pettard and his daughter Robin who was visiting from Oregon met me for our regular park walk. We were all hoping to see a repeat visit from the Great Horned Owls of the last walk but no luck. We had great views of both Kinglets and all three Nuthatches. All totaled we saw 44 species. At the end of the walk we ran into photographer Ken Sheide who had walked beyond the Swamp Bridge and picked up a few other species. The following is our total list.
Canada Goose
Swan species--KS
Wood Duck--KS
Gadwall
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck--KS
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Kildeer
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
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Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird'
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch |
Following the regular walk, Marc, Julie, Nancy and I decided to make a few side trips. We headed to Rexford Drive and saw the Monk Parakeets. It took a few minutes for them to show but we were not disappointed. We then went to the Denbigh boat ramp. There we watched a pair of Bald Eagles with hopes of seeing the mating courtship. We also saw two Red-tailed Hawks and a Northern Harrier. Our last stop was the Riverview Park. We were hoping to see Meadow Larks but couldn't find them. We saw beautiful Eastern Bluebirds and had a terrific look at an American Kestrel. Just before leaving we witnessed a Sharp-shinned Hawk swoop towards an unsuspecting European Starling. It was touch and go but the Starling lived to see another day.
The February 3 Sunday morning Newport News Park walk was very productive. The group stayed until 11 am. Great day with cool and no wind. We had a great turnout too. Cathy Bond, Eileen O'Toole, Diane and Nicolas Ferree, Nick Flanders, Ben Copeland, John Porter, Jim Harrison, Mel Pettard, Marc Nichols, Richard Hudgins, Fred Blystone, Jane Frigo and a new person, Ann McDonald.
We totaled 60 species with a couple of exciting sightings. We had a Fox Sparrow that we saw high in a tree at the first bridge. Having him so high up in the tree was unusual and to hear him sing was also a treat. Then at the Arboretem we found the Great Horned Owl. Several of the photographers had said that they had seen him there but to date our group had not found him, until today. The owl gave us all a great show. In fact, we think there were two and probably a nest close by. It will be worth watching this spring. The pine tree is near the road just before the Japanese tea house and pond.
Finally, we got to see an immature Eagle go after a Great Blue Heron while over the lake near the Spawning Pond.
Here is our total species list:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Tundra Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle (I)
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
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Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling'
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow |
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