May 7, 2023

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The weather on May 7, 2023 was almost perfect.  Skies were clear and the temperature rose from the 60's to the 80's.  Ten people turned out to enjoy the morning and were able to identify 62 species over the morning.  Those participating were Kate Schaller, Dianne Snyder, June Hartzler, Gary Wright, Marc Nichols, Sue Tomlin, Jane Frigo, John and Marilyn Adair and newcomer Kim Amaya.  The morning began with a great sighting of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo!  Shortly after that, Wood Ducks were spotted.  Great Crested Flycatchers were calling along with Northern Parula.  At the first bridge, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers flitted in the trees.  While trying to catch a good look at the Gnatcatchers, a spectacular male Baltimore Oriole was spotted.  Prothonotary Warblers were seen along with Common Yellowthroats.  A Magnolia Warbler was spotted among the many Yellow-rumped Warblers.  Gray Catbirds, Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Buntings were seen.  Both male and female Summer Tanagers were observed.  The elusive Blackpoll Warbler had arrived for a brief stopover on his long migration journey,  Near Swamp Point both a Louisiana Waterthrush and Barred Owl were found.  And at the Swamp Bridge the group watched a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher feed his nestlings!  Another rare sighting, although brief, was a Chat!  A complete species list follows.

 

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Laughing Gull

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Barred Owl

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker*

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

White-eyed Vireo

Yellow-throated Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Tree Swallow

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Carolina Wren

European Starling

Gray Catbird

Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Cedar Waxwing

House Finch

American Goldfinch

Chipping Sparrow  

Eastern Towhee*

Yellow-breasted Chat

Baltimore Oriole

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Common Grackle

Louisiana Waterthrush

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula*

Magnolia Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler*

Pine Warbler*

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

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April 16, 2023

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Migration is beginning and birders are ready to spot the new arrivals! 19 people turned out to see what the beautiful day brought.  Those participating were Dianne Snyder, Marc Nichols, Bill Boeh, David Yeager, Cindy Schulz, Elizabeth Wilkins, Jacque van Montfranz, Lee Morris, Todd Trousdell, Sue Tomlin, Melissa Freudenberg, Tom Charlock, Heidi Young, Hannah Montalvo, Jane Frigo, Beata and Chip Whitehead and newcomers David Karlson and Angier Brock.  The group decided to make the 2 mile White Oak Trail walk.  They were able to identify 11 FOS (first of season) birds.  Those birds were Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Louisiana Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Prothonotary Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler and Summer Tanager.  A total of 67 species were identified during the entire morning.  The walk was tiring but well worth it.  A complete species list follows.

​

The trip report is available through the following link: https://ebird.org/tripreport/116366

 

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Mourning Dove

Spotted Sandpiper

Greater Yellowlegs

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Belted Kingfisher 

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Eastern Phoebe

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Tree Swallow

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Carolina Wren

European Starling

Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

American Goldfinch

Chipping Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Eastern Towhee

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Common Grackle

Louisiana Waterthrush

Black-and-white Warbler

Ovenbird

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula

Yellow Warbler

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

 

April 2, 2023

 

What a beautiful day for a bird walk.  April 2, 2023 was chilly, temperatures beginning in the 40's, but skies were clear and winds not too bad.  Pete Peterman, Marc Nichols, Dianne Snyder, Bill Boeh, David Yeager, Stuart Sweetman, Sue Tomlin, Jane Frigo, Beata and Chip Whitehead and Marilyn and John Adair were able to identify 62 species.  FOS--first of season-- birds were Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-throated Warbler.  A lone Bufflehead hen was spotted and only a few Gadwall remained.  Gulls and terns seemed to make up for the lack of ducks with Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull and a surprise Bonaparte's Gull along with both Royal and Caspian Terns being seen.  Both Great Blue Heron and Great Egret were seen, as expected, but on the return walk from the Swamp Bridge a Snowy Egret was spotted among the waders.  Woodpeckers made a good showing, with the exception of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  Ruby-crowned Kinglets were seen, but not Golden-crowned Kinglets. All three nuthatches were identified.  A complete species list follows.

​

The trip report is available through the following link: https://ebird.org/tripreport/116365

 

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Gadwall

Mallard

Bufflehead

Mourning Dove

Bonaparte's Gull

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Caspian Tern

Royal Tern

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Snowy Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Cooper's Hawk

Bald Eagle

Great Horned Owl*

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay 

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Tree Swallow

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch*

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers

Carolina Wren

European Starling

Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush*

American Robin

House Finch

American Goldfinch

Chipping Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Eastern Towhee

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Common Grackle

Common Yellowthroat

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Northern Cardinal

 

 

March 19, 2023

 

The March 19, 2023 bird walk was the first since the return to Daylight Savings Time.  Since sunrise wasn't until 7:11 AM, skies were just beginning to lighten.  The weather was cold (40's), skies clear, but winds gusty. The only participants in the morning were Marc Nichols, Hannah Montalvo and Jane Frigo.  Even with such a small group, they were able to identify 58 species during the morning.  Ducks were still around and included Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon and Hooded Merganser.  Regretfully, no Ring-necked Ducks were seen.  Pied-billed Grebes were spotted and two Wood Ducks flew over,  Great Egrets were still present with one male sporting a beautiful breeding plumage cape!  All seven  woodpecker species were seen.  Most winter residents were located including Brown Creeper, both Kinglets and a Hermit Thrush, but no Red-breasted Nuthatch or Fox Sparrow were found.  The group FINALLY found a House Finch.  Hopes are high that some Spring migrants and Summer residents may be in by the first walk in April.  A complete species list follows.

 

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Northern Shoveler

Gadwall

American Wigeon

Mallard

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Mourning Dove

Ring-billed Gull 

Herring Gull

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Belted Kingfisher

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker*

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Tree Swallow

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Winter Wren

Carolina Wren

Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

House Finch

American Goldfinch

Chipping Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Eastern Towhee

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Northern Cardinal

 

March 4, 2023

 

March always brings challenges for our first Sunday bird walk.  The All City Marathon is scheduled for that date and makes it impossible to get into the park.  To adjust, the bird walk is moved to the Saturday before the race. 16 people attended the Saturday, March 4, 2023 bird walk. Those participating were Kate Schaller, Dianne Snyder, Pete Peterman, Cindy Schulz, Stuart Sweetman, Todd Trousdell, Heidi Young, Rock Moeslein, Marc Nichols, Tom Charlock, Jane Frigo, Beata and Chip Whitehead and Marilyn and John Adair.  The weather that day was clear but very windy.  White caps could be seen on the water.  As on the last walk, Great Egrets were numerous along the shore and in the cove.  Ducks too were seen in good numbers.  Species included Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard and Hooded Merganser.  The first Osprey of the season was spotted.   Again, all possible woodpeckers were identified.   Other outstanding species included both Kinglets, a Fox Sparrow, Tree Swallows, Winter Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Purple Finch and Rusty Blackbird.  Finally, a Chipping Sparrow was seen.  Misses were Northern Mockingbird and Virginia Rail.  A complete list follows.

​

The trip report is available through the following link: https://ebird.org/tripreport/112296

 

Canada Goose

Northern Shoveler

Gadwall

American Wigeon

Mallard

Hooded Merganser

Ring-billed Gull

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker*

Pileated Woodpecker*

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Tree Swallow

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch*

Brown Creeper

Winter Wren 

Carolina Wren

Brown Thrasher

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch

Chipping Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Eastern Towhee

Rusty Blackbird

Common Grackle

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Northern Cardinal

 

February 19, 2023

​

February 19, 2023 was a very productive birding day!  The group was able to identify 58 species over the morning and that was with a couple of misses like Black Vulture, Northern Mockingbird, Chipping Sparrow and House Finch.  Participants included Bill Boeh, Pete Peterman, John Adair, Cindy Schulz, Heidi Young, Dianne Snyder, Grace Buskirk, June Hartzler, Gary Wright, Marc Nichols, Dave Youker, Sue Tomlin, Hannah Montalvo and Jane Frigo.  The morning began with a large group of Great Egrets congregating in the cove by the Ranger parking lot.  Ducks, too, were in larger numbers.  Hooded Mergansers were in large numbers but also Gadwall.  Several Northern Shovelers and American Wigeon were seen along with a couple Ruddy Duck and Pied-billed Grebe.  All possible Woodpeckers were identified and also all Nuthatches, including Red-breasted.  Several sightings of Winter Wrens were enjoyed and several beautiful Fox Sparrows.  Another great observation a flock of Rusty Blackbirds foraging in the shallows on the way to the Swamp Bridge. They were picking up wet leaves and flicking them in the air.  A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THE NEXT WALK-- because of the One City Marathon scheduled for the first Sunday in March, the next walk will be held on SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2023.  A complete species list follows.

​

The trip report is available through the following link: https://ebird.org/tripreport/103920

 

Canada Goose 

Northern Shoveler

Gadwall

American Wigeon

Mallard

Hooded Merganser

Ruddy Duck

Pied-billed Grebe

Mourning Dove

Virginia Rail *

Ring-billed Gull

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Turkey Vulture

Cooper's Hawk

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Belted Kingfisher

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker*

Pileated Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow*

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Tree Swallow

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Winter Wren

Carolina Wren

Brown Thrasher

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

American Goldfinch*

Fox Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

SwampSparrow

Eastern Towhee

Red-winged Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird 

Common Grackle

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Northern Cardinal

 

February 5, 2023

 

It was cold, but not as bad as the day before when temperatures couldn't get above freezing! Skies were clear and the morning temperature began just above freezing and steadily rose over the morning.  John and Marilyn Adair, Dianne Snyder, Bill Boeh, Stuart Sweetman, Rory Johnson, Cindy Shultz, Sue Tomlin, Jane Frigo and first timer David Yeager participated in the morning walk and were able to identify 53 species!  The cold fronts from the previous week certainly pushed in more ducks! Hooded Mergansers, again, were the dominant species but Gadwall were making headway.  Several Northern Shovelers were spotted along with American Wigeon and Ring-necked Ducks.  The group talked to some hikers who flushed some Wood Ducks from the water at the Swamp Bridge but they could not be found when the group got there. All seven woodpecker species were seen.  Long, long, long trails of blackbirds were enjoyed, and the total number could only be estimated.  Adult and immature Bald Eagles were observed along with a Cooper's and Red-tailed Hawk. There were some misses, however.  They included Winter Wren, Chipping Sparrow and Fox Sparrow.  Another observation, not bird related, was extensive beaver activity around the shoreline near the Ranger station and along the trail to the Swamp Bridge.  It was still a great day to be outside with friends.  A complete species list follows.

​

The trip report is available through the following link:  https://ebird.org/tripreport/103918

 

Canada Goose

Northern Shoveler

Gadwall

American Wigeon

Mallard

Ring-necked Duck

Hooded Merganser

Mourning Dove

Carolina Wren

Ring-billed Gull

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Cooper's Hawk

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Belted Kingfisher

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow*

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

American Goldfinch

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Eastern Towhee

Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Common Grackle

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Northern Cardinal

 

January 15, 2023

 

Skies on January 15, 2023 were beautiful but the weather was deceiving.  The temperature turned cold and failed to rise above the 30's.  A stiff wind made it feel like the 20's!    Still, 8 people braved the conditions and identified 46 species over the morning---with justified complaining.  Those hardy souls were Stuart Sweetman, John Adair, Marc Nichols, Pete Peterman, Melissa Freudenberg, Jane Frigo and newcomers Sofia Marino and Ashley Shonk.  Canada Geese were easy to spot and hear.  Other waterfowl included Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, American Wigeon and a flyover of Ruddy Ducks.  Sadly the Northern Shoveler seen at the last walk could not be located.  Many of the birds were sheltering from the cold and wind and were hard to find.  A pair of Bald Eagles, however, were enjoying the breezes and playing "tag".  A sizable group of blackbirds were foraging in the field.  Fox Sparrows were seen near where they were spotted on the last walk.  One of the best sightings was of a Red-tailed Hawk perched right over the path.  The Red-breasted Nuthatch was located at the Arboretum but no Chipping Sparrows were spotted.  In spite of the cold it was still a good day of birding.  A species list follows.

​

The trip report is available through the following link: https://ebird.org/tripreport/87129

​

 

Canada Goose

Gadwall

American Wigeon

Mallard

Ring-necked Duck

Hooded Merganser

Ruddy Duck

Mourning Dove

Carolina Wren

Virginia Rail*

Ring-billed Gull

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet*

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

American Goldfinch

Fox Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Eastern Towhee

Red-winged Blackbird

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Northern Cardinal

​

January 1, 2023

​

Happy New Year!  2023 began with a nice group of birders participating in a beautiful day and identifying 55 species over the course of the morning.  Those getting a start on their 2023 year list were Marilyn and John Adair, Gary Wright, June Hartzler, Dianne Snyder, Cindy Schulz, Sue Tomlin, Tom Charlock and Jane Frigo.  The morning began with heavy fog and damp, bone chilling conditions even though the temperature was in the 50's and winds were calm.  As the day progressed and the fog burned off it was simply spectacular!  Hooded Mergansers were the dominant duck with Gadwall coming in a close second.  The group thought they had 2 Ruddy ducks but closer inspection revealed they were male Hooded Mergansers hunkered down with tails erect.  A couple males were performing a toe dance for an uninterested female!  One of the best finds was a pair of Northern Shovelers close to shore feeding and later an immature preening.  Laughing, Ring-billed and Herring Gulls were seen.  Great woodpecker sightings were enjoyed and a pair of Fox Sparrows provided a super photo opportunity.  A Purple Finch sighting was also exciting.  Several Virginia Rails were heard on the approach to the Swamp Bridge.  The previous night's rain must have pushed them farther from the dam.  Two of the best birds were seen at the very end of the walk at the Arboretum...a Red-breasted Nuthatch and a Brown Creeper.  There were misses however.  No Black Vulture was seen and yet another walk without a House Finch!  A complete list follows.

​

The trip report is available through the following link.  https://ebird.org/tripreport/87128.

 

Canada Goose

Northern Shoveler

Gadwall

Mallard

Ring-necked Duck

Hooded Merganser

Mourning Dove

Carolina Wren

Virginia Rail*

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Belted Kingfisher

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch*

Brown Creeper

Winter Wren

Carolina Wren

Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird

Eastern Bluebird

HermitThrush 

American Robin

Purple Finch

American Goldfinch

Chipping Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Eastern Towhee

Red-winged Blackbird

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Northern Cardinal

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Previous Sunday Walk Reports:

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2022

2021       2020

2019       2018

2017       2016

2015       2014

2013       2012

2011       2010

2009       2008

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© 2023 by Hampton Roads Bird Club

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Contact: Dave Youker  |  757.344.9385  |  youkerd@aol.com