Sunday Walks | hamptonroadsbirdclub

Sunday Morning Bird Walks

Newport News City Park

Join us on the First and Third Sunday of each month at 7:00 AM at Newport News Park.

Meet us in the parking lot behind the Ranger Station!

Thanks to Jane Frigo for providing these reports. For more information, contact Jane (757-873-0721).

Recent Walk Summaries

October 20, 2019

The October 20, 2019 Newport News Park Walk was cancelled due to the arrival of Tropical Storm Nestor. Heavy rains and high winds were predicted for all of Sunday. The rain moved in about 5 AM. Nothing was moving and no one was singing (with the exception of a Carolina Wren) showing again that at least the birds have some common sense. Hopefully, the first walk in November will be better.

October 6, 2019

The October 6, 2019 park walk began at the Campground parking lot instead of the Ranger Station Parking lot because of the annual Fall Festival. The day was calm and skies overcast. Temperatures stayed in the 70's. Those attending were Cindy Shulz, Stuart Sweetman, Mike Lowry, Pete Peterman, Bill Boeh, Marc Nichols, Jane Frigo, Jim Harrison, Wendy and Ellis Maxey and first timers Karen Hines, Marilyn Anspach, and Ruban Renus. The group was eager to locate first of season birds (FOS) and any fall migrants. FOS included Winter Wren, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Migrants were Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and American Redstart. Conditions were very dry and most sightings were located near a small inland pond. Beautyberry shrubs which are usually lush and bursting with berries were instead brown and somewhat shriveled. The group missed their trail mix break but made up for it after the walk. 45 species were identified. A list follows.

Mallard

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Chimney Swift

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood Pewee

Eastern Phoebe

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Chickadee

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Gray Catbird

Brown Thrasher

Black-and-white Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

American Redstart

Northern Parula

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Field Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

September 15, 2019

Summer still has a grip on the weather with humid, calm conditions and temperatures in the 80's. Migration will begin in earnest any day now. Those participating in the days walk were Marc Nichols, Stuart Sweetman, Mike Lowry, Tom Charlock, Lee Morris, Cassandra Winn, Cindy Shulz, James Abbott, Jane Frigo, John and Marilyn Adair and newcomers Brynn Ullrich and Robin McLead. The group identified 49 species for the morning. The OUT OF THE DARKNESS MARCH was being held at the Arboretum so that area was skipped. Warblers of note included Black-and-white, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Pine Warbler and Yellow-throated Warbler. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were still around as were Eastern Wood-Pewee and Summer Tanagers. A reminder that the first walk in October will meet in the Campground parking lot because of the Fall Festival. A complete species list follows.

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

White-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Tree Swallow

Barn Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Gray Catbird

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Black-and-white Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

American Redstart

Yellow Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

September 1, 2019

September 1, 2019 and fall is slow to make it's arrival. The day was again clear, calm and humid. Ten people participated in the morning walk and identified 47 species. They were Wendy and Ellis Maxey, Marilyn and John Adair, Tom Charlock, Marc Nichols, Stuart Sweetman, Lee Morris, Brian Magill and Jane Frigo. The best sighting of the morning was a Worm-eating Warbler seen by Stuart and Marc! Two other fall migrants were American Redstart and Black-and-white Warbler seen by Jane and Stuart. A Summer Tanager was still seen and Eastern Wood-Pewee and Red-eyed Vireo. Fortunately no Canada Geese were spotted. Green Heron were also absent. Four years ago an influx of shore birds were seen but not this year. Also of interest, the holly tree at the Arboretum which has been home to a Northern Mockingbird for ages has been removed. It, along with the Northern Mockingbird that called it his castle, will be missed. A complete species list follows.

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Sharp-shinned Hawk

(possible Red-shouldered Hawk)

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Worm-eating Warbler

Black-and-white Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

American Redstart

Pine Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

August 18, 2019

Summer drags on. August 18, 2019 was another hot and humid day. Nothing was moving much and still 17 people came out to see what they could find. Those people were Marc Nichols, Cindy Shulz, Virginia Boyles, Dianne Snyder, Lee Morris, Stuart Sweetman, Lindsey Knox, Jane Frigo, Elizabeth Wilkins, Jacque van Montfrans, John and Marilyn Adair, Wendy and Ellis Maxey and newcomers Kathleen Egan, and Cassandra and Thomas Winn. The group identified 48 species during the morning. The Little Blue Heron seen on the last walk was nowhere to be found. However, a Solitary Sandpiper made a showing. Prothonotary Warblers continue to be scarce with only one heard. Eastern Wood-Pewee were abundant. Two small snakes provided an interesting diversion. The group did make a strange sight when they found they were lined up on a one foot by twenty foot section of shadow cast by a power pole! A complete species list follows.

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Solitary Sandpiper

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee Birding from the shade by Ellis Maxey

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Prothonotary Warbler

Pine Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

House Finch

American Goldfinch

August 4, 2019

The day was calm and steamy. June Hartzler, Dianne Snyder, Tom Charlock, Pete Peterman, John Adair, Stuart Sweetman, Lee Morris, Jane Frigo and first timers Debra and Doug Swanson enjoyed the morning checking out the birds and other wildlife. This walk's highlight was a Little Blue Heron sighting. Marc Nichols had thought he spotted one last walk. The whole group got to see it this morning foraging on the other side of the White Oat Trail Bridge. His small stature, greenish legs and dark bill were unmistakable. Pete got some photo's. Also, the group got to see a Purple Martin juvenile that was ready for release from the rehab center. After locating a few Martin's near Swamp Point, the Discovery Center was contacted and the juvenile was rushed out to be released with the hope that he would join the group as they prepare for the fall staging before migration. There was a good view of a Yellow-throated Warbler and a female Scarlet Tanager. Misses included Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, Green Heron and Indigo Bunting to name a few. A list of the 48 species identified follows.

Wood Duck

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Little Blue Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Spotted Sandpiper

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

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

Carolina Wren

House Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Common Yellowthroat

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Scarlet Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

July 21, 2019

A major heat wave gripped the area and an EXCESSIVE HEAT ADVISORY was issued for the entire area. Still 7 people (Tom Charlock, Mike Lowry, Cindy Shulz, John Adair, Lee Morris and Jane Frigo) showed up for the July 21, 2019 Newport News Park Walk. The morning walk was shortened with the main group stopping at 10:30 AM, reaching only the Swamp Point, and only Stuart Sweetman making it to the Swamp Bridge and back. 44 species were identified. A welcome sighting was a flyover Killdeer! Also an immature Bald Eagle was seen after being absent for several walks. Some of the many misses for the morning included Prothonotary Warbler, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Black Vulture and Green Heron. A complete species list follows.

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Killdeer

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Eastern Wood Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

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

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Common Yellowthroat

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

House Finch

American Goldfinch

July 7, 2019

This summer has been hot and humid. Today was no exception. Temperatures reached near 90 but with the humidity and lack of a breeze it felt much warmer. Mike Lowry, Stuart Sweetman, Tom Charlock, Marc Nichols, John Adair, Cindy Shulz, Jane Frigo, Elizabeth Wilkins, Jacques van Montfranz, and Wendy and Ellis Maxey braved the weather and identified 55 species for the morning. The best sighting was the return of the Great Horned Owl at the Arboretum. He would have been missed if it weren't for Marc Nichols and John Adair. By the time word spread to all the group the owl took flight and headed towards the the boat landing. Believe it or not no Canada Geese were seen and again no Bald Eagle was spotted. A Royal Tern was observed but no Laughing Gulls. Northern Flickers, absent for several walks, were seen again. A complete species list follows.

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Red-tailed Hawk

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Great Horned Owl

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

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

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Pine Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

June 16, 2019

Half the year has already passed! Summer is in full swing with temperatures starting in the 70's and climbing to the mid 80's The weather was clear and breezy which made for a very enjoyable day. Those choosing to spend some time bird watching included Virginia Boyles, Tom Charlock, Pete Peterman, Marc Nichols, Susan Maple, Nancy Gruttman-Tyler, Stuart Sweetman, Jane Frigo, Ellis and Wendy Maxey, Marilyn and John Adair and Susan and Lee Morris. The group identified 62 species. Many fledglings were out and about begging parents for something to eat Sadly a Yellow-throated Warbler was seen feeding a Brown-headed Cowbird. The young American Robins were beautiful sporting their speckled breasts. Surprisingly no Bald Eagles were seen for a second walk. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Cooper's Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Yellow-throated Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree Swallow

N. Rough-winged 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

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

House Finch

American Goldfinch

Jume 2, 2019

Summer has arrived but this morning, was a cool 65 degrees and quite pleasant. Stuart Sweetman, Marc Nichols, Tom Charlock, Sue Tomina, Madison Watkins, Cindy Shulz, Shawn Dash, Quinn Morgan, Jane Frigo, Lindsey Knox, Marilyn and John Adair, Wendy and Ellis Maxey, and Lori and Will Palagyi identified 57 species for the morning. Three more species were added by club members (Elizabeth Wilkins, Jacques van Montfrans, Judy Remsberg and grandson Ben Cox) who met up with the group later for a total of 60 species. Sightings were getting more difficult because of the dense foliage but the group succeeded in seeing everthing but the Downy Woodpecker, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-throated Warbler. A Great Crested Flycatcher was seen battling a dragonfly but eventually subduing it and feeding it to a nestling in a cavity. At the Swamp Bridge a family of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers must have just fledged. They were dive bombing the group as they crossed the bridge. Seems like unique experiences accompany every walk! A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

White-eyed Vireo

Yellow-throated Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

May 19, 2019

The morning of May 19, 2019 felt like the middle of summer Early morning temperatures were already in the 70's and rose to the 90's by the middle of the day....just plain hot and humid! In spite of the weather 19 people participated in the morning bird walk. They were Stuart Sweetman, Tom Charlock, Cindy Shulz, Dianne Snyder, Sue Tomina, Jane Frigo, Susan and Lee Morris, Ellis and Wendy Maxey, John and Marilyn Adair, returning birder Ben Dukes and newcomers Lindsey Knox, Linda Jenkins, Sandy Grahm, Rich Knorowski, Madison Watkins and Quinn Morgan. 58 species were identified. The group also got a close up look at baby robins, chickadees and bluebirds being cared for at the Discovery Center. John Adair got some excellent pictures of several of the sightings including a Yellow-throated Warbler and Yellow-billed Cuckcoo and Blue Grosbeak. A black snake wrapped around a pine tree in the Arboretum provided quick a photo opportunity. The group walked the White Oak Trail in hopes of seeing more migrants but the walk wasn't as productive as Stuart Sweetman's walk the first of the month. Surprising misses included Canada Goose and Bald Eagle. A complete species list follows.

Wood Duck

Mallard

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Osprey

Red-tailed Hawk

Mourning Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

White-eyed Vireo

Yellow-throated Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch Picture by John Adair

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

House Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Ovenbird

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Northern Parula

Blackpoll Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Scarlet Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole Picture by John Adair

House Finch

American Goldfinch

May 5, 2019

The day began cloudy, calm and humid. Showers were expected so no time was lost getting started. Steve Tuggle, Stephen Widlacki, and Cassandra and Chuck McDowell joined regulars Mike Lowry, Cindy Shulz, Marc Nichols, Tom Charlock, Stuart Sweetman, Dr. Shawn Dash, Jason Strickland and Jane Frigo for the morning. The birds were busy and right away Wood Ducks were spotted on the reservoir along with a Spotted Sandpiper on the boat dock. A pair of Canada Geese were showing off their newly hatched goslings. Warblers were busy gathering the many bugs that warmer weather was bringing out. Yellow-rumped Warblers were still around and sported their breeding plumage. A Magnolia Warbler was found among the group, too. A rather heavy shower caught the group at the Arboretum but the theater stage kept most everyone dry. The walk, for most, was cut short for most because of the fear of more rain. Stuart Sweetman forged on alone. He completed the White Oat Trail to the Swamp Bridge and the Swamp Trail and was able to add 12 species* to the 55 counted by the whole group for a total of 67 species for the morning. Impressive. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Green Heron*

Osprey

Bald Eagle*

Spotted Sandpiper

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Great Horned Owl*

Chimney Swift

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker*

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker*

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

White-eyed 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

Wood Thrush*

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

Cedar Waxwing

Ovenbird*

Louisiana Waterthrush*

Black-and-white Warbler*

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

American Redstart

Northern Parula

Magnolia Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird*

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

American Goldfinch

April 21, 2019

We had another perfect bird watching day with the 3 C's...calm, clear and cool. Caught between migrating winter and summer residents and early nesters, only 51 species were identified. Misses for the morning included Mallard, Canada Goose, Northern Mockingbird, Kinglets, Winter Wren and Song Sparrow. First of season arrivals included Summer Tanager, Orchard Oriole, Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Eastern Kingbird, Green Heron and Prothonotary Warbler. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was seen peeking out from what was thought to be a nest hole. Sadly, the Brown-headed Nuthatch was heard but not seen in his hole. Those participating in the walk were June Hartzler, Sandy Roberson, Cincy Shulz, Marc Nichols, Dianne Snyder, Bill Boeh, Dave Youker, Stuart Sweetman, Tom Charlock, Jane Frigo, John and Marilyn Adair, Wendy and Ellis Maxey, Gwen and Walt Harris and first timers Liz Barrows, Sandy Burkes-Campbill and Heidi Ott. A complete species list follows.

Wood Duck

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Laughing Gull

Mourning Dove

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Prothonotary Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

House Finch

American Goldfinch

April 7, 2019

The first day of April 2019 was near perfect. Cool early morning temperatures moved up to the 70's before the walk was over Winds were calm and skies were clear. Participants included Mike Lowry, Rory Johnson, Cindy Shulz, Dianne Snyder, Marc Nichols, Stuart Sweetman, Susan Maples, Jane Frigo, Charm and Pete Peterman, Marilyn and John Adair and first timers June Hartzler and Sandy Roberson. 62 species were identified. Winter ducks had left but several BEAUTIFUL Wood Ducks were working the banks. A rather large beaver was seen swimming and evidence of his woodworking could be noted. Both Ring-billed and Laughing Gulls were seen on the pipeline and a Royal Tern was seen and heard. Swallows also were beginning to return with Tree and N. Rough-winged observed. A very special observation at the Arboretum was a Brown-headed Nuthatch working a nest cavity right off the path. It should be interesting to observe during the upcoming walks. The arrival of the Yellow-throated Warbler was exciting. More warblers should be in by the next walk. Another first time species seen was Purple Finch! A group of about 6 were spotted at the new Swamp Point Overlook. The last identification was made after some careful consideration. Stuart and Cindy spotted a lone Rusty Blackbird! The next walk takes place on Easter Sunday and is sure to be full of more surprises. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Mallard

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Royal Tern

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Tree Swallow

N. Rough-winged Swallow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren Pete Peterman Female Purple Finch

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Common Yellowthroat

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Purple Finch Pete Peterman Redheaded Woodpecker

House Finch

American Goldfinch

March 17, 2019

It was good to be back at the park after missing the March 3 walk because of the All City Marathon. The weather was cool (40's) and skies were clear and calm. 13 people participated in the morning. They included Dave Youker, Tom Charlock, Jim Barnett, Dianne Snyder, Mike Lowry, Stuart Sweetman, Jane Frigo, Ellis and Wendy Maxey, John and Marilyn Adair and newcomers Meera and Kishore Rao. The group identified 62 species. There was evidence that migration has begun. Redheads, Canvasbacks and Mergansers were gone. Six Pied-billed Grebes were spotted along with a nice group of Wood Ducks within viewing. A lone American Coot was spotted by Dave. A beautiful pair of Pileated Woodpeckers were chasing each other. A pair of Bald Eagles were circling. First of season (FOS) arrivals were Osprey and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. There was also a possible Rusty Blackbird sighting. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Gadwall

American Wigeon

Mallard

Ring-necked Duck

Lesser Scaup

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

American Coot

Laughing Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Mourning Dove

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-belled Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

March 3, 2019

Walk cancelled because of a conflict with the One City Marathon.

February 17, 2019

Yesterday's rain gave way to partly cloudy conditions but soggy ground and slippery walkways for the February 17 th park walk. 14 people braved the chilly weather (temperatures in the 30-40's) but were able to identify 62 species over the morning. Those participating were Cindy Shulz,Tom Charlock, Stuart Sweetman, Lee Morris, Sue Tomina, Saundra Winstead, Morocco, Jane Frigo, John and Marilyn Adair, Pete and Charm Peterman and newcomers Dean and Paula Markham. The ducks were still present with excellent views of Redheads and Canvasbacks. Both Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks were spotted and even a Merlin! Other interesting behavior seen included a pair of Bald Eagles nearly embracing, two Ring-billed gulls chasing a Belted Kingfisher with hopes of stealing his catch, and large roost of vultures (20+) perched in trees at the stable area. As always it was an enjoyable morning. A complete species list follows.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Gadwall

American Wigeon

American Black Duck

Mallard

Canvasback

Redhead

Ring-necked Duck

Lesser Scaup

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Great Egret

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Merlin

Ring-billed Gull

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish 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

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

February 3, 2019

What a great day for bird watching! The VSO had their Outer Banks Trip and Williamsburg hosted a CBBT boat trip while Hampton Roads Bird Club enjoyed their regular walk at Newport News Park. Those participating in the park walk were Stuart Sweetman, Tom Charlock, Cathy Bond, Mike Lowry, Cindy Shulz, Jane Frigo and first timers Sue Tomina, and Anya, Lilla and Jude Perreault. The weather was chilly but warmed to near 60 degrees by mid day. A perched Sharp-shinned Hawk started the morning off. Ducks were abundant with several Canvasbacks and Redheads providing a burst of color and contrast. Woodpeckers were busy with paired Pileated Woodpeckers chasing each other. A good number of Red-headed Woodpeckers were found. A total of 50 species were identified. A list follows.

Canada Goose

Gadwall

American Wigeon

American Black Duck

Mallard

Canvasback

Redhead

Ring-necked Duck

Bufflehead

Hooded Merganser

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Ring-billed Gull

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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Eastern Towhee

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

January 20, 2019

Foul weather kept people away from the January 20, 2019 Newport News Park Walk. Inspite of the weatherman's forecast, skies cleared and it was a wonderful morning to be outside and birdwatch. Only Tom Charlock and Jane Frigo spent the early morning circling the Ranger Parking lot to note species. Four eyes certainly couldn't capture the number species the usual group of participants could find. Later, at the Discovery Center Ciara, Kestrel and baby Finn Robinson joined up. The group stopped at the Spawning Pond with hopes of a better showing for the next walk. The small group was able to identify 30 species.

Canada Goose

Gadwall

American Wigeon

Mallard

Canvasback

Ring-necked Duck

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Turkey Vulture

Bald Eagle

Red-tailed Hawk

Ring-billed Gull

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Blue Jay

American Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Carolina Wren

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Thrasher

European Starling

Song Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Northern Cardin

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

House Finch

American Goldfinch

January 6, 2019

Apologies for this walk write up. Somehow the original write up got deleted and is floating around in cyber space. It is now the middle of February and many of the details of January 6, 2019 are gone. A list of participants and species seen will be recorded, however. January 6, 2019 was clear and temperatures mild, in the 50's. 17 people showed up to begin their birding lists for 2019. They were Marilyn and John Adair, Walt and Gwen Harris, Dianne Snyder, Virginia Boyles, Dave Youker, Ellis Maxey, Pete Peterman, Tom Charlock, Cindy Shulz, Lee Morris, Andy Hawkins, Susan Maples, Stuart Sweetman, Ciara Robinson and Jane Frigo. John Adair got a beautiful picture of a Red-tailed Hawk that may appear in the next newsletter. 53 species were identified. A complete list follows.

Canada Goose

Gadwall

American Wigeon

American Black Duck

Mallard

Canvasback

Ring-necked Duck

Lesser Scaup

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Black Vulture