Gleanings…from the Web

This edition's summary covers reports to the Virginia Birds listserv for the period from 17 October 2003 to 22 January 2004 , with reports divided into two periods of two months and one month. Individuals interested in subscribing to this listserv or reading its archives can find directions on the VSO web page (www.ecoventures-travel.com/vso). Inclusion in this column does not imply that a sighting has been accepted by VARCOM (the VSO's Records Committee), or verified in any other way. Nor does omission of a sighting from this column imply that a particular sighting was not credible or noteworthy.

Beginning with reports from 17 October – 23 December 2003 , a late Connecticut Warbler was seen in Augusta Co. 10/19. Individual White-winged Doves were reported on 11/17 both in Suffolk and at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge (ESVNWR). And an apparent female Ground Dove was glimpsed briefly in Cape Charles, Northampton Co. 12/1.

Considering western transients, Lincoln’s Sparrows were reported widely: North Fork Wetlands, Prince William Co. 10/18 and 10/25 (1 each), Sunrise Valley, Fairfax Co. 10/18 (1), Huntley Meadows, Fairfax Co. 10/19, 10/24, and 11/3 (1,2, and 1), Augusta Co. 10/19 and 10/22 (1 each), Manassas National Battlefield Park, Prince William Co. 10/19 (3), Manassas 10/27 and 10/29 (1 each), Riverbend Park, Fairfax Co. 11/1 (1), and Westmoreland Co. 11/1 (1). Single Clay-colored Sparrows were also encountered at a number of locations: Kiptopeke S. P., Northampton Co. 10/23, Norfolk 10/26, Sky Meadows State Park, Fauquier Co. 11/18, Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge (ESVNWR) 11/15, Chincoteague NWR, Accomack Co. 11/27, and Julie Metz Wetlands, Prince William Co. 12/23. There was one report of a Henslow’s Sparrow, in Buchanan Co. 11/2, as well as a Sedge Wren 11/8, a Lark Sparrow at the ESVNWR 11/15, and a Western Kingbird in southern Northampton Co. 11/13. Single Orange-crowned Warblers were reported from Norfolk 11/15, Kiptopeke S.P. 11/17, Dyke Marsh, Fairfax Co. 11/23, Fort Smith Park, Arlington Co. 11/26, and Cape Charles, Northampton Co. 12/7, while there were Harris’ Sparrows at ESVNWR (an adult11/9 and 11/17 and a first winter bird 11/8 and 11/17), as well as a pair at Julie Metz Wetland, Prince William Co. 12/23. In Prince William Co. there were Brewer’s Blackbirds on 11/30 (18) and 12/14 (14), and Selaphorus hummingbird reports came from Manassas 11/22-11/30, two locations in Buchanan Co. 12/7 and 12/10, and Roanoke Co. since September, still present 12/13.

There have been reports of a poor pine cone crop this year in the north, and the early winter season accordingly produced a good number of sightings of some species dependent on this food source. Purple Finch sightings began in mid-October, and they have been seen during the period in numbers too numerous to report. Pine Siskins, too, have been seen widely, as attested by the following listserv reports: Rockfish Gap 11/9 (1), Snickers Gap 11/14 (1), Clarke Co. 11/16 (20), Neabsco Creek, Prince William Co. 11/17 (1), Orange Co. 11/25 (1), Charlotte Co. 11/27 (4), Buchanan Co. 11/27, 12/14 and 12/17 (2, 2, and 1), southern Northampton Co. 12/5, 12/8, and 12/13 (1, 3, and 3), Wachapreague CBC, Accomack Co. 12/14 (1), Peaks of Otter CBC, Bedford/Botetourt Co. 12/16 (unspecified number), Dyke Marsh, Fairfax Co. 12/20 (1), and Highland Co. 12/20 (2). Snow Buntings were reported from the following locations: CBBT 11/15 (1), Lake Accotink , Springfield 11/16 (1), Rockingham Co. 12/5 (2), Nokesville, Prince William Co. 12/9, 12/10, and 12/13 (1, 2, and 1). Lapland Longspurs were seen at Craney Island , Portsmouth 11/15 (1), Augusta Co. 12/5 (3), and Nokesville, Prince William Co. 12/9, 12/10, and 12/13 (6, 6, and 1). Red-breasted Nuthatch reports came from Orange Co. 10/17 (1), Great Falls, Fairfax Co. 10/19 (1), Chesterfield Co. 11/14 and 12/20 (1 each), and the Plains/Airlie CBC (Prince William/Fauquier Co) 12/21. Evening Grosbeaks were seen in Highland Co. 12/3 (2) and King William Co. 12/6-7 (4). And Red Crossbills were noted in Jeffersonton 11/22 (2+), as well as on the Lynchburg Bird Club winter bird count 12/20 (4).

Among waterbirds, a Pacific Loon was at Kerr Reservoir, Mecklenberg Co. 12/6, as well as a Red-necked Grebe at Roaches Run, Arlington 12/6. An impressive 23 Ross’ Geese were found in Augusta Co. 11/12, along with 3 in Rockingham Co. 11/24, 11/29, and 12/3, 1 in Abingdon 12/12, and 2 at Chincoteague NWR 12/13. Snow Geese were encountered inland in Augusta Co. 11/12 and 11/23 (20 and 4), Buchanan Co. 11/17 (1; second county record), and Nokesville, Prince William Co. 11/27 and 11/30 (2). And Greater White-fronted Geese were seen in Augusta Co. 11/12 (15), Northampton Co. 11/26 (2), Mill Creek Lake, Amherst Co. 12/13-12/22 (1), and Fairfax Co. 12/6 (1). A Long-billed Curlew was spotted on Hog Island, Northampton Co. 11/14, while single Sandhill Cranes were noted in Orange Co. 10/20 and Buchanan Co. 12/11. And inland Great Cormorants were reported at Roaches Run, Arlington Co. 11/18 and Lake Accotink, Fairfax Co. 12/1.

Unusual ducks at the CBBT included a King Eider present 11/15-12/21, while Common Eiders were reported 10/25-11/9 (immature male) and 11/15 & 12/20 (4). A male Harlequin Duck was reported on several dates between 11/9–12/8, while a pair was noted 11/25–12/20, and Long-tailed Ducks were seen 11/21 (female), 11/25 (male), and 12/8 (multiple individuals). Inland sightings of scoters included a White-winged Scoter at South Holston Lake, Washington Co. 11/2 and another in Fairfax Co. 11/30, and a Black Scoter at Great Marsh, Fairfax Co. 11/30. And a Eurasian Wigeon was seen 12/21 on the Plains/Arlie CBC, Fauquier Co.

Gull sightings picked up in mid to late December, with an Iceland Gull at the Prince William Co. landfill 12/13, 12/20, and 12/23, as well as at the Fauquier Co. landfill 12/21, a Thayer’s Gull there also 12/21, and a Glaucous Gull both at the Fauquier Co. landfill 12/18, 19, and 21, and at the Prince William Co. landfill 12/20.

Finally, besides reports during the migration period, significant raptor reports included Merlins at Fort Smith, Arlington Co. 11/23&26, Nokesville, Prince William Co. 12/12 (2), Alexandria 12/21, and Fauquier Co. 12/21 (2), Peregine Falcons at Chincoteague NWR 11/28, Clarke Co. 12/12, Richmond (2 in early December), the Augusta Co. CBC 12/14, and Alexandria 12/21, Golden Eagles in Highland Co. 12/20 (2), and Rough-legged Hawks at the following locations: both Prince William Co. and Fauquier Co. (up to 3 in each county from about 12/10 through the period), Augusta Co. 12/19 (1), Highland Col 12/20 (8), and Orange Co. 12/21 (1). And Short-eared Owls were reported from Westmoreland Co. 11/16 (1), Augusta Co. 12/6 (1) and 12/20 (5), and Highland Co. 12/20 (2).

For the period from 24 December 2003 to 22 January 2004 reports of Purple Finches continued to be fairly frequent, but the only post of Pine Siskins was of an unspecified number in Fairfax Co. on the Belvoir CBC 1/4. Common Redpolls staged a major invasion south, however, with the following sightings reported: 1 at the CBBT 12/26, 20+ at Lock Haven Park, Virginia Beach, 4 at Sunset Beach, Northampton Co., 5 at the CBBT, and 5 at Chincoteague NWR, all on 12/28, 72+ on the Back Bay CBC, 15+ north of Kiptopeke S.P., 2 at Cape Charles, and an unspecified on the Chincoteague CBC, all on 12/29, 2 again in Cape Charles 12/30, 17 on the Cape Charles CBC 12/31, and 1 at Fort Story, Virginia Beach 1/4. Snow Buntings were present at Kerr Reservoir in Mecklenburg Co. 1/1 (3), 1/3 (5), and 1/11 (4), as well as at Fort Story , Virginia Beach 1/11 (1). Red-breasted Nuthatches were noted at Dyke Marsh, Fairfax Co. 12/28 (1), at Blandy Experimental Farm in Clarke Co. through much of the period (unspecified number), and at Mason Neck NWR, Fairfax Co. 1/4 (unspecified number). And the few reports of Lapland Longspur were on the Cape Charles CBC 12/31 (14) and at Craney Island , Portsmouth 1/22 (a small flock).

A Black-throated Gray Warbler at Blandy Experimental Farm in Clarke Co. 12/27-1/13 was an exciting find, and gave many birders an opportunity to see it. A Harris' Sparrow was at Julie Metz Wetlands in Prince William Co. 12/28-1/4, and a second individual was also seen on 1/4. A Clay-colored Sparrow was also there 12/27-1/19. A Lark Sparrow was found at Fort Story, Virginia Beach 1/19, and 20+ Brewer's Blackbirds were at a dairy farm in Nokesville, Prince William Co. 1/6-7. Selaphorus hummingbird sightings reported included an adult male banded in Loudoun Co., present from December through 1/5, and a Selaphorus in Buchanan Co. 12/7-1/1.

Another notable hummingbird was a late Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Cape Charles most of December. Other notable late passerines included single Yellow-breasted Chats both in Loudoun Co. 12/28 and in Cape Charles at least 12/31-1/1, as well as a Dickcissel also in Cape Charles 12/21. And a Baltimore Oriole was in Charlottesville 1/3.

A probable Arctic Loon was found at First Landing S. P., Virginia Beach 1/2-3. And single Pacific Loons were found at three locations: Kerr Reservoir in Mecklenburg Co. 12/27-1/16 (first seen 12/6), in Northampton Co. north of Cape Charles 12/30, and on the Little Creek CBC in the Virginia Beach area 12/31. An inland Red-throated Loon was also present at Kerr Reservoir 1/1-1/17, while two Red-necked Grebes were reported in this time period: one at Kerr Reservoir 12/27-1/3 and another at Grandview N.P. in Virginia Beach 1/13. A Clark's Grebe was at First Landing S.P. for the fourth year in a row (12/31-1/3), and a Western Grebe was seen at False Cape S.P. , Virginia Beach 12/29. Turning to gulls, a Sabine's Gull was seen twice at Fort Story (12/31 and 1/11), and an adult California Gull was at the Prince William County landfill 12/26-29. A Black-legged Kittiwake was seen on the Cape Charles CBC 12/31, as was an Iceland Gull; the later species was also at the Prince William Co. landfill 1/3-1/17. Considering sea ducks, at the CBBT, single King Eiders were noted 12/27 (adult male), 12/31 (immature), 1/6 (female), and 1/13 and 17 (immature male). Common Eiders were also seen there 12/27 (three males and three females), 1/1 (2), and 1/17 (7), as well as on the Cape Charles CBC 12/31 (2). A pair of Harlequin Ducks were at these islands 12/27-1/17), and Long-tailed Ducks, in addition to being numerous at the CBBT, were also reported at Riverbend Park, Fairfax Co. 1/7 and Grandview N.P., Virginia Beach 1/13 (single birds each).

More southerly birds on the coast included the following: two Brown Pelicans 12/27 (CBBT) and an American White Pelican 12/29 (Craney Island, Portsmouth), a Cattle Egret 12/27 (CBBT) and a White Ibis 12/31 (Cape Charles CBC), a Common Moorhen and a Piping Plover 12/31 (both Cape Charles CBC), and single Anhingas 12/31 (Little Creek CBC, Virginia Beach) and 1/17 (Stumpy Lake, Virginia Beach). Other waterbirds inland included a Greater White-fronted Goose in Amherst Co. 12/13-1/10 and five White-winged Scoters at Kerr Reservoir 1/17. A Ross's Goose was found on the New River in Carroll Co. 1/1, and the following inland sightings of Snow Geese were made, all of single birds with one exception: Botetourt Co (two on 1/2), Loudoun Co (1/3), Lorton, Fairfax Co. (1/4), Centreville, Fairfax Co. (1/10), and Burke Lake, Fairfax Co. (1/20, 22).

Concluding with raptors, two sightings of Barn Owls took place, one at Dulles Airport on the Manassas CBC 12/27 and one on the Central Loudoun CBC 12/28. Also on these two counts, single Northern Saw-whet Owls were recorded. In Augusta County Short-eared Owl reports came from both Weyers Cave (one on 12/26) and Swoope (five on 1/17). Other sightings were of single birds with the one exception noted: Manassas CBC 12/27, Saxis WMA, Accomack Co. 12/28, Oyster, Northampton Co. 1/1, Calmes Neck CBC, Loudoun Co.1/4 (2), ESVNWR 1/10, and Cedar Creek Battlefield, Frederick Co. 1/22. Golden Eagles sightings were as follows: Russell Co. 12/30 (2 adults, 1 immature), Sky Meadows S.P., Fauquier Co. 12/31, Walkerton CBC, Middle Peninsula 1/4, and Highland Co. 1/19. Rough-legged Hawks were seen in Rockingham Co. 12/26, Burke's Garden, Tazewll Co. 12/28, Fauquier Co. 1/1, 1/9, and 1/16 (2), Loudoun Co. 1/4 and 1/11, Highland Co. 1/11 (1), 1/17 (4), and 1/19 (5), Orange Co. 1/11, and Frederick Co. 1/11. Merlins were seen in Manassas 12/25, on the Chesapeake Bay CBC 12/27, on the Fort Belvoir CBC in Fairfax Co. 1/4 (2), and at Kerr Reservoir 1/11. And Peregrine Falcon sightings took place at the CBBT 1/10 and at the ESVNWR 1/17.

Gene Sattler