Matt Anthony led the field trip which focused on how to code sightings for the Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas. Photo by Cheryl Jacobson.Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher’s nest. Photo by Cheryl Jacobson.
Participants were attentive and patient. The slower pace established a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Some highlights were patiently observing Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers carrying nesting material and following their paths until the actual nests were observed. (see photo of nest)
Everyone enjoyed the squeal of a participant who observed a Prothonotary Warbler for the first time. Many reminisced about their own experience of seeing this species for their first time. Also, people were thrilled to see the Peregrine Falcon on the nearby Chickahominy River Bridge.
Other observed breeding behaviors and codes were: Confirmed: -Osprey on nest Probable: Rock Pigeon-Visiting potential nest site, Carolina Chickadee—Agitated
Behavior, Eastern Blue Bird—Copulation, Northern Cardinal—Territorial Defense, Red-
winged Black Bird—Pair in suitable habitat, House Finch—Pair in suitable habitat Possible: Tufted titmouse, Carolina Wren, and Prothonotary Warbler—Singing Male
Thanks to Inge for being a great hostess and Matt for doing an excellent job in leading the walk and teaching lots of tips on breeding bird behaviors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, sharpen your observation of bird behaviors, and expand Virginia’s data on what is happening with our birds. Participate in the Virginia Breeding Bird Survey.
Note this is a Sunday and not our usual week for the field trip but when something is this special you take it when you can get it.
Curles Neck Plantation (also known as Curles Neck Farm) is located between State Route 5 and the north bank of the James River in the Varina district of Henrico County, Virginia. One of the great James River Plantations, Curles Neck has remained in active use for almost 400 years and remains a privately owned working farm which is not currently open to the public. Curles Neck Farm is a 5600-acre property and because it is a private property the owner only allows restricted access. WBC is extremely lucky to be able to go there for our field trip on March 11 (Sunday).
Our leader will be Ellison Orcult who know the property owner and because of his good relationship is allowed to occasionally lead a field trip on the property. When Ellison was last there in late December, he saw 4 Ross’s Geese, 23 Cackling Geese, 3100 Snow Geese (many dark morph Blue Geese), and 15,000 Canada Geese. Other great birds were Short-eared Owl, Great Horned Owl, Horned Lark, White crowned Sparrow, and Wilson’s Snipe.
Opportunities such as this is one of many great reasons to be a member of WBC and to pay your dues promptly as only the first 20 members can participate.
Thankfully for our duck friends, the weather has been warmer and Dutch Gap is no longer frozen over. This will be the location for our February 17th field trip. We plan on meeting at 7:45 am at Colony Square Shopping Center, 1301 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, to carpool and for a prompt departure at 8 am. The address for Dutch Gap is: 341 Henricus Park Rd., Chester, VA 23836
Eleven species of ducks were seen there in the last week along with Wilson’s Snipe and Rusty Blackbirds so it should be a great day. You can call Geoff Giles with questions at 757-645-8716.
The Williamsburg Bird Club is sponsoring a boat trip to Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Islands Saturday, January 20th, 2018. Geoff Giles has chartered a large comfortable boat (ample heated cabin space, rest room, tables, and indoor seating) for this eye-level look at the bay ducks and other wonderful species (harbor seals and perhaps whales) around the tunnel islands. Birding and photo opportunities should be very good from the boat.
The boat will stay around the CBBT tunnel islands and pilings and will likely go as far as Fisherman Island near the Eastern Shore and then out to the Capes near the mouth of the Bay if the birds are there. The CBBT area tends to have smoother water than ocean trips with many of the same exciting views of birds. It will be possible to do some birding from the warm, dry cabin, but the best views and photos will be from outside on deck, so clothing that protects against wind and dampness is recommended.
Gather at 8:30 a.m. to board the Bay Princess, which will leave at 9 a.m. from Lynnhaven Inlet at 3311 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, January 20th, and return to the dock at about 1 pm.
The fee is $30 per person. Your check is your reservation. Please sign up soon (by mailing in your check) to save your space. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis until the trip is filled.
Please make checks ($30.00 per person) payable to “Williamsburg Bird Club” and mail to Ann Carpenter, PO Box 764, Lightfoot, VA 23090. Include your email address and phone number so Geoff can get back to you to confirm and let you know the final details.
There is a very good seafood restaurant dockside for those inclined to have lunch on return. If the trip gets weathered out, we’ll return your check, of course, or give you the option of a rain date about two weeks later.
