Today, April 13, 2009, we recorded our 1,000th bird for the season...it was a Turkey Vulture. We like to track this seasonal milestone as an indication of the progress of the migration. By comparison, the 1,000th bird for 2008 was on a very late date, May 13th. In 2007, when we set our seasonal record of 1,666, the 1,000th bird was seen on the very early date of April 2nd.
For the past 3 weeks, the weather has mostly been quite cool and wet and windy...poor migration conditions, though there have been some birds moving each day, except during rain. A few Broad-winged Hawks have been reported already and should be showing up here regularly with the next wave of warm air.
Also today was our first Cattle Egret of the season.
Brian Taber
Welcome to the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory blog for postings of programs, activities and photos of unusual birds and butterflies around Virginia. To LEARN more about our nonprofit work, SUBSCRIBE to our monthly newsletter, and SUPPORT us, visit our website at www.vawildliferesearch.org. "Protecting Wildlife through Field Research, Education and Habitat Conservation for Over 25 Years"
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk, by Steve Thornhill
