Today, May 24, 2009, 2 male Boat-tailed Grackles were seen from the hawkwatch. One bird flew south across the river to Hog Island Wildlife Management Area. This is the first record for the species at this site and is unusually far inland. A pair was found together at Hog Island on April 26th, during the annual Spring Count of the Williamsburg Bird Club. A male was recorded a few miles away at Jamestown 2 years ago and a few birds have been regular breeders for years to the east, on the York River, along the Colonial Parkway, near Yorktown.
The hawk and vulture flights have dropped off dramatically during the past 2 weeks and the season will end in a few days.
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
