More on the Staunton Sand-Plover

To go along with the comments below saying "definately" Greater, additional comments by Martin Garner, posted on the VA List Serve, indicate "slam dunk" Mongolian!

Black Tern, James River

This was one of a flock of 20+ birds feeding along the James River shoreline recently in Portsmouth.

Brian Taber

Staunton Sand-Plover

Distant view of the Sand-Plover. Erik Hirschfeld, co-author of a sand-plover identification paper in April 2000 BRITISH BIRDS, who was shown photos, said (e-mail was posted on the VA List Serve) it was "definately" a Greater Sand-Plover.

Brian Taber

Staunton Sand-Plover

Observers in pouring rain on Sept 8.

Brian Taber

Unusual Gull

This gull was relocated after 2 weeks...here are 9 more images.

Unusual Gull

Unusual Gull

Unusual Gull

Unusual Gull

Unusual Gull

Unusual Gull

Unusual Gull

Unusual Gull, flying over Lesser Black-backed

Counts start at Kiptopeke and Seaside Hawkwatches

Hi all,

Yesterday saw the beginning of another hawk migration season at Kiptopeke State Park, home to CVWO's main hawk count . This fall a second site on the ocean side of the peninsula will have coverage most days (Seaside Hawk Watch). So far the migration has been greatly dominated by Ospreys including 142 on the opening day at the state park with just a smattering of other birds noted.

Regular updates on the hawk counts will be posted to the VA List Serve and all hawkcount data is entered at the Hawkcount.org site.

Calvin Brennan