Prothonotary Warbler Project, Dragon Run

Several boxes had chicks as of May 27, 2009!

Prothonotary Warbler Project, Dragon Run

Gary Driscole checks Prothonotary Warbler box on the Dragon Run, May 27, 2009.

Boat-tailed Grackles at College Creek Hawkwatch

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

Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Richmond, 5-21-09

Brian Taber

Mississippi Kite & Peregrine at College Creek

Today, May 7, 2009, a small weather window unexpectedly opened up in the long stretch of rainy weather for several days and for just 2 hours, Fred Blystone, Bill Williams and I watched as big birds took advantage and crossed the river on very strong, but warm southwest winds and some sunshine. Our first Mississippi Kite, an adult and our first Peregrine, sped by...species number 14 and 15 for the season.... along with a new daily record of 21 Bald Eagles, all immatures. The other big birds which were able to handle the strong winds during this remarkable and exciting period were 2 Cooper's Hawks, a Northern Harrier and 24 Turkey Vultures.

We also passed 1500 birds today for only the 3rd time in 13 years.

Brian Taber