Green-tailed Towhee

The amazing run of rare birds in Virginia over recent months continues with this western species, a Green-tailed Towhee, found in late December at Sky Meadows State Park, in Fauquier County. The rear view photo is by Nancy Barnhart on Jan 10, the front by Brian Taber on Jan 16.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Wow! This bird has apparently been around a Norfolk neighborhood for weeks. Mostly inhabiting Texas, the Gulf coast and farther south, it represents the first record for the species for Virginia. The homeowner is managing small groups of birders and the bird has been very cooperative. Feeder photo by Bob Ake, Jan 9, 2021, other

photos by Brian Taber, Jan 14.