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
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
White Wagtail
Congrats to Sarah O'Reilly, Caitlin Kufahl and Carolyn Morgan for an awesome find yesterday near the Chamberlin Hotel on Ft. Monroe in Hampton. The word quickly got out to Facebook and text alerts...I was lucky to be nearby and the bird posed nicely for a photo. Many birders were on hand searching until dark. There are many varieties of White Wagtails...this one known as alba displays a gray back, while yarellii of coastal western Europe has a black back. Others vary in head patterns as well. I suppose this could be a bird from the Greenland population. Some far away stray birds even ride ships. Virginia continues to find new State birds...I think this makes 10 in just over a year. Brian Taber 
