Monarch Migration Program

 Monarch migration and Monarch tagging is underway on the eastern shore of Virginia. As of 11/10, I have tagged 415 Monarchs for their migration to Mexico. Most have been tagged in Kiptopeke State Park, with a few being tagged in the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. In these locations, Monarchs have been feeding on narrowleaf sunflowers, blue mistflower, and goldenrod species. The best location for tagging and finding Monarchs has been in Kiptopeke State Park within the Sunday Fields. Unfortunately, the Sunday Fields are also home to Monarch predators, I have seen four praying mantis’s feeding on Monarchs, one which was tagged previously that day. I only have a couple weeks left in my two months stay here on the Eastern Shore and I hope to see and tag many more Monarchs!

Allison Sheldon

CVWO Monarch Biologist

Heermann's Gull

This 1st cycle Heermann's Gull was found at the Hopewell Marina on October 27th by Allen Bryan. I was lucky to see it late that day, resting alone on a log on the far shore, often with its head tucked. Many others later photographed it as close as the parking lot. The closer photo is by  Deborah Humphries on  October 31st.  In August, a Herrmann's in similar plumage was photographed at the Jamestown Ferry, about 30 miles down the James River from Hopewell...possibly the same bird?

In 2021, Heermann's were recorded in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey and Rhode Island...an amazing array of observations, which included adult, 1st cycle and 2nd cycle birds. Heermann's normal U. S. range is the west coast.

On November 4th, a winter plumaged adult Heermann's was photographed in Virginia Beach, where an adult was recorded on May 11 as Virginia's 2nd record...could it be the same bird?

Brian Taber