Little Gull

 Not just a very small gull, it's actually called a Little Gull...very rare in Virginia. Even in this distant photo by Nancy Barnhart, the strikingly black underwings

can be seen, a feature that sets adults apart from all other gulls. She saw it on March 15 in Norfolk where it has been seen for a few days. She was also able to marvel at its acrobatic, energetic flight style, as it associated with Bonaparte's Gulls. A breeder of the far, far north, breeding adults develop a solid black head.

Brian Taber

College Creek Hawkwatch

Sometimes exciting non-hawks fly right over the Hawkwatch, like these American White Pelicans today! On hand were Bill Williams, Nancy Barnhart, me and Deborah Humphries, who took the photo.

Brian Taber

College Creek Hawkwatch

 The Observatory's late winter and spring hawkwatch on the shore of the James River near Williamsburg began it's 26th season today. There were south winds and a decent early-season flight of 62, mainly Turkey Vultures as expected. Other species were Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Black Vulture. After March, the flights become more diverse, with fewer Turkey Vultures. The photo shows two of today's migrants crossing the river, with the challenging backlighting characteristic of this season. Regular volunteers Bill Williams and Nancy Barnhart were also on hand. Data can be found at Hawkcount.org.

Brian Taber