Crozet, VA 11/3-4/2020

All photos are © Marshall Faintich

November 3

I wanted to see if any waterfowl had migrated into the area, so I went over to Lickinghole Creek and Reservoir. It was fairly quiet other than lots of White-throated Sparrows. The only birds I saw in the reservoir were a pair of Killdeers on the gravel bar, although I did hear a small flock of Canada Geese flying overhead. At one point, a rather large bird flew low across the reservoir and out of sight, and it made a heron-like squawk. I didn't get enough of a look at it for an ID, but think that it might have been a Green Heron; however, the Virginia "Gold Book" shows a late date of October 10 for this species. All I know for sure is that it wasn't a Killdeer.

Photo Unavailable
Killdeers

I only logged 16 avian species there, and 1/4 of them were heard only birds. At one point, a small, chocolate colored bird flew right in front of me, across the trail, and disappeared in the brush. It might have been a Winter Wren, but I didn't count it in my total. The Bald Eagle nest looked unoccupied and badly in need of repair, so I don't know if they will be back this winter.

Photo Unavailable
White-throated Sparrow

Photo Unavailable
Song Sparrow

I saw a few Ruby-crowned Kinglets. One of them must have seen its reflection, as it flew to a branch and perched about one foot from the front of my camera lens.

Photo Unavailable
Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Photo Unavailable
Ruby-crowned Kinglet

November 4

I hiked here in Old Trail this morning, and ended up with 32 avian species.

Photo Unavailable
Northern Mockingbird

Photo Unavailable
Swamp Sparrow

Photo Unavailable
White-throated Sparrow

Photo Unavailable
House Sparrow

Photo Unavailable
Savannah Sparrow

Photo Unavailable
White-crowned Sparrow

I saw a yellow bird fly into a tree near the soccer field, and immediately thought warbler.

Photo Unavailable
Warbler

I moved in closer for a better look, and saw a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Photo Unavailable
Ruby-crowned Kinglet

The yellow on the Kinglet seemed too pale and buffy to be the bird I had just seen, and then I saw a second bird in the same brushy tree. I think it was a late season Nashville Warbler. The Virginia "Gold Book" shows a late date of November 2 for this species. It appears to have yellow feet and somewhat of an upper breast band, but first fall females can have some orange-buff on the breast and yellow on the soles of the feet. I don't think that it was a Connecticut Warbler, especially as this bird has a white vent area.

Photo Unavailable
Nashville Warbler

Photo Unavailable
Nashville Warbler

Photo Unavailable
Nashville Warbler

Photo Unavailable
Nashville Warbler

Photo Unavailable
Nashville Warbler


E-mail comments on this report

Return to blog page home