Red-necked Phalaropes

This pair of Red-necked Phalaropes was at Craney Island, Portsmouth, today.

Brian Taber

Another Big Bald Eagle Day at College Creek

Just 3 days after our daily record Bald Eagle day (34), Tom and Jeanne Armour and I were treated to another exciting blitz today at College Creek Hawkwatch...25 more, mostly in just about 15 minutes! Flight conditions and visibility were great...steady southeast winds and lots of medium-height clouds. Backlighting makes ageing the birds difficult, but there were a number of dark-bellied juveniles.

Twelve Turkey Vultures and our 4th Red-shouldered Hawk were the only other migrants.

Brian Taber

New Bald Eagle Daily Record at College Creek

As the weather was clearing from 2 days of heavy rain, a spectacular Bald Eagle flight took place at College Creek hawkwatch this morning, mostly from 11 a.m to 12 p.m. (EDT) The 34 Bald Eagles (3 were adults) far surpassed the previous daily high of 21 at College Creek, set on May 7, 2009. I'll have to do some research to see if any Virginia hawkwatch has recorded more in a day.

The only other migrants recorded were 5 Turkey Vultures and 2 Ospreys. There were about 20 Bald Eagles still over Hog Island when I left.

Brian Taber

Mississippi Kites at College Creek

After numerous reports of Mississippi Kites around Virginia this spring, 2 finally flew past College Creek Hawkwatch this morning, providing the only highlight during a slow migration period over the past 3 weeks.

Due to backlighting, I couldn't determine the ages.

Brian Taber

Red Knot

This handsome Red Knot was at Grandview Beach in Hampton yesterday.

Brian Taber

Happy Mother's Day

Hudsonian Godwit at Hog Island

During today's Williamsburg Bird Club Spring Count, we found this stunning Hudsonian Godwit at Hog Island WMA, Surry County, for only the 4th local record, the only one in alternate plumage and one of very few State spring records, for a species that normally migrates through the Great Plains.

Brian Taber