Fall Arrivals 2021

Filter: Fall Arrivals - 2021
Fall Departures - Spring Arrivals - Spring Departures

The following is a list of the first accepted eBird report (visual or auditory observation) and record (voice recording, photograph &/or video) for each species during the fall 2021 migration season. Species that are reviewed throughout the entire fall season are listed in all capital letters. Observer names are hyperlinked to the eBird report, which may contain additional information. If an accurate first and last name are not provided on the eBirder’s public account, the report/record will be noted here as simply “Anonymous”. First arrivals this fall include:

  • Spotted Sandpiper – First Observed: 1, Terrace Avenue (Private Residence), 1 Jul (vis. Steve Keith). First Photographed: 2, Rudee Inlet, 11 Jul (ph. Steve Keith).

  • Least Sandpiper – First Observed & Photographed: 5, Back Bay NWR, 6 Jul (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Semipalmated Sandpiper – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 7 Jul (vis. Jason Schatti). First Photographed: 4, Back Bay NWR, 20 Jul (ph. Steve Keith).

  • Solitary Sandpiper – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 8 Jul (ph. Laura Mae & Heidi Young).

  • Blue-winged Teal – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 8 Jul (ph. Kenneth Barnhart, Nancy Barnhart & Cindy Hamilton).

  • Gull-billed Tern – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 10 Jul (vis. Laurie Gardner).

  • Black-bellied Plover – First Observed & Photographed: 3, Back Bay NWR, 11 Jul (ph. Larry Meade).

  • Short-billed Dowitcher – First Observed: 1, Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility, 11 Jul (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 15 Jul (ph. Steve Myers).

  • MARBLED GODWIT – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 14 Jul (ph. Andrew Baldelli).

  • American Black Duck – First Observed: 10, Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility, 14 Jul (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 7 Aug (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Whimbrel – First Observed & Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR, 15 Jul (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Lesser Yellowlegs – First Observed: 4, Back Bay NWR, 15 Jul (obs. Drew Avery & David Clark). First Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR, 2 Aug (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers).

  • Pectoral Sandpiper – First Observed & Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR, 16 Jul (ph. Steve Keith & Reuben Rohn).

  • Piping Plover – First Observed & Photographed: 3, Back Bay NWR, 20 Jul (ph. Steve Keith).

  • Western Sandpiper – First Observed & Photographed: 1, JEB Fort Story (Restricted), 22 Jul (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers).

  • Ruddy Turnstone – First Observed: 3, First Landing SP, 26 Jul (obs. June McDaniels). First Photographed: 5, Back Bay NWR, 31 Jul (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Semipalmated Plover – First Observed: 6, Back Bay NWR, 26 Jul (obs. Robert Ake). First Photographed: 3, Back Bay NWR, 31 Jul (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Red Knot – First Observed: 5, Back Bay NWR, 27 Jul (obs. Robert Ake & Lauren Mowbray). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 15 Sep (ph. Cindy Hamilton & Steve Keith).

  • Stilt Sandpiper – First Observed & Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR, 31 Jul (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Northern Waterthrush – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 7 Aug (ph. Rob Bielawski). [Note: This marks a new extreme early fall arrival date for Virginia Beach.].

  • AMERICAN AVOCET – First Observed & Photographed: 11, Pleasure House Point NA, 8 Aug (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Yellow Warbler – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 8 Aug (obs. Chris Farabaugh). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 9 Aug (ph. Josh Cooper & Robin Cooper).

  • Pied-billed Grebe – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 8 Aug (obs. Tommy Maloney). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 6 Sep (ph. Rob Bielawski, Steve Myers & Lisa Rose).

  • American Redstart – First Observed & Photographed: 1 female/immature, Back Bay NWR, 9 Aug (ph. Josh Cooper & Robin Cooper).

  • Black-and-white Warbler – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 9 Aug (ph. Ray Doyle).

  • Black Tern – First Observed & Photographed: 6, Back Bay NWR, 15 Aug (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Wilson’s Snipe – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Muddy Creek/Shipps Cabin Fields, 15 Aug (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Ovenbird – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 21 Aug (ph. Steve Myers). [Note: While this species breeds annually in Virginia Beach, it is not known to do so at or near this location, so this is the first individual detected that would be considered a fall migrant.].

  • Bank Swallow – First Observed: 2, 88th Street Beach, 16 Aug (vis. Andrew Baldelli).

  • Bobolink – First Observed: 9, Back Bay Landing Road, 21 Aug (aud. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty). First Photographed: 4, Back Bay NWR (West Dike), 28 Aug (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Common Nighthawk – First Observed & Photographed: 3, Larkspur (Private Residence), 24 Aug (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Northern Parula – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Tidewater Arboretum, 28 Aug (obs. Lisa Rose). [Note: While this species breeds annually in First Landing SP, it is not known to do so elsewhere in Virginia Beach (though possibly at False Cape SP), which means this is the first individual detected that would be considered a fall migrant.].

  • LARK SPARROW – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (West Dike), 28 Aug (ph. Rob Bielawski & June McDaniels).

  • YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (West Dike), 28 Aug (ph. June McDaniels).

  • DICKCISSEL – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (West Dike), 29 Aug (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Baltimore Oriole – First Observed: 4, Back Bay NWR, 29 Aug (obs. Tommy Maloney, obs. Andrew Gobien). First Photographed: 3, First Landing SP (White Hill Lake Trail), 8 Sep (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER – First Observed: 7, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 30 Aug (vis. Andrew Baldelli). First Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 30 Aug (ph. Steve Myers).

  • AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 30 Aug (vis. Andrew Baldelli). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 30 Aug (ph. Steve Myers).

  • BAIRD’S SANDPIPER – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 30 Aug (vis. Andrew Baldelli).

  • Merlin – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 30 Aug (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Sora – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (West Dike), 30 Aug (aud. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Voice Recorded: 1, Back Bay NWR (Raptor Trail), 2 Oct (v.r. MaryJane Hall, Cindy Hamilton, Laura Mae, Loretta Silvia & Heidi Young [VBAS Field Trip]).

  • HUDSONIAN GODWIT – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 31 Aug (vis. Bill Oyler). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 31 Aug (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Black-throated Blue Warbler – First Observed: 1, First Landing SP (Campground), 31 Aug (vis. Andrew Baldelli). First Photographed: 1 female, Mt. Trashmore Park, 19 Sep (ph. Lisa Rose).

  • Black-throated Green Warbler – First Observed: 2, First Landing SP (Campground), 31 Aug (vis. Andrew Baldelli). First Photographed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 26 Sep (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers).

  • Green-winged Teal – First Observed: 4, Back Bay NWR, 31 Aug (obs. Nancy Barnhart). First Photographed: 3-12, Back Bay NWR, 6 Sep (ph. Rob Bielawski, Steve Myers & Lisa Rose).

  • Northern Harrier – First Observed: 1, Flame of Hope Memorial, 1 Sep (obs. Steve Keith). First Photographed: 4, Back Bay NWR, 16 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski & Lisa Rose).

  • Gadwall – First Observed: 12, Back Bay NWR, 2 Sep (obs. Chris Farabaugh, Cindy Hamilton & Joan Mashburn). First Photographed: 8, Back Bay NWR, 16 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski & Lisa Rose).

  • Magnolia Warbler – First Observed: 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 3 Sep (obs. Travis Marceron). First Photographed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 4 Sep (ph. Lisa Rose).

  • Peregrine Falcon – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 4 Sep (vis. Steve Keith, vis. Travis Marceron, ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Northern Shoveler – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 4 Sep (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • White-rumped Sandpiper – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 4 Sep (vis. Arun Bose). First Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR (E Pool), 8 Oct (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Cape May Warbler – First Observed & Photographed: 3, First Landing SP (Campground), 7 Sep (ph. June McDaniels).

  • HOODED WARBLER – First Observed: 1 male, First Landing SP (White Hill Lake Trail), 8 Sep (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Photographed: 1, Kempsville (Private Residence), 13 Sep (ph. Una Davenhill).

  • Palm Warbler (Western) – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (West Dike), 8 Sep (vis. David Clark). First Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR, 10 Sep (ph. David Govoni).

  • BROAD-WINGED HAWK – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Larkspur (Private Residence), 10 Sep (vis. Amy Myers & Steve Myers).

  • LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 10 Sep (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 11 Sep (ph. Baxter Beamer).

  • American Bittern – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Visitor Center), 11 Sep (ph. Rob Bielawski, vis. Steve Myers).

  • YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Beach Garden Park, 11 Sep (ph. Tommy Maloney).

  • Ruddy Duck – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 11 Sep (ph. Brandon Holland).

  • Northern Pintail – First Observed & Photographed: 1 female, Back Bay NWR (West Dike), 12 Sep (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Swainson’s Thrush – First Observed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 12 Sep (vis. Baxter Beamer).

  • Veery – First Observed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 12 Sep (ph. Baxter Beamer).

  • Wilson’s Warbler – First Observed & Photographed: 1 adult male, Mt. Trashmore Park, 12 Sep (ph. Baxter Beamer).

  • GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 12 Sep (ph. Baxter Beamer).

  • Scarlet Tanager – First Observed & Photographed: 1 female, Mt. Trashmore Park, 13 Sep (vis. Andrew Baldelli, ph. Cindy Hamilton, ph. Reuben Rohn).

  • BLUE-WINGED WARBLER – First Observed: 1, Tidewater Arboretum, 13 Sep (vis. David Clark).

  • Chestnut-sided Warbler – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 14 Sep (ph. Betty Sue Cohen).

  • Nashville Warbler – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 14 Sep (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers) & 2, Tidewater Arboretum, 13 Sep (ph. David Clark).

  • CLAY-COLORED SPARROW – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Tidewater Arboretum, 14 Sep (vis. David Clark, ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers) & 1, False Cape SP, 14 Sep (ph. Elena Bersani).

  • LEAST FLYCATCHER – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Tidewater Arboretum, 14 Sep (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers).

  • WARBLING VIREO – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Beach Garden Park, 15 Sep (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers).

  • PHILADELPHIA VIREO – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 19 Sep (ph. Lisa Rose).

  • Seaside Sparrow – First Observed: 1, Little Island Park, 19 Sep (aud. Kyle Lindemer). [Note: While this species breeds annually around the Lynnhaven River, it is not known to do so elsewhere in Virginia Beach, which means this is the first individual detected that would be considered a fall migrant.].

  • Yellow-rumped Warbler – First Observed: 1, Hunt Club Forest (Private Residence), 24 Sep (vis. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 29 Sep (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers).

  • Blackpoll Warbler – First Observed & Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR (Raptor Trail), 25 Sep (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 25 Sep (vis. Robert Ake, David Clark & Steve Myers). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 1 Oct (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Gray-cheeked Thrush – First Observed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 27 Sep (vis. Andrew Baldelli).

  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak – First Observed: 1, Mt. Trashmore Park, 27 Sep (obs. Cindy Hamilton).

  • Red-breasted Nuthatch – First Observed: 1, Stumpy Lake NA, 27 Sep (vis. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty). First Photographed: 2, False Cape SP, 30 Sep (ph. June McDaniels).

  • Ruby-crowned Kinglet – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 27 Sep (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • American Wigeon – First Observed: 2, Back Bay NWR (K Pool East), 28 Sep (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Photographed: 23, Little Island Park, 2 Nov (ph. Kathy Richardson).

  • BAY-BREASTED WARBLER – First Observed & Photographed: 1 male, Back Bay NWR (West Dike at Green Hills), 28 Sep (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • TENNESSEE WARBLER – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Raptor Trail), 28 Sep (ph. Mike Collins).

  • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – First Observed & Photographed: 1, False Cape SP, 28 Sep (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • Sharp-shinned Hawk – First Observed: 1, Beach Garden Park, 30 Sep (obs. Steve Keith). First Photographed: 7, Back Bay NWR, 16 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski & Lisa Rose).

  • YELLOW-THROATED VIREO – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Kuralt Trail), 30 Sep (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Golden­-crowned Kinglet – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Septic Field), 2 Oct (ph. Betty Sue Cohen).

  • Blue-headed Vireo – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Septic Field), 2 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski, vis. Kathy Spencer).

  • Dunlin – First Observed & Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR (Septic Field), 2 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Nelson’s Sparrow – First Observed: 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 1 Oct (vis. Todd Day & Eric Hynes). First Photographed: 3, Pleasure House Point NA, 2 Oct (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Saltmarsh Sparrow – First Observed: 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 1 Oct (vis. Todd Day, Eric Hynes & Richard Kaskan). First Photographed: 2, Pleasure House Point NA, 1 Oct (ph. June McDaniels).

  • Clapper Rail – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 2 Oct (ph. Steve Myers).  [Note: While this species breeds annually around the Lynnhaven River & Owl’s Creek, it is not known to do so elsewhere in Virginia Beach, which means this is the first individual detected that would be considered a fall migrant.].

  • Swamp Sparrow – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 4 Oct (ph. Lee White).

  • AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN – First Observed: 8, Lake Smith Terrace (Private Residence), 4 Oct (vis. Tracy Tate). First Photographed: 18, First Landing SP (Beach), 19 Oct (ph. June McDaniels).

  • Northern Gannet – First Observed & Photographed: 1 immature, Little Island Park, 10 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW – First Observed: 1 immature, Back Bay NWR (Raptor Trail), 8 Oct (vis. Drew Chaney & Tim Chaney). First Photographed: 1 Dark-lored immature, Oak Springs (Private Residence), 9 Oct (ph. Carolyn Page).

  • Common Loon – First Observed: 1, Rudee Inlet, 12 Oct (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 20 Oct (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • Black Scoter – First Observed & Photographed: 1 drake, Rudee Inlet, 12 Oct (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • Hermit Thrush – First Observed: 2, NAS Oceana (Restricted), 12 Oct (obs. Karl Suttmann). First Photographed: 1, West Neck Creek NA, 4 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • White-throated Sparrow – First Observed: 1, First Landing SP (Campground), 13 Oct (obs. June McDaniels). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR, 15 Oct (ph. Reuben Rohn).

  • Palm Warbler (Yellow) – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Raptor Trail), 13 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Dark-eyed Junco – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Loop Rd.), 14 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • BULLOCK’S ORIOLE – First Observed: 1 adult male, South Shore Estates (Private Residence), 15 Oct (vis. James Marcum). First Photographed: 1 adult male, South Shore Estates (Private Residence), 2 Nov (ph. David Clark).

  • Brown Creeper – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (West Dike), 16 Oct (vis. Rob Bielawski). First Photographed: 1, Stumpy Lake NA, 17 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • AMERICAN PIPIT – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (K Pool East), 16 Oct (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Kayak Launch), 8 Nov (ph. Elena Bersani).

  • Surf Scoter – First Observed & Photographed: 1 female, Rudee Inlet, 17 Oct (vis. Amy Myers & Steve Myers, ph. Steve Keith).

  • Orange-crowned Warbler – First Observed: 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 17 Oct (vis. William Goode, Jr.). First Photographed: 2, Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract, 14 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Winter Wren – First Observed: 1, 12th Street Beach, 17 Oct (vis. Baxter Beamer & Martina Nordstrand). First Photographed: 1, First Landing SP (Campground), 19 Oct (ph. June McDaniels).

  • Ring-necked Duck – First Observed & Photographed: 2 females, Kings Grant Lakes, 18 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • American Coot – First Observed & Photographed: 2, Mt. Trashmore Park, 19 Oct (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers).

  • Sedge Wren – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Kuralt Trail), 20 Oct (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • Virginia Rail – First Observed: 2, Back Bay NWR (Raptor Trail), 20 Oct (aud. Rob Bielawski).

  • Bonaparte’s Gull – First Observed: 1 immature, Lynnhaven Inlet, 21 Oct (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). First Photographed: 6, Rudee Inlet, 15 Nov (ph. Steve Myers).

  • White-winged Scoter – First Observed & Photographed: 1 female, Mt. Trashmore Park, 24 Oct (ph. Lisa Rose).

  • Greater Scaup – First Observed: 8, Back Bay NWR, 24 Oct (vis. Steve Dougill).

  • EARED GREBE – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Sherwood Lakes (North Pond), 25 Oct (ph. David Clark).

  • Tundra Swan – First Observed: X, Back Bay NWR, 1 Nov (obs. David Clark). First Photographed: 7, Back Bay NWR (Beach), 11 Nov (ph. Elena Bersani).

  • Lesser Scaup – First Observed: 2, 89th St. Beach, 3 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli).

  • BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE – First Observed: 1 immature, First Landing SP (Beach), 3 Nov (vis. David Clark).

  • Brant – First Observed: 2, Pleasure House Point NA, 3 Nov (obs. Cheryl Jacobson).

  • Bufflehead – First Observed: 3, Pleasure House Point NA, 3 Nov (vis. Steve Myers). First Photographed: 6, Pleasure House point NA, 10 Nov (ph. Steve Keith).

  • Hooded Merganser – First Observed & Photographed: 1 drake, Sherwood Lakes (North Pond), 4 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • Horned Grebe – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Sherwood Lakes (North Pond), 4 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • Red-breasted Merganser – First Observed: 1-4, Little Island Park, 6 Nov (vis. Baxter Beamer & Steve Myers). First Photographed: 2 females, Little Island Park, 7 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • GREAT CORMORANT – First Observed & Photographed: 1 immature, Little Island Park, 6 Nov (ph. Baxter Beamer & Steve Myers).

  • Red-throated Loon – First Observed: 1, Little Island Park, 8 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli).

  • Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich) – First Observed & Photographed: 1, First Landing SP (Beach), 9 Nov (ph. June McDaniels).

  • PINE SISKIN – First Observed: 1, Pleasure House Point NA, 10 Nov (aud. David Clark).

  • ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER – First Observed & Photographed: 1, Little Island Park, 12 Nov (ph. Ty Smith, David Spears & Evan Spears).

  • Purple Sandpiper – First Observed: 2, Rudee Inlet, 15 Nov (vis. Steve Myers). First Photographed: 3, Rudee Inlet, 23 Nov (ph. Tommy Maloney).

  • Fox Sparrow – First Observed: 1, Indian River (Private Residence), 15 Nov (vis. George Harris). First Photographed: 2, Stumpy Lake NA, 23 Nov (ph. Reuben Rohn).

  • Razorbill – First Observed: 20, Virginia Beach Pelagic Waters, 17 Nov (vis. Rudee Tours).

  • Common Eider – First Observed & Photographed: 1 immature male, Rudee Inlet, 23 Nov (ph. Tommy Maloney).

  • PAINTED BUNTING – First Observed & Photographed: 1 adult male & 1 female/immature, Oceana (Private Residence), 26 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels).

  • COMMON MERGANSER – First Observed & Photographed: 5 females, Munden Point Park, 27 Nov (ph. Charlie Carr & Ryan Carr).

  • Snow Goose – First Observed: 50, Rudee Inlet, 27 Nov (vis. Michael Linz & Patty McLean). First Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR, 18 Dec (ph. Dan Clark).

  • MUTE SWAN – First Observed & Photographed: 1 immature, Pleasure House Point NA, 30 Nov (ph. Kathy Spencer).

  • Redhead – First Observed & Photographed: 2 drakes, Dam Neck Naval Annex (Restricted), 3 Dec (ph. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty).

  • Long-tailed Duck – First Observed: 1, Rudee Inlet, 10 Dec (obs. Mike Resch). First Photographed: 1 female, Back Bay NWR (C Pool), 15 Dec (ph. David Clark & Ashley Lauria).

  • Horned Lark – First Observed & Photographed: 3, Harris Teeter Retention Pond, 17 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • RED-NECKED GREBE – First Observed & Photographed: 2, Guy Ave. (Chesapeake Bay), 21 Dec (ph. Steve Keith).

  • American Woodcock – First Observed: 1, Back Bay NWR (Carter Marsh), 29 Dec (aud. Andrew Baldelli & Tommy Maloney).

  • WESTERN GREBE – First Observed: 1, Sandbridge Beach, 29 Dec (vis. Gary Witmer). First Photographed: 1, Sandbridge Beach, 31 Dec (ph. Baxter Beamer & Martina Nordstrand).

  • PURPLE FINCH – First Observed: 1, Crags Causeway, 29 Dec (aud. Baxter Beamer & Martina Nordstrand).

  • RED-TAILED HAWK (ABIETICOLA) – First Observed: 1, Blackwater Baptist Church, 29 Dec (vis. Baxter Beamer & Martina Nordstrand).

  • RUSTY BLACKBIRD – First Observed & Photographed: 15, Bellamy Manor (Private Residence), 30 Dec (ph. Una Davenhill).

  • Canvasback – First Observed & Photographed: 1 female, North Witchduck Ponds, 2 Jan (ph. Marie Furnish, Ron Furnish & Dixie Mullins).

Fall arrival species not yet logged this season in Virginia Beach (average arrival date listed in parentheses). Rarities are listed in all capital lettering. Typical fall arrival dates are as follows: