Early June 2018 (1st-10th)

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The summer reporting season has now begun, and birders across the city began to focus their attention towards our breeding species now that the spring migration has officially ended. Fear not though, by the end of June, we should once again begin seeing returning species (mostly of the shorebird variety) as their average “fall” migration begins as early as 30 Jun (Spotted Sandpiper). For the next several weeks though, it’s a good time to seek out summer rarities. Last year we were all kept busy by the Fork-tailed Flycatcher at Back Bay NWR; who knows what might steal the show this summer. For the first reporting period though, top records in Virginia Beach included new rarity reports for ROSEATE SPOONBILL and continuing rarity reports for WHITE-EYED EASTERN TOWHEE! New arrivals were nonexistent as expected, but we had quite a few unseasonal occurrences (species that aren’t typically observed during the summer here) including TUNDRA SWAN, RING-NECKED DUCK, GADWALL & PEREGRINE FALCON. Additionally, there were several reports perhaps more appropriately labelled as late occurrences for SURF SCOTER, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER & RED-BREASTED MERGANSER that eclipsed the expected departure date for the species.

For the second reporting period in a row, we find ourselves highlighted by the discovery of a large, pink, wading species: the ROSEATE SPOONBILL! This time however, two individuals were observed together, foraging in the shallow waters of the Lynnhaven estuary at adjacent to Pleasure House Point NA on 3 Jun (ph. Hugh Davenhill). Incredibly, this now makes potentially three individuals for the year that have been observed in Virginia Beach (it is possible that one of these may have been the Back Bay bird (ph. Charlie Bruggemann), or that both were present at Back Bay, and only one was observed; unfortunately no way to be certain). For a species that was only recorded once in Virginia Beach prior to last year (one was photographed at Back Bay NWR on 12 Jun 1996 by refuge staff), it is utterly astonishing that we’ve experienced back-to-back years that mirror reports in an eerie fashion. In 2017, a pair was observed at Pleasure House Point on 25 Aug (obs. Eric & James Marcum), and then a single individual was found at Back Bay NWR from 3-5 Sep (ph. Timothy Burnett). We’ve apparently received the reverse situation in 2018, down to the counts and locations. A single bird was seen later in the week in a flooded field in the City of Fredericksburg, and of course, we’re left to wonder if this might be one of the Virginia Beach birds, or yet another individual that was pushed outside its normal range. Farther away, an individual was noted in Indiana (an apparent second state record), and one was also fond in New Jersey. Whatever the reasons for their dispersal (some suspect a link to sub-tropical storm Alberto could exist), it certainly means we as birders need to scrutinize every group of distant waders we come across moving forward. Who knows when the next one might show up at this rate?

Also rare for Virginia Beach, and only the second of its kind reported so far this year, a vocalizing DICKCISSEL was observed at the north tip of Knotts Island on 7 Jun (obs. Tracy Tate). The northernmost 0.7 miles of Knotts Island Road sits within the state of Virginia, and is a part of Virginia Beach, in contrast to the remaining bulk of the island which is part of Currituck County, North Carolina. This stretch of road also yielded a Warbling Vireo last period, and perhaps it benefits from geography as being a peninsula jutting out into Back Bay. Maybe northbound migrants stop here before deciding whether to head inland, or cross to the outer coast? Interestingly, a Dickcissel was reported a few days later on the NC side, near the Mackay Island NWR visitor center and one has to wonder if this is the same bird. Perhaps it’ll move back to the Virginia Beach side of the state line in the near future.

Aside from the spoonbills & the Dickcissel, the only other rarity logged this period was the continuing WHITE-EYED EASTED TOWHEE that has been present at Back Bay NWR (a hundred yards or so north of the waterfowl blind) since 12 May. The latest occurrence, 3 Jun (ph. Rob Bielawski), yielded an audio recording of the bird (perhaps the first audio of this race in Virginia?) and also a “possible” breeding code for the 2nd Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas. If this individual is observed again singing in this location, it can be bumped up to a “probable” code, which would be exciting! To date, there is only one known record for this race of Eastern Towhee away from Back Bay NWR in Virginia, so it is certainly worth investigating every towhee that is heard to see what color eye it might have!

As mentioned above, we had quite a few records for species that aren’t typically observed in the summer season, and while a couple of these species are simply lingering a bit late, some were true surprises. The presumably injured TUNDRA SWAN first noted at Back Bay NWR on 19 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate) continued to be observed throughout early June on the C Storage Pool. Last sighted 8 Jun, this marks the first time a Tundra Swan has been logged to eBird in Virginia Beach during the summer season. Additionally, a pair of in-flight Tundra Swans were reported over Sandbridge Beach on 1 Jun (obs. Mary Catherine Miguez). That record is even more incredible, given the birds were healthy enough for flight. During the Back Bay NWR thrice-monthly impoundment survey on 5 Jun a female GADWALL and a female RING-NECKED DUCK were discovered (obs. Robert Ake & David Hughes). Both were first records here in the summer months, though a male/female pair of Gadwall also present at Eastern Shore NWR in Northampton County provides some additional context for this local find. There’s a lot of water and marsh around Back Bay, and not a lot of access, so it’s very possible that some of these have lingered in other years as well. Several weeks beyond its usual 15 May departure date, a PEREGRINE FALCON was reported over Lake Smith on 4 Jun (obs. Tracy Tate). This species nests on the Eastern Shore, and there are occasional summer reports from downtown Norfolk as well, so this is another that might possibly breed somewhere in the city; certainly one to watch for this summer around Town Center or the resort area’s tall buildings.

In addition to these truly unseasonal finds, several species lingered a bit beyond their typical departure dates. With an average late date of 25 May, an adult male SURF SCOTER found in the waters off 85th Street Beach on 8 Jun (obs. Andrew Baldelli) provided a nice summer record. Yet another species of waterfowl stayed late this year, with up to three RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS documented well at First Landing SP’s beach through 4 Jun (ph. June McDaniels), with one individual straggling through at least 7 Jun (ph. June McDaniels), and potentially a different individual at Pleasure House Point NA on 3 Jun (obs. Tracy Tate). Lastly, a beautiful YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was photo-documented via kayak in the swampy vicinity of Lake Tecumseh on 2 Jun (ph. Mary Catherine Miguez). That record provides only the second likely area in the city where the species might breed, having been confirmed carrying nesting material at Stumpy Lake NA earlier this spring. It’s very possible that the flooded forests along West Neck Creek and the North Landing River hold this species throughout the summer, but access is severely limited, with private property lining the watershed.

WEATHER:  Early June was surprisingly a bit cooler than the previous two periods. Average daily high temperatures dropped slightly from those in late May, 1.6° from 83.8° F to 82.2° (-1.0° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures following suit, 0.8° from 67.2° to 66.4° F (+0.7° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 62° F (4 & 8 Jun) to a maximum of 89° (2 Jun). During the period, 0.45” of rain fell, spread across two days with measurement amounts, with a maximum of 0.43” falling on Saturday, 2 Jun. Maximum sustained winds at Oceana this period were 17 mph (3 Jun) and gusts reached 26 mph (10 Jun). No noteworthy tidal surge events (>2’) affected the Sewell’s Point tide gauge this period. Sunrise/sunsets varied from 5:46 AM/8:17 PM (1 Jun) to 5:44 AM/8:22 PM (10 Jun), which means we gained 7 minutes of daylight during this period with a total of 14 hours and 38 minutes of ‘Length of Day’ to close the period!

For those hoping to view every photograph submitted for Virginia Beach during this period, please see the complete listing for the month of June located on eBird’s Media explorer by clicking here! Please remember, anyone with an eBird account also has the ability to rate these photographs (1-5 stars), and based on the average rating, this is how eBird populates anything media-driven on the website, particularly the Illustrated Checklists! So, if you're one of the many folks who enjoy looking at photographs of birds, take some time to click them all and rate them, it helps make eBird better and better each day!

LOOKAHEAD: With early June completed, we have now bid farewell to Red Knot, Blackpoll Warbler, Gull-billed Tern, Spotted Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Black-bellied Plover & Ruddy Turnstone (5 Jun expected departure) and White-rumped Sandpiper & Semipalmated Plover (10 May). Any records for these species moving forward will flag in eBird as ‘rare’, though techinically they are flagging for being found past their usual date of departure. If you observe any of these species near or after those dates, please try to document their occurrence to the best of your ability; it helps make eBird data & filters more accurate! From now through late June, we will not have any expected species arrivals, but from there moving forward, fall arrivals will be listed here each period (so stay tuned).

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For further information regarding this thrice-monthly, online publication, please visit the Journal Overview Page which provides an in-depth explanation of the format, layout and composition of the journal. As always, thank you for reading, and please leave me a comment below (you may use your Facebook, Gmail or other accounts to easily do so), or just click the Heart icon to the lower right of this post to let me know you stopped in!

Late May 2018 (21st-31st)

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A sharp decline in both diversity of species and counts of individual birds occurred after the spring’s major coastal migration movement on 11 May. As a result, late May provided a bit of a burn-out effect for most birders in Virginia Beach as the realization that the season had reached its peak and the sheer volume of birds arriving to the city quickly tapered off. Additionally, high temperatures and unstable weather helped to define this reporting period, and the overall number of eBird checklists was down a bit from that of recent periods (despite the Memorial Day holiday weekend which can often bring many vacationing birders to Virginia Beach). However, as we’ve all become accustomed to, there is always something interesting to find in the city, and top records for late May in Virginia Beach included new rarity reports for ROSEATE SPOONBILL, BARN OWL, DICKCISSEL, BLACK-NECKED STILT & WARBLING VIREO and continuing rarity reports for at least two separate COMMON GALLINULES! Once mid-May passed, expected spring arrivals became non-existent since each of these species had already been logged, paving the way for late lingerers to take their place in the spotlight. With that in mind, during late May we saw records for TUNDRA SWAN, BUFFLEHEAD, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, BONAPARTE’S GULL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, PEREGRINE FALCON, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, RED-THROATED LOON & LEAST SANDPIPER that eclipsed the departure dates for each species in an average year!

Topping the list this reporting period, and also representing the rarest bird observed so far in 2018 in Virginia Beach, a ROSEATE SPOONBILL was observed flying north over the Dune Trail at Back Bay NWR on 31 May (ph. Charlie Bruggemann)! At present, it appears that the identity of the massive pink bird was also independently arrived at by a park biologist who spotted the (likely) same individual on the C Pool prior to its flight over the Dune Trail. For a species that until last year had been documented only once in Virginia Beach altogether (one at Back Bay NWR on 12 Jun 1996), it is incredible that this 2018 bird now makes for a third recorded individual at Back Bay NWR, which now has hosted more Roseate Spoonbills than any other location in the state of Virginia! In 2017 (during what will be remembered as a major irruption of the species northeast of their normal range) a pair of spoonbills was observed at Pleasure House Point NA (obs. Eric & James Marcum) on 25 Aug, and the ensuing chaos caused by a sudden, torrential rain storm, allowed for a few locals to see the birds before they quickly departed the area (once the storm had subsided). Not long afterwards, a third individual for the year was noted at none other than, Back Bay NWR, from 3-5 Sep (ph. Timothy Burnett). The 2017 irruption also brought records to Shirley Plantation in Charles City, Chippokes Plantation in Surry, Hog Island WMA in Surry, Plum Tree Island NWR in Poquoson, Chincoteague NWR in Accomack and even to the Kiptopeke SP Hawkwatch site in Northampton. Perhaps 2018 will yield more than just this one sighting, but if not, it just makes it all the more incredible!

Every bit as unusual as the Spoonbill within the borders of Virginia Beach, a first-ever-eBird record for BARN OWL was submitted for 31 May at Pleasure House Point NA (ph. Warren Rofe)! This is the first new species to be added to the city's eBird listing since the Least Flycatcher of fall 2017 at Back Bay NWR. Barn Owl is a species almost exclusively associated with, you guessed it, barns. So, having a record in the northern, developed portion of the city is nothing short of incredible. Many of the areas birders have long-thought there may be individuals present in the more rural, southern, portion of the city, but with any available space on private property surveys for the birds are several lacking. The question of whether the bird was displaced, or whether it has been there for some time is also lingering among us unanswered, and subsequent checks have not yielded the owl unfortunately.

Another first for 2018, DICKCISSEL was found at Little Island Park on 23 May (obs. Tom Beatty). This is only the 6th individual to be recorded in Virginia Beach according to eBird reports and additionally, it represents our very first spring record! Past records in the city include an individual at Back Bay NWR on 20 Aug 2011 (obs. Robert Ake), a late winter record at Princess Anne WMA’s Whitehurst Tract on 14 Feb 2016 (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate), a pair of fall migrants at Little Island Park’s kayak launch side on 12 Oct 2016 (obs. James Marcum and ph. Mike Collins), and a possible breeder at Camp Pendleton SMR on 13-14 Jul 2017 (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty). The 2018 individual did not stick around long, and unfortunately no other reports from Little Island showed the bird later in the day. This species has been popping up at a number of locations scattered across Virginia over the last week (with a few even in the coastal plain), so any appropriate habitat around the city needs to be checked. Prime locations for this species would be cut over fields that have several years of shrub growth and dense vegetation beneath; Whitehurst & Beasley Tracts comes to mind, or several fields scattered around southern Virginia Beach.

Yet another first for the year, a BLACK-NECKED STILT was found during the thrice-monthly impoundment survey at Back Bay NWR on 25 May (obs. Robert Ake). Initially found on the ditch south of the C Storage Pool, this individual was observed later in the afternoon at the eastern fringes of the C Storage Pool (ph. Rob Bielawski) and then on the C Pool the following day (ph. Steve Myers), so it appeared to be slowly moving north across the park. Since that time though, no other reports of the bird have come in, and it is likely that it moved out of the area (despite this being potential breeding habitat). April and May tend to be the months where this species shows up here, typically as transient birds are making their way north, and while reports in the city occur annually, we typically only see 1-2 different individuals each spring with most reports at Back Bay NWR. Last year, we were a bit spoiled by having potentially 4 individuals recorded in the city between 26 Apr & 13 May, with one at Back Bay NWR, two in a rainfall-induced puddle along Muddy Creek Rd., and one found in a marsh at Marina Shores.

Last, but certainly not least, an unexpectedly rare, and very late WARBLING VIREO was found in the small portion of Knott’s Island that sits inside Virginia Beach’s border (rather than Currituck County, NC) on 27 May (obs. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate). A second individual for the spring season here in Virginia Beach, this makes 2018 the first year where we’ve had more than one Warbling Vireo logged in the city according to eBird! Singles have been noted in 1996, 2012, 2016 and 2017, with the vast majority of years providing no records for this species which is found typically far west of us in higher elevations of the state. This also exceeds the latest known spring date for a transient of this species passing through Virginia Beach, with the previous date of 17 May 1996 at Back Bay NWR eclipsed by a healthy 10 days. No other reports came in for the current bird though, as this area of the city isn’t one that many birders venture too. Geographically, it probably gets some overshooting birds in spring that hang around for a day or two before either crossing Back Bay or heading back inland. It suffers from a lack of public land however, and any observations must occur from the public road that runs north-south for a relatively short distance.

We had a pair of continuing rarities during late May, both of which were COMMON GALLINULES. The first, and more recently discovered, is that of a single individual found at the west end of the Raptor Trail at Back Bay NWR on 14 May (obs. Cindy Hamilton). This individual appears to have persisted at this exact location (give or take 50 feet for most reports) through at least 24 May (ph. Kathy Louthan). Another Common Gallinule, likely one of a pair of birds encountered earlier this spring nearby, was photographed at Princess Anne WMA’s Whitehurst Tract on 27 May (ph. Rob Bielawski). This individual was observed in close proximity with an American Coot on the third impoundment south of Munden Road. What makes both of the sightings interesting, is that so far in the state of Virginia as a whole, there has only been one record of a Common Gallinule that was outside of Virginia Beach. So, with at least three individuals logged here this spring, and the potential for more through the summer if any of these decide to breed locally, it has been an excellent year for the species in the city.

While we’ve finally reached the tail end of the spring season, which means we had no new arrivals to report (at least for expected species), we did have quite a few species linger past their average spring departure dates. Most notable among the group, a single TUNDRA SWAN continues to be observed on the C Storage Pool at Back Bay NWR (observed by many but last reported 31 May, obs. Tommy Maloney & Jason Schatti), and it has become increasingly clear that this must be an injured individual, now about 6-7 weeks beyond this species’ typical date of departure from the city. Very late as well, by roughly a month behind the average departure date of 30 Apr, a female BUFFLEHEAD found on the beach at First Landing SP on 30 May (obs. June McDaniels) almost certainly represents another injured individual. An astonishing 26 days late, a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was photographed about a quarter mile off the Oceanfront beach on 26 May (ph. Justin Fuller). It will be interesting to see if this individual lingers, as summer scoter records are usually dominated by Black Scoters, with Surf Scoters next in line. Records for White-winged Scoters in Jun are nearly absent from this part of the coast. A BONAPARTE’S GULL photographed on the mudflats at Pleasure House Point NA on 18 May (ph. Rob Bielawski) appears to have continued at this location through 22 May (obs. Robert Ake & Edward Brinkley, and later by Andrew Baldelli). Perhaps this same individual was reported on the beach nearby at First Landing SP on 30 May (ph. June McDaniels) & again on 31 May (obs. June McDaniels), a remarkable 21 days beyond the average departure date of 10 May. At 14 days beyond the average departure date, a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL observed on the impoundments at Back Bay NWR on 24 May (obs. Andrew Baldelli) represents an interesting record, given that the latest report prior to this one occurred way back on 5 May!

A singing male BALTIMORE ORIOLE on Knott’s Island’s Virginia Beach portion found 27 May (obs. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate) and likely the same individual observed 31 May (obs. James Marcum) exceeded this species usual departure date by 11 days. At seven days beyond average, a PEREGRINE FALCON in Thoroughgood on 22 May (obs. Tracy Tate) was a great late May record. Three late RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were noted, with an adult female at Rudee Inlet on 28 May (obs. Andrew Baldelli), with likely the same individual observed later in the day (obs. Logan Anderson) and a separate pair of females was found at First Landing SP on 30 May (ph. June McDaniels) and again on 31 May (obs. June McDaniels) the latest being six days beyond the expected 25 May departure date. At least two RED-THROATED LOONS persisted into late May (though only a maximum of two days beyond typical), with one individual in the central resort district on 21 May (obs. Corey Entriken) and a second individual photographed inside of Rudee Inlet on 22 May (ph. Robert Ake & Edward Brinkley). Lastly, a single LEAST SANDPIPER was photographed on the beach at Back Bay NWR on 31 May (ph. Charlie Bruggemann), just one day past the expected 30 May departure date, but late nonetheless!

One interesting report that garners mention here is that of a MISSISSIPPI KITE observed flying north over Back Bay NWR on 26 May (ph. Steve Myers). While this species does not flag as a rarity in eBird for Virginia Beach anymore, it was once very scarce. In recent years, a pair of birds was noted as breeding in the Thoroughgood section of the city, and since then, the population of returning kites has increased each year. However, most have already arrived to this northern portion of the city going back to the early part of May, so this report of a transient bird passing through Back Bay is especially interesting, and if we had sub-county data filters in eBird, this species would like flag as rare anywhere away from Kings Grant & Thoroughgood just due to the unlikelihood of catching one passing through. This is similar to how Clapper Rails don’t flag as rare, but anywhere away from saltmarshes in the city, they’re certainly unexpected. King Rails by association, are truly rare anywhere away from the freshwater of Back Bay and its tributaries. Great Cormorants away from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are exceedingly rare as well, though they’re locally common at that site. Anyway, you get the point, the eBird data quality filters have had a great deal of thought put into them, but there are geographical issues that have not yet been overcome, yet!

With the next reporting period (early June) beginning the ‘ornithological summer’ season, it feels important to remind all birders in Virginia Beach that the 2nd Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas is now moving fully ahead into its third season of data collection. This five year project is aimed at mapping out the breeding ranges for every species of bird that nests within the state of Virginia. It is intended to provide a comparison with data from the 1st Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas, which took place in the 1980s, to identify species whose populations have deteriorated, and to use this knowledge to build plans on how these species-in-need might be better assisted by federal agencies and conservation organizations. Co-sponsored by the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fishers, the Virginia Society of Ornithology and the Conservation Management Institute at Virginia Tech, this project relies heavily on volunteers for data input using eBird, so if you’re already an eBird user, this project is a great way to help make your checklists potentially count for more than just numbers on your personal life list, by helping document the shifting distributional patterns of species that can directly benefit from your observations! A large array of information regarding the project is available online, with the Atlas Website being a great starting point for anyone who might be interested, as well as the Atlas eBird Portal News Page. Additionally, I help run the Atlas’ Public Facebook Page (where information is shared to the broader community of those folks who have shown an interest in the project), as well as the Atlas’ Facebook Group (where active Atlasers can share their sightings and discuss various aspects of the project with one another).

All that said, I wanted to point out some interesting observations that were submitted to the project via eBird during late May! On 23 May, right in a residential yard, a Tufted Titmouse fledgling was beautifully documented (ph. Mary Catherine Miguez), thereby confirming the species in this particular Atlas Block as a breeder. Later that same day, a Killdeer was observed tending to a nest with several eggs in it, and a Brown Thrasher was observed feeding a younger individual at Little Island Park (ph. Mary Catherine Miguez). A very difficult species to confirm in Virginia Beach, a nest of Green Herons was observed in central Virginia Beach on 25 May (ph. Pamela Monahan). Lastly, a pair of waterfowl confirmations came in this period when a female Mallard was observed with 8 fledglings in tow at Back Bay NWR on 25 May (ph. Rob Bielawski), and a female Wood Duck at Princess Anne WMA’s Whitehurst Tract was noted with a matching set of youngsters on 27 May (ph. Rob Bielawski). On each of these checklists, you’ll notice that a ‘breeding code’ has been assigned for the applicable entries, and this information is the life blood of the project. The idea is to confirm as many species as possible during the five year project, but there are many different codes ranging across three main groups: Possibles, probables, and confirmations. The only other difference from a normal eBird checklist is apparent at the top left corner of these checklists. Note that the logo does not simply show the standard eBird symbol of a bird in flight; instead it state Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas 2, and shows the Loggerhead Shrike symbol to the right of the text. In order to make any eBird checklist into an Atlas checklist, all one needs to do is navigate to the list, simply click the “Change Portal” button that appears on the bottom right panel, select Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas from the drop-down menu that pops up, and click the big green button that also says “Change Portal”. Add in some breeding codes for what was observed, and that’s it, nothing to it!

WEATHER:  Late May 2018 turned out be the warmest comparable period since 2011 in Virginia Beach, and while the 90° high on 12 May still holds the top notch for 2018, this period as a whole was our warmest so far. Average daily high temperatures rose slightly from those in mid-May, 0.7° from 83.1° F to 83.8° (+3.7° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures barely dropping, 0.1° from 67.3° to 67.2° F (+4.2° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 57° F (25 May) to a maximum of 89° (27 May). During the period, 2.21” of rain fell, spread across four days with measurement amounts, with a maximum of 1.65” falling on Monday, 28 May. Maximum sustained winds at Oceana this period were 18 mph (27 & 31 May) and gusts reached 26 mph (31 May). No noteworthy tidal surge events affected the Sewell’s Point tide gauge this period. Sunrise/sunsets varied from 5:52 AM/8:09 PM (21 May) to 5:46 AM/8:17 PM (31 May), which means we gained 14 minutes of daylight during this period with a total of 14 hours and 30 minutes of ‘Length of Day’ to close the period!

For those hoping to view every photograph submitted for Virginia Beach during this period, please see the complete listing for the month of May located on eBird’s Media explorer by clicking here! Please remember, anyone with an eBird account also has the ability to rate these photographs (1-5 stars), and based on the average rating, this is how eBird populates anything media-driven on the website, particularly the Illustrated Checklists! So, if you're one of the many folks who enjoy looking at photographs of birds, take some time to click them all and rate them, it helps make eBird better and better each day!

LOOKAHEAD: With late May completed, we have now bid farewell to Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Veery, Bobolink, Stilt Sandpiper, Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Horned Grebe, Northern Gannet & Purple Sandpiper (25 May expected departure date) and Common Nighthawk, Worm-eating Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot & Dunlin (30 May). Any records for these species moving forward will flag in eBird as ‘rare’, though techinically they are flagging for being found past their usual date of departure. In early June, we have typical departure dates for Red Knot, Blackpoll Warbler, Gull-billed Tern, Spotted Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Black-bellied Plover & Ruddy Turnstone (5 Jun) and White-rumped Sandpiper & Semipalmated Plover (10 May), which will wrap up our spring migration season! So, make sure to try for your last sightings of the season on these species while you can! If you observe any of these species near or after those dates, please try to document their occurrence to the best of your ability; it helps make eBird data & filters more accurate! From now through late June, we will not have any expected species arrivals, but from there moving forward, fall arrivals will be listed here each period (so stay tuned). As always, make sure to report your finds to eBird so the data can be used to adjust the average expected spring departure dates!

Next Entry | Entry Index | Previous Entry

For further information regarding this thrice-monthly, online publication, please visit the Journal Overview Page which provides an in-depth explanation of the format, layout and composition of the journal. As always, thank you for reading, and please leave me a comment below (you may use your Facebook, Gmail or other accounts to easily do so), or just click the Heart icon to the lower right of this post to let me know you stopped in!

Mid-May 2018 (11th-20th)

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After what had been a slow crawl towards the peak of migration dating all the way back into mid-March, the first day of mid-May finally produced what will be remembered as the most exciting day of the spring season for 2018! Overnight on 10/11 May, a large volume of migrants pent-up by persistent north winds to our south were finally released by strong southwesterly winds. Coupled with the timing of a strong wind-switch to the northwest just after dawn, a coastal fallout of birds of a magnitude we hadn’t witnessed in Virginia Beach all season was finally induced! Bolstered heavily by this single-day movement, top records for mid-May in Virginia Beach included new rarity reports for YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, EASTERN TOWHEE (WHITE-EYED), YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, COMMON GALLINULE & PARASITIC JAEGER, continuing rarity reports for TENNESSEE WARBLER & WARBLING VIREO and unseasonal occurrences for BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER & WESTERN SANDPIPER! With the peak of spring migration behind us, first-of-season arrivals were hard to come by, though we did log some later-than-expects firsts for COMMON NIGHTHAWK, GULL-BILLED TERN & BANK SWALLOW reports for the season. By mid-May, late spring departures/lingering individuals are much more likely to produce reports than spring arrivals, and as such, this reporting period we saw records in this vein for TUNDRA SWAN, BONAPARTE’S GULL, MERLIN, SAVANNAH SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW!

Leading the period, and likely the spring season as a whole, a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was observed flying south over the Raptor Trail (formerly known as the “Bay Trail”) at Back Bay NWR on 11 May (obs. Andrew Baldelli). Last reported in Virginia Beach way back on 28 Sep 2010 at Lynnhaven Inlet (continuing at least from 26 Sep, ph. Karen Kearney), this is a species that has been looked for often, but just not found in the last 7+ years. Typically, Yellow-headeds are found in the late fall/early winter mixed in with large flocks of blackbirds/grackles/cowbirds as they move around large agricultural portions of the coast. Annually reported in the coastal plain as a whole, it is a species long overdue here in Virginia Beach, but surprising to say the least that our first recent record would come during spring.

Next up, and what may be a continuing individual, or a new bird, is the occurrence of a WHITE-EYED race EASTERN TOWHEE at Back Bay NWR on 12 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Rob Bielawski). It is possible that this is the same individual observed on 26 Apr along the Entrance Road (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty), however, this one was observed a mile or more to the south, near the waterfowl blind where one was first reported in 2017 as well. It is still not certain as to whether we have a small population of this pale-eyed birds at Back Bay NWR, or if it is a continuing individual moving around the northern portion of the park. Another report came in on 19 May (ph. David Clark), though the report doesn’t specify the exact location where this one was observed. Moving forward, if you happen to see one, make sure to log it to eBird as this particular race of Towhee.

During the major movement of birds on the morning of 11 May, our third YELLOW-THROATED VIREO of the spring season was reported at Back Bay NWR (obs. Andrew Baldelli, viewed by many obs., and later ph. Rob Bielawski). In a typical spring season, we usually get 1 or 2 individuals reported so this has been an exceptional year for them by our past standards. One prior sight record occurred 21 Apr at West Neck Creek NA (obs. Tom Beatty), and another individual was photographed on 1 May at Stumpy Lake NA (ph. Rob Bielawski). This species summers regularly just west of Virginia Beach, but we haven’t had any breeding-related observations in recent years, though the swamps and lowland forests around Stumpy Lake and the North Landing River may hold some individuals. So far, they’ve eluded us in publicly accessible locations though.

Also a third individual for the season (and the year), a COMMON GALLINULE was found on 14 May (obs. Cindy Hamilton) near the small bog and larger pond at the western fringe of the Raptor Trail at Back Bay NWR. Along with the pair that is potentially still present at Princess Anne WMA’s Whitehurst Tract, this is the first time in a while where several “chaseable” Common Gallinules have been known in the city. The Back Bay individual was observed a great many times over the next few days, primarily due to the ease of access to its preferred location (roughly 0.5 miles from the parking lot), and as this report is being written, the most current record is 21 May, so if you have a desire to see this bird, it is likely still present. On Sunday, 20 May, the persistent southwesterly winds had flooded the trail out to where it was impassable, but the waters must have receded by the following day given the newer report.

Seawatching at Little Island Park on 19 May produced our second record for PARASITIC JAEGER of the season (obs. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate), though this makes potentially four separate individuals now noted. Jaegers undoubtedly move this time of year, as they breed in northern Canada, and most cross land during the transition months, however, they’re best detected along our coast during periods of persistent easterly winds which force the birds in closer to shore. Just something to keep in mind if hoping to spot them, a scope is a must for this style of birding.

Several continuing rarities kept birders in Virginia Beach excited through mid-May, with what is likely the same TENNESSEE WARBLER first observed at Back Bay NWR on 5 May (ph. June McDaniels) being viewed through at least 11 May (last obs. Andrew Baldelli / Timothy Barry / Mike Collins / Mary Catherine Miguez). Additionally, the WARBLING VIREO first found at the same location on 6 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Rob Bielawski) continued along the Raptor Trail through at least 11 May (obs. Rob Bielawski and Marie & Ron Furnish). More information on both of those finds can be viewed in the early May report though.

Not observed every spring here in Virginia Beach, a well-described male BAY-BREASTED WARBLER was reported on 15 May (perfectly situated in their window of past, albeit non-annual spring records), at Camp Pendleton SMR (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty). The last time one was recorded here in spring was back in 2016, when both a female (8 May, ph. Christine Peters) and a male (16 May, ph. Jonathan Snyder, ph. Bob McAlpine, ph. Rob Bielawski) were observed at Back Bay NWR along the then-titled Bay Trail. Additionally, we had our first BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER report for the year when one was photographed behind the Back Bay NWR visitor center on 14 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli). eBird records of this species here in spring are severely lacking, with only one noted in 2017 at Pleasure House Point NA (26 May, ph. Tommy Maloney), and two individuals in 2016 at Back Bay NWR (3 May, ph. Lauren Shaffer). Going back further, one must go all the way to 1994 for a spring record here in eBird! Last of the unseasonal occurrences, a WESTERN SANDPIPER was photographed in the Marina Shores area of Shore Drive on 16 May (ph. June McDaniels). Missed altogether outside of the fall in 2017, our last good year for this species was 2016 when Princess Anne WMA’s Beasley Tract was the spring-hotspot for shorebirds. Unfortunately, this year we don’t have the right habitat accessible, and since Back Bay is not tidal like the waters of the Eastern Shore are, these mudflat dwelling migrants are difficult to find even when they should be passing through.

By mid-May, there are no more “early” spring arrivals to be had, with all the expected species’ arrival dates occurred on or before 10 May, but, we did have three species reported that had somehow gone undetected until this reporting period. First, a COMMON NIGHTHAWK was reported in the Virginia Beach portion of Knott’s Island on 13 May (obs. David Clark), thirteen days after their average expected date. Next, small numbers of GULL-BILLED TERNS trickled over Back Bay NWR on 11 May (obs. Andrew Baldelli / Rob Bielawski / Mary Catherine Miguez), sixteen days later than the usual first report. Lastly, we finally had our first report for a single BANK SWALLOW at Back Bay NWR on 19 May (ph. David Clark), a miraculous 34 days later than expected. This should help clarify to local birders that this species is by no means an “automatic” find here during the spring months!

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we had five species reported during mid-May that were found after their average departure dates. Most notable among the group, a single TUNDRA SWAN photographed from the West Dike at Back Bay NWR on 19 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate), represented the only record for this species since 1 Apr, and was logged 39 days beyond the average departure date of 10 Apr! A BONAPARTE’S GULL photographed on the mudflats at Pleasure House Point NA on 18 May (ph. Rob Bielawski) will likely be our last record for the season, occurring 8 days beyond the usual departure. A continuing MERLIN was noted at Back Bay NWR through 11 May (many obs.), making it 6 days late. A SAVANNAH SPARROW noted at Back Bay NWR on 11 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli / Rob Bielawski / Mary Catherine Miguez), and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at the same location/date (obs. Andrew Baldelli) marked late reports for each species by a single day.

WEATHER:  Mid-May 2018 turned out be the warmest comparable period since at least 2007 (probably longer) in Virginia Beach, and we reached the highest temperature for 2018 of 90° on 12 May. Average daily high temperatures rose drastically from those in early May, 7.5° from 75.6° F to 83.1° (+8.1° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures following suit, 11.1° from 56.2° to 67.3° F (+9.2° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 61° F (11 & 13 May) to a maximum of 90° (12 May). An astonishing 4.10” of rain fell during the period, spread across six days with measurement amounts, with a maximum of 2.36” falling on Thursday, 17 May, which caused a great deal of ponding across the city. Maximum sustained winds at Oceana this period were 32 mph and gusts reached 51 mph (14 May) as a strong front crossed over the city, causing the weather station at Back Bay NWR to snap and topple over. No noteworthy tidal surge events affected the Sewell’s Point tide gauge this period. Sunrise/sunsets varied from 5:59 AM/8:01 PM (11 May) to 5:52 AM/8:09 PM (20 May), which means we gained 18 minutes of daylight during this period with a total of 14 hours and 16 minutes of ‘Length of Day’ to close the period!

For those hoping to view every photograph submitted for Virginia Beach during this period, please see the complete listing for the month of May located on eBird’s Media explorer by clicking here! Please remember, anyone with an eBird account also has the ability to rate these photographs (1-5 stars), and based on the average rating, this is how eBird populates anything media-driven on the website, particularly the Illustrated Checklists! So, if you're one of the many folks who enjoy looking at photographs of birds, take some time to click them all and rate them, it helps make eBird better and better each day!

LOOKAHEAD: With mid-May completed, we have now bid farewell to Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Piping Plover, Peregrine Falcon & Yellow-rumped Warbler (15 May expected departure date) and Wilson’s Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Whimbrel, Bank Swallow, Solitary Sandpiper, Black-and-white Warbler, Red-throated Loon, American Bittern, Northern Harrier, Sora, Swamp Sparrow & Baltimore Oriole (20 May). Any records for these species moving forward will flag in eBird as ‘rare’, though techinically they are flagging for being found past their usual date of departure. In late May, we have typical departure dates for Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Veery, Bobolink, Stilt Sandpiper, Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Horned Grebe, Northern Gannet & Purple Sandpiper (25 May) and Common Nighthawk, Worm-eating Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot & Dunlin (30 May). So, make sure to try for your last sightings of the season on these species while you can! If you observe any of these species near or after those dates, please try to document their occurrence to the best of your ability; it helps make eBird data & filters more accurate! Until late June, we will not have any expected species arrival, but from there moving forward, fall arrivals will be listed here each period. As always, make sure to report your finds to eBird so the data can be used to adjust the average expected spring departure dates!

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Early May 2018 (1st-10th)

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The first few days of May were well-defined by the large-scale movement of thrushes into Virginia Beach, with the expected Veery, Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked Thrushes all accounted for at numerous locations that boast proper habitat. Higher counts of warblers, and stronger diversity also rose during early May, and in general, passerine numbers soared above prior reporting periods! Bolstered by southerly winds, strong movements of northbound migrants occurred overnight on 2-3, 3-4, & 4-5 May (the nights of a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). With this burst of warm weather & arriving migrants, coupled with eBird’s “Global Big Day” event occurring on 5 May (a Saturday), Virginia Beach saw incredible numbers of checklists from local birders. Overall, top records for early May in Virginia Beach included new rarity reports for TENNESSEE WARBLER, WARBLING VIREO, NASHVILLE WARBLER, CAPE MAY WARBLER, YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, PAINTED BUNTING, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN & WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, along with continuing rarity reports for COMMON GALLINULE & ANHINGA! At this point in the season, the volume of new species arrivals has waned considerably, with early first-of-season (FOS) records for only RED KNOT and with arrivals on or after average expected dates for GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER & BOBOLINK. This is due to most species’ spring arrival dates occurring by the end of Apr, so by the time we reach the month of May (in an average year), late spring departures are likely to produce more reports than new spring arrivals, and as such, this reporting period we saw records in this vein for RING-NECKED DUCK, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, AMERICAN PIPIT, PALM WARBLER (WESTERN) & MERLIN!

Among the large movement of warblers and various other passerines on the morning of 5 May (a Saturday), a miraculous TENNESSEE WARBLER found in the vegetation lining the “sparrow field” north of Back Bay NWR’s visitor contact station (ph. June McDaniels) provided our rarest observation for the early May reporting period! A very rare transient here in southeast Virginia during the spring season, this report represents the first individual to be photographically documented in Virginia Beach and submitted to eBird, outside of the fall season (when the species is also rare, but slightly less so). In fact, this is only the third spring record listed for the city, with one record on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (perhaps during a fallout of migrants?) on 8 May 2016, and the only other record being an individual noted on 17 May 1997 at First Landing SP. What was likely this same individual was observed at the park, though along the Bay Trail (now officially noted as the Reese F. Lukei, Jr. Raptor Trail by a sign posted at the trailhead) this time, on 9 May (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty). Another individual was reported at Lake Lawson & Lake Smith Natural Area on 6 May (obs. Timothy Barry).

With only 4 prior records in eBird (all in spring) for the City of Virginia Beach, a WARBLING VIREO at Back Bay NWR on 6 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Rob Bielawski) made for an exciting spring coastal record! Known as a rare transient throughout the coastal plain, and even more scarce here in the extreme southeast due to its typical migration following the Blue Ridge en route to the northeast, this record is the first and (currently) the only Atlantic-coastal record south of Cape Henlopen, Delaware thus far for 2018! Additionally, this is the first photographically documented record for Virginia Beach in eBird. As far as recent records go, a well-described individual was noted 11 Apr 2017 at Carolanne Farms Park in western Virginia Beach (obs. Brandon Holland) and a vocalizing individual was found at Back Bay NWR on 12 May 2016 (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty) and remained at the same location through 14 May. Prior to this, eBird records are very scarce, with only one noted at First Landing SP’s former songbird banding station on 5 May 2012 (obs. Calvin Brennan), and lastly, a single bird at Back Bay NWR on 17 May 1996 (obs. Edward Brinkley). The 2018 individual was noted again later in the day on 6 May (obs. Mike Collins), and was viewed the following day, 7 May, in the same general area (obs. Jason Schatti), as well as on 9 May (ph. Mike Collins, obs. Karen & Tom Beatty, ph. Rob Bielawski & Jason Schatti). All observations of the bird occurred in the dense vegetation along the western half of the Bay Trail (now known as the Reese F. Lukei, Jr. Raptor Trail).

With a miraculous two records occurring this period, we increased our total number of spring records for NASHVILLE WARBLER (in eBird) from one to three! An individual was noted at a private residence in Hunt Club Forest on 7 May (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty), and then two days later on 9 May, another individual was observed on private property near Lake Smith (obs. Tracy Tate). The only prior spring record for the species here in Virginia Beach occurred way back on 3 May 2010 at Red Wing Lake Golf Course (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty). Typically, this species is more expected here on the coast during fall migration where counts of 2, 3 or even 4 have been observed on good mornings; this is clearly a rare spring transient worth familiarizing yourself with and looking for right now!

A second (though at the time of submission it was the first) report for CAPE MAY WARBLER occurred on 1 May at Back Bay NWR (ph. Mike Collins), and marked the very first photographically documented spring record for the species in the city for eBird! Observed along what was then-still-called the “Bay Trail” (see above note about the new name), what is likely to have been this same individual was observed again on 4 May (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty), and in the early morning hours of 5 May (obs. Brandon Holland). Like the prior species mentioned above, Cape May Warbler’s occurrence in Virginia Beach during the spring months has been very scarce. The only prior records listed in eBird are for an individual observed on 17 Apr 2017 (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty), one at Back Bay NWR on 11 May 2013 (obs. David Clark) and another at the same location on 11 May 1997 (obs. Edward Brinkley). After this 2018 bird was reported, an earlier report of one popped up at Lake Smith for 28 Apr (obs. Tracy Tate), and since the Late April report was written prior to this, I felt it best to mention it here.

Next up on the list of rarities was another second record for the spring season, and the first to be photographically recorded. A non-vocalizing YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was observed working through the deciduous canopy along the marshy side of the woodland trail at Stumpy Lake NA on 1 May (ph. Rob Bielawski), interestingly staying in close company with a Blue-headed Vireo. The only prior report for 2018 pertains to a sight record of an individual at West Neck Creek NA on 21 Apr (Karen & Tom Beatty). Quoting from last reporting period, “this is a species that we may see one or two records for each spring in Virginia Beach, and coupled with the difficulty for many birders to properly differentiate between it and the superficially similar Pine Warbler, it flags as rare in eBird even in the somewhat expected months of April & May. In 2017, we didn’t have any records in the latter half of the year, and only two individuals were noted overall. The first, found at Stumpy Lake NA on 1 May (obs. David Clark), continued the following day, but then our only other record was an audio-recorded-individual on Muddy Creek Road on 3 Jun (aud. Karen & Tom Beatty), which was quite a surprise since it was the first Jun record in the city since 1992 in eBird.”

A highly unexpected find here during the month of May, a female or immature-type PAINTED BUNTING was discovered at Back Bay NWR right near the stop sign that marks the southern terminus of the visitor center’s eastern parking lot on 2 May (ph. Steve Myers). While Painted Buntings have become an annual winter resident in Virginia Beach, frequenting feeders in several neighborhoods, their occurrence in public spaces has remained scarce and therefore opportunities for most birders to observe them has followed suit. Back Bay NWR has been the most reliable public location though, and during migration, one or two individuals do tend to show up each year. Recent examples of this include an individual photographed near the final bend in the entry road before the parking lot on 23 Sep 2017 (ph. Michael Mayer), and an individual noted in the ‘sparrow field’ north of the visitor center on 13 Oct 2016 (ph. Andrew Baldelli) that remained nearby through at least 5 Nov 2016. Each of these records also pertain to female/immature-plumaged birds. The only recent report of an adult male (the more colorful plumage type) observed in a publicly viewable space was an individual observed during the Back Bay Christmas Bird Count on 29 Dec 2017 along Muddy Creek Road (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty).

A very unexpected May record occurred when a flock of twelve AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS was observed in northbound flight above the entrance causeway to Stumpy Lake NA on 1 May (ph. Rob Bielawski). A first eBird record for the park, this also represents the farthest inland report for Virginia Beach, with almost all prior reports being purely coastal occurrences. Notable exceptions to this include a single individual resting on the smaller, southern pond of Sherwood Lakes from 12-13 Jan (obs. Mike Collins), a group of three birds flying over Interstate 264 on 27 Jan 2016 (obs. David Clark), and a flock of thirteen soaring over the Lesser Goldfinch stakeout site on 28 Nov 2016 (ph. Jeffrey Blalock / Adam D’Onofrio / Mike Stinson / Clyde Wilson). Also notable, the only other May record for this species in the city (according to eBird at least) occurred way back on 9 May 1982 (obs. Barry Kinzie) up at JEB Fort Story. Records tend to slide into May each year at Hog Island WMA in Surry County, and it is possible, perhaps even likely, that this is where this flock of twelve was heading for.

Last for the list of “new” rarities this period, a single immature WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW was reported at Back Bay NWR on 7 May (obs. James Marcum). With only a few scattered records of individual birds so far in 2018, and the fact that White-throated Sparrows outnumber this species about 1,000 to 1 in the city, any observation is worth noting. Typically during the fall, this species is reliably reported (Sep/Oct) during larger scale sparrow movements, but it’s report frequency in the winter and in the spring are both quite low. The vast majority of individuals observed are immature-plumaged birds, and full adults have been very rarely recorded, which is unfortunate because they are quite striking to see!

In terms of continuing rarities, the two COMMON GALLINULES first observed at Princess Anne WMA’s Whitehurst Tract on 15 Apr (ph. Rob Bielawski) were again reported during early May. Thanks in part to the eBird “Global Big Day” event, this pair of potentially breeding birds were detected in the early morning (well before dawn) hours of the day on 5 Apr (obs. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate). For the first time, the pair was heard vocalizing to one another (likely due to the time of day for the observation, while other reports have been during daylight hours). Their occurrence in the park’s heavily vegetated impoundments, which provide an extreme amount of hiding space and seems to be a perfect habitat for a pair to successfully breed. Perhaps a confirmation for the 2nd Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas will come out of Whitehurst Tract this season? As always, please remember that this is a Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries site, and as such, it requires all individuals present to have either a fishing license or a WMA access permit, either of which can be purchased online.

Last for the rarities this period, what is likely to have been one of the continuing AHINGA was reported at Stumpy Lake NA on 5 May (obs. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate). First observed over a month prior at this location, on 2 Apr (obs. Andrew Baldelli), up to three individuals have been noted this spring (peak count occurred 13 Apr). With counts reaching as high as 18 individuals recently outside of Richmond, VA and a report of 19 in Fauquier County, it seems likely that many more have passed by us in Virginia Beach. Stumpy Lake NA has been the most reliable location for the species in year’s past, and so far in 2018 only one other report has occurred in the city away from this location, that being an individual at West Neck Creek NA on 19 Apr (ph. Charlie Bruggemann). Like Mississippi Kites, this species seems to be reported more often as the years go on, and is becoming more expected during Apr & May as a whole throughout Virginia’s coastal plain.

Springtime arrivals have now reached the point in the season where their diversity has waned considerably. Moving forward, we’ll be seeing far more in the way of departures than arrivals. That said, we did have four new “expected” species with arrival dates in early May! These included an early arrival for RED KNOT when one was observed on 5 May (five days earlier than average) at Back Bay NWR (obs. Brandon Holland). On-time, or later than average arrivals also occurred for GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH on 1 May (one day later than average) at West Neck Creek NA (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty), MAGNOLIA WARBLER on 7 May (seven days late) at Back Bay NWR (obs. James Marcum) and for WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER on 7 May (seven days late) found near Marina Shores (ph. Andrew Baldelli). A final first-of-season species was BOBOLINK, with a flock of 50+ individuals being found on 5 May (ten days late) along Back Bay Landing Rd. (ph. Eric Alton & Tamara Conklin). This flock was present the following day between the two 90° bends in the road before the boat ramp, and two additional flocks were also found. The first, another group of 50+ individuals was noted on 6 May in the fields west of Charity Neck Rd. between Pleasant Ridge Rd. and Robinson Rd. (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Rob Bielawski), and the third group was found in the field housing a grain elevator near the intersection of Indian River Rd. and West Neck Rd. (ph. Rob Bielawski). All three locations featured the exact same habitat, tall fields of wheat with plentiful seeds at the top of the roughly 5’ tall vegetation. The initial flock at Back Bay Landing Rd. was extensively documented, with many other observers from 5-9 May, and with photographs provided to eBird on 8 May (ph. Lynn Aamodt and Mary Catherine Miguez), and on 9 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli).

Quite a variety of lingering birds were reported during early May, with a female RING-NECKED DUCK observed at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract from 5-7 May (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate, later ph. Rob Bielawski) leading the way. With an expected departure date of 15 Apr, and the last prior record occurring 12 Apr, this species stayed 22 days beyond that of an average season. Next up, in terms of sheer ‘lateness’, was a report for AMERICAN WOODCOCK in the pre-dawn hours of 5 May, also at Princess Anne WMA’s Whitehurst Tract (obs. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate). With an expected departure of 20 Apr, this is certainly a late record, though, this species is one that often goes undetected due to its nocturnal nature. If more birders were out seeking this species in the nighttime hours, we’d likely see more records later in the season, and its even possible that American Woodcocks might summer here in the city. But, for now, 20 Apr is the set departure date for eBird purposes. Next up, a continuing lingerer from the prior reporting period (actually, the last two periods), the AMERICAN PIPIT first observed at Back Bay NWR on 17 Apr (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty) remained in the small grassy area east of the visitor center through 3 May (last ph. Eric Alton & Tamara Conklin, last obs. Michelle Payne). With 25 Apr being their expected departure date, this individual was here 8 days beyond that, though it is unknown whether the bird finally flew northward, or was picked off by a predator of some type at the park given it hadn’t left the same patch of grass for over a week. Also at Back Bay NWR, reports of a single MERLIN continued right up to period’s end of 10 May (obs. Tracy Tate, obs. Tommy Maloney & Jason Schatti). Only slightly late at this point, with an average departure date of 5 may, we’ll see just how long this individual gets picked up. Last of the late lingerers, 1-2 WESTERN PALM WARBLERS were observed at Back Bay NWR up to the period’s end (obs. Mary Catherine Miguez, obs. Tracy Tate). The Gold Book notes that the Western race of this species tends to linger beyond the more common Eastern (or “Yellow”) race, so perhaps this isn’t so unusual, but under current eBird setup, the species is at least 5 days late as of reporting period close.

In addition to all the great rarities, arrivals, lingerers, etc. we also had some not-necessarily noteworthy, but still interesting reports pop up this period in Virginia Beach. HORNED LARKS were reported in good numbers on West Neck Road on 5 May (obs. Andrew Baldelli & Tracy Tate), with the count of 8 tripping the eBird filter for the city. This species is likely present in many fields throughout the city, and a breeding confirmation actually occurred last year at Ashville Park, but it is a difficult species to track down with most occurring on private property / agricultural plots. A SEASIDE SPARROW was photographed at Back Bay NWR on 5 May, making for an exciting find at the park (ph. June McDaniels). Amazingly, this is the first photographically documented report of the species at the park! With Back Bay NWR being one of the heaviest birded locations in the state, any chance to add a new photo to eBird for this hotspot is remarkable. Also at the park, a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was observed on 4 May (obs. Karen & Tom Beatty), marking one of very few records here (and a first for this year). Lastly, an interesting-plumaged PROTHONOTARY WARBLER was photographed at West Neck Creek on 5 May (ph. Charlie Bruggemann). The individual showed a black forehead, but it isn’t discernible whether this is just mud (it doesn’t appear to be), or if it is an actual genetic variation in plumage, which would be very interesting!

WEATHER:  Kicking off the period with a few days of heat following southwesterly flow was a nice change from late April, though the latter half of the period was defined by strong northeast winds and lower than normal temperatures (until the final day), which made finding new species difficult. Overall, average daily high temperatures rose considerably, 8.9° from 66.7° F to 75.6° (+0.4° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures following suit, 7.6° from 48.6° to 56.2° F (also, -1.3° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 46° F (1 May) to a maximum of 88° (2 May). A total of 1.85” of rain fell during the period, spread across two days with measurement amounts, with a maximum of 1.45” falling on Sunday, 6 May. Maximum sustained winds at Oceana this period were 23 mph (on 4 May) and gusts reached 31 mph (10 May). No noteworthy tidal surge events affected the Sewell’s Point tide gauge this period. Sunrise/sunsets varied from 6:10 AM/7:52 PM (1 May) to 6:00 AM/8:00 PM (10 May), which means we gained 18 minutes of daylight during this period with a total of 14 hours of ‘Length of Day’ to close the period!

For those hoping to view every photograph submitted for Virginia Beach during this period, please see the complete listing for the month of May located on eBird’s Media explorer by clicking here! Please remember, anyone with an eBird account also has the ability to rate these photographs (1-5 stars), and based on the average rating, this is how eBird populates anything media-driven on the website, particularly the Illustrated Checklists! So, if you're one of the many folks who enjoy looking at photographs of birds, take some time to click them all and rate them, it helps make eBird better and better each day!

LOOKAHEAD: In early May, we bid farewell to Gadwall, Merlin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Palm Warbler, Nelson’s Sparrow & Pine Siskin (5 May expected departures) as wells as Blue-winged Warbler, Broad-winged Hawk, Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Wilson’s Snipe, Bonaparte’s Gull, Blue-headed Vireo, Sedge Wren, White-throated Sparrow & Savannah Sparrow (10 Apr). Any records for these species moving forward will flag in eBird as ‘rare’, but really they are flagging for being found past their usual date of departure. In early May, we have typical departure dates for Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Piping Plover, Peregrine Falcon & Yellow-rumped Warbler (15 May) and Wilson’s Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Whimbrel, Bank Swallow, Solitary Sandpiper, Black-and-white Warbler, Red-throated Loon, American Bittern, Northern Harrier, Sora, Swamp Sparrow & Baltimore Oriole (20 May). So, make sure to try for your last sightings of the season on these species while you can! If you observe any of these species near or after those dates, please try to document their occurrence to the best of your ability; it helps make eBird data & filters more accurate! For annually expected spring arrivals, as of the reporting period close date, we have not yet logged arrivals for Bank Swallow (15 Apr expected arrivals), Gull-billed Tern (25 Apr) and Common Nighthawk (30 Apr). Moving forward, we have now concluded the expected spring arrivals season, and no new species are expected (aside from those listed above that we just haven’t logged yet). As always, make sure to report your finds to eBird so the data can be used to adjust the average expected spring departure dates! LASTLY, for those devoted birders who do follow this journal, please know that a Facebook Group that complements all these sightings has been created (and contains close to 100 members at this point), titled the Virginia Beach Bird Sightings & Discussion group. For anyone with a sincere interest in our city’s rich tapestry of bird species, please feel free to check it out, by requesting to join at the link above (and by answering the three questions required for approval).

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