February 2020

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While we did receive our first & likely our only snowfall of the season overnight 20-21 Feb, and we also hit our lowest temperature of 25°F for the winter season on 22 Feb, temperatures in February mostly followed the trend set forth in January as being above normal. Bradford Pear trees were in full bloom along many roads in the city during mid-February, which seemed quite remarkable given this doesn’t typically occur until March. Overall, temperatures in February were higher (58.0°F/39.9°F for daily highs/lows) than the prior ten-year average (53.1°F/35.2°F), with both highs & lows being the highest since February 2018 (61.6°F/40.8°F). The avifauna observed throughout the month seemed very reflective of these temperatures. Waterfowl numbers were very low compared to what we’ve experienced in recent Februaries, but the quality of species observed still managed to be quite high. Over the course of its twenty-nine days (as we were gifted with an extra Leap Day), a total of 164 species produced accepted records in eBird during February, which was a significant but not unexpected drop from the 176 species logged in January. Compared to recent Februaries, this number proved to be a slight decrease from the 168 species logged in 2019 but a good increase over the 155 in 2018. Collectively, eBirders have now submitted a total of 2,272 complete checklists for the calendar year which, like last month, keeps us on a pace to eclipse the 10,061 complete checklists submitted in Virginia Beach during the record-setting 2019.

An immature MUTE SWAN made a brief appearance near Lynnhaven Inlet on 19 Feb (ph. June McDaniels). It’s possible this is the same individual observed nearby at Pleasure House Point NA on 10-11 Nov 2019 (ph. Charlie Bruggemann), but it could very well be another one. This makes at least two Mute Swans photographically documented in Virginia Beach for 2020, along with the Back Bay NWR adult last month. (Feb 2020 Map)

At least two BLUE-WINGED TEAL, a male & a female, were present on a freshwater canal near Mill Landing Boat Ramp on 23 Feb (vis. Lisa Rose). This same location produced a record of 17 Blue-winged Teal during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Jan 2019, and it is possible that some may have wintered here, though the location hadn’t been checked according to eBird reports. Typical spring arrivals start popping up in early March, so it’s also possible that the recent report was an early arriving pair. (Feb 2020 Map)

The male EURASIAN WIGEON found on a restricted-access pond at Oceana NAS on 28 Jan (ph. Mark Burns) continued into this month, and was observed through 15 Feb (ph. Nick Newberry & Andrew Rapp). The only other records for this species in Virginia during February were at Chincoteague NWR in Accomack County and at Hoffler Creek NP & Craney Island DA in Portsmouth. (Feb 2020 Map)

A female HARLEQUIN DUCK first found at Little Island Park back on 16 Dec (ph. Luke Fultz) continued through at least 22 Feb (vis. Thomas Charlock & Jason Strickland). This was the most southerly reported Harlequin Duck during February, and three photographed at the CBBT (where they are expected to occur) on 16 Feb made for the only other record in Virginia Beach, and in Virginia overall this month. (Feb 2020 Map)

The first for the calendar year, a female COMMON MERGANSER was photographed at Pleasure House Point NA among a group of Red-breasted Mergansers likely pushed inshore during heavy fog on 26 Feb (ph. Cindy Hamilton). A rare, but regular visitor here, this winter season has surprisingly only held one other report for this species, also a female, in Ocean Lakes on 2 Dec (ph. Tom & Tommy Maloney). This might be the first winter season where the species wasn’t logged at Sherwood Lakes to eBird going all the way back to the 2011-12 winter season. (Feb 2020 Map)

Regardless of species, a noteworthy & unseasonal HUMMINGBIRD SP. was briefly observed at a Great Neck Estates private residence on 17 Feb (vis. J. A.). At least two confirmed Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were reported into December, and the Black-chinned Hummingbird made it through at least 24 Dec in Blackwater as well. However, since that time, no other hummingbirds had been logged to eBird, and it is anyone’s guess as to which species this report might be representative of. Typically, non-wintering Ruby-throateds don’t begin arriving again until early April, and given the warm winter, it is equally likely, or perhaps even more likely, that a hummingbird observed in February is a western vagrant. (Feb 2020 Map)

Very early by past eBird data standards, a single PIPING PLOVER found at Back Bay NWR on 29 Feb (ph. Kim Kozella, ph. Tracy Tate) represents the earliest spring arrival so far input for Virginia Beach. Prior to this record, the earliest accepted eBird report was of two found at False Cape SP on 9 Mar 2018 (vis. Abby Walter), with 15 Mar being more typical on average. For the current season, only one Piping Plover was reported farther north than the Back Bay individual in February, with one photographed on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts on 23 Feb. The next closest to us was far to the south, at Cape Lookout, North Carolina. (Feb 2020 Map)

Mirroring Feb 2018, a large incursion of Razorbills into near-shore waters led to the discovery of quite a few DOVEKIE this month. This year’s event began at Little Island Park on 4 Feb with a pair observed (vis. Andrew Baldelli) among 11,000+ Razorbills in morning flight, reached a peak count of four at Back Bay NWR on 13 Feb (vis. Andrew Baldelli), and then concluded with the final report of a single Dovekie at Little Island Park on 14 Feb (vis. Andrew Baldelli & Kathy Louthan). Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina also produced “from-shore” records during this timeframe, and pelagic trips off Hatteras produced further records for the species & represented the southerly limit of records this month. (Feb 2020 Map)

Prior to reaching the average, 25 Feb spring arrival date for the species, a single LAUGHING GULL was reported on the north pond at Sherwood Lakes on 7 Feb (vis. Tracy Tate). At the time of this record, there were only 3 individuals known to be above the latitude of Virginia. One each was in Ocean City, MD, Manasquan Inlet, NJ, and Hoisington Brook Outlet, NY. Another early individual was photographed at Pleasure House Point NA on 16 Feb (ph. Nick Ramsey), followed by an expected increase in records at month’s end. (Feb 2020 Map)

Matching January, there was a single record for ICELAND GULL this month, with an immature observed in northbound flight past Little Island Park and later photographed 1.5 miles to the north on Sandbridge Beach on 1 Feb (ph. Rob Bielawski). Three immatures were photographed in North Carolina as well, but an immature in Florida made for the most southerly record during February. (Feb 2020 Map)

A first eBird record for mainland Virginia Beach, a single HERRING X LESSER-BLACK BACKED GULL hybrid was on the beach at Little Island Park on 18 Feb (ph. Edward Brinkley). This was one of only seven records worldwide (England, Nova Scotia, New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania) input to eBird for February, and was the most southerly occurrence for this hybrid pairing. (Feb 2020 Map)

The immature GLAUCOUS GULL first noted south of Island One (CBBT) on 30 Dec (vis. Gabriel Mapel) continued at the same location through at least 2 Feb (vis. Matt Anthony & Erin Chapman). This was the only record for Virginia during February, though Florida & North Carolina each had a pair, and Alabama also had one, as far as records south of us go. (Feb 2020 Map)

A remarkable, mid-winter record for ROYAL TERN popped up when a single individual flew past Back Bay NWR on 1 Feb (ph. June McDaniels), making for the most northerly report of this species at this date in any season along the East Coast. Singles were also reported 15 Feb at nearby Little Island Park (vis. Nick Newberry & Andrew Rapp), 16 Feb at Back Bay NWR (vis. Rob Bielawski) and 2 Mar at Little Island Park (vis. James Marcum). Typically, Royal Tern is absent from the state after the first few days of January through about 10-15 March when spring arrivals start showing back up. Only a single individual in Norfolk was recorded farther north this month, and that is the most northerly recorded every input for any February in eBird. (Feb 2020 Map)

Though an abundant transient and winter resident along the coast, a RED-THROATED LOON on the north pond of Sherwood Lakes on 21 Feb (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty, vis. Andrew Baldelli) made for the city’s only inland/freshwater record of the species this winter season. The last such individual occurred in Nov 2018, also at this deep and clear freshwater lake. (Feb 2020 Map)

Similar to the Dovekie reports mentioned above, several occurrences of MANX SHEARWATER were noted inshore this month as well. The first report occurred the same day as the massive Razorbill movement, when 11 Manx Shearwaters were observed from Little Island Park on 4 Feb (vis. Andrew Baldelli). At least two were present here 10 Feb (vis. Allen Bryan), and the final report of one occurred at Back Bay NWR on 13 Feb (vis. Andrew Baldelli). Interestingly, combined with inshore records in Currituck & both inshore & offshore records in Dare County, North Carolina to our south, these made for the only North American records submitted to eBird in February. (Feb 2020 Map)

Rarely observed in Virginia Beach away from the CBBT, a flyby GREAT CORMORANT at Little Island Park on 18 Feb (vis. Edward Brinkley) made for the second onshore occurrence in 2020 (after the photographed individual in January at Rudee Inlet). Another was observed via scope from Chesapeake Beach, just west of the CBBT, on 23 Feb (vis. Andrew Baldelli). (Feb 2020 Map)

A group of 5-6 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS was reported flying south off Fort Story JEB on 23 Feb (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty), making for the only report of the species in the city this month. Aside from these, the only other records in the state for February included an expected flock at Hog Island WMA in Surry County, distant views of likely the same individuals from James City County, and a highly unexpected individual at Groomes Point in Spotsylvania, where the species is a VARCOM review species. (Feb 2020 Map)

Expected around Lynnhaven Inlet but rare elsewhere in the city during February, a SNOWY EGRET at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 9 Feb (ph. Cindy Hamilton) made for an exciting find. During the current winter season (December-February) this made for only the second record away from Lynnhaven Inlet in Virginia Beach, with the four at Back Bay NWR in January being the only other record. A single report from Deal Island WMA in Maryland was the most northerly report for the species this month, and the only Virginia records away from Virginia Beach were logged at Chincoteague. (Feb 2020 Map)

Incredibly, a group of four CATTLE EGRETS was found foraging along Munden Point Road on 21 Feb (ph. Andrew Baldelli), making for an unexpected find with the species typically being absent from the state from mid-January to late March. Additionally, a pair was observed in westbound flight over Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 23 Feb (ph. Rob Bielawski), and perhaps the same, or another pair was observed in the parking lot at Back Bay NWR during strong fog on 26 Feb (ph. Steve Keith). Aside from an individual in Talbot County, Maryland from 4-6 Feb, the Virginia Beach records were the most northerly for the species during February, and the nearest record in the latter third of the month occurred way south of us in Colleton County, South Carolina. (Feb 2020 Map)

Another miraculous wintering wader, the immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON that lingered through January at Pleasure House Point NA continued through February as well, with photographed records submitted for 1 Feb (ph. Rob Bielawski) and 22 Feb (ph. Rob Bielawski). While there has also been a wintering immature documented in New York County, New York, the next farthest north occurrence during February was far south of us in Charleston, South Carolina. (Feb 2020 Map)

Continuing at the same location since late Nov, the WHITE-EYED VIREO wintering in the thicket east of the Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract parking lot continued to be observed throughout February, with the most recent record occurring on 23 Feb (obs. Reuben Rohn). At least three individuals were recorded in different counties in Maryland during February, and Northampton & Suffolk held records in Virginia for this species as well, though there were no other records farther up the East Coast. (Feb 2020 Map)

Of similar wintering distribution to the vireo above, a pair of BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS found at First Landing SP on 15 Feb (ph. June McDaniels) made for an excellent surprise. Though there were a few scattered records this month in Virginia’s coastal plain and in Northern Virginia, the northerly outlier occurred in New Jersey. With no records in Virginia Beach since early Dec, and the earliest spring arrivals not likely for almost a month after this report, certainly this pair of gnatcatchers has wintered & survived the attempt. (Feb 2020 Map)

Ironically following suit with its distribution here in January, a single PINE SISKIN found at a backyard feeder in Cypress Point on 22 Jan (vis. Debbie Schroeder) continued, but was only observed once this month, on 20 Feb (vis. Debbie Schroeder). This made for the only record for the species in this clearly, non-irruption year for the species. Also mirroring January, there was not a single photographed record for this species in the state during February, though there was an uptick in reports likely due to the Great Backyard Bird Count event in the middle of the month. (Feb 2020 Map)

Potentially five different WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were observed at the Harris Teeter Retention Ponds off Princess Anne Road during February, with the latest report on 26 Feb (ph. Steve Keith). Three immatures of the Dark-lored race were noted 15 Feb (vis. Nick Newberry & Andrew Rapp), marking the highest known count of immatures at the location this winter. Also, both an adult Dark-lored and an adult Gambel’s, continued to be present, with the latter last observed on 21 Feb (ph. June McDaniels). Craney Island DA (Restricted) was the only other location in Hampton Roads to produce ongoing records this month, with a high count of 10 individuals being the most ever recorded there in eBird, and this continued to be the only known occurrence for Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow in the state. (Feb 2020 Map)

The wintering LINCOLN’S SPARROW first noted at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 10 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) lingered at the same location through 23 Feb (ph. Rob Bielawski), among a flock of Song Sparrows in the northern half of the tract. Matching its distribution in Virginia during January, this is one of only two known records during February in the state, with the other photographed in Prince William County, and around a dozen total records for the East Coast this month. (Feb 2020 Map)

At least two YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS were recorded this month in Virginia Beach, though the individual mentioned in the January entry visiting a private residence’s feeder was not one of the two. Surprisingly, an individual was found at Little Island Park on 17 Feb (ph. Nick Ramsey) and was likely to be the same individual observed there on 4 Dec (ph. Steve Myers). Though it hadn’t been seen during the gap, chats tend to be quite skulky and when not vocalizing can be difficult to put eyes on. This individual continued through 29 Feb (ph. Steve Keith, ph. Cindy Hamilton). On 23 Feb, another Yellow-breasted Chat was discovered at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract (ph. Rob Bielawski), inhabiting the very same thicket that has held the White-eyed Vireo all winter. While there were recording during February in most of the states north and east of us, and in Nova Scotia, neither Georgia nor South Carolina had any records, so the wintering distribution of chats is certainly intriguing. (Feb 2020 Map)

Only the second RUSTY BLACKBIRD for the calendar year was recorded this month, when a single individual was viewed among a few Red-winged Blackbirds near a retention pond at the southern end of Cedar Crescent Court on 22 Feb (vis. David Clark). Though this species is more expected inland during the winter season, this was the only accepted eBird report in the three coastal Virginia counties during February. (Feb 2020 Map)

The group of BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS found during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (ph. Tommy Maloney), continued through at least 21 Feb (6, vis. Andrew Baldelli). While there were records for this species in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee & Kentucky, there were no other records in any of the East Coast states during February. This makes the small flock quite the geographic outlier when browsing the eBird maps for the month! (Feb 2020 Map)

Matching the count in January, at least four BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS were observed in Virginia Beach during February. Individuals previously reported that continued into this month included one at a private residence in Oak Spring through 5 Feb (vis. Carolyn Page), one at Stumpy Lake NA through 20 Feb (ph. Prashant A) and one at a private residence in Great Neck Estates through 29 Feb (vis. J. A.). A new report popped up for an individual at a private residence in Laurel Cove on 28 Feb (ph. Loretta Silvia) though this possibly the Great Neck Estates individual given the close proximity. Only New Jersey and Maryland, each with one report, showed more northerly records than the few scattered Virginia coastal plain reports this month. (Feb 2020 Map)

An upgrade from January’s reports, there were two YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS photographically documented in the city during February. An individual first noted at a Bellamy Manor private residence 22 Nov (ph. Una Davenhill) lingered through 16 Feb (ph. Una Davenhill). Additionally, one was logged at a private residence in Pembroke Manor on 16 Feb (ph. Maggee Smith) and noted to have been present since 23 Nov, making for a second wintering individual. Interestingly, both of these locations yielded records last winter as well so it seems likely that these are the same individuals returning. Only the continuing wintering individual in Nova Scotia, and a pair at Dyke Marsh in Fairfax County were farther north this month. (Feb 2020 Map)

A remarkable record for PRAIRIE WARBLER occurred at Back Bay NWR on 18 Feb (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Cindy Hamilton), which made for the latest eBird record ever logged for the city. Likely the same individual that was present at this location (south of the Dune Trail boardwalk) on 6 Dec (ph. John Manger) and 15 Dec (ph. Steve Myers), it eluded many who searched for it during the gap in records. Only an individual wintering near Harbor Park in Norfolk, and one in Worcester County, Maryland were farther north during February. (Feb 2020 Map)

A surprise WESTERN TANAGER made for the first record in the state this year when one showed up at a private residence in Laurel Manor on 6 Feb (ph. Tommy Maloney). Another was present later in the month in Poquoson, but otherwise, only records of individuals in Anne Arundel, Maryland and Barnstable, Massachusetts were farther up the East Coast during February. (Feb 2020 Map)

A rare but regular winter resident in certain neighborhoods of Virginia Beach, February proved surprising as records for PAINTED BUNTING came in from four different location. A continuing female/immature type visited a Laurel Manor private residence most recently on 6 Feb (vis. Tommy Maloney), a group of seven (five female/immatures and two adult males) was present at an undisclosed, private residence on 4 Feb (ph. Pamela Monahan), and a private residence at Lake Windsor (ph. Lisa Rose) & the Harris Teeter Retention Pond (vis. Cathy Williamson) yielded records on 24 Feb. A banner winter season for this species, many states on the East Coast saw records during February. (Feb 2020 Map)

On the opposing side of species observed, we had quite a few expected/regularly occurring species that managed to evade eBirders here this month. Quite surprisingly, there wasn’t a single eBird record during February for Common Eider, Common Goldeneye, Northern Bobwhite (still missing for the calendar year as a whole), American Bittern, Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone, American Woodcock, Wilson’s Snipe & Nelson’s Sparrow. Any other species that were missed this month would be considered as “Rare” in eBird, but a few of these are genuine surprises. Sure, February is the shortest month of the year here, even during Leap Years such as this one. Surely, each of these species is present somewhere in the city right now though, so here’s hoping they reveal themselves in March.

For those who wish for their observations to be included in this journal, please submit your records to www.eBird.org, and ensure that the proper documentation (whether written notes that rule out all similar species or photo/audio/video that is conclusive to species) is provided. Thank you to those who have taken the time to enter such documentation into eBird so these records may be publicly known and to those who took the time to read through this Journal entry. Be sure to check back early next month to see what birders will have found in Virginia Beach during March! For further information regarding this monthly, online publication, please visit the Journal Overview Page which provides an explanation of the current format, layout and composition of the journal.

January 2020

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The first month of the new year (and new decade) provided fantastic birding to both visiting & local Virginia Beach birders alike. Temperatures in January were higher than the prior ten-year average (49.1°F/ 32.3°F for daily highs/lows). Average daily highs (55.5°F) were the highest we’ve seen since January 2012 (56.4°F) while average daily lows (39.7°F) exceeded those of each of the prior ten Januaries. The avifauna observed throughout the month seemed very reflective of these temperatures. Waterfowl numbers were very low compared to what we’ve experienced in recent Januaries, but the quality of species observed still managed to be quite high. This month also featured perhaps the greatest diversity of waders ever found here in January, and lingering passerines also caused excitement throughout the month. Over the course of its thirty-one days, a total of 176 species produced accepted records in eBird during January, which was an ever-so-slight drop from the 177 species logged in December. Compared to recent Januaries, this number proved to be a healthy boost from the 170 species logged in 2019 and to the 167 in 2018. Collectively, eBirders submitted a total of 1,241 complete checklists in Virginia Beach, which puts us on an initial pace to eclipse the 10,061 complete checklists submitted in 2019.

The following species warrant mention for the month of January, as described below:

The single CACKLING GOOSE first reported at Sherwood Lakes on 29 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) continued through 1 Jan in the agricultural field just north of the lakes (ph. Tommy Maloney; later vis. Karen & Tom Beatty). This is the only known individual in the city so far this winter season. (Jan 2020 Map)

An adult MUTE SWAN took up brief residency on an impoundment at Back Bay NWR from 4 Jan (ph. Marlee Morris-Fuller) through 6 Jan (ph. Robert Ake, Cindy Hamilton & Lauren Mowbray). This made for the first eBird record for the species at Back Bay NWR since 2017, and only the second for the city overall since then. (Jan 2020 Map)

A drake EURASIAN WIGEON was discovered on a small, freshwater pond at NAS Oceana (Restricted) on 28 Jan (ph. Mark Burns) and it continued here through 31 Jan (ph. Karl Suttmann). This find made Virginia Beach the third city/county in Virginia to produce a record of the species in January, along with Portsmouth & Accomack. (Jan 2020 Map)

The female HARLEQUIN DUCK first noted at Little Island Park on 16 Dec (ph. Luke Fultz) continued through 31 Jan (vis. Andrew Baldelli) around the pier. Only one other record this month occurred in the city, with a female along the CBBT on 3 Jan (ph. Theo Staengl & Santiago Tabares). The female at Little Island Park proved to be the most southerly-occurring Harlequin Duck along the entire East Coast during January! (Jan 2020 Map)

A single PARASITIC JAEGER was observed from Little Island Park on 12 Jan (vis. Wes Teets), making for the only record in the state this month! The most northerly record for January along the East Coast overall, reports of this nature from shore during the winter are exceptional. (Jan 2020 Map)

Continuing at Lynnhaven Inlet from 31 Dec (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Lisa Rose), an adult BLACK-HEADED GULL lingered only through 2 Jan (vis. Kathy Louthan & Wes Teets). This was the only record for the species in Virginia during January, and only North Carolina (2) & Florida (1) had records farther south. (Jan 2020 Map)

Also at Lynnhaven Inlet, an immature ICELAND GULL made a brief appearance on 5 Jan (ph. Andrew Baldelli, vis. Lou Rajnys) before flying westward up Pleasure House Creek. Along with Norfolk, Richmond & Prince William County, at least four individuals were known in the state during January. (Jan 2020 Map)

Famous for perching along the railing of the CBBT south of Island One, a GLAUCOUS GULL first noted on 30 Dec (vis. Gabriel Mapel) continued through 31 Jan (vis. Matt Anthony & Erin Chapman). A second Glaucous Gull was reported around the CBBT during the Williamsburg Bird Club’s boat trip on 19 Jan (many obs.). No other records occurred for this species in January elsewhere in the state. (Jan 2020 Map)

A miraculous CASPIAN TERN was observed at Dam Neck NA (Restricted) on 12 Jan (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty), making for a first eBird record for the state during any January! Additionally, this was the most northerly record for the species on the East Coast overall during any January. (Jan 2020 Map)

A pair of records for WOOD STORK surfaced this month, first with a group of three in flight over Back Bay NWR on 8 Jan (ph. Steve Keith) and then with an individual found at Carolanne Farms Park on 11 Jan (ph. Charlie Bruggemann). The individuals of the former record were not re-found, but the individual mentioned in the latter record continued through 14 Jan (ph. Jeffrey Marcum). These made for the most northerly reports for the species during January. (Jan 2020 Map)

Rarely documented away from the CBBT in Virginia Beach, a GREAT CORMORANT that visited Rudee Inlet from 2 Jan (ph. Gabriel Mapel) to 4 Jan (vis. Tracy Tate) made for an exciting record. All other records in the state this month hailed from the CBBT. (Jan 2020 Map)

There was two separate records for AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN in the city this month, with a pair flying over Sandbridge Road on 2 Jan (vis. Robert Wood) and a flock of mixed counts present at Back Bay NWR on 25 Jan during the Winter Wildlife Festival (vis. Robert Ake). Only Northampton & Surry Counties held records elsewhere in the state this month. (Jan 2020 Map)

SNOWY EGRET records this month were completely limited to the area around Lynnhaven Inlet, except for a single report of four at Back Bay NWR on 12 Jan (ph. Marlee Fuller-Morris). This species is unusual away from the Lynnhaven Estuary during the winter season. Chincoteague NWR was the only other area of the state to produce documented sightings in January and there were no sightings in states north of Virginia. (Jan 2020 Map)

An immature LITTLE BLUE HERON was found at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 5 Jan (vis. Tracy Tate), with an adult also present on 12 Jan (ph. Rob Bielawski) and then only the immature lingering through to 19 Jan (ph. Rob Bielawski). The adult was the first to be photographed in Virginia Beach during any January and the most northerly adult along the East Coast for the month. Only three other records for the species occurred in Virginia this month, with an immature in Northampton & two immatures in Accomack; there were no records in states north of us. (Jan 2020 Map)

Similarly unusual here during January, an adult TRICOLORED HERON was observed at Back Bay NWR on 26 Jan (ph. Prashant A). As with Little Blue Heron, the only records elsewhere in the state this month occurred in lower Northampton (Eastern Shore of VA NWR) and in northeast Accomack (Chincoteague NWR). (Jan 2020 Map)

Typically absent in the city after the first week of January, a group of three CATTLE EGRETS lingered through at least 26 Jan (ph. Ty Smith & Evan Spears) along Munden Road, which was likely a faction of the eight that had been present since the Back Bay CBC (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty, Cindy Hamilton) along North Muddy Creek Road through 19 Jan (ph. Rob Bielawski). Only a pair of records in Maryland were farther north along the East Coast this month. (Jan 2020 Map)

Remarkably, a single immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON persisted at Pleasure House Point NA through 22 Jan (ph. Steve Myers). Typically after October, any record would be considered noteworthy, and this is the first time the species has been recorded to eBird in the city during any January! (Jan 2020 Map)

Last of the waders, but certainly not least, a pair of GLOSSY IBIS lingered at Princess Anne WMA Beasley & Whitehurst Tracts through 19 Jan (ph. Rob Bielawski) after one was first noted here on 7 Dec (vis. Tommy Maloney) and two were found on the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski, Lisa Rose & Robert Wood). This made for the record of the species in the state, and the most northerly record for the East Coast in January. (Jan 2020 Map)

An ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER made a very brief appearance along I-264 offramp at First Colonial Road on 24 Jan (vis. Brandon Holland). This made for the third report for the species here this winter, with two in December (one at Fort Story JEB & one along Colechester Road). Only one other record occurred this month in the state, with an individual noted during the Nansemond River CBC in Suffolk. (Jan 2020 Map)

Very near to the flycatcher, a WESTERN KINGBIRD was photographed at the northern reach of NAS Oceana (Restricted) on 14 Jan (ph. Karl Suttmann), lingering at this location only through 15 Jan (vis. Andrew Baldelli). There were no records in adjacent states this month, and only Delaware (1) and New Jersey (1) produced records north of Georgia along the East Coast in January. (Jan 2020 Map)

Continuing since 24 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski), a WHITE-EYED VIREO lingered near the parking lot of Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract through 26 Jan (ph. Andrew Baldelli). This made for the first January eBird record in Virginia Beach across all years of data. Additionally, one of only three records for this species in the state overall this month, only Maryland (3) and New Jersey (1) held records farther north along the East Coast. (Jan 2020 Map)

In what has proven itself to not be an irruption season, a single PINE SISKIN found at a backyard feeder in Cypress Point on 22 Jan (vis. Debbie Schroeder) made for our only record this month! Amazingly, there was not a single photographed record for this species in the state during January, and only a few counties saw reports overall. (Jan 2020 Map)

The only such record in the state this month, a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was found at Virginia Beach National Golf Club on 21 Jan (vis. Andrew Baldelli), then photographed on 24 Jan (ph. Andrew Baldelli) among a flock of sparrows near a series of brush piles. Only a few other records occurred on the East Coast for this species during January, and North Carolina (2) & Maryland (1) were the only other states between Florida & Massachusetts to host the species. (Jan 2020 Map)

At least four different WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were identified at the Harris Teeter Retention Ponds off Princess Anne Road during January, with the latest report on 30 Jan (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty). Two immatures of the Dark-lored race have been known to be present, as well as an adult Dark-lored and an adult Gambel’s, going back to the initial find of a single bird on 27 Dec (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Mike Collins). Craney Island DA (Restricted) was the only other location in Hampton Roads to produce ongoing records this month, and this was the only known occurrence for Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow in the state. (Jan 2020 Map)

A continuing LINCOLN’S SPARROW first noted at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 10 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) lingered at the same location through 26 Jan (vis. Andrew Baldelli), among a flock of Song Sparrows in the northern half of the tract. A rare winterer along the East Coast, this is one of only two known records during January in the state, with the other photographed in Prince William County. (Jan 2020 Map)

An apparent wintering YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was photographed at a private residence in Baylake Pines on 9 Jan (ph. Jamie Todd)! With only one other record in the state this month, an individual in Suffolk, this record made for an excellent surprise. Interestingly, there were no records in Georgia, nor South Carolina during January, yet every state from Virginia to New Hampshire along the East Coast had at least one, which seems quite bizarre for a species that usually moves southward for the winter. (Jan 2020 Map)

Unusual along the coast, a single RUSTY BLACKBIRD was photographed at Stumpy Lake NA on 3 Jan (ph. Jack & Steve Myers)! Though this species is more expected inland during the winter season, this made for the only documented record in the three coastal counties of Virginia during January and the first at this location since 2017. (Jan 2020 Map)

As in other recent winter seasons, a group of BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS has been present at Breeze Farms (Private) since the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (ph. Tommy Maloney), and were most recently reported on 18 Jan (vis. Wes Teets). Only one other record for this species occurred during January in the state, in King William County during the Walkerton CBC. Additionally, there were no other records this month east of Tennessee and Georgia! (Jan 2020 Map)

In what has been another exception winter season for BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, at least three individuals were noted in the city this month. One has continued at private residence in Great Neck Estates since 5 Dec and was most recently reported on 30 Jan (vis. J. A.); one was present at an Oak Springs private residence from 2 Jan (ph. Carolyn Page) through 30 Jan (ph. Carolyn Page); lastly, one was found at Stumpy Lake NA on 22 Jan (ph. Jonathan Snyder) and present through 31 Jan (ph. Steve Myers). (Jan 2020 Map)

A continuing YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER first noted at a Bellamy Manor private residence 22 Nov (ph. Una Davenhill) lingered through 31 Jan (ph. Andrew Baldelli). Only one other member of this species was recorded in the state this month to eBird, that being an individual at Dyke Marsh in Fairfax County. Interestingly, the only records farther north than Virginia along the East Coast this month were in Maine (1), New Brunswick (1) and Nova Scotia (2). (Jan 2020 Map)

Female/immature male type PAINTED BUNTINGS were recorded at two locations this month, with one in Atlantic Park on 7 Jan (ph. Andrew Baldelli) and another continuing at a private residence in Laurel Manor since 23 Nov, most recently observed on 26 Jan (ph. Tommy Maloney). This has been an exceptional winter for the species on the East Coast overall, with records dotting Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York & even Massachusetts in January. (Jan 2020 Map)

A bit surprising, there wasn’t a single eBird record this month for Barred Owl or for Northern Bobwhite. The former was certainly present in the city this month, and just missed due to a lack of nocturnal effort in the proper habitat (lowland forest abutting freshwater). The latter might no longer be sustaining wild populations in the city, and it is difficult to know for certain if the few records that do occur are simply released individuals or are descendants of naturally occurring individuals. Any other species that were missed this month would be considered as “Rare” in eBird, so the birding community did an excellent job this month at logging almost everything that was possible here!

For those who wish for their observations to be included in this journal, please submit your records to www.eBird.org, and ensure that the proper documentation (whether written notes that rule out all similar species or photo/audio/video that is conclusive to species) is provided. Thank you to those who have taken the time to enter such documentation into eBird so these records may be publicly known, and also to those who took the time to read through this Journal entry. Be sure to check back early next month to see what birders will have found in Virginia Beach during February! For further information regarding this monthly, online publication, please visit the Journal Overview Page which provides an explanation of the current format, layout and composition of the journal.

December 2019

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Another calendar year has come to a close, and it was utterly incredible to experience the birding opportunities that presented themselves throughout 2019 in Virginia Beach! A great many highlights occurred over the past twelve months, and each is extensively documented on the Noteworthy Observations page of this website. As to the final month of the year, December certainly held up to the standards set throughout the rest of the year. Despite unseasonably warm weather, Virginia Beach birders managed to find most of the expected winter residents, though waterfowl numbers were certainly lower than they ought to have been at this point in the season and Common Goldeneye has yet to make its first appearance for the season. The warm weather did, however, provide unique opportunities to view lingering species, and we had some exceptional records for western vagrants as well. Over the course of its thirty-one days, a total of 177 species were logged to eBird during December, which tied the 177 species logged during November and was just barely lower than the 179 species logged during December last year. At the close of December, and of the 2019 calendar year, Virginia Beach has officially logged records for 307 species to eBird for the year (including 287 photographic or audio recorded species), a massive +17 compared with last year’s 290 species! During December, as a city we collectively surpassed 10,000 complete checklists submitted to eBird (on 29 Dec) for the first year ever, and at the year’s closing, our total reached at least 10,061, which is a mark that along with Fairfax County, makes us only the second city/county in the state to achieve thus far!

Highlights for December included: Cackling Goose, Blue-winged Teal, King Eider, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Common Merganser, Western Grebe, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird, Semipalmated Plover, Pomarine Jaeger, Parasitic Jaeger, Black-headed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Manx Shearwater, American White Pelican, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, “Northern” Red-tailed Hawk, Ash-throated Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Snow Bunting, Lark Sparrow, both “Dark-lored” & “Gambel’s” White-crowned Sparrow, Nelson’s Sparrow, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Oriole, Brewer’s Blackbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Blue Grosbeak & Painted Bunting. Additionally, December provided the city with first-of-season records for expected fall arrivals which, in order of arrival date, included: Fox Sparrow, Razorbill, American Woodcock & Canvasback! Lastly, we also had some other exciting records this month for Common Eider, Red-necked Grebe, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Horned Lark & “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow!

Likely a continuing individual mixed in with the wintering Canada Goose flock that roams widely between the Sherwood Lakes and Firefall Drive areas, a single CACKLING GOOSE was photographed during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec from behind the Harris Teeter along Princess Anne Road (ph. David Epstein, Luke Fultz & Karl Suttmann)! The last several winters have seen at least one member of this species associating with this large flock, and records tend to range from Nov to Mar with some regularity. Previously, sight reports for what is probably this same individual occurred at the agricultural fields between Ocean Lakes HS & the HRSD Atlantic Treatment Plant on Firefall Drive and on the waters of the north pond at Sherwood Lakes. Any of these locations, as well as the fields off Princess Anne Lane farther south have produced records in past years, so they’re all worth checking if hoping to view this species. Separation of Cackling Goose from smaller race, or simply smaller-sized Canada Geese is sometimes difficult in the field, but a tiny goose within the flock is worth scrutinizing, with Cackling showing a very bright overall body and not the darker-toned back of Canada, as well as a much stubbier bill, steeper forehead, and shorter neck.

Scarce during the winter months anywhere in the state, a group of five BLUE-WINGED TEAL mixed with a large flock of assorted dabblers at Princess Anne WMA Beasley Tract on 8 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski) made for an exciting record to kick off the month! Even more remarkable, a group of seventeen (four drakes, thirteen hens) was documented during the Back Bay CBC at Mill Landing Boat Launch on 29 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski, Lisa Rose & Robert Wood, making for the highest count so late into the winter season currently input to eBird! Though this species is uncommon not too far south of Virginia Beach, we sit right on the line of where they’re expected, and where they’re not expected this time of year. The last occurrence prior to these records was of a single individual, on 22 Nov at Stumpy Lake NA and the last count higher than one was back on 26 Oct at Mt. Trashmore Park, so it is easy to see why these December records, consisting of more than simply a stray individual, are exciting to see!

The first KING EIDER to be observed in Virginia Beach for the calendar year was recorded in the form of a flyby immature male at Little Island Park on 21 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli & Kathy Louthan). The last record for the species in the city occurred at adjacent Back Bay NWR all the way back on last year’s Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 2018, and it's now been several years since there was a “twitchable” King Eider in Virginia Beach with all recent records being birds on the wing.

Our second & third HARLEQUIN DUCK for the season occurred this month, with an adult male present along the beach at First Landing SP on 6 Dec (ph. June McDaniels) and a female found at Little Island Park on 16 Dec (ph. Luke Fultz). The latter made for the first time one had been photographed at this city park since 2013! With another female (or maybe the same?) present at Rudee Inlet from 25 Oct (ph. Andrew Baldelli) through 18 Nov (ph. Aylett Lipford), this has been an exceptional season for this species, for which records are difficult to come by in Virginia Beach away from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel islands, though one immature male did spend the 2018-19 winter season around Lynnhaven Inlet where the turbid waters provide ideal habitat for this tiny, but tough, sea duck.

Unusual away from the coastline in Virginia Beach, a female LONG-TAILED DUCK found on the north pond at Sherwood Lakes on 11 Dec (ph. Mike Collins) provided only our second “inland” record for the species this year! Another photographed in a Wawa parking lot off Virginia Beach Boulevard back on 26 Jan (ph. Lisa Kirkman), must have been a disoriented transient that mistook the asphalt for water, so it was nice to see this December record for an individual actually resting on freshwater. The larger lakes are checked often in Virginia Beach, but rarely do we see species like this on them, though Sherwood Lakes also held a White-winged Scoter earlier in the year. If we see a freeze event during January, this is a great place to look for waterfowl, as these form sandpits hold such a large volume of water, they’re the last freshwater body to start icing up.

The first COMMON MERGANSER of the season was observed on a freshwater pond along Bold Ruler Drive in Ocean Lakes on 2 Dec (ph. Tom & Tommy Maloney)! While this species is generally quite scarce in Virginia Beach, the past few winters have produced a number of records, though almost all of them have occurred at Sherwood Lakes during the peak of winter when lakes and streams to our north have frozen over, and almost all of them are of females, with adult males being quite rare here. Individuals have sometimes been observed along the coast in groups of the much more abundant Red-breasted Merganser, but saltwater records are scarce compared to those on freshwater lakes.

Present along the coast since at least 25 Nov (ph. Tracy Tate), a WESTERN GREBE was reported twice more this month, first offshore of Dam Neck NA (Restricted Access) on 8 Dec (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty) and again off Little Island Park on 20 Dec (vis. Luke Fultz). This now makes four winter seasons in a row where at least one individual of this species has been recorded in Virginia Beach, which is utterly astonishing for any single locality on the East Coast given the utter scarcity of records in the East! In fact, there has been only one other record outside Virginia along the East Coast so far this season, with a single individual present in Fairfield County, Connecticut from 24-27 Nov! Though it evaded birders during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec, it is very likely that this individual is still present somewhere along the immediate coastline, but given the sheer length of oceanfront habitat it has to forage among, it is simply difficult to pin down at a given time/location. Most records for this species over the last few winters have occurred at Little Island Park, not necessarily because the bird is most likely there, but because it affords the best views of the water, and if one is around, this is where birders have the best probability of actually being able to view it. Back Bay NWR’s beach would probably be the next best alternative, but time will tell if it gets observed again.

At least two confirmed RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS were recorded during December! Most recently, an immature male was photographed at a private residence in Laurel Cove, first on 16 Dec (vis. Loretta Silvia) and with additional visits on 19, 20, 21 & 23 Dec! Additionally, at least one female was present at Camp Pendleton SMR on 8 Dec (ph. Steve Keith; later ph. Karen & Tom Beatty). At least two other unidentifiable hummingbirds were also reported, with one present simultaneously with the Camp Pendleton Ruby-throated, and another that made a quick pass through a Kings Grant backyard on 11 Dec (vis. Ron Furnish). It’s quite possible that others are out there waiting to be found!

The miraculous, immature male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD that dazzled many birders in November continued to be seen into December, and was banded, measured & released by Bruce Peterjohn on 7 Dec (ph. Kelly Dean & Cindy Hamilton). First observed in late October, this individual first made its way into eBird on 15 Nov (ph. Kelly Dean) and caused quite a stir amongst the local birding community! Later observations were able to capture high quality photographs that showed a few purple feathers in the gorget, an essential field mark in separating young Black-chinneds from immature Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. As of now, the most recent eBird record occurred on 24 Dec (ph. Kelly Dean), and it’s possible that this will be the last observation. However, with perhaps three or four Black-chinneds present in the state this fall/winter, there is simply no telling how many more could be out there, waiting to be identified. Any hummingbird observed between Oct and Mar is worth heavily scrutinizing, and capturing the best photographs one can get is an essential component in properly identifying this out-of-season hummingbirds. This record showcases just how one never knows what might pop up, but vigilant eyes can turn up amazing things!

Though it was never entered to eBird by the homeowner, a RUFOUS/ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD was present at a private residence in Kempsville this month, with photographs provided to a closed Facebook Group. The photographs however, didn’t display the pertinent field marks to be able to separate the two species, each of which have a pattern of vagrancy this time of year along the East Coast. Typically in these cases, the best way to be certain of the species is to have it captured, banded & measured, and then released, as in the case of the Black-chinned Hummingbird mentioned above. In any case, either species is highly rare, and highly sought-after, so this is an exceptional record for the city, which hasn’t had a “slash” of this nature since one was briefly present at Lago Mar backyard on 28 Sep 2017 (vis. Mary Catherine Miguez). While there are several records for Rufous Hummingbird here in the winter season, we’ve yet to have a documented Allen’s, so anyone who sees a hummingbird that has a brownish/reddish wash to it, should take another close look!

Unusual along the coast after November, a single SEMIPALMATED PLOVER was observed at Back Bay NWR on 6 Dec (vis. Robert Ake, Drew Avery & Lauren Mowbray) and likely the same individual was still present on 9 Dec (ph. Marlee Fuller-Morris)! In terms of past years with December records, only 2004, 2007 & 2017 have entries input to eBird, and this is the first year where one has a photograph attached to it, making this all the more exciting! It’s been three years since the city saw a January record, when one was at First Landing SP on 11 Jan 2017 (ph. Mary Catherine Miguez), so just something to keep in mind if you’re birding the beaches at Back Bay. With winter records occurring a bit more frequently along the Eastern Shore and even at Grandview NP in Hampton, this has always been a bit of a curious species in Virginia Beach where we seem them purely as spring & fall transients. It stands to reason that our lack of undeveloped tidal shoreline is to blame, where exposed mudflats and beaches are a favorite for this species to forage among. The immediate coast has few stretches where the birds could remain undisturbed as well, so perhaps areas north and south of Virginia Beach are just more ideal. Still, this is a species worth keeping in the back of one’s mind whenever birding in Jan/Feb, as any sighting would be noteworthy.

Our first photographic record of POMARINE JAEGER for the year occurred this month, with a light morph adult viewed in offshore waters from the Rudee Flipper on 28 Dec (ph. Steve Myers)! While most of our jaeger records tend to be of Parasitics, often times the distance and viewing conditions don’t allow for separation to species, and we see quite a few Jaeger sp. entries go into eBird. However, photographs like those included with this report can help to narrow things down. Pomarines tend to feature a more ‘barrel-chested’ appearance that Parasitics, since they’re the heaviest of the three species. The much daintier, Long-tailed Jaeger is more in line with medium-sized terns, and much more delicate in flight than the other two species, which can appear quite fierce when harassing gulls & terns to steal prey items. Pomarine is likely overlooked since shore-based observations aren’t always ideal, so getting offshore on boats is a great way to try and get better looks, so long as there’s birds in the air.

At least four PARASITIC JAEGERS were observed during December with one found offshore on the Rudee Flipper on 14 Dec (ph. Rudee Tours), and shore-based records at Back Bay NWR on 14 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski) & during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (vis. Arun Bose), as well as at Little Island Park on 10 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli). With most jaegers passing by our coast during the fall migration in November, records during the winter months tends to be much fewer and farther between. Typically, January reports are absent locally, but with lots of birders spending time seawatching for alcids and waterfowl at the start of the new year, we could get lucky!

On the final day of the reporting period, during the Little Creek CBC, a BLACK-HEADED GULL was spotted in flight near Lynnhaven Inlet (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Lisa Rose)! This marks the third January in a row in which this species was logged at least once at this location, with an individual photographed here 31 Jan 2018 (ph. Andrew Baldelli), and another present 12 Jan 2019 (vis. Andrew Baldelli) through 2 Feb 2019 (ph. Rob Bielawski & Steve Myers). Rare anywhere in the state, but seemingly more regular here in Virginia Beach and along the southern bayshore in Norfolk, this is now five calendar years in a row with at least one accepted record in eBird. It’s likely that this individual will linger around the inlet, and the falling tide might give the best ability to find it as gulls will move in to the tidal mudflats just off Pleasure House Point NA to roost!

The first “white-winged gull” of the season was observed in the form of a GLAUCOUS GULL flying along the bridge deck of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on 30 Dec (vis. Gabriel Mapel) and was viewed again nearby the following day as well (vis. Wes Teets; later ph. Andrew Baldelli, Cindy Hamilton & Lisa Rose)! A difficult calendar year for finding this species in the state as a whole, this was only the fourth record for Virginia, and a first for 2019 in Virginia Beach! Prior records for 2019 in the state include one at Kiptopeke SP on 25 Feb (ph. Baxter Beamer), one at Claytor Lake on 16 Feb (ph. Virginia Tech Birding Club) and a lingering individual at the Prince Willaim County Landfill observed by many into January. With the first and second islands (South & North Thimble Islands) closed to the public due to the construction of a second, parallel tunnel over the last few years, we’ve unfortunately missed out on the opportunities for “gulling” that we once enjoyed on these islands. Boat trips in January and February sponsored by several bird clubs have now become the only mechanism for birding the islands, short of opportunistic views while riding passenger in vehicles traveling across the bridge, like in the case of both the 30 & 31 Dec reports. A similar situation occurred a couple of winters back when an immature male King Eider was hanging around the bridge pilings about a mile south of the first island as well.

Rarely observed in Virginia Beach waters, a single MANX SHEARWATER was photographed roughly 8 miles offshore of the Oceanfront by spotters aboard the Rudee Flipper on 14 Dec (ph. Rudee Tours) and another pair was sighted the following day, 15 Dec! Though this species is an expected/regularly-occurring winter resident in pelagic waters offshore of Virginia Beach, it is quite exciting that the records occurred so close to shore. Rarely, this species can even turn up inshore, and during the large-scale alcid movement in February 2017, several of these shearwaters were observed from our coastline by land-based birders at Back Bay NWR, Little Island Park, Rudee Inlet & Fort Story JEB. One was eve photographed from shore at Back Bay NWR on 12 Feb 2017 (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Linda Chittum), and with a Sooty Shearwater photographed this month just to our north in Northampton County (ph. Robert Ake & Edward Brinkley), it seems possible that we could be in for a good shearwater season! Certainly, if these species are being observed on boats and from the CBBT, it’s a good time to start hoping, and searching for one inshore! Mornings featuring strong easterly winds in Jan/Feb would likely be the best chance, as seasonally that is when the populations here are probably highest, and the winds could push some closer to shore than is typical.

At least a dozen AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS made an appearance this month on the impoundments at Back Bay NWR, with the first report of two individuals occurring on the 5 Dec refuge-sponsored impoundment survey (vis. Robert Ake, Drew Avery & Lauren Mowbray). Unfortunately, the impoundments are closed to the public from 1 Nov-31 Mar, but the most recent record on 15 Dec (ph. Mike Collins) occurred in the publicly-open section of the park so it is still possible to catch these birds in the air whenever they’re in motion! Unfortunately, the species was not observed during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec when access to the typically closed impoundments is granted to those taking part in this particular sector of the count. However, at the tail end of the month on 31 Dec, two independent observers in Sandbridge viewed large flights of this species heading northbound, with a massive flock of 45 individuals (ph. Robert Wood) and also a smaller flock of 17 (vis. Bill Oyler). Clearly, we have a good shot at seeing more of these during January if they’re moving around the coast.

For the first time ever in eBird, a YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON lingered into December at Pleasure House Point NA, with the most recent observations occurring on 15 Dec (ph.  Hugh Davenhill), 24 Dec (ph. Kathy Spencer) and miraculously on the Little Creek CBC on 31 Dec (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Lisa Rose). In a typical year, this species is present from mid-March through late October in Virginia Beach, but at least two had persisted at this location through 11 Nov (ph. Loretta Silvia), with all subsequent reports of just the single immature. There has also been an immature Black-crowned Night-Heron hanging around in reasonably close proximity to the lingering Yellow-crowned, so caution is warranted in making this identification during the winter season. Black-crowneds will show a yellow lower mandible, almost to the tip, and are a browner overall coloration with larger white teardrop markings on the wings & back. It’s actually quite exciting to have both present right now, where they can be studied intensely to see the differences firsthand. In terms of Yellow-crowned Night-Herons though, we’ve never had one recorded to eBird in January, but perhaps if the weather remains unseasonably warm, we might just see a report! This is certainly something for everyone who happens to be at Pleasure House Point NA to keep in mind as we head into 2020!

Highly unusual during the winter season anywhere in Virginia, at least two GLOSSY IBIS were recorded this month at Princess Anne WMA! With a sight report of a single individual in flight over Munden Road on 7 Dec (vis. Tommy Maloney) and later, a record for two foraging in the southernmost impoundment of the Beasley Tract during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski, Lisa Rose & Robert Wood) with a single individual viewed from public Munden Road the following day (vis. Bill Oyler). The latter pair of records each made for the latest occurrence for the species ever input to eBird for the city, at their respective times! Additionally, the 29 Dec record also represents the first photographically documented record for Virginia Beach after October in any calendar year. Last winter, a pair of Glossy Ibis did linger into January at Chincoteague NWR north of us in Accomack County, however, as of this writing this is the northernmost record for the species as a whole in eBird for the 2019-2020 winter season!

The rare NORTHERN RED-TAILED HAWK first observed along London Bridge Road on 18 Nov (ph. Mike Collins) made for at least two additional reports during December in the same general area, on 14 Dec (ph. Tommy Maloney) and on 24 Dec (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty). With the first report last month, this became Virginia Beach’s first eBird record for this rare subspecies, so even though it is not a full species, it is certainly a noteworthy occurrence. As mentioned in last month’s entry, The “Northern”, or abieticola, subspecies of Red-tailed Hawk is a considerably darker race overall when compared with our standard borealis race individuals present year-round throughout the city. The abieticola race shows an extensively dark, very dense band across the stomach, and a dark chest whereas the borealis race tends to show an unmarked, very clean white chest above a less dense band on the stomach. Records for the rarer race have occurred throughout Virginia, but the vast majority of our state’s records pertain to the expected borealis race. Subspecies/races are often overlooked by birders, especially those focused solely on species, or “countable” entities, but studying geographic variation among species can be quite interesting. For example, Virginia Beach has the only eBird records in the state for the “White-eyed” race of Eastern Towhee, and occasionally we’ve seen the rare “Oregon” race of Dark-eyed Junco in the city as well. Perhaps more common forms tend to get a bit more attention, as “Eastern” and “Western” Willets, or “Yellow” or “Western” Palm Warblers are reported frequently here at the subspecies level. Of course, no species exhibits more individual variation here than Red-tailed Hawk, but each one is worth looking at closely to see if it might fit the mold of one of the rarer forms!

Our first ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER for the calendar year was recorded this month, with an individual photographed along the southern reach of Colechester Road on 12 Dec (ph. Steve Keith)! A second record occurred during the Little Creek CBC at Fort Story JEB (Restricted) on 31 Dec (vis. Karen Roberts). These marked the first records for the species in the city since December of last year, when the Back Bay CBC turned up an individual along Crags Causeway which stayed put overnight and was observed by many the following day. Unfortunately, neither 2019 individual followed suit, and despite birders searching for them, there were no further reports. October through December is prime-time for this species to pop up on the East Coast though, and we’ve now had records (all individuals) during this time frame in each year from 2015 forward!

Rarely observed during the winter season, a photographed WHITE-EYED VIREO made for some excitement along Munden Road at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 8 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski; later ph. Cindy Hamilton & June McDaniels, Steve Myers) and again at the same location during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski, Lisa Rose & Robert Wood)! This was certainly the same individual that was observed nearby on 24 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski), but with one marked difference, both times it was observed in December it was singing, which is quite remarkable to hear during the winter season! Another was reported from a private residence in Lake Smith Terrace on 9 Dec (vis. Tracy Tate), which makes it seem that perhaps a few individuals do try to linger through the winter here in Virginia Beach. Last year’s Back Bay CBC also turned up one in Sandbridge, so perhaps with additional effort in scrubby habitat, more will turn up into the new year, especially if we continue to experience such an above average winter in terms of daily temperatures.

With only one report in November, it was quite a surprise for BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS to pop up at two different locations in December, with an individual photographed along the entrance causeway to Stumpy Lake NA on 6 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski) and another reported in Lake Smith Terrace on 9 Dec (vis. Tracy Tate). The former marked the first record at the heavily-birded natural area going all the way back to 3 Sep! This species tends to linger in low numbers in warmer winters, at least until the first snowfall event of the winter, but most records tend to occur in scrubby habitat at Back Bay NWR so it is a bit of a surprise that there hasn’t been one there since 13 Oct! Naturally, Virginia Beach’s position in latitude, and being ocean-adjacent keeps the climate here a bit warmer than elsewhere in the state, so if one were to find this species (and many others listed in this writeup), Virginia Beach, and Back Bay NWR in particular are likely the best places to be searching. Of course, that doesn’t make them easy by any means, but it certainly stacks the odds a bit in one’s favor.

For an all too brief window from 2-6 Dec, SNOW BUNTINGS were logged at Back Bay NWR, with the first day yielding only an individual (ph. Steve Myers), and with a flyby flock nine (vis. Robert Ake, Drew Avery, Lauren Mowbray) and of fourteen occurring on the last day (vis. Mike Collins). A bit surprising, November only held two records, both of individuals, though this may have been our big ‘fall’ push for the species, which can be present in good numbers here some years and absent in others. The north end of the Oceanfront has been the most reliable location over the past few winters, along with the dunes at First Landing SP, though Back Bay NWR probably hosts them each winter, but their preferred habitat is mostly inaccessible.

Only the second for the calendar year, and with a first occurrence right at the end of the month on 31 Dec, a LARK SPARROW paid a visit to a private residence’s feeders in Bellamy Manor (ph. Una Davenhill)! A rare transient, mostly in the fall, and a rarer winter visitor/resident, this marks the first record for this species in Virginia Beach since one was briefly present along Nanney’s Creek Road on 24 Feb (ph. Andrew Baldelli). The presence of at least one Lark Sparrow during the winter months has been somewhat of a regular occurrence over the last few years here, but almost all records pertain to winterers at Back Bay NWR. Seeing a record come in from a private residence is something quite unexpected, and it’s ironic that this same property has also hosted a wintering Yellow-throated Warbler for the past two winter seasons. Additionally, this portion of the city has produced quite a few exciting records for uncommon warblers during the spring & fall migration seasons, and it is always exciting to speculate about what might show up there next!

The first winter record for WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW occurred in the latter third of the month, when an adult was found in the vegetation surround a stormwater retention pond behind the Harris Teeter near Red Mill on 27 Dec (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Mike Collins). Interestingly, an immature individual was also noted later in the day at the same location, present with an adult, both being of the Dark-lored subspecies that is the expected form in Virginia (ph. Rob Bielawski). Photographs of the initial adult, and those taken later in the afternoon (ph. Steve Myers) showed that a second adult was present & confirmed it was of the Gambel’s subspecies, which is very rare anywhere in the East. In contrast to the Dark-lored race, Gambel’s individuals do not show the black eyeline extending between the eye and the bill, and their bill itself is more orange in color than it is pink. Therefore, at least three different individuals were found to be present at this location, with the immature being observed again on 28 Dec (ph. Tommy Maloney) and the Dark-lored adult occurring again on 29 Dec during the Back Bay CBC (ph. Loretta Silvia). The Gambel’s adult was observed again on 31 Dec (vis. Mike Collins), but that report has not yet been submitted to eBird, however, it is good to know the rarer of the individuals was still present to close out the year which gives some hope for logging it in 2020!

For a second year in a row, a NELSON’S SPARROW was photographed at Back Bay NWR on 4 Dec (ph. Reuben Rohn)! This species is rarely observed away from the brackish marshes that line the Lynnhaven River and its tributaries, and any record away from Pleasure House Point NA is quite noteworthy. This individual was unfortunately reported only the one time, so it likely was a transient individual searching for proper habitat in which to spend the winter season. Some context for geographic outliers during fall & early winter has been set by past eBird records, like one at Princess Anne WMA Beasley Tract on 11 Dec 2016 (ph. Adam Bollinger, Ernie Miller & Jason Strickland), and 1-2 individuals also at Back Bay NWR from 30 Sep 2018 (ph. Marlee Morris-Fuller) through 10 Nov 2018 (ph. Steve Myers) which makes this a species certainly worth keeping in mind in marshy habitat throughout the city.

A single record for SALTMARSH SPARROW occurred this month during the Little Creek CBC on 31 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli, Cindy Hamilton & Lisa Rose), which made for the first record of this species in the city going all the way back to 6 Nov (ph. Sarah Gustafson). Remarkably, there was only three other documented records in the city this season, so far, with an individual present for the first time this season on 11 Oct (ph. Karl Suttmann), and with records on 21 Oct (ph. June McDaniels) and again on 4 Nov (also ph. June McDaniels). It seemed to be a tough season for the marsh sparrows in general, with mostly windy days on weekends during their peak passage in Oct/Nov likely preventing many birders from finding them. Saltmarsh continues to be the rarer of the two species formerly known as “Sharp-tailed Sparrow”, with Nelson’s being a regular fall transient and scarcer, though still expected winter resident around the Lynnhaven River. Where Nelson’s is exciting to find elsewhere near freshwater, Saltmarsh has a tendency of popping up randomly along saltwater, like on the rocks at Fort Story JEB, or at Rudee Inlet from time to time. But, the best place to look for it is certainly Pleasure House Point NA!

Very cryptic outside the breeding season, and quite rare after October anywhere in the state, a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT at Little Island Park on 4 Dec (ph. Steve Myers) made for quite a surprise. Most easily noted by their raucous vocals, this species can be quite the skulker during non-breeding season. The last prior record for the season occurred almost two months prior, at Back Bay NWR on 14 Oct and there are only three other winter records currently input to eBird for Virginia Beach. Two winter records occurred in 2016, at False Cape SP on 4 Dec during a VSO field trip (vis. Rexanne Bruno & Mary Foster) & at Back Bay NWR on 18 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski), and one occurred at a private residence near the Oceanfront during the Great Backyard Bird Count on 17 Feb 2018 (ph. April Mitchell). Any record for this species from Nov-Mar is cause for celebration!

Remarkable, and for the first time ever in Virginia Beach, an ORCHARD ORIOLE was observed during the month of December! The immature male first found behind the visitor contact station at Back Bay NWR on 11 Nov (ph. Charlie Bruggemann) continued to be viewed all the way through to 3 Dec (ph. Cindy Hamilton). Unusual after early September anywhere in the state, the initial find in November was already quite the surprise, but seeing a December record associated with this species is nothing short of extraordinary. The Gold Book mentions two unverified reports of individuals lingering into winter, but the only photographic record for the winter season occurred in Bedford County through 2 Dec. Given this, the 3 Dec record at Back Bay NWR now represents the latest ever photographic record for Orchard Oriole in not just Virginia Beach, but in Virginia overall!

For the fourth winter season in a row, BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS appear to be wintering on the privately owned Breeze Farms along West Gibbs Road in southwestern Virginia Beach’s Blackwater section. First noted during the Back Bay CBC at this location on 29 Dec (ph. Tommy Maloney), at least six individuals are known to be present. In terms of eBird reports, this species had been historically known to occur at cattle and horse farms in the southern portion of the city during the winter, but it wasn’t until the Back Bay CBC in 2016 where this really became widely known amongst the birding community. Birders are reminded that this farm is privately owned, and no one should be setting foot onto the property without permission from the landowners. The large trees situated near the road can often hold perched individuals, which are visible from the public roadway.

Incredibly, at least five BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS were reported this month, making for quite a surprise even though the species is the most expected of our non-wintering warblers to linger into December. Ironically, this species was missed altogether during November in Virginia Beach, and even more strangely there have only been three prior Novembers with records (2014, 2017 & 2018) input to eBird. Records of individuals occurred at private residences in Blackwater on 3 Dec (ph. Kelly Dean), Great Neck Estates on 5, 29 & 31 Dec (vis. J. A.) and Dam Neck Estates on 21 Dec (vis. Jason Schatti), with an occurrence on publicly accessible property at Back Bay NWR on 20 Dec (ph. Steve Myers) and one viewed near a city pump station along Lauderdale Avenue during the Little Creek CBC on 31 Dec (ph. Andrew Baldelli, Cindy Hamilton & Lisa Rose). Last winter was a banner season for this species in Virginia Beach, and it’s possible that with the number of birders out looking, and the number of eBirders who avidly watch their backyards for unusual birds, perhaps we’re starting to realize that this species is a bit more expected than previously thought here in the southeast corner of the state. However, true winterers that continue to be reported into January, February and March, have still been few and far between, and it’s likely that our first batch of cold weather could kick these lingerers out of the area. However, any record from mid-Nov through late Mar are noteworthy, and deserve to be documented to the best of one’s ability!

Another rare lingering warbler species in Virginia Beach, NASHVILLE WARBLER produced a single report this month as well, with one present at a private residence in Ocean Lakes on 15 Dec (vis. Brandon Holland)! After Black-and-white Warbler and perhaps Prairie Warbler, this is the next-most-likely warbler species to try and spend the winter here in southeast Virginia. However, even a single record from Nov-Mar is exceptional, and with a well-documented record in Cypress Point back on 9 Nov (ph. Kristin Swanbeck), maybe this won’t be the last of our reports for the season. One did winter at a private residence in Norfolk last year, so it’s quite possible for one to pop up here in January.

An out-of-season YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER continued to visit the suet feeder at a private residence in Bellamy Manor, most recently on 27 Dec after being observed on 21 Dec  & with the first observed at the same location occurring back on 22 Nov (ph. Una Davenhill). This marks the second winter season in a row that this residence has hosted an apparent wintering Yellow-throated Warbler, potentially the same individual, and remarkably it is also the fifth winter season in a row where at least one of this species has attempted to winter! Other records have occurred in recent winters in Pembroke Manor (ph. Maggee Smith), Brigadoon (ph. Stuart McCausand) & Lake Smith Terrace (ph. Tracy Tate), all at private residences, so for feederwatchers out there, this is a bird to keep looking for! Somewhat amusing, we have significantly more records input to eBird during the winter season in Virginia Beach than we do during the summer/breeding season. This starkly contrasts with the species’ distribution throughout the remainder of the state, where it is a common breeder and an absent winterer. For whatever reason, reports tend to occur reliably here only during Apr/May at Stumpy Lake NA, then despite efforts to find them by both sight & sound, they seem to vanish. It’s certainly possible that many breed along freshwater bodies of water at locations birders simply can’t get access to like at some golf courses, or along the North Landing River perhaps. But their status here is always a bit perplexing outside the spring migration season. More winter records are certainly welcomed!

Joining the force of lingering warbler species, at least one PRAIRIE WARBLER also made an appearance this month at Back Bay NWR on 6 Dec along the Dune Trail (ph. John Manger), with likely the same individual photographed again on 15 Dec (ph. Steve Myers) not far to the south nearer to the East Dike entrance gate. Last December produced two reports, one at Back Bay NWR and the other at Princess Anne WMA, but none were recorded again until migrants began popping up in April. So, this is certainly one to try and re-find if it decides to stick around, as January records are even more noteworthy than December records, however, it was not picked up later in the month despite many attempts, and it was unfortunately missed during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec, which would have made for quite the bird for the count!

An extremely out-of-season female BLUE GROSBEAK was observed visiting a feeder in South Shore Estates (Private Residence) on 21 Dec (vis. James Marcum)! With repeat visits on 23, 24 & 26 Dec, it’s possible this individual could linger all the way into 2020. Records after 15 Oct in Virginia Beach are reviewed in eBird, and those occurring 25 Oct or later warrant mention in the Noteworthy Observations portion of this website, so clearly, a late Dec record is nothing short of remarkable! In fact, very few winter records for this species have ever occurred in the state, with only two prior records input to eBird, one in Loudoun County and the other in Accomack County. The Gold Book lists only three others, all in the Piedmont, though it does also contain an early March record from Hopewell in 1974 that likely spent the entire winter season given arriving spring migrants don’t tend to pop up until mid-April.

At least one PAINTED BUNTING continued to visit a private residence’s feeders this month, with a female or immature plumaged individual recorded in Laurel Manor most recently on 25 Dec (vis. Tommy Maloney) after visits on 23 Nov and 15 & 24 Dec. There are likely several other Painted Buntings present right now in the city, as several neighborhoods tend to host them, but property owners tend to be quite secretive regarding this sought-after species.

In addition to all the noteworthy records observed during December and discussed in-depth above, we also saw first-of-season records for four of our annually expected species! Arrival records occurred this month for the following expected/regular species (sorted chronologically by first record):

  • Fox Sparrow – First Observed: 1, Lake Smith Terrace (Private Residence), 3 Dec (vis. Tracy Tate); First Photographed: 1, 5 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Razorbill – First Observed: 2, Offshore Waters, 14 Dec (vis. Rudee Tours).

  • American Woodcock – First Observed & Audio Recorded: 1, Lotus Garden Park, 28 Dec (a.r. Rob Bielawski).

  • Canvasback – First Observed: 1, Sandbridge, 31 Dec (vis. Bill Oyler).

We also had a few interesting records that warrant mention this month! This section is dedicated to the records that in any given month could be slightly early arriving or slightly late lingering species, birds found in locations of the city where they aren’t typically observed but where they aren’t truly rare, unusual individuals showing aberrant plumages, or observations of expected species that are simply difficult to pin down due to their habitat choices. Any other observations that simply strike local birders as “interesting” will be mentioned here. This month, records along those lines included:

  • A high count for the winter season of three Common Eiders occurred at Rudee Inlet on 21 Dec (vis. Luke Fultz & Karl Suttmann; later ph. Tommy Maloney) through 22 Dec (vis. Steve Keith)! With a peak of five individuals observed in transit during the typical migration window in November, counts above one or two individuals during the winter months tend to be quite unusual, especially now that the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel islands are not publicly accessible. Interestingly, at least one of these three eiders was an immature male, though we’ve yet to see a drake this season, and they tend to be quite rare in most winters.

  • A second Red-necked Grebe for the season was observed on the Chesapeake Bay waters from Guy Avenue on 30 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli) and again during the Little Creek CBC on 31 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli, Cindy Hamilton & Lisa Rose)! A highly irruptive species which can present in good numbers here some winters during extensive freeze events to the north, the 2019-2020 winter isn’t shaping up to hold a lot of records, so this one feels worth including in this monthly entry.

  • Unusual to find on, or over freshwater even in Virginia Beach, an immature Brown Pelican present on Lake Trashmore on 3 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski) made for an interesting, out-of-place record. Interestingly, this is only the second record for the species input to the Mt. Trashmore Park hotspot, and the first photographed at this location. Other records in 2019 on/over freshwater in the city hail from Stumpy Lake, Oliver’s Pond, the Chartway Credit Union pond (which hosted the Tufted Duck earlier this year), but surprisingly Sherwood Lakes never saw a pelican this year.

  • An Osprey viewed flying above Oceana Boulevard near Oceana NAS made for an interesting record on 16 Dec (vis. Karl Suttmann). This species tends to favor the northern fringe of Virginia Beach during the winter season, with records typically occurring within a few miles of Lynnhaven Inlet, and the vast majority hailing from Pleasure House Point NA until northbound migrants start popping up elsewhere in late February. Virginia Beach is the only locality in the state where this species is an expected winter resident, though there probably aren’t a lot of them here, but the few who do winter are often easily viewed.

  • The first accessible group of Horned Larks to provide good views to Virginia Beach birders all year were found foraging in an agricultural field behind Harris Teeter on Princess Anne Road on 26 Dec (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty)! Over the ensuing days, many birders made the trip out to this area, and viewing from the public sidewalk near the stormwater retention pond yielded quite a few records for this frustratingly difficult to find species in Virginia Beach! As a bonus, the White-crowned Sparrows mentioned earlier in this report were found as a direct result of these Horned Larks!

  • It was quite a month for “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrows, with recorded scattered along the coastline! The first individual was reported from the southern point of Pleasure House Point NA on 7 Dec (vis. Rob Bielawski), and then records started to pick up steam towards the end of the month with one present at First Landing SP’s beachfront on 26 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli), a pair in Sandbridge on 29 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli & David Epstein) and a whopping count of nine along the beach at Back Bay NWR during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (vis. Arun Bose). The Back Bay record was our second highest count for this sparrow ever in Virginia Beach input to eBird, with only thirteen at the same location on 15 Mar 2011 (vis. Edward Brinkley) being higher.

In terms of “Which species did we not record this month that we should have?”, Common Goldeneye certainly sits near the top of the list, after not producing a single record in the latter half of 2019! Never common in this part of the state, this species is just more likely to be found when waterways to our north have frozen over, and given the warmth of this winter so far, that just hasn’t occurred. So this species has had little reason to flock to our region. The last time Common Goldeneye was even remotely common here was during the major freezeup of January 2018. Greater Scaup is also a tough miss in terms of waterfowl, with the last record occurring 7 Nov, though this is certainly the rarer of the two scaup species, and many observations are set, by cautious birders, to simply Greater/Lesser Scaup due to the similarities when clear looks aren’t afforded. Other tough misses this month included Wilson’s Snipe, which certainly is present at scattered locations in the city, but is a cryptic species during winter here unless conditions force them into the open. Purple Sandpiper & Ruddy Turnstone are both frustrating misses, especially knowing there are probably plenty of them on the first and seconds islands of the CBBT right now, but onshore records occurred only at Rudee Inlet in November thus far. Northern Bobwhite is another tough miss, but there’s no telling how few there are left in the city, and if any of them are truly wild, or simply released birds at this point in time. Certainly not an irruptive season for Purple Finch, Red-breasted Nuthatch or Pine Siskin, all three were missed in December, however, we didn’t really have high hopes for any of those, though we had a single Red-breasted Nuthatch report in late Oct and a photographed Purple Finch in mid-Nov, but those remain the only reports thus far for these species. At this point in the winter, we really need some colder weather to help our chances for finding all these species, but, we will see what happens as January gets rolling!

As always, a wide array of media (photos/audio/video) were submitted during the month in Virginia Beach, and eBird makes it incredibly easy to organize and browse all of these. For those hoping to view every photo/audio/video submitted for Virginia Beach during this period, please see the complete listing for the month of December located on eBird’s Media explorer by clicking here! Please remember, anyone with an eBird user account has the ability to rate these photographs/audio/video on a scale of 1-5 stars (based on these guidelines). Making use of the average rating for each media item 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 or watching/listening to video/audio recordings of birds, please take some time to rate their quality, it helps to make eBird more useful with each passing day!

JANUARY LOOKAHEAD: The first month of the new calendar year always brings a great deal of excitement to birders. Many of us tally ‘year lists’ of what we observe, and 1 Jan provides us all with a fresh start. Due to our location at the southernmost latitude of the state, our low elevation, and sitting adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, our winters here tend to allow for a greater number of species to be present in Virginia Beach than in any other area of the state. As such, we have quite a few January specialties here that tend to bring in folks from out-of-town. Of course, we’re known for good numbers & variety of waterfowl, and places like Rudee Inlet, Little Island Park & Back Bay NWR are the most popular seawatch sites in the state during the winter. But there’s also a number of regularly occurring species in Virginia Beach during January that aren’t easily found elsewhere in the state. Snowy Egret is a rare species outside our borders during the height of winter, but quite a few tend to spend the season along the Lynnhaven River and its brackish tributaries. The same goes for Osprey, which aren’t expected anywhere else in the state, but are regular winterers around Lynnhaven Inlet. A third species that follows this same pattern is Black Skimmer, which can occasionally linger all the way through the month around the inlet, though they typically disappear by late January and don’t return again until April rolls around. While present at a few forested areas scattered across southeast Virginia, Blue-headed Vireo is most regular during the winter season in Virginia Beach, with First Landing SP and Stumpy Lake NA being their prime holdouts.

Waterfowl numbers should rise through January, as lakes, ponds & streams north of us begin to freeze in a southerly progression, forcing swans, geese & ducks to move towards the coast or farther south to open freshwater. Last winter, we hosted a pair of Tufted Ducks, and at least one Eurasian Wigeon. Either could occur again, and the wigeon is likely an annual winterer in the city at this point. Uncommon species like Redhead, Canvasback, Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser should be looked for on neighborhood ponds during January. Sherwood Lakes, Kings Grant Lakes and North Witchduck Lakes are all excellent locations for these species to take up residency during the winter season. Sea ducks can, and should, be watched for along the Oceanfront, the military bases, Little Island Park & Back Bay NWR. We’ve already seen a couple of reports for Harlequin Duck, with quite a few Common Eiders hanging around, and even a single King Eider was reported this month. Those species, along with perhaps White-winged Scoter (and Long-tailed Duck to a lesser extend) tend to comprise the sought after, coastal ducks in January. Seawatching may also yield good views of Razorbills, and for the fortunate individuals, perhaps a Manx Shearwater, Parasitic Jaeger, or even a Dovekie.

January is a great month to look for unusual Gulls as well, and the beaches along our coast often provide roosting grounds for large flocks. Typically the Oceanfront will yield an Iceland Gull or two, and Glaucous Gull could be present in any given winter here as well. Working the coast from Rudee Inlet north to Fort Story tends to be the best option, looking for large flocks of gulls on the beach to pick through. The Rudee Inlet dredge spoil pipe exits onto the beach at 6th Street, and when this pipe is pumping it creates a feeding frenzy for gulls. If one were to find a truly unusual species (Mew Gull, California Gull) this would be a great place to try.

Sparrows should continue to be looked for throughout January, and we could easily be hosting a Lark, White-crowned, Lincoln’s, Clay-colored or Vesper Sparrow somewhere within our borders. These are all rare winterers, but past records for each have occurred here. LeConte’s Sparrow is another that could be present at Back Bay NWR or at Princess Anne WMA, but it typically requires a concentrated effort by groups of birders to track one down. Any scrubby habitat should be thoroughly covered in January, and if we see any snowfall, any bare road edges in the southern half of the city could provide foraging grounds for rare sparrows that are pushed out of their preferred habitat.

January is also a great month to check on rarities that were uncovered during the Christmas Bird Counts at the end of December. Often times, the unusual finds during these events don’t get properly tracked afterwards. In Virginia Beach, we have a large enough birding community where continued observations of these birds can be accomplished, and it’s always interesting to see how late into the winter some will linger. Often times, these birds will vanish with the onset of snow, but some winters don’t ever produce accumulation (like last winter). If we do see snowfall this month, remember that cryptic species like Common Gallinule, Sora & Virginia Rail (and even Least Bittern if any have lingered) are much easier to view since open waterways will be few and far between, causing these species to concentrate. The same goes for American Woodcock, which will be forced out of the forests to the edge of parking lots and roadways. Wilson’s Snipe also follow suit, and the Lotus Gardens can often hold them along the water’s edge. The Early January 2018 Journal Entry covers such occurrences in depth, and is worth a look for those hoping to make the most out of a snowstorm, should it hit Virginia Beach.

Hopefully over the course of the next 31 days, each of these species, and perhaps some unexpected species, can be found in the city. For those who may want their observations to be included in this journal please remember to submit your records to www.eBird.org, where they can be reviewed for accuracy by local experts and easily found by those of us interested in such things. Thank you to those who made it through the entirety of this December entry, and be sure to check back next month to see what Virginia Beach birders will have found in January!

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November 2019

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A much colder November than those in recent memory provided some truly wild weather, and some interesting sightings. A pair of very strong cold fronts, on 7/8 Nov & 11 Nov, crossed the entire East Coast, with the latter storm producing snowfall across much of the state and dropping a few flakes over Virginia Beach! Even the following day we experienced a few more snowflakes in the morning hours, due to the front causing a “Chesapeake Streamer” to form. The first major nor’easter of the season impacted the region from 15-18 Nov, sending continuous 25-30mph winds and battering surf & storm surge into our coastline. The remainder of the month saw a mix of wet and windy weather, though no other extreme events occurred. Over the course of its thirty days, a total of 177 species were logged to eBird during November, which was an expected drop from the 199 species logged last month (October) but proved to be a bit of a surprise in comparison to the higher, 184 species, logged during November last year. At the close of November, Virginia Beach has now logged records for 302 species to eBird during 2019 (a massive +15 compared with last year’s 287 species through the same timeframe, and continuing what had already been accomplished by October, was a hefty improvement on 2018’s total of 290 species). This month, we collectively crossed the 9,000 complete checklists mark in eBird (on 14 Nov), and finished up with a total of 9,351 complete checklists to eBird so far in 2019. Like the previous months, this keeps us on pace to top the 10,000 mark for the first time in a calendar year, but with only one month left to make that happen, hopefully our eBirders find time to be out and about, despite December being the month with the least amount of daylight. Hopefully though, with the CBC season at the end of the year, we should get a bit of a kicker in the final three days if we haven’t crossed that threshold prior to then, though it seems likely that we will have.

Despite the expected decrease in overall species diversity from October, we still had some fantastic highlights this month! Standout rarities for November included: Black-chinned Hummingbird, Franklin’s Gull, Mute Swan, Western Grebe, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Common Gallinule, Ross’s Goose, Cackling Goose, Snow Bunting, Painted Bunting, Purple Finch, White-crowned Sparrow, “Northern” Red-tailed Hawk, Warbling Vireo, Orchard Oriole, Yellow-throated Warbler, White-eyed Vireo, Purple Sandpiper, Virginia Rail, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Harlequin Duck, Parasitic Jaeger, Sedge Wren & Anhinga. Additionally, November provided the city with first-of-season records for expected fall arrivals which, in order of arrival date, included: Tundra Swan, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Eider, Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Greater Scaup, Horned Grebe, Redhead, Horned Lark, Brant, American Pipit & Long-tailed Duck! Lastly, we also had some other exciting records this month for Peregrine Falcon, American Redstart, Little Blue Heron, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Nashville Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Caspian Tern, Red Knot, Blue-winged Teal, Horned Lark, Red-necked Grebe & Semipalmated Plover!

Leading a remarkable field of rarities this month, an immature male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD sits high atop November’s list! Visiting a feeder at a private residence in the Blackwater section of the city, this hummingbird was present for several weeks before the first public mention of its presence occurred through Facebook and then shortly after, eBird. It wasn’t until high quality photographs were achieved on 15 Nov by the homeowner (ph. Kelly Dean) that news of the find hit the birding community. Over the coming days, thanks to the graciousness of the host, many birders were able to visit the property and get great views of this individual. Marking only the second known record for this species in Virginia Beach with an individual mentioned in The Gold Book as having occurred here from 6 Jan-5 Feb 2002, this also represents the very first record input to eBird! With only a handful of records overall in the state, this has been an exceptional season for not only Black-chinned which has three records input to eBird, but also for other vagrant hummingbirds with several records for Rufous Hummingbird & a first state record Anna’s Hummingbird also this month in Frederick County. Anyone in the city who hosts a hummingbird feeder should be on the lookout, as it seems anything could pop up at this point! With quite a few folks taking exceptional photographs, it is worth noting that a public album of all the photographs taken of this Black-chinned Hummingbird can be found here at eBird!

Almost four years to the day since the last known occurrence in Virginia Beach, a single FRANKLIN’S GULL was a remarkable find at Rudee Inlet early in the morning hours on 11 Nov (ph. Linda Chittum & Ada Jones)! Though it was flushed by a passerby just minutes after the initial sighting, it was well-documented among a mixed flock of gulls on the beach, before flying south along the coastline and out of view. Interestingly, all prior records for this species in Virginia Beach have occurred during the month of November, with one at South Thimble Island (CBBT) on 11 Nov 2011 (ph. Andrew Thornton), and then several records from 13-15 Nov 2015 during our largest coastal invasion of the species following the passage of a massive low-pressure system that moved across the plains states, the Great Lakes, and then deposited the birds on the East Coast! That event was so widespread that eBird actually has a full article dedicated to it on their website, accessible here: The Franklin’s Gull Fallout of 2015.

The first free-ranging MUTE SWAN to be observed in Virginia Beach in over two years was found on Pleasure House Creek on 10 Nov (ph. Courtney Check / Andrew Elgin / Megan Massa & identified from early ph. Charlie Bruggemann)! While there is a purchased, ‘pet’ individual present at the Swan Terrace of Regent University, and the occasional eBird reports of misidentified decoy swans placed at a couple of locations in Virginia Beach, seeing a free-ranging Mute Swan in the city is a real treat. The last such record occurred at Back Bay NWR back on 14 Jan 2017 (ph. Ellison Orcutt; later ph. Rob Bielawski & Mary Catherine Miguez), when one was picked out of a large flock of Tundra Swans just west of the visitor contact station on the adjacent freshwater cove of Back Bay. A first-ever record for the Pleasure House Point NA hotspot, this individual was completely on its own, rather than mixing in with a larger flock of Tundras. In discussions with some local walkers while viewing the swan, it was mentioned (and photo proof provided) that the bird had spent the prior day on a pond in the nearby Church Point neighborhood. There’s no telling where it might end up next, but it was said to have been travelling up the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven towards Town Center as of the last report during the morning of 11 Nov (vis. Amy & Steve Myers). Keep your eyes peeled if you live in that portion of the city!

For a fourth winter season in a row, it appears Virginia Beach is once again host to a WESTERN GREBE, after an individual was photographed off Little Island Park on 25 Nov (ph. Tracy Tate)! Missed the following day by many, but refound again off Back Bay NWR on 27 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) and then photographed off Little Island Park later that day (ph. Marie & Ron Furnish), perhaps it’ll stick around this area like we’ve been fortunate to host in the past winters. With only one record for the species in the city listed in eBird prior to 2016, we’ve continued to see records on an annual basis ever since one was discovered, also at Little Island Park, during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec 2016 (vis. Edward Brinkley & Paul Sykes). That individual was present along the nearby coast through at least 3 Apr 2017 (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Mary Catherin Miguez), with what was likely a second individual present on 12 Feb off First Landing SP (ph. Lisa Rose). The following year, another (or the same, returning?) individual was found on Back Bay off Horn Point Road on 6 Apr 2018 (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty and Kathy Louthan), lingering at this location through 15 Apr (ph. Jason Strickland). The next season, one was again present from 3 Dec 2018 (ph. Diane Hinch & Maggee Smith) at Back Bay NWR, through 5 Feb 2019 (ph. Dixie Sommers) at Little Island Park. So, that brings us up to speed! Hopefully, like its predecessor records this individual will hang around our patch of coastline and provide some additional sightings moving forward. Little Island Park provides the best viewing since once can see quite a bit of water from the elevation atop the public pier, but Back Bay NWR’s beach is also worth viewing from since in the past, the Western Grebes present have ranged up and down the coast.

After we missed the species throughout it’s expected peak passage in October, a LINCOLN’S SPARROW was found at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 10 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski, later ph. Steve Myers)! This marks the very first record for this species to be input to eBird for the month of November in the city, across all years. Specifically in 2019, this is only the second individual known to have occurred in Virginia Beach, with an individual present back in February & March, and presumably throughout the entire winter. Ironically, that individual was also observed at this exact same location in the northern half of the Whitehurst Tract. Perhaps it’s just that the habitat here is perfect for the species and many individuals stop in, whether simply passing through or in search of a potential wintering site. Or, perhaps it’s the same individual returning once again? In either case, it’s truly exciting to add this sparrow to the month list for the city. With the records earlier in the year occurring 10 Feb (ph. Rob Bielawski) and 24 Mar (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Rob Bielawski), and with likely this same individual picked up again on 24 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski), perhaps we’ll see some additional reports of this same individual moving forward into December.

Photographed for the very first time in the city this year, a COMMON GALLINULE at Back Bay NWR on 20 Nov (ph. Tracy Tate) made for a fantastic surprise. Viewed near the West Dike entrance gate on the upstream portion of the C Pool, this marked only the third record for Virginia Beach in 2019, and the individual lingered at the same location through the end of the month, and was viewed by many! Previously this year, one was at False Cape SP on 24 May (also vis. Tracy Tate), and another was at Back Bay NWR on 6 Aug (vis. Andrew Baldelli) with both outings being part of the official refuge impoundment surveys. Unlike the August record, which had been viewed with special access to restricted portions of the refuge, the November record occurred from publicly viewable land, which makes it a worthwhile spot to check throughout the coming weeks. Common Gallinules are observed with regularity during the winter months at the south end of Back Bay in North Carolina, but winter records in Virginia Beach are quite scarce. We seem to sit right at the fringe of where they’re willing to take up residence for the winter, in similar fashion to Blue-winged Teal which are also more common just across the state line to our south. Depending on the harshness of our weather, perhaps there will be other records though as we slide into the winter season.

The earliest ROSS’S GOOSE record ever input to eBird for Virginia Beach occurred this month, when an individual was observed at the Signature at West Neck (private) on 8 Nov (ph. Pamela Monahan)! Even records later in past Novembers are quite scarce in eBird, with records for the month having occurred only in 2012 (one at Back Bay NWR), 2014 (one at Back Bay NWR and one along Princess Anne Road) and 2017 (one moving between Sherwood Lakes & the HRSD fields along Firefall Drive and one at Kempsville Lake). Most older records input to eBird tend to have occurred around the Back Bay Christmas Bird Count (CBC) which occurs annually on 29 Dec, but in more recent years, local birders have been better about locating this species throughout the Nov-Mar timeframe. Earlier in 2019, there were at least three and possibly four individuals observed, all during early March, as follows: 1, Muddy Creek Rd., 4 Mar (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty); 2, Muddy Creek Rd., 5 Mar (vis. Andrew Baldelli); 1, Munden Rd. (flying over both Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst & Beasley Tracts, 10 Mar (ph. Rob Bielawski). Perhaps with such an early November sighting for the species, this is a good sign for rare geese being present this winter season?

Also in the goose department, at least two CACKLING GEESE reports popped up during November. The first was an individual reported among a large roosting flock of Canada Geese on the agricultural fields between Ocean Lakes High School and the Hampton Roads Sanitation District plant on Firefall Drive on 16 Nov (vis. Tom Beatty). The second, was an individual observed on the north pond at Sherwood Lakes on 29 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli), potentially the same individual, also mixed in with a large flock of Canada Geese on the water. We’ve been quite fortunate in the city over the past few winter seasons with the rarer geese species (Cackling, Greater White-front, Ross’s), and any chance one gets to pick through the large Canada Goose flock the moves around these portions of the city should be taken. Cackling can be a bit of a challenge though, and they’re easier picked out on the water where the body size is easier to compare consistently with the others around it. In fields, the ground isn’t always level, and can cause standard-sized Canadas to appear smaller, simply by the elevation their feet are situated. Also of importance for this ID, is observing the very bright body coloration where Canadas will be darker (see Here), and the bill shape, size, and proportions are also important. With several races of intermediate sized Canada Geese, calling a Cackling with certainty can be problematic even for experienced birders.

The first SNOW BUNTING of the season was briefly observed at Dam Neck NA (Restricted Access) on 16 Nov (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty), marking the first record for the species going all the way back to 5 Feb! With only two prior records in 2019, a pair at Back Bay NWR on 1 Jan (ph. Robert Wood) and a flock of up to 14 present at the North End through 5 Feb, it’s nice to see our first for the season. Late in the month, we got our second as well, with a photographed record at False Cape SP on 30 Nov (ph. Marlee Morris)! Typically mid-November is our best time to start seeing these birds, if they're going to show up for a given winter season, so it was quite nice of this individual to help further that expectation! With most records occurring mid-Nov to early Feb here, individuals are also most likely to be found along the dunes at First Landing SP's campground area, along North Beach at the oceanfront, and also along Little Island Park & Back Bay NWR. In a couple of recent winter seasons, we've been fortunate to have flocks present around 85th Street, though they can move around quite a bit. Just something to keep in mind as we head into December. Snow Buntings are surely gorgeous birds and highly sought after in the city!

An immature or female-type PAINTED BUNTING was observed at a private residence in Laurel Manor on 23 Nov (ph. Tommy Maloney), marking the second record for the fall/winter season in Virginia Beach! Additionally, a separate female was observed at a private residence in Kempsville (ph. Teresa Conlon) on 25 Nov (and noting an actual arrival date three days prior), marking the fourth winter season in a row it has returned to the same location! Last month, Back Bay NWR produced a similarly plumaged individual on the morning of 12 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski & Peggy DeRolf), which was the first of likely many individuals to be reported (or to be present) in the city this season. As mentioned in the October Journal, though this species is an annual winter resident in the city, its true distribution is obscured considerably since many homeowners prefer not to publicly report sightings of this highly sought-after species. The central region of the city continues to produce records each winter, and with each of these residences mentioned above having hosted individuals in the past, surely, there are other such locations in the city. As December takes hold, this is definitely a species to watch closely for in your own backyards!

The first PURPLE FINCH of the season, a female, was photographed at a private residence in Hunt Club Forest on 17 Nov (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty)! While this species can be almost common at backyard feeders during invasion/irruption years, the 2019-2020 so far doesn’t appear to fit the mold of these every-few-year occurrences. In a more typical season in Virginia Beach, we’ll see something along the lines of 2-5 records, so it’s nice to see our very first one during this month. As December moves in, the likelihood of more records grows, with events like the Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) likely to yield some. The last records for the species, prior to this one, occurred way back in March, so it’s nice to see one back in the city! Of course, there’s no telling how many others might be present at feeders that just happen to not be owned by active eBirders, so if you know someone who enjoys the feederwatching part of birding, let them know their observations are valuable to projects like eBird, and to enthusiasts throughout the city who can learn more about backyard birds.

After having several individuals logged in October, we again had one record in November for WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW! This time, it was an immature found at Pleasure House Point NA on 6 Nov (ph. Cindy Hamilton), marking the natural area’s first record for the species in over a year and only the fourth record ever input here to eBird! In Virginia Beach this year, there have now been six total records for the species, all of individuals, two of which were adults and the other four immatures. For the sake of thoroughness, records for 2019 have occurred as follows: 1 immature, Stuart Rd., 14 Jan (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty); 1 adult, Tidewater Arboretum, 26 Apr (ph. Andrew Baldelli); 1 immature, Back Bay NWR, 12-14 Oct (ph. June McDaniels); 1 adult, Back Bay NWR, 14 Oct (ph. Andrew Baldelli); 1 immature, Little Island Park, 20 Oct (vis. Tracy Tate). The Pleasure House Point individual unfortunately was not observed again after the initial sighting, but this is a species that always has the potential to pop up in scrubby habitat throughout the winter. Along with Lincoln’s, Lark & Clay-colored Sparrows, it is one of the rarities to always be mindful of from fall to spring, as individuals of each species have wintered irregularly over the past few years.

The city’s first-ever eBird record for a “NORTHERN” RED-TAILED HAWK occurred this month, when an individual was observed on the fence line adjacent to Oceana NAS and London Bridge Boulevard on 18 Nov (ph. Mike Collins). The “Northern”, or abieticola, subspecies of Red-tailed Hawk is a considerably darker race overall when compared with our standard borealis race individuals present year-round throughout the city. The abieticola race shows an extensively dark, very dense band across the stomach, and a dark chest whereas the borealis race tends to show an unmarked, very clean white chest above a less dense band on the stomach. Records for the rarer race have occurred throughout Virginia, but the vast majority of our state’s records pertain to the expected borealis race. Subspecies/races are often overlooked by birders, especially those focused solely on species, or “countable” entities, but studying geographic variation among species can be quite interesting. For example, Virginia Beach has the only eBird records in the state for the “White-eyed” race of Eastern Towhee, and occasionally we’ve seen the rare “Oregon” race of Dark-eyed Junco in the city as well. Perhaps more common forms tend to get a bit more attention, as “Eastern” and “Western” Willets, or “Yellow” or “Western” Palm Warblers are reported frequently here at the subspecies level. Of course, no species exhibits more individual variation here than Red-tailed Hawk, but each one is worth looking at closely to see if it might fit the mold of one of the rarer forms!

Extremely rare in the state as a whole after September, and also a rare find any time of year on the coast, a WARBLING VIREO at a private residence in Cypress Point on 2 Nov (ph. Kristin Swanbeck) proved to be another astonishing to Virginia Beach’s November list! A remarkable year for this species in the state, this really puts the proverbial icing on the cake for Warbling Vireo distribution in Virginia Beach for 2019. Primarily a rare spring & rarer fall transient in Virginia Beach, it didn’t come as much of a surprise when the species was missed as a migrant this spring, though last year we were fortunate and logged several records. Seemingly out of nowhere, a nesting pair of Warbling Vireos were observed in one of the many willow oaks along Ashville Park Boulevard from 19 Jun (vis. & a.r. Karen & Tom Beatty, vis. Andrew Baldelli) through 6 Jul (ph. Rob Bielawski), providing the first breeding confirmation for this species in the city! With no records during the typical fall migration window, local birders had simply assumed it would be a species we’d need to wait until late April to have another shot at observing. With no photographic records in eBird after September, in any prior year, this is truly remarkable. Additionally, there is only one other sight report later than this one, in Norfolk on 28 Nov 2009 (vis. David Clark), otherwise the latest accepted record in eBird is one in Alexandria on 15 Oct 2018 (vis. Jim Owens)!

Remarkably out-of-season anywhere in Virginia, statewide, during November, an ORCHARD ORIOLE was quite the show-stopper at Back Bay NWR on 11 Nov (ph. Charlie Bruggemann)! This late in the season, any non-Baltimore, oriole record in Virginia tends to cause a flurry of excitement across the birding community, with Bullock’s Oriole an ever-increasing wintertime possibility (especially along the coast), and Hooded Oriole still unrecorded in Virginia but with records of vagrants in adjacent states. This record was elevated even higher by the fact that many photographs were obtained and aided greatly in ruling out other orioles from contention. The last of its kind to be observed here in Virginia Beach this year was reported way, way back on 10 Aug (vis. Rob Bielawski) at Whitehurst Tract, and there wasn’t a single photo-documented record for the species in the state overall after August. In fact, there are only a couple of photographic records after August in any prior year either, with the latest such record at Dyke Marsh in Fairfax on 11 Sep 2016 (ph. Yve Morrell, during her ABA Big Year), which makes this November record even more remarkable. The previous late date for the state in eBird was a sight report in Fairfax on 26 Sep 2014 (vis. David Ledwith), so with this Virginia Beach record being about six weeks later, it stands out as quite the outlier in eBird! Amazingly, the individual appeared to linger even later into the month when most likely the same oriole was photographed at the same location again on 18 Nov (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty) and yet again at the close of the month on 30 Nov (ph. Tommy Maloney). Perhaps it’ll stay into December and provide the state’s very first record in that month?

Bizarrely, this became the fifth winter season in a row to produce at least one record for YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, with an individual photographed at a private residence in Bellamy Manor on 22 Nov (ph. Una Davenhill)! A fascinating species in terms of status & distribution in Virginia Beach, Yellow-throated Warbler has been more frequently reported here during the winter season than it has throughout the summer months. This is quite backwards from its distribution in the remainder of the state where it is a common breeder, but a non-existent winterer. One wonders how many individuals have truly wintered, or if we’re seeing repeats of the same individual(s?), especially given this residence also hosted one briefly last season and another nearby residence also had some reports. Pembroke Manor and the Lake Smith & Stumpy Lake areas of the city have also produced records in past winters, with individuals typically drawn to feeders containing suet & bark butter. If you are one of the many avid feederwatchers in Virginia Beach, keep this species in mind throughout the winter season and make sure to report your sightings to eBird!

Yet another rare winterer popped up this month, with an adult WHITE-EYED VIREO photographed at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 24 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski)! Though a common breeder across the city, it had been exactly six weeks since the last report for this species in Virginia Beach and it seems likely that this individual might attempt to winter in the dense, tangled thickets & brambles the line the impoundments at this WMA. Remarkably, a second individual was observed at the Signature at West Neck on 29 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli)! Scarcely observed in the state between mid-October and early April, White-eyed Vireo does have a habit of popping up through November and sometimes into December in the southeast during the warmer winter seasons. In terms of past occurrence, this is the very first record for any November in the city, and there is only one prior December record on last year’s Back Bay CBC (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Linda Chittum) in Sandbridge. Reports this time of year are therefore quite noteworthy, and any potential winterer is worth following up on. Of course, Whitehurst Tract is only open to birding on Sundays from 1 Sep-30 Apr, which complicates matters a bit, but this individual was observed on the north-south trail just to the east of the parking area & maintenance garage for anyone interested in giving it a look.

While it is a common species from Nov-Mar on the man-made islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) complex, a first-of-season PURPLE SANDPIPER at Rudee Inlet on 17 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) sparked some excitement during the strong mid-month nor’easter. A denizen of hardened coastal shorelines, the north, south & offshore jetties at Rudee Inlet provide perfect habitat for this species. Ever since the closure of the CBBT for construction of an additional tunnel tube, species like Harlequin Duck, Great Cormorant, and this sandpiper have unfortunately become much more difficult to find & observe in Virginia Beach. With a few boat trips heading out to the islands, mostly in Jan/Feb, the bulk of our reports in the city occur at that time. The November individual stayed at Rudee through the following day, 18 Nov (ph. Mike Collins), then disappeared. However, three were then present on another day of rough weather on 29 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli). These records are only the second & third on the mainland for 2019, with another previously present at Rudee Inlet from 16 Jan (ph. Reuben Rohn) through 18 Feb (vis. Michael Linz & Patty McLean). Time will tell if further reports will occur as the winter season sets in!

The first VIRGINIA RAIL for the second half of 2019 was logged this month, with a vocalizing individual detected along Horn Point Road prior to sunrise on 2 Nov (aud. Rob Bielawski). Being the first record away from Little Island Park, where one was also logged soon after on 7 Nov (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty), this appears to only be the second individual logged to eBird in Virginia Beach for the calendar year. However, this species is likely to be found anywhere along the shorelines of Back Bay from fall to spring, though is almost never seen except following extensive freezes and snowfall. In early 2018, one such event forced many individuals of this species out into the open, and high counts of up to 4 were reported frequently at Little Island Park in the small stream of moving water that had just enough movement to prevent freezing. Aside from these harsh events, the best way to detect this species is to be out in darkness along the upper reaches of freshwater marshes.

A continuing record from October, a single SEDGE WREN was observed at Green Run Neighborhood Park on 23 Nov (vis. Gary Witmer), making for the only record of the species this month in the city! With an initial find of two Sedge Wrens at this location on 12 Oct (aud. & vis. Gary Witmer), it appears that at least one has opted to make a wintering territory out of this location. As mentioned in the October Journal, Sedge Wren is a very cryptic species, and therefore a difficult one to pin down. It is probably more of an uncommon wintering species than a rarity, however with its preferred habitat occupying such a small percentage of the land area of Virginia Beach, all records that occur are noteworthy. That said, two additional records popped up in Virginia Beach in the latter third of November, first with an individual at Back Bay NWR near the West Dike gate on 28 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) and then a bit more surprising, one at Pleasure House Point NA on 30 Nov (ph. Lisa Rose). Two individuals were later reported at the West Dike gate, and the Pleasure House Point individual stayed throughout the same date as well, making for some excitement as Sedge Wrens in November haven’t traditionally been chaseable.

With two records last month (11 & 21 Oct), Pleasure House Point NA saw its third & fourth SALTMARSH SPARROW records for 2019 this month, with an individual photographed on 4 Nov (ph. June McDaniels) & on 6 Nov (ph. Sarah Gustafson). As mentioned in the prior journal entry, due to the extreme similarities in physical field marks (they were once considered the same species, “Sharp-tailed Sparrow”), this species does flag as ‘rare’ here in eBird, but it is certainly a species to be expected in this proper saltmarsh habitat. Almost all our records hail from the Lynnhaven River estuary, but infrequently there are records that pop up of migrants on man-made, hardened shorelines, like at South Thimble Island (CBBT), Fort Story JEB, and at Rudee Inlet. However, the best place to look is certainly Pleasure House Point NA, near the southern tip of the shoreline trail where the marshy islands are closest.

A holdover from last month’s entry, a single female HARLEQUIN DUCK found back on 25 Oct (ph. Andrew Baldelli) was again logged this month at Rudee Inlet starting on 11 Nov (vis. Linda Chittum, ph. Rob Bielawski) where it continued to forage along the north side of the northern rock jetty protecting the inlet! A severe cold front that passed over the following day, 12 Nov, produced some snow flurries and also ended up pushing this individual inside the inlet for the first time (ph. Rob Bielawski), where excitedly, it lingered in close proximity to a female Common Eider through the mid-month Nor’easter. As mentioned in October, this individual marked the second record for the species here in 2019, with the only other record in the city being an immature male that was first spotted during the Little Creek CBC on 31 Dec 2018 (vis. Andrew Baldelli, Linda Chittum & Lisa Rose; later ph. Adam D’Onofrio & Loretta Silvia) then lingering all the way through 6 Apr near Lynnhaven Inlet.

While September & October each boasted a single record for PARASITIC JAEGER, November somewhat expectedly produced a surge of records. On the leading edge of a massive cold front that would later send local temperatures descending below freezing, at least 10-11 jeagers were observed along the resort area’s coastline. During the morning hours of 12 Nov, eight Parasitics were logged to eBird, seven from Rudee Inlet (vis. Andrew Baldelli) and another from 88th Street Beach (ph. June McDaniels). An additional three, distantly viewed individuals were simply left as ‘jaeger sp.’. One light morph adult was also observed at Little Island Park on 27 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli). As mentioned in the October Journal, Parasitic Jaegers breed in the arctic tundra and make their way to the coast, mostly during Sep-Nov, with many passing overland. Typically, jaegers become quite scarce by the time December rolls around, but they’re still possible to observe along our coastline. As Royal Tern & Laughing Gull numbers plummet in early winter, the likelihood of jaegers also drops, since these species are the ones most often scavenged from. Popular seawatch sites like Fort Story JEB (Restricted), 88th Street Beach, Rudee Inlet, Camp Pendleton SMR (Restricted), Damn Neck NA (Restricted), Little Island Park, Back Bay NWR & False Cape SP could still provide viewing opportunities, though this is a species where having a spotting scope, and birding early in the morning on days with onshore winds tends to provide the best chance.

For a remarkable eighth month in a row, we saw records for ANHINGA at Stumpy Lake NA! At least one individual was spotted on 1 Nov (ph. Jonathan Snyder, ph. Pamela Monahan, ph. Rob Bielawski, vis. Betty Sue Cohen), and again on 2 Nov (ph. Jonathan Snyder), before the reports for this species in Virginia Beach finally came to an abrupt end. With the first Anhingas observed at this location way back on 21 Apr (2, ph. Stephen Keith) it is astonishing that they’ve been logged each and every month since then. Of course, there’s no telling if the pair observed at the close of October, or the individual that lingered into November are the same as those that first showed up in April, but the fact that the species as a whole has been present this long is incredible. In fact, it’s difficult to even say how many different Anhingas were observed at the natural area this year, but the peak count achieved during a single observation was a photographic record of nine individuals in view simultaneously on 28 May (ph. Luke Fultz & Karl Suttmann). Over the past few years, spring & fall records have increasingly been entered to eBird, but this was the first summer season where we saw them reliably on the lake. It’s difficult to envision another record occurring in December, but it’s not entirely out of the question. Last year, a single Anhinga was observed along the Noland Trail in Newport News during December, even on a morning that featured sleet and snow flurries. So, this species isn’t impossible this late in the year, it’s just not expected to occur. But, that’s part of what makes birding so exciting, strange things can, and do happen!

In addition to all the great rarities observed during November, we also saw first-of-season records for 12 of our annually expected species! Arrival records occurred this month for the following expected/regular species (sorted chronologically by first record):

  • Tundra Swan – First Observed: 1, Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract, 3 Nov (obs. Andrew Potts); First Photographed: 31, Back Bay NWR, 9 Nov (ph. Jonathan Snyder).

  • Red-breasted Merganser – First Observed: 32, Back Bay NWR, 4 Nov (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty). First Photographed: 282, Little Island Park, 17 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Rob Bielawski).

  • Common Eider – First Observed & Photographed: 4, Back Bay NWR, 5 Nov (ph. Steve Myers).

  • Lesser Scaup – First Observed: 1, Little Island Park, 7 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli & David Clark).

  • White-winged Scoter – First Observed: 1, Little Island Park, 7 Nov (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty); First Photographed: 1 female, Rudee Inlet, 21 Nov (ph. Kathy Spencer).

  • Greater Scaup – First Observed: 4, Pleasure House Point NA, 7 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli).

  • Horned Grebe – First Observed: 1, Little Island Park, 10 Nov (vis. Linda Chittum & Ada Jones); First Photographed: 5, Sherwood Lakes, 17 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski).

  • Redhead – First Observed & Photographed: 68, Sherwood Lakes, 17 Nov (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty).

  • Horned Lark – First Observed: 3, Oceana NAS (Restricted Access), 22 Nov (vis. Karl Suttmann); First Photographed: 1, First Landing SP, 26 Nov (ph. Prashant A).

  • Brant – First Observed: 14, Pleasure House Point NA, 23 Nov (vis. Chris Monahan); First Photographed: 2, Back Bay NWR, 30 Nov (ph. Tommy Maloney).

  • American Pipit – First Observed: 1, Blackwater Road (Private Residence), 26 Nov (obs. Kathy Louthan / Andrew Rapp / Wes Teets).

  • Long-tailed Duck – First Observed: 1, Rudee Inlet, 28 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli & Karl Suttmann).

Also, with so many birders out and about during November, plenty of other exciting finds occurred! The following records include finds such as early arriving & late lingering individuals, species found in locations of the city where they aren’t typically observed, and any other observations that are simply “interesting” and seem worth calling attention to in a city-level journal such as this! Records of this nature for November were as follows:

  • The first Peregrine Falcon to be recorded at Stumpy Lake NA in almost two years was logged to eBird on 1 Nov (ph. Betty Sue Cohen)! Only the second photographed record at the natural area so far input to eBird, this also represented just the sixth overall record for Stumpy Lake. With the most recent, prior record also having been a November observation, this seems like a good month to watch the skies for the species over the lake in future years.

  • While its typical departure date in recent years is roughly 20 Oct, a female/immature-type American Redstart photographed at a private residence in Bellamy Manor on 30 Oct lingered through at least 1 Nov (ph. Una Davenhill). The late October occurrence already marked the latest photographic record in eBird for American Redstart in the city, so its continued presence also made it the very first photo record for the month of November! Only one sight report has occurred later in eBird, with two being reported at a private residence in Lake Smith Terrace on 9 Nov 2018 (vis. Tracy Tate).

  • Another carryover entry from October, at least four lingering Ruby-throated Hummingbirds continued to be picked up into November. Even during late October, they had already been observed ten-or-more days past the species’ average fall departure date of 20 Oct. An immature/female type hummingbird visiting the feeders at a private residence in Hunt Club Forest was observed both on 1 Nov (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty) and again on 2 Nov, but that’s when the reports stopped. Similarly, another immature/female type individual lingered at a private residence in Cypress Point through 2 Nov (ph. Kristin Swanbeck). Another individual was observed at a private residence in Laurel Cove through 3 Nov (vis. Loretta Silvia), and still another was reported at Back Bay NWR on 6 Nov (vis. Marie D’Auteuil). It’s still possible that others will pop up throughout the city next month, but hopefully birders will keep a watchful eye for rarer species like Rufous, Allen’s, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds (recorded this month at nearby Kiptopeke SP), which all have late fall/early winter records in Virginia!

  • Scarce by the end of October in Virginia Beach, an immature Little Blue Heron made for a nice surprise at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 3 Nov (ph. Steve Myers). With few individuals of this species lingering into November in the city, any sighting that occurs through late March would be considered exciting. Most such records in Virginia tend to occur on the Eastern Shore, with Chincoteague NWR seemingly being the most likely to see wintering Little Blue & Tricolored Herons. However, Virginia Beach did have a pair of immature Little Blue Herons winter at Pleasure House Point NA during 2015-2016. That pair was observed by a great deal of birders since they were the only individuals known in the state during 2016 until northbound migrants started popping up, with the first non-Virginia Beach records occurring at Chincoteague on 26 Mar 2016!

  • A pair of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were a surprise find at Hell’s Point Golf Club on 6 Nov (vis. & aud. Marie D’Auteuil). With no other documented records in the city after 21 Oct when one was photographed at First Landing SP (ph. June McDaniels), it seemed likely that this species had seen its last report before their expected mid-March spring arrival date. Individuals have, on occasion, attempted to winter in Virginia Beach, so it’s possible that an even later record could pop up in December, but, it would be quite exceptional.

  • Though reported regularly this year from 22 Sep-22 Oct, a well-documented Nashville Warbler found at a private residence in Cypress Point on 9 Nov (ph. Kristin Swanbeck) made for quite a surprise! Records for this species after October are quite scarce in Virginia Beach, though ironically there was a sight report last year on this exact same date in Lake Smith Terrace (vis. Tracy Tate). For all other years with data in eBird, only 2016 had a November record (as well as a couple of December records). This current individual is also the very first Nov/Dec entry to have been photographed in Virginia Beach!

  • After a wide gap in city records, a Prairie Warbler was found at Princess Anne WMA on 10 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski). Expected to occur in Virginia Beach through around 20 Oct in any given year, this breeding species was previously last observed at Back Bay NWR on 23 Oct (ph. Betty Sue Cohen). Though, of the typical non-wintering warblers, Prairie is probably next in line most likely to linger late into the fall/early winter, after Black-and-white Warbler here. While we’ve had at least one record occur in either November or December, annually since 2014, individuals are still quite rare during that timeframe, and any sighting is greatly welcomed! Strangely, in 2018, we didn’t have a single November record, but then we had a pair in December, one at Whitehurst Tract on 16 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski) and one at Back Bay NWR on 31 Dec (ph. David Clark).

  • Pleasure House Point NA saw its latest-ever record for Yellow-crowned Night-Heron this month with two individuals observed in the morning hours of 2 Nov (ph. Nancy Barnhart / Shirley Devan / Jan Lockwood / Joyce Lowry) along one of the interior canals. Remarkably, the two immatures continued to be logged at the natural area through at least 11 Nov, where both were photographed in the same image (ph. Loretta Silvia)! The previous late date, in eBird, for the natural area occurred on 30 Oct 2014 (vis. Kathy Spencer) when an individual was reported. The current record is all the more remarkable since there had been only one other record in Virginia Beach during the month of November in past years, with an immature documented in a residential front yard adjacent to Kings Landing Circle in the Kings Grant neighborhood on 5 Nov 2016 (ph. Rob Bielawski), and almost certainly the same immature individual observed nearby again on 19 Nov 2016 (ph. Rob & Ruth Bielawski)!

  • Another addition to the list of late-staying summer residents, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was observed at Back Bay NWR all the way through 11 Nov (ph. Linda Chittum & Ada Jones) after having also been observed near the same location on 7 Nov (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty) & 9 Nov (ph. Jonathan Snyder). This record makes for a second year in a row where the species has been detected lingering into November at Back Bay NWR, with records in 2018 occurring up to 4 Nov (vis. Mike Collins). In terms of eBird records in the state, this record ties an individual observed at Kiptopeke SP hawkwatch in Northampton on 11 Nov 2017 (vis. Anna Stunkel) & one at Chincoteague NWR in Accomack on 11 Nov 2018 (ph. Mark Brown) for the latest, free-ranging Yellow-billed Cuckoos so far recorded (though there is an accepted 17 Nov 2015 record of a deceased individual in Williamsburg). Interestingly, the refuge also holds claim to the extreme early spring arrival date for the state, with one documented on 3 Apr 2016 in the forested region along the west dike (ph. Rob Bielawski). So, with these November records, Back Bay NWR appears to be record holder for longest season of Yellow-billed Cuckoo records in Virginia, which makes some sense given it is one of the most heavily birded locations in the state and also sits at the extreme southeast corner where a warm climate causes great benefit to breeders like this species.

  • The mid-month Nor’easter brought in an excellent record for a very late Caspian Tern observed seeking refuge on the agricultural field off Firefall Drive on 17 Nov (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty)! A good find anytime after October, this made for the second latest photographic record in Virginia Beach currently input to eBird after one was logged at nearby Dam Neck Naval Annex on 18 Nov 2018 (also ph. Karen & Tom Beatty), and the third latest record overall, with one at Back Bay NWR on 29 Nov 2005 (obs. David Clark)!

  • A female Blue-winged Teal lingered at Stumpy Lake NA from 14 Nov (ph. Reuben Rohn) through at least 22 Nov (ph. Reuben Rohn & Jonathan Snyder), marking only the fourth record at the natural area hotspot in eBird and also the latest report in Virginia Beach for the species this year!

  • Very late and unexpected here at this point in the season, a pair of Red Knots on the beach at Back Bay NWR (ph. Loretta Silvia) made for an exciting record! Though winterers occasionally pop up on the Eastern Shore barrier islands and more rarely, at Chincoteague NWR, it is very unexpected to see them here at Back Bay NWR. Though, it has occurred before, and perhaps we’ll see more records on the refuge surveys this winter.

  • A well-documented Horned Lark at First Landing SP on 26 Nov (ph. Prashant A) made for the first photographic record input to eBird for the park, as well as the only photographic record north of I-264 in the city! With only one other record at the First Landing SP hotspot occurring over eight years ago, back on 20 Mar 2010, this was quite the unexpected find for a species typically observed only in the southern, agricultural, portion of Virginia Beach!

  • The first, very early, Red-necked Grebe of the season was observed in flight with several Horned Grebes at Little Island Park on 27 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli)! Hopefully, getting one of these under our belt in November is a good sign for their distribution in December. Typically, there are maybe 1-5 records each winter from mainland Virginia Beach, but during irruptive seasons we can see quite a few of these around. Time will tell which is the case this winter.

  • At least two Semipalmated Plovers lingered ten-or-more days past their typical departure date this season, with a photographic record during the late November thrice-monthly impoundment survey at Back Bay NWR on 25 Nov (ph. Cindy Hamilton & Tracy Tate) and yet another at nearby False Cape SP (possibly the same two?) on 30 Nov (ph. Marlee Morris). Records for the species in any given year are scarce after 15 Nov, with the last such record having occurred on 2 Dec 2017 (1, vis. Andrew Baldelli & Rob Bielawski), and only 2007 & 2004 holding similar records in eBird!

While the overall species count in November 2019 (‘this Nov’) was very close to that observed in November 2018 (‘last Nov’), there’s quite a few differences. The following species were recorded last Nov but were not found this Nov (species in all capital letters are those that flag as ‘rare’ in eBird here throughout Nov): Canvasback, CHIMNEY SWIFT, WESTERN SANDPIPER, American Woodcock, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, Razorbill, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, ICELAND GULL, PACIFIC LOON, GREAT CORMORANT, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, TRICOLORED HERON, Cattle Egret, Barred Owl, WESTERN KINGBIRD, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, Fox Sparrow, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, BLACKPOLL WARBLER & INDIGO BUNTING.

Conversely, we found the following species this Nov, but didn’t observe them last Nov: ROSS’S GOOSE, MUTE SWAN, Northern Bobwhite, WESTERN GREBE, BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD, COMMON GALLINULE, Purple Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, FRANKLIN’S GULL, ANHINGA, YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, WHITE-EYED VIREO, WARBLING VIREO, SEDGE WREN, LINCOLN’S SPARROW, ORCHARD ORIOLE & PRAIRIE WARBLER.

Clearly, 2019-2020 is not shaping up to be an irruptive finch season, as we haven’t been seeing numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin or Purple Finch. Last Nov held some remarkable rarities, and clearly the sparrowing was better last year with four species not found this Nov. Each year will have its surprises, certainly, but it was unexpected for us to not see a single Canvasback or American Woodcock this month. Barred Owl was likely missed due to a lack of nocturnal effort, and it is the toughest of the three common owl species to find in the city, though Crags Causeway and Stumpy Lake NA have been fairly reliable at night. It’s always interesting to see how the same months in different years compare, but where we dropped in 2019 in terms of diversity, we made up for in terms of quality!

As always, a wide array of media (photos/audio/video) were submitted during the month in Virginia Beach, and eBird makes it incredibly easy to organize and browse all of these. For those hoping to view every photo/audio/video submitted for Virginia Beach during this period, please see the complete listing for the month of November located on eBird’s Media explorer by clicking here! Please remember, anyone with an eBird user account has the ability to rate these photographs/audio/video on a scale of 1-5 stars (based on these guidelines). Making use of the average rating for each media item 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 or watching/listening to video/audio recordings of birds, please take some time to rate their quality, it helps to make eBird more useful with each passing day!

DECEMBER LOOKAHEAD: Early sunsets and the holiday season tend to make December a tough month for many birders to be out birding on a frequent basis. However, like November, it is a great time of year for catching lingering species and rarities. The CBCs at month’s end should yield some interesting finds, given the coverage of areas is much higher than on any other given day of recreational birding. Sparrows should be looked for in any weedy fields or scrubby habitat (Back Bay NWR, Princess Anne WMA, Pleasure House Point NA, etc.). Seawatching could yield good ducks or even offshore species pushed into view on days with winds featuring an easterly component. Anything can happen here in the winter!

Winter arrivals are almost entirely behind us, but as of November’s ending, we have not yet logged first arrivals for the following species that were expected prior to December (typical arrival dates listed in parentheses after each species name):

Hopefully over the course of the next 31 days, each of these species, and perhaps some unexpected species, can be found in the city. For those who may want their observations to be included in this journal please remember to submit your records to www.eBird.org, where they can be reviewed for accuracy by local experts and easily found by those of us interested in such things. Thank you to those who made it through the entirety of this November entry, and be sure to check back next month to see what Virginia Beach birders will have found in December!

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