Loons on Claytor Lake

[Stan Bentley]

Mark Mullins and I spent a rather chilly afternoon at Claytor Lake State Park today. We were pleasantly surprised at the number of waterfowl on the water. Most notable were 98 common loons, and 44 horned grebes. Large flights of ducks also were present. We estimated 300+ scaup in one raft. While observing the scaup, late in the afternoon, a huge flight of ducks of undetermined species swept across the far side of the lake - some landing, but most continuing on their journey. An undetermined tern also was seen.

Most all the birds were well out and a scope was necessary to see them well. Here is a list of other notable birds.

pied-billed grebe 30

American coot 300+

mallard 6

ruddy duck 7

bufflehead 35

gadwall 2

double-crested cormorant 4

ring-billed gull 5

Stan Bentley

Pulaski, VA