November 3, 2009
Bridle Creek/Gold Hill
US · Virginia
Lon. -81.251278, Lat. 36.613047, Alt. 2,680 ft
Member: Scott Jackson-Ricketts
Hotspot: Bridle Creek/Gold Hill
Notes:
Interesting how one day makes such a difference. Mocking birds are
scarce in our yard, and today's was the first song sparrow since
spring. Not a downy in sight, but the return of the sap-sucker was
welcomed. All throughout the year an occasional phoebe makes an
appearance, albeit sporadically. Then there was the grackle, whose
gruff voice caught my doubtful attention, as a red-bellied woodpecker
swung into range. I thought it must be the woodpecker, then spied the
grackle. The transition from seasonal expectations makes for the
larger temptation to just spend the time paying attention. It is never
a disappointment.
25 Species Reported:
Turkey Vulture (5)
Mourning Dove (4)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1)
Pileated Woodpecker (1)
Eastern Phoebe (1)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (5)
Cedar Waxwing (6)
Carolina Wren (2)
Northern Mockingbird (1)
Eastern Bluebird (2)
American Robin (14)
Carolina Chickadee (3)
Tufted Titmouse (3)
White-breasted Nuthatch (3)
Blue Jay (6)
American Crow (4)
House Finch (5)
American Goldfinch (3)
Eastern Towhee (2)
Song Sparrow (2)
White-throated Sparrow (4)
Dark-eyed Junco (9)
Northern Cardinal (3)
Common Grackle (1)
This sightings record was recorded at: www.aviatlas.com
November 8, 2009
Bridle Creek/Gold Hill
US · Virginia
Lon. -81.251278, Lat. 36.613047, Alt. 2,680 ft
Member: Scott Jackson-Ricketts
Hotspot: Bridle Creek/Gold Hill
Notes:
Sparrows return. I have no idea how many song sparrows were in my
fields today, but certainly enjoyed their songs. I counted only what I
saw. The 24 black vultures were seen as they caught a mid-morning
thermal launch, so lucky me. Today, I took a purposeful walk to see
and hear what might be about. Not typical of my habits, given that I
usually have to attend to work at hand, extra effort was put into the
32 species count. The butterbutts, red-tails, and the two hermits were
good bonus birds. Today was a brilliant fall day, warm and clear.
32 Species Reported:
Black Vulture (24)
Turkey Vulture (2)
Red-tailed Hawk (2)
Mourning Dove (5)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1)
Downy Woodpecker (2)
Pileated Woodpecker (1)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (4)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)
Cedar Waxwing (18)
Carolina Wren (2)
Northern Mockingbird (1)
Eastern Bluebird (4)
Hermit Thrush (2)
American Robin (1)
Carolina Chickadee (5)
Tufted Titmouse (3)
White-breasted Nuthatch (4)
Blue Jay (9)
American Crow (10)
Common Raven (2)
House Finch (1)
American Goldfinch (9)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (2)
Eastern Towhee (2)
Chipping Sparrow (1)
Field Sparrow (1)
Song Sparrow (6)
White-throated Sparrow (4)
Dark-eyed Junco (4)
Northern Cardinal (4)