November 2023

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November is always a fascinating month in Virginia Beach. The amount of daylight available for birding becomes noticeably reduced, Daylight Savings Time throws everyone for a loop, and the beautiful fall colors have hit their peak and the leaves have started to fall to the ground. Wintering species are showing up in increasing numbers and also in diversity, while lingering transients and summer residents can often still be found for those who are willing to dig for them, especially if the first portion of the month stays warm enough. November also tends to be the peak month for vagrants from the West to show up here in the East, so one never fully knows what to expect on any given day. All told, there was 32 species meeting the current Notable Observations Criteria observed in Virginia Beach this month, with the occurrence of each of these described in greater detail within this entry.

The first of its kind to be observed in Virginia Beach since 13 Mar 2021, a single ROSS’S GOOSE was found floating among a Canada Goose flock on the north pond at Sherwood Lakes during the morning of 29 Nov (ph. Reuben Rohn), and this individual continued to be reported at (and around) this location into December. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

During a follow-up visit to view the Ross’s Goose at Sherwood Lakes on 29 Nov, a single CACKLING GOOSE was noted among the Canada Goose flock on the north pond (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels; later ph. George Bailey, Amy Myers & Steve Myers). (Nov 2023 Map of Records), with the individual being reported into December.

A pair of MUTE SWANS was found on Lake Charles in the Thoroughgood neighborhood, as viewed from the northern terminus of Moores Lane on 25 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski & Peggy DeRolf), with both continuing at the location into December. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Not recorded in Virginia Beach since 26 Mar 2021, our first EURASIAN WIGEON in almost two years was found when the thrice-monthly, refuge impoundment survey at Back Bay NWR turned up a drake on C Pool on the morning of 27 Nov (vis. Lydia Hansen). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Typically a mid-November arrival, early-arriving REDHEADS were reported at First Landing SP’s beach (four) on 3 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) and at Dam Neck Naval Annex (one) on 5 Nov (vis. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Though missed altogether as a species in Virginia Beach last winter, a single female COMMON EIDER was present around Lynnhaven Inlet from 3-6 Nov (ph. Elena Bersani) and an additional two females were observed in southbound flight past Little Island Park’s pier on 21 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) during a major pre-frontal movement of seabirds. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Generally scarce after October, at least four locations produced records for late-lingering RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS this month with one at a Hunt Club Forest private residence on 1 Nov (vis. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty), one at a Laurel Manor private residence (which held a successful over-winterer last season) on 24 Nov (vis. Tommy Maloney), one at Harris Teeter Retention Pond on 27 Nov (vis. Matt Robertson & Matthew Robertson) and  two (one female and one immature male) at a Laurel Cove private residence (also held a successful over-winterer last season) throughout the month (ph. Loretta Silvia) with both continuing into December. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

The continuing, first-ever known LIMPKIN in Virginia Beach continued to be seen at a private residence near the Heron Ridge Golf Course throughout the month (vis. Harold Lloyd) and continued into December, marking the fourth calendar month for its stay at the location. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Two of the four HUDSONIAN GODWITS that had been present on the C Pool at Back Bay NWR since 5 Oct (ph. David Clark, Jeff Kendle & Reuben Rohn) continued through the first of the thrice-monthly refuge impoundment surveys this month, on 6 Nov (vis. Robert Ake). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Though the species can sometimes linger into winter along our coast (and has successfully over-wintered at higher latitudes), a single RED KNOT on the beach at Back Bay NWR on 20 Nov (ph. Louis Sokolow) made for the only record in the city this month, with the last prior record back on 16 Oct. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

A common fall migrant along the coast, but unusual during November, a small flock of four PECTORAL SANDPIPERS on the southern impoundment at Princess Anne WMA Beasley Tract on 5 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) made for a surprise, late record, with the last prior city report occurring exactly a month earlier on 5 Oct. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Scarce in Virginia Beach at any time of year, but especially so after early October, three WESTERN SANDPIPERS observed during a refuge impoundment survey on Back Bay NWR’s C Pool on 25 Oct (vis. Robert Ake & David Clark) lingered at the same location through 6 Nov (vis. Robert Ake) made for the city’s only record after September this season. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

November is typically the peak month for PARASITIC JAEGER movement along our coast, and this iteration held several records as a result, with one photographed from the Little Island Park pier in southbound flight on 12 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski), a pair seen from the beach farther north in Sandbridge on 17 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) and then up to three individuals observed singly from the Oceanfront Resort Area on 24-25 Nov (ph. Will Brooks). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

In addition to aforementioned Parasitic Jaegers, there was also report for a single JAEGER SP. off the beach in Sandbridge on 17 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli), though likely to be another Parasitic due to their preference for inshore waters this time of year, Pomarine Jaeger is also in the realm of possibility of being observed along our coastline. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Rare, and early for Virginia Beach, a single immature ICELAND GULL was reported from the Oceanfront Resort Area on 24 Nov (vis. Will Brooks), which marked our first occurrence for the 2023-24 season, and was one of only two observed along the East Coast south of New Jersey thus far. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Extremely rare in the East, an unprecedented two PACIFIC LOONS were reported this month in Virginia Beach, with one reported from Little Island Park’s pier starting on 21 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) and continuing to be reported here and at nearby Back Bay NWR into December, and another recorded in flight past the Oceanfront Resort Area on 24 Nov (ph. Will Brooks). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Exceptionally late, even for the extreme southeast of Virginia, at least two ANHINGAS were continuously recorded throughout November and miraculously into December around Lake Smith and Lake Lawson, mostly from Shell Rd. after first being recorded at this location way back on 22 Sep (ph. Loretta Silvia & Heidi Young). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Though often observed into winter on the Eastern Shore, LITTLE BLUE HERON remains a scarce visitor after October within Virginia Beach, which made an immature present at Kings Grant Lakes from 6-28 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) a nice surprise, and the only one of its kind known to be in the city after 14 Oct. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

A rare but regular late fall/early winter vagrant to coastal Virginia, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER produced two records of at least three total individuals during November, with one present along the dune line at First Landing SP’s beach on 3 Nov (ph. June McDaniels) and one at Harris Teeter Retention Pond first reported 19 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski & Peggy DeRolf) before two were observed here together from 29 Nov (ph. Tommy Maloney) into December. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

While the species has been recorded successfully over-wintering in the city, WHTIE-EYED VIREO is quite rare after mid-late October, and November produced only a single report this year with one individual photographed at Pleasure House Point NA on 15 Nov (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Always a reminder of the coming winter season, SNOW BUNTINGS showed up this month at two separate locations with two present along the beach/dunes at Back Bay NWR on 10 Nov (ph. Corby Amos & Timothy Blanchard) and another individual at Pleasure House Point NA on 13 Nov (ph. Reuben Rohn).  (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

It was a banner month for CLAY-COLORED SPARROW in Virginia Beach, with a continuing individual found initially at Harris Teeter Retention Pond on 15 Oct (vis. Andrew Baldelli & Rob Bielawski) turning into two individuals present from 23 Nov (ph. Paul King) into December, and also a new report for an individual at Pleasure House Point NA on 3 Nov (vis. Donna McAdams; vis. Paul King) in addition to a photographic record of one along the HRSD fence line adjacent to Ocean Lakes HS on 7 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

At least one of the two LARK SPARROWS that had been present around the visitor center portion of Back Bay NWR initially on 7 Oct (1, ph. Rob Bielawski; 2, ph. Patricia Scanlon) continued into November, with a single record near the base of the Seaside Trail on 16 Nov (ph. Elena Bersani) and reports popping up again into December. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Three locations provided records for WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW this month in Virginia Beach, with up to five Dark-lored immatures present at Harris Teeter Retention Pond throughout the month (ph. Corby Amos) after the first individual had been found here back on 9 Oct (ph. Reuben Rohn), as well as continuing reports of an individual around the Raptor Trail at Back Bay NWR found initially 16 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) and present into December, and lastly, a new report of a single immature at Pleasure House Point NA on 24 Nov (vis. Sean Gallagher & Walter Randall). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Extremely rare in Virginia Beach in recent years, with only a few records over the past decade, a single VESPER SPARROW reported at Harris Teeter Retention Pond on 29 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) caused quite a stir among the local birding community, though unfortunately this individual was not re-found in the coming days/weeks despite exhaustive coverage of the site. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

An incredible fifth species of notable sparrow for Virginia Beach this month, LINCOLN’S SPARROW produced records at three separate locations, with one near the visitor center at Back Bay NWR found 5 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski & Donna McAdams) reported through 5 Nov (vis. Mike Collins), one found at Harris Teeter Retention Pond on 9 Oct (vis. Reuben Rohn) sighted again 12 Nov (vis. Rob Bielawski) and present into December, and an individual found at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 14 Oct (ph. Rob Bielawski) still lingering at the same location as well as a second, previously unknown, individual a half mile away both observed on 5 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

With appropriate habitat being quite scarce along the coast, RUSTY BLACKBIRD is a much more difficult bird to track down in Virginia Beach than it is in lands to the west. This month, only one record for the species occurred, with a small flock numbering at least six was photographed in the flooded forest at Red Wing Park on 25 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski & Peggy DeRolf). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Quite rare after mid-late October, and one of only two unexpected warbler species observed this month in the city, a single CAPE MAY WARBLER made for a nice surprise near the small pond at the visitor center portion of Back Bay NWR on 5 Nov (ph. Tommy Maloney) with potentially no other individuals lingering beyond 17 Oct in the city this season. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Though the species can sometimes linger into the first few days of November (as one did at Back Bay NWR this month), a single NORTHERN PARULA found at the Lynnhaven House & Colonial Education Center on 12 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) marked a notably late date for this warbler species to still be present in the city. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Exceptionally late at this latitude, a single female BLUE GROSBEAK managed to linger at Harris Teeter Retention Pond through 1 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels), with the last individual away from this location within the city reported 19 Oct. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

The only report for the entire state this month, a single female INDIGO BUNTING was sighted on private property at the HRSD Atlantic WWTP off Firefall Drive on 17 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels), marking a remarkably late date for the species in coastal Virginia, and the only individual this season known to be present in the city past 26 Oct. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Though still a rare species, PAINTED BUNTING is one that is certainly present at a higher number of locations within Virginia Beach than is reported publicly. This month only two locations yielded reports, both of female/immature-type birds with one at a private residence in Laurel Manor on 24 Nov (ph. Tommy Maloney) and another at Harris Teeter Retention Pond on 28 Nov (vis. Paul King), both of which continued to be observed into December. (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Rounding out the notable observations this month, DICKCISSEL produced not one, but two reports within Virginia Beach, something that doesn’t often happen here in November. A southbound, vocal flyover was reported at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 5 Nov (aud. Rob Bielawski) and another was photographed on the private HRSD Atlantic WWTP property on 17 Nov (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). (Nov 2023 Map of Records).

Be sure to check back next month to see what birders observe in Virginia Beach during December!

July 2023

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Reliably the hottest month of the year in Virginia Beach, July birding can be challenging, due in part to birders simply not spending as much time outdoors or spending that time in a limited habitat variety compared with other months. Overall, temperatures ranged from a high of 97°F on 3 Jul (the hottest day of the season thus far) to a low of 69°F on 31 Jul, with average daily highs of 90°F and lows of 75°F being slightly higher than the 30-year climate averages (89°F/73°F) for July. We were not impacted by any tropical cyclones this month, and no other extreme weather patterns that would catch the attention of birders occurred. As with June, we periodically dealt with smoky/hazy conditions brought on by wildfires burning far to our north in Canada. Persistent (though not strong) southerly winds in conjunction with some intense summer rainfall did cause agricultural fields to flood along Pleasant Ridge, Gum Bridge and Muddy Creek roads from 13-18 Jul, providing the first southbound shorebirds with much-needed foraging habitat. Colonial nesters like gulls, terns, herons & egrets also began dispersing outward from their summer strongholds, with numbers greatly bolstered by the season’s breeding successes. As a whole, an exciting assortment of species was recorded across the city with 17 species meeting the current year’s Notable Observations Criteria, with the occurrence of each of these described in greater detail within this entry.

An early-arriving group of Stilt Sandpipers was present on the field at Muddy Creek Road & Shipps Cabin Road, shown here on 15 Jul.

An adult male GADWALL with an apparent wing injury present north of the entrance causeway at Stumpy Lake NA, recorded at least as far back as 4 Mar (ph. Mary Hays) continued to be documented in the same vicinity through 1 Jul (ph. Rob Bielawski). This remained the only known Gadwall within Virginia Beach since 14 Apr when the last eBird reports for this species from Back Bay NWR occurred, and it also made for the first ever July eBird record for the species in Virginia Beach. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Similarly, a female RING-NECKED DUCK present at Mt. Trashmore Park since 20 Apr (vis. Andrew Baldelli) continued to be recorded in the same general area along the south shore of Lake Trashmore through 2 Jul (ph. Rob Bielawski; vis. Amy Myers & Steve Myers). While a female and adult male Ring-necked Duck each lingered late at Back Bay NWR (through 15 May & 15 Jun, respectively) no other species records were known in Virginia Beach this season beyond 2 Apr when four were reported at Stumpy Lake NA. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

A late-lingering drake Gadwall presisted at Stumpy Lake NA through 1 Jul, marking the first July eBird record for the city.

Female SURF SCOTERS were recorded at two location this month, with singles photographed along the coast off Back Bay NWR on 8 Jul (ph. Arun Bose) and another at Rudee Inlet on 18 Jul (ph. Anonymous). While it is generally less expected to linger into summer than Black Scoter along the coast, a tendency does exist for individuals or even small groups to pop up here in some years, though no other Surf Scoters were known to be present in the city since one was reported to eBird at JEB Ft. Story on 21 May. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Typically the most expected of the three scoters to linger into the later portion of summer, BLACK SCOTER matched Surf Scoter in the number of reports this month, with a female recorded at Rudee Inlet from 2-10 Jul (vis. & later ph. Rudee Tours) and another roaming around Lynnhaven Inlet through 10 Jul (ph. Anonymous fide Kathy Spencer) which may have been the same individual first noted here 6 Jun (vis. Travis Carroll). While most members of this species have typically departed or passed through the region by the end of April, quite a few lingered through May this year with several noted along the coast into June. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Several Anhingas were reported this month around Stumpy Lake, with this female photographed from the causeway on 23 Jul.

Typically scarce through the summer season in coastal Virginia, it was exciting to see records from at least two locations in the city for PIED-BILLED GREBES, with a breeding pair noted 25 Jun (ph. Rob Bielawski) on the C Pool at Back Bay later observed with three fledglings in tow (ph. Robert Ake, Cindy Hamilton & Reuben Rohn) on the K Pool and another potential breeding individual present on the large stormwater pond at the Princess Anne Athletic Complex through 3 Jul (ph. Reuben Rohn) after first being noted 19 Jun (ph. Reuben Rohn) in the same location an individual spent last summer, 14 Jun-3 Jul (ph. Reuben Rohn). By late July, migrant Pied-billed Grebes also began popping up in Virginia Beach, which is fairly typical of this species. ( (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

At least two AMERICAN COOTS were recorded this month in the city, with a continuing individual present at Mt. Trashmore Park through 3 Jul (ph. Reuben Rohn) which may have been there since 5 May, and a new record at on the K Pool at Back Bay NWR on 5 Jul (ph. Robert Ake, Cindy Hamilton & Reuben Rohn). Aside from these two individuals, no other American Coots had been known to be present in the city since a group of ten was reported at Back Bay NWR on 5 May, and no others were recorded in coastal Virginia during July. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Whimbrel began arriving early this season, with the first reports at Back Bay NWR on 5 Jul, and this one photographed 7 Jul along the beach.

Rarely observed through the summer season, we had two reports for BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER early this month with a pair present on Back Bay NWR’s beach on 5 Jul (vis. Robert Ake & Cindy Hamilton) and one on False Cape SP’s beach on 9 Jul (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). Typically, northbound/spring migrants tend to pass through into the first half of June, and southbound/fall migrants start arriving in the last third of July, though year-to-year we can occasionally see apparent non-breeding individuals and small flocks in between these migration windows. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

An expected/regular fall migrant along coastal Virginia, WHIMBREL tend to start being reported in Virginia Beach around 15 Jul based on the past decade of eBird data, though this year we saw notably early arrivals for the species. The first reports of the fall 2023 season occurred on 5 Jul, with individuals noted along the beach at False Cape SP (vis. Robert Ake & Cindy Hamilton) and at Back Bay NWR (also vis. Robert Ake & Cindy Hamilton), marking the our earliest fall arrival for this species since two were recorded on South Thimble Island on 4 Jul 2014. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

A very late female Ring-necked Duck lingered at Mt. Trashmore Park through at least 2 Jul, when this photograph was taken along the south shore of the lake.

Prime conditions brought on by southern winds and heavy rainfall over southern Virginia Beach around mid-month aided in an early record for STILT SANDPIPER with up to three present in the flooded field at the junction of Muddy Creek Road and Shipps Cabin Road on 15 Jul (2, ph. Cindy Hamilton & later 3, ph. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty) and a single persisting the following day. Stilt Sandpiper tends to be a scarce transient here in July, with more regular reporting typically occurring in August & September, though this is largely due to whether proper habitat is available in agricultural areas &/or managed impoundments like those at Back Bay NWR and Princess Anne WMA. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Likely the most sought-after species that was observed in Virginia Beach this month, a pair of ROSEATE TERNS were photographed on the beach at False Cape SP during a thrice-monthly refuge survey on 5 Jul (ph. Robert Ake & Cindy Hamilton), with likely the same pair being reported again on the restricted-access “North Mile” at Back Bay NWR during the next survey on 14 Jul (vis. Robert Ake & Lauren Mowbray). Roseate Tern is a rare visitor, spring through fall along the coast of Virginia, and it is a species that garners significant regional interest given both the scarcity of individuals present throughout the Mid-Atlantic in a typical year and also the difficulty in being about to twitch/re-find the species since individuals are highly mobile. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

The very vocal Yellow-throated Vireo present at Stumpy Lake NA since 29 Apr continued this month through 12 Jul, photographed here on 1 Jul.

Like many of the waterbirds listed farther up this list, COMMON LOON has a tendency of lingering into summertime along our coast, and this month one was present around Lynnhaven Inlet through 18 Jul (ph. Travis Carroll), and one was sadly beached at Back Bay NWR on 5 Jul (ph. Robert Ake & Cindy Hamilton) though it may have been the same individual observed nearby on 6 Jul (vis. Teresa Culver), or possibly even one observed in low flight over the bay on 18 Jul (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). In any case, we had somewhere between two and four individuals known to be present this month, which seems about average for July, though typically not many continue into Aug. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Rarely encountered from shore, a single WILSON’S STORM-PETREL observed in fluttery, northbound flight from False Cape SP’s beach on 8 Jul (vis. Arun Bose) proved to be the only documented report this month. Present in large numbers off coastal Virginia from May through September, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel doesn’t typically move inshore unless specific weather / wind patterns force its hand and as a result we generally see just a couple of reports for it each summer season. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Pied-billed Grebes were confirmed as breeders on the C Pool at Back Bay NWR this month, with one adult photographed here on 2 Jul.

In addition to the aforementioned Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, a second tubenose species was encountered this month along our coast when a single GREAT SHEARWATER was photographed off the beach at Back Bay NWR on 10 Jul (ph. Elena Bersani), making for the third record of this species in the city during 2023 after two individuals were recorded off Dam Neck Naval Annex and the Oceanfront Resort Area on 22 Jun. Ailing or injured individuals of this species often turn up along coastal Virginia beaches during June, July & August though any occurrence near shore is still quite rare and inevitably causes a stir among birders hoping to see this normally-pelagic species. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Though seemingly increasing in terms of regularity during summertime across southeastern Virginia, it was exciting to see a continuance of ANHINGA records this month around Stumpy Lake, with a peak count of four recorded at the south end of the lake on 3 Jul (ph. Matt Schuler) and with individuals reported at the natural area causeway through 24 Jul (vis. Amy Myers & Steve Myers). Additionally, Anhingas were also noted around the shores of Lake Smith this month, with one reportedly flying over a private residence in Cypress Point on 5 Jul (vis. Debbie Schroeder) and then two viewed from another private residence farther east in Lakeview Shores on 6 Jul (vis. Oleksii Dubovyk). (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Western Willets began arriving to coastal beaches this month, with this flock photographed at Back Bay NWR on 7 Jul.

Very scarce as a breeder this far south along the East Coast, and notable throughout the greater Hampton Roads are in summertime, a PEREGRINE FALCON was noted on the Armada Hoffler Tower at Town Center on 2 Jul (vis. Reuben Rohn) and a pair was reported there 6 Jul (vis. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty). Highrise buildings and tall bridges mimic the natural cliff faces this species prefers to nest on throughout much of its breeding range, and a pair has reliably been observed around Town Center, and also in nearby downtown Norfolk for quite a few years now, with these regularly being the most southerly reported breeders along the East Coast. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

For a fourth month in a row, a single YELLOW-THROATED VIREO continued to vocalize from the canopy of Stumpy Lake NA through 12 Jul (aud. Andrew Baldelli), after having first been detected at this location way back on 29 Apr (v.r. Rob Bielawski). A regular breeding species in lands west of Virginia Beach, given the lengthy stay within the same general area it is probable that this individual bred here and that a mate has simply been obstructed from view but in any case it is the only documented individual known to have summered in the coastal counties of Virginia this season. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

Foraging on a flooded field at Muddy Creek Road & Shipps Cabin Road on 14 Jul, Pectoral Sandpipers began arriving this month.

Continuing from last month, at least one of the confirmed breeding pair of WARBLING VIREOS at an HOA park in Indian Lakes was present through 12 Jul (aud. Elena Bersani) after first being detected at this location on 21 Jun (aud. Rob Bielawski). Though individuals and a breeding pair were detected in Ashville Park during the summers of 2018-2020 (breeding was confirmed in 2019), this specie remains extremely rare as a breeder in coastal Virginia, and there was no other Warbling Vireos reported this season along the East Coast south of New Jersey. (Jul 2023 Map of Records)

As always, a wide array of media (photo/audio/video) was submitted during the month in Virginia Beach, and eBird makes it incredibly easy to organize and enjoy each of these incredible files. For those hoping to view this assortment of media files submitted for Virginia Beach during this month, please see the complete listing for the month of July located on eBird's Media Explorer by clicking here! Please remember, anyone with an eBird user account has the ability to rate these photo/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!

Post-breeding dispersal of colonial nesters like waders caused a spike in heron & egret sightings this month, with this immature Little Blue Heron transitioning to adult plumage along Drum Point Road on 15 Jul.

Hopefully over the course of the next thirty-one days we will see records for some unexpected species in the city. For those who wish for observations to be included in this journal, please submit your records to eBird, 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 entry. Be sure to check back next month to see what birders will have found in Virginia Beach during August!

December 2022

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December was a month of extremes in Virginia Beach, with a warm introduction, but a very cold final act. Temperatures plummeted to a low temperature of 12°F on 24 Dec as a strong winter storm tracked crossed the country and impacted the East, marking the lowest temperature here since 8 Jan 2018 (10°F). This storm induced freezing of waterways to the north and farther inland and resulted in large movements of waterfowl into the region. Overall, daily high/low temperatures averaged 52°F/36°F, slightly lower than the 30-year climate average values of 54°F/38°F. In total, 175 species were reported to eBird during the month, including 27 species that met the Notable Criteria and are therefore presented in detail as follows:

LeConte’s Sparrow at Back Bay NWR on 30 Dec.

Mixed among a large flock of Canada Geese on the north pond of Sherwood Lakes, five CACKLING GEESE were found on 17 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski), with a peak count of eight later reported 19 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels), and at least two continued at the site through 29 Dec (ph. Arun Bose during the Back Bay CBC). Additionally, a single Cackling Goose was found, also during the Back Bay CBC (29 Dec), at Back Bay NWR mixed in with a flock of Tundra Swans on the bay (vis. Sage Church; later ph. David Clark & Chris Farabaugh). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Only recorded at Back Bay NWR this month, two BLUE-WINGED TEAL were photographed on C Pool from the waterfowl blind on 18 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski) and a total of six were photographed on A Pool (ph. David Clark & Chris Farabaugh) during the Back Bay CBC. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

A first for the winter season along Virginia’s coast, a female COMMON MERGANSER was photographed on the freshwater pond south of Lynnhaven House & Colonial Education Center on 31 Dec (ph. Paul King). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Extremely rare for Virginia Beach, a WHITE-WINGED DOVE was found perched on a power line near the intersection of Sandpiper Road and Sea Scape Road in Sandbridge during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (ph. Cindy Hamilton & Dianne Hinch). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

At least four private residential feeders hosted records for RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS this month with a surprise female in Kings Grant on 7 Dec (ph. Ron Furnish), at least one continuing individual in Cypress Point through 29 Dec (vis. Debbie Schroeder), two continuing females in Laurel Cove through 30 Dec (ph. Loretta Silvia) with one also observed 31 Dec, and two continuing in Laurel Manor through 2 Dec (ph. Tommy Maloney) with one seen through 26 Dec. Additionally, a “hummingbird sp.” was reported in Great Neck Estates on 8 Dec (vis. J. A.). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Rare in the winter season, a single LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was found on the B Pool at Back Bay NWR on 29 Dec (ph. David Clark & Chris Farabaugh) during the Back Bay CBC. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Two onshore records for PARASITIC JAEGER occurred this month, with two observed in flight past the beach at Back Bay NWR on 5 Dec (vis. David Clark & Lauren Mowbray) and a third photographed from the Little Island Park pier on 28 Dec (ph. Joe Girgente). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

A first for this winter season, a first cycle Kumlien’s-race ICELAND GULL was found among a large collection of mixed gulls on the Lynnhaven River tidal flats from Pleasure House Point NA just before dusk during the Little Creek CBC on 31 Dec (ph. Rob Bielawski & Cindy Hamilton). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Mixed with a large grouping of Common & Red-throated Loons, a PACIFIC LOON was reported from the North End Beaches near 77th Street Beach on 16 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Likely brought here by freezing conditions farther north along the coast, an immature TRICOLORED HERON made for a nice surprise near the waterfowl blind at Back Bay NWR on the morning of 26 Dec (vis. Adam Sell) and marked the first record for this species in the city since the last fall transient was observed on 10 Oct. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Very secretive and difficult to find in Virginia Beach, a single BARN OWL was observed in pre-dawn flight over Princess Anne Road near Big Sky Farms on 11 Dec (vis. Andrew Baldelli). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Exceptionally late for the species this far north, four in-flight BARN SWALLOWS were reported over the West Dike at Back Bay NWR on 10 Dec (vis. Patricia Scanlon), marking the first-ever December record of more than one individual for Virginia Beach, and the first December occurrence for the species as a whole since 3 Dec 2016. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

With very few records in recent years, an in-flight CAVE SWALLOW near the Brock Center at Pleasure House Point NA on 1 Dec (ph. Mike Collins) was the only coastal record north of southern Florida during the month and the first in Virginia Beach since 9 Nov 2017. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Continuing from last month, Virginia Beach’s first-ever VARIED THRUSH found 20 Nov (ph. Suzanne Phelps) remained present at a private residence in Lakeview Park through 1 Dec but despite extensive searching, was not seen again after this date. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

With a single individual first detected on First Landing SP’s beach on 15 Dec (vis. June McDaniels), a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS persisted at the location through 21 Dec, first photographed the following day (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels) with counts reaching a peak of ten from 18-20 Dec. Additionally, a single was reportedly observed in-flight along the North End Beaches on 17 Dec (vis. Kathy Louthan & Pamela Scrima). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

For the third winter season in a row, Harris Teeter Retention Pond appears to be hosting an over-wintering CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, first recorded at this location back on 16 Oct (ph. Reuben Rohn), and observed most recently on 11 Dec. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Two different LARK SPARROWS were encountered this month, with the first found in the septic field north of the Back Bay NWR visitor center on 21 Dec (ph. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty) which was then reported through 27 Dec, and also a previously unknown individual visiting a private residence in Oak Springs on 29 Dec (ph. Sophie Bodrog & Alex Capaldi) during a Painted Bunting stakeout. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

At least two, and probably three WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were recorded this month, with a continuing Dark-lored adult at Harris Teeter Retention Pond first noted 4 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) and reported through 29 Dec, as well as an immature reported at this location 28 Dec (vis. Tommy Maloney). A potential third individual, an immature, was photographed just to the south of this location in a scrubby field northeast of Sherwood Lakes (ph. Arun Bose & Loretta Silvia) on 29 Dec during the Back Bay CBC, and could either be a previously unknown individual or the same immature mentioned above. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

During a Cape Henry Audubon Society field trip, a LECONTE’S SPARROW was found along the West Dike next to D Pool at Back Bay NWR on 3 Dec (vis. Tracy Tate, Robert Ake, et al.) and continued to be seen at this location through 10 Dec. On 26 Dec, potentially a different LeConte’s Sparrow was discovered (ph. Kenneth Barnhart & Nancy Barnhart) adjacent to E Pool at the refuge, just north of where the East & West Dikes branch, with this individual exhibiting much more social behavior and being reliably observed through month’s end. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

A very low density wintering species in southeastern Virginia, and generally quite secretive and difficult to find here in any season, a surprise LINCOLN’S SPARROW was found at False Cape SP along the Sandy Ridge Trail (just south of the Wood Duck Overlook) during the Back Bay CBC on 29 Dec (vis. Elisa Flanders & Nicholas Flanders). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Unusual in Virginia Beach as a winterer due to a general lack of appropriate habitat, a flock of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS ranging in size from 2-80 birds was first detected at Stumpy Lake NA on 17 Nov (ph. Mary Hays) and continued to be observed through 21 Dec. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Continuing to be a reliable location each winter season, Breeze Farms along West Gibbs Road is once again hosting a small flock of BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS, with eight detected on 10 Dec (ph. Sage Church, Amanda Dymacek, Audrey Dymacek & Julian Dymacek) and count of 2-5 continuing through 31 Dec. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Increasingly more regularly encountered in early winter in recent years, at least three different locations yielded reports for BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS this month, with a female lingering at Stumpy Lake NA from 16 Dec (ph. Reuben Rohn) through at least 20 Dec, as well as one in the Diamond Springs area (vis. Tom St. Andre & Saundra Winstead) and one at Buckner Farms Park (vis. Kelly Creger & J. A.) during the Little Creek CBC on 31 Dec. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Rare but somewhat regularly reported as an early winter visitor at this latitude and farther north, a NASHVILLE WARBLER at a Laurel Manor residence on 11 Dec (ph. Tommy Maloney) made this the third December in a row to boast a record for this species, even though the last fall transient had been reported over a month prior on 1 Nov. (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

In a similar vein as the Nashville Warbler, NORTHERN PARULA is a rare early winter visitor in Virginia Beach, and for the third time in the last four Decembers, one was detected, this time on the Raptor Trail at Back Bay NWR on 2 Dec (vis. Amy Myers & Steve Myers) which is the city’s first since the last fall transient was logged on 22 Oct.  (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Though rare in the East, at least three WESTERN TANAGERS were observed this month, with a female briefly at Harris Teeter Retention Pond on 9 Dec (ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers), a female visiting the feeders at a private residence in Laurel Cove from 6 Dec (ph. Loretta Silvia) to 30 Dec, and lastly an immature male at an undisclosed private residence on 28 Dec (ph. Nylia Laney). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

Lastly, PAINTED BUNTING had a good showing this month, with a seasonal-repeat adult male visiting a private residence’s feeders in Oak Springs from 17 Dec (vis. Carolyn Page) through 30 Dec, and a female/immature briefly present in a Laurel Manor yard on 26 Dec (ph. Tommy Maloney). (Dec 2022 Map of Records)

As always, a wide array of media (photo/audio/video) was 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 photo/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!

Hopefully over the course of the next thirty-one days we will see records for some unexpected species in the city. For those who wish for observations to be included in this journal, please submit your records to eBird, 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 entry. Be sure to check back next month to see what birders will have found in Virginia Beach during January!

November 2021

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Vivid colors donned the vegetation around Virginia Beach this month, and the full vibrancy of oranges, yellows & reds was still readily apparent right up to month’s end, perhaps peaking a couple of weeks later than is typical here. Quite a change-up from last year, November proved to be colder than average with daily high temperatures averaging 59°F and daily lows averaging 42°F, putting the city at an even -2°F/-2°F in comparison to the NOAA 30-year climate average (61°F/44°F). These averages were in stark contrast to November 2020, which boasted significantly a significantly higher 68°F/49°F mark, although, we were right in line with November 2019’s 58°F/43°F averages. Overall, temperatures ranged from a high of 76°F on 18 Nov to a low of 28°F, the coldest day this season, on 30 Nov. As a birder, one might have expected that a cooler than average November would yield a greater number of waterfowl moving southward through the area. Unfortunately, this did not seem to be the case, as overall diversity & counts for ducks were obviously low, and we finished up the month without first-of-season records for Redhead, Long-tailed Duck, Canvasback, and Common Goldeneye. Most regularly occurring species were also later in arriving when comparing to the average arrival dates of recent seasons. Strong winds dominated the month, with most days boasting a westerly component. It seems somewhat possible that much of visible migration was simply farther offshore than we enjoy in Novembers when easterlies tend to dominate. These strong winds often made birding for passerines or other non-coastal species a bit more difficult than in prior Novembers. While diversity of expected coastal species felt a bit lacking for a month typically highlighted by large-scale movements, we were still extremely fortunate this month to host some stellar rarities and late season lingerers!

Adult Heermann's Gull / 37th Street Beach / 5 Nov

Kicking things off, the city’s first record for MUTE SWAN in over a year-and-a-half occurred this month, with an immature discovered along the upper reaches of Pleasure House Creek on 30 Nov (ph. Kathy Spencer) while viewing from Pleasure House Point NA. A species that was formerly much more widespread throughout southeast Virginia, records nowadays tend to be few and far between, with the most recent record prior to this being of an adult that occurred along this same stretch of water from 21-26 Jun 2020 (ph. Tommy Maloney). (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

A group of 5-6 female COMMON MERGANSERS on the North Landing River visible from Munden Point Park 27-28 Nov (ph. Charlie Carr & Ryan Carr) proved to be the most southeasterly occurrence for the species in Eastern North America this month. There were no other photographically documented records in coastal Virginia during November, making this an exceptional outlier, made all the more interesting for occurring away from the clear, deep, freshwater lakes that tend to snag the majority of records in Virginia Beach. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Rare along our coastline during the winter season, a group of seven RED KNOTS was discovered along the beach at False Cape SP on 15 Nov (obs. Lauren Mowbray), during the thrice-monthly Back Bay NWR survey. With the most recent reports for this species in Virginia Beach having occurred in the same stretch of beach on 28 Sep (vis. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels), it seems likely that we won’t see records elsewhere until spring migration brings this species back northward. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Immature Brown Booby & Double-crested Cormorants / Rudee Inlet / 28 Nov

Unusual this late in the season, a single WESTERN SANDPIPER foraging along the sandy beach at First Landing SP on 1 Nov (ph. June McDaniels) made for an exciting late fall record. While Virginia Beach is within the latitude tolerance of this species’ winter range (and the species is regularly observed in nearby Hampton and along the Eastern Shore lagoon system), our lack of its preferred tidal mudflat habitat makes them very scarce here after early October. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Reported from the two most popular seawatch locations in the city this month, PARASITIC JAEGERS were observed 11-13 & 23 Nov from Little Island Park (peak count of 2, vis. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty) and 27-28 Nov from Rudee Inlet (one photographic record on the latter date, ph. Amy Myers & Steve Myers). In recent fall seasons, November has been prime time for jaeger migration, though numbers appeared down this year especially when compared to the 2017 season, but probably more around average for our patch of coastline. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Extremely rare away from pelagic waters, an immature BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was viewed flying over the Chesapeake Bay mouth from First Landing SP’s beachfront on 3 Nov (vis. David Clark). Coupled with another sight record from Accomack, these were the only records for the species this month in the state, and the Virginia Beach record was the first inshore record for the city going back to 19 May 2020 when Tropical Storm Arthur steered one past 83rd Street Beach (vis. Edward Brinkley). (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Adult White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) / Harris Teeter Retention Pond / 21 Nov

Astonishing for Eastern North America as a whole, an adult HEERMANN’S GULL in non-breeding plumage was found along the Oceanfront beaches near 33rd Street Beach two or three days prior to being reported to eBird on 4 Nov (ph. Deb Oare & Steve Oare). While there was also a first cycle Heermann’s Gull milling around Hopewell during November, this species is so unexpected in the east that it is widely speculated the adult is the same individual that showed up near here in May, and has been trekking up and down (and up?) the East Coast over the past year. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Typically not found at our latitude (or farther to the north) after 10 Nov, a single CASPIAN TERN observed flying past the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier on 22 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) made for an excellent 12-day late record. This marks the latest fall departure record we have in eBird for the city, though there is one bizarre, outlier occurrence of an individual found in mid-winter at Dam Neck Naval Annex (Restricted) on 12 Jan 2020 (ph. Karen Beatty & Tom Beatty). (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

One would have been excellent, but BROWN BOOBY, a species we don’t see annually in the city, managed to produce an incredible pair of records in Virginia Beach this month! An adult was first observed flying along Sandbridge on 26 Nov (ph. Carrie Sandler) then later reported from Back Bay NWR, Little Island Park and Rudee Inlet through 29 Nov, while an immature was viewed off Rudee Inlet 27-29 Nov (ph. Baxter Beamer, Rob Bielawski, Steve Keith & Max Nootbaar) following a fishing trawler and at times, perching on the offshore groin (ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels). (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Royal Terns / Little Island Park / 7 Nov

A fairly rare transient along our coastline, and mostly unexpected to occur within Virginia Beach away from the Chesapeake Bay mouth and bridge-tunnel complex, GREAT CORMORANT produced at least three notable reports this month. An individual was photographed in flight during strong onshore winds from Little Island Park on 6 Nov (ph. Baxter Beamer & Steve Myers) with perhaps a different individual passing by 8 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli), and potentially a third individual was reported from 85th Street Beach on 30 Nov (vis. Cindy Hamilton & Kathy Louthan). (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Rare, but regular as a transient over Virginia Beach airspace, a group of fourteen AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS that put down on the tidal flats off Pleasure House Point NA on 13 Nov (ph. Matthew Doyle & Ray Doyle) made for a notable occurrence, with the last similar record (stationary flock) there occurring 29-30 Jan 2016 (vis. Stephen Living; ph. Andrew Baldelli). Additionally, a group of three was sighted flying past 89th Street Beach during the morning of 3 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli). (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

A pair of immature LITTLE BLUE HERONS reported at Princess Anne WMA (Beasley Tract) on 14 Nov (vis. Reuben Rohn) made for an exciting, late record for the city. Typically not found in Virginia Beach after 25 Oct, this is one of several waders that tends to linger into November more expectedly on the Eastern Shore to our north, than it does here, but one that always needs to be kept in mind in late fall and even into early winter (Dec). (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Yellow-rumped Warbler / Princess Anne WMA / 28 Nov

Very similar in terms of expected distribution this time of year, one to two TRICOLORED HERONS also at Princess Anne WMA (Beasley Tract) on 14 Nov (2, vis. Andrew Baldelli; later 1, vis. Reuben Rohn) made for yet another unexpected wader surprise. Interestingly, Tricolored Heron tends to be a low-density, but expected winterer on the Eastern Shore’s barrier island marshes (most often noted from Chincoteague NWR) but is usually not present in Virginia Beach, aside from the occasional outlier at Back Bay NWR, past 15 Oct. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

A first for the city since 2019, a BARN OWL was observed on private property along Back Bay Landing Road on 4 Nov (vis. June McDaniels), marking only the third eBird record for Virginia Beach (though there are surely other historical occurrences documented). With a very specific habitat preference for grain silos and barns, this species is unlikely to be observed anywhere in the city with public access (aside from the two records from 2018 & 2019 at Pleasure House Point NA), but could potentially exist on private lands in the southern portion of the city. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Rare in Eastern North America, though with a window of annual likelihood from roughly Nov-Jan, a vagrant ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER made its way to Little Island Park on 12 Nov (ph. Ty Smith, David Spears & Evan Spears), making for the state’s only record so far for the fall 2021-spring 2022 cycle. While this species has been detected annually in recent years in Virginia Beach, individuals are typically not long-staying, as was the case here as well, with no follow-up reports unfortunately, but with potential for others to show up over the next couple of months at least. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

White Ibis / Princess Anne WMA / 14 Nov

Always a species to look for in late fall and early winter in Virginia Beach, at least two occurrences for WHITE-EYED VIREO were documented in November, with one reported from a private residence in Oak Springs 10 Nov (ph. Carolyn Page) and another heard and seen at False Cape SP 13 Nov (vis. & aud. Mich Coker). While we haven’t had a documented over-wintering White-eyed Vireo since the 2019-2020 season, it was nice to boast records for the species this month that eclipsed the typical 20 Oct fall departure date. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

For a season in which the species clearly isn’t irrupting into the region, a report of two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES at First Landing SP 10 Nov (vis. & aud. June McDaniels) near the campground area, was certainly notable. While most birders were spoiled during the large-scale invasion of this species during the 2020-21 winter season, there has been only a few locations (Stumpy Lake NA, Back Bay NWR, False Cape SP) in Virginia Beach that have yielded reports so far this season, and unless we see a major shift in the weather, the species is likely to remain scarce. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Found primarily in agricultural fields, and typically farther inland from the coast than Virginia Beach, it was exciting to see a single report this month for AMERICAN PIPIT, with an unexpected individual present on the wind-washed mudflats of Back Bay NWR’s kayak launch on 8 Nov (ph. Elena Bersani). Only the second record for the species (and second individual) in the city this fall season, unless someone happens upon an as-yet-unknown flock in Pungo or Blackwater, this could potentially be the last individual recorded until spring migration, with the species often unreported during the winter season here. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Lesser Black-backed Gull / 37th Street Beach / 5 Nov

Very similar to Red-breasted Nuthatch in terms of year-to-year distribution, a single vocalizing flyover PINE SISKIN made for a notable record at Pleasure House Point NA on 10 Nov (aud. David Clark) given no others have been reported within Virginia Beach this fall season. Interestingly, only a single individual as photographed south of Virginia Beach along the coast this month (Dare, NC) which really showcases just how scarce a species this can be outside of irruption seasons (like 2020-21 was). (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Exceptionally early in terms of eBird records for Virginia Beach, a FOX SPARROW arrived at an Indian River private residence on 15 Nov (vis. George Harris), marking the earliest fall arrival date for the species since one at Carolanne Farms Park on 9 Nov 2017 (obs. Brandon Holland). Typical arrival for Virginia Beach tends to be around 25 Nov, though this species’ habitat preference for forested areas and adjacent thickets could potentially obscure arrival dates due to the difficulty in detecting individuals, and less birder coverage in forested portions of the city during this time of year following the end of peak passerine migration by early October. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Very scarce in coastal areas south of Delaware, only one location in Virginia Beach yielded records for WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW this month with up to five different individuals reported at the Harris Teeter Retention Pond, sporadically throughout November. At least one of the individuals is an adult GAMBEL’S (found 31 Oct, ph. Tommy Maloney, and observed again 21 Nov, ph. Rob Bielawski), a western vagrant subspecies with only a handful of records in Eastern North America this month, while the others all appear to be of the expected, Dark-lored race. (Nov 2021 Map of Records | Gambel’s Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Eastern Bluebird / Princess Anne WMA / 28 Nov

Rare as a transient in late fall, and rarer heading into the winter season, a single LINCOLN’S SPARROW found at Princess Anne WMA (Whitehurst Tract) on 28 Nov (vis. Andrew Baldelli) made for only the second record in the city this cycle, with another being found only a mile or so away on the Beasley Tract in October. One of the more secretive sparrows, this species has been found at the WMA in each of the past three winter seasons, so there is certainly potential for reports to continue into December. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Exceptional anywhere along the East Coast, the adult male BULLOCK’S ORIOLE that showed up a South Shore Estates private residence on 15 Oct (vis. James Marcum; later ph. David Clark) continued to be noted through 19 Nov, but appears to have vanished, with no reports over the last third of November. Presumed to be the now-grown-up immature male that visited this feeder setup last winter (stayed 27 Dec-4 Jan), this is perhaps only the third ever record of an adult male Bullock’s Oriole in Virginia Beach, and one of only seven wayward individuals reported from east of the Mississippi River during November. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

The only records thus far in the state for the fall 2021-spring 2022 cycle, at least two PAINTED BUNTINGS were noted during November around Oceana NAS at private residences from 26 Nov (one adult male and one female/immature, ph. Andrew Baldelli & June McDaniels) through 29 Nov (one female/immature, ph. Cindy Hamilton). A true outlier in Virginia, for whatever reason there seems to be a regular, and potentially sizable population of wintering Painted Buntings in Virginia Beach, though they tend to be exclusively found on private property. (Nov 2021 Map of Records)

Song Sparrow / Princess Anne WMA / 14 Nov

Species that had their first-of-season accepted observation in a prior month, but had their first media record during November included:

Species that had their first-of-season observation &/or media record during November included:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Snow Goose – First Observed: 50, Rudee Inlet, 27 Nov (vis. Michael Linz & Patty McLean).

Carolina Chickadee / Back Bay NWR / 21 Nov

As always, a wide array of media (photo/audio/video) was 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 photo/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!

Back Bay / Back Bay NWR / 21 Nov

Hopefully over the course of the next thirty-one days we will see records for some unexpected species in the city. For those who wish for 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 entry. Be sure to check back next month to see what birders will have found in Virginia Beach during December!