Christmas Bird Counts, the end of the year, and some unseasonably cold & windy weather all came into play during Late December! Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included a pair of new records for PAINTED BUNTING & COMMON GALLINULE, continuing reports of previously occurring ICELAND GULL (KUMLIEN’S), BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, ROSS’S GOOSE, CACKLING GOOSE, WESTERN TANAGER, unseasonal reports for Blue-winged Teal (31 Dec), Spotted Sandpiper (31 Dec) & Yellow-throated Warbler (21-31 Dec) and first-of-season arrivals for Redhead (28 Dec). WEATHER:  Average daily high temperatures plummeted a whopping 7.9° from 52.6° F in mid-December to 44.7° (-10.4° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures dropping as well, 1.8° from 32.2° to 30.4° F (-8.3° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 18° F (our coldest day of the season thus far, on 29 Dec) to a maximum of 69° (23 Dec). This was the first period since Early January to boast an average daily low temperature below freezing! Additionally, we haven’t seen temperatures this cold during late December since 2010 where the average daily low was a frigid 25.4°! Only a minor amount of precipitation (0.1”) fell during the period, scattered between 23/24 Dec (0.08”/0.02”). Maximum sustained winds at Oceana....Click Here to Continue Reading!

On par with the mid-December 2016 period in terms of excitement, winter rarities, unseasonal occurrences & late first-of-season arrivals abounded over the last 10 days! Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included ICELAND GULL (KUMLIEN’S), LECONTE’S SPARROW, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE & CACKLING GOOSE, late reports for Blue-winged Teal (12 Dec), Short-billed Dowitcher (12 Dec), Northern Parula (16 Dec), Whimbrel (17 Dec) & Yellow-throated Warbler (11-20 Dec) and first-of-season arrivals for Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich) (16 Dec) & Common Goldeneye (20 Dec). WEATHER:  Average daily high temperatures dropped very slightly, 0.2° from 52.8° F in mid-December to 52.6° (-1.2° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures dropping a bit more sharply, 5.4° from 37.6° to 32.2° F (-4.8° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 23° F (our coldest day of the season thus far, on 13 Dec) to a maximum of 62° (19 Dec). For the first time in a long time, no precipitation was measured this period, however, some minor snow flakes did fall on 12 Dec (a Tuesday). Maximum sustained winds at Oceana this period were 31 mph and gusts reached 44 mph (12 Dec) as a strong front passed over the region. Sunrise/sunsets varied from 7:06 AM/4:48 PM (11 Dec) to 7:12 AM/4:51 PM (20 Dec)...Click Here to Continue Reading!

The first nor’easter of the winter season impacted coastal Virginia at the tail end of the period, and a number of interesting finds may have been related to the early arrival of wintry conditions to the coast. Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included LECONTE’S SPARROW, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, KING EIDER, ROSS’S GOOSE & WESTERN TANAGER, first-of-fall arrivals for American Woodcock (2 Dec) & Purple Sandpiper (3 Dec) and late reports for Semipalmated Plover (2 Dec) & Ruby-throated Hummingbird (10 Dec). WEATHER: Sunny skies dominated the first half of the period, being replaced by clouds in the latter half (even some wintry mix near the end). Average daily high temperatures this period dropped considerably, 7.0° from 59.8° F in late November to 52.8° (-3.1° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures rising slightly, 0.8° from 36.8° to 37.6° F (-1.6° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 30° F (10 Dec) to a maximum of 66° (5 Dec). Precipitation this period amounted to 2.22”, spread across five days with measurable amounts, and a daily maximum of 1.23” (8 Dec). Maximum sustained winds at Oceana this period were 18 mph and gusts reached 24 mph (9 Dec). Sunrise/sunsets varied from 6:58 AM/4:47 PM (1 Dec) to 7:06 AM/4:47 PM (10 Dec), which means over all we lost 8 minutes of daylight during this period...Click Here to Continue Reading!

Late November showcased what appears to be the finale of the fall jaeger movement along the coast, and birders began turning their attention towards the large wintering flocks of geese and blackbirds. Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included at least two ROSS’S GEESE, a CACKLING GOOSE, COMMON GALLINULE, PARASITIC JAEGER and two POMARINE JAEGERS, on-time first-of-fall arrivals for Great Cormorant (24 Nov) and late reports for Black-and-white Warbler (23 Nov) & Ruby-throated Hummingbird (23 Nov). WEATHER: Cooler weather & peak fall colors were finally achieved during the period, and the ground is now becoming littered with fallen leaves. Average daily high temperatures this period rebounded a bit, rising 4.2° from 55.6° F in mid-November to 59.8° (+1.5° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures dropping 2.3° from 39.1° to 36.8° F (-3.0° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 28° F (24 Nov) to a maximum of 70° (29 Nov). Precipitation this period amounted to 0.01”, spread across just one day with measurable amounts (22 Nov). Maximum sustained winds at Oceana this period were 20 mph and gusts reached 26 mph (22 Nov). Sunrise/sunsets varied from 6:48 AM/4:51 PM (21 Nov) to 6:57 AM/4:48 PM (30 Nov), which means over all we lost 12 minutes of daylight during this period. Preliminary...Click Here to Continue Reading!

After an exciting early November period for seawatchers along the coast, the southbound passage of Jaegers slowed down considerably as mid-November arrived. However, a few were still noted, and large groups of waterfowl, loons, gulls and gannets continued to be observed throughout the period. Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included LITTLE GULL, SNOW BUNTING, KING EIDER, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, PARASITIC JAEGER & WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, early first-of-fall arrivals of Razorbill (18 Nov) as well as on-time first-of-fall arrivals for Greater Scaup (11 Nov) & Winter Wren (12 Nov), and late reports for Rose-breasted Grosbeak (11 Nov), Caspian Tern (12 Nov) & Ruby-throated Hummingbird (19 Nov). WEATHER: Cooler weather & peak fall colors were finally achieved during the period, and the ground is now becoming littered with fallen leaves. Average daily high temperatures this period dropped a whopping 12.3° from 67.9° F in early November to 55.6° (-5.3° from prior 10-year average), with average daily low temperatures also dropping considerably, falling 13.4° from 52.5° to 39.1° F (-4.7° from prior 10-year average). Overall, temperatures ranged from a minimum of 30° F (11 Nov) to a maximum of 66° (19 Nov). Precipitation this period amounted to 0.41”, spread across just two days with measurable amounts...Click Here to Continue Reading!

Temperatures dropped considerably in late August from those in mid-August, and the region was treated to its first batch of severe weather in quite some time as “potential tropical cyclone ten” impacted the coastline on 29 Aug, dumping several inches of rain and providing strong onshore winds and gusts in excess of 50 mph. Top birds during the late August period in Virginia Beach included the first ROSEATE SPOONBILLS to be present in the city’s boundaries since 1996! Another new rarity for the period was the occurrence of a single MARBLED GODWIT at Pleasure House Point that provided for several reports from 22-26 Aug. Mixed in with a swarm of migrating passerines, a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was also found at First Landing SP on 31 Aug! As with mid-August, the WOOD STORK first noted 8 Aug continued to be observed at least through 26 Aug, and birders also enjoyed an early first-of-fall arrival for Gadwall, Merlin & Bay-breasted Warbler (25 Aug) as well as first-of-fall arrivals within expected dates for Blue-winged Teal & Bobolink (25 Aug), Black-and-white Warbler (29 Aug), Yellow-throated Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler & Baltimore Oriole (31 Aug). WEATHER: For starters, Virginia Beach was treated to a solar eclipse that reached 87% coverage around 2:47 PM on 21 Aug. Even with this level of coverage, we didn’t experience much change in the lighting...Click Here to Continue Reading!

While mid-August began with comfortable temperatures, the mercury spiked upwards towards the end of the period and heat indices rose over 100 degrees F for what is hopefully the last time in 2017. Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included the continuing WOOD STORK (which was present every day of the period), an early first-of-fall arrival for Northern Harrier (11 Aug) as well as first-of-fall arrivals within expected dates for Yellow Warbler (13 Aug), Northern Waterthrush & Peregrine Falcon (15 Aug), Dunlin (16 Aug) & Common Nighthawk (18 Aug). WEATHER: Due primarily to the heat wave over the latter half of the period, mid-August’s average daily high temperatures managed to rise over those in early August (and amazingly, over late July’s as well), reaching 85.3 degrees F (+2.5 degrees from early August); average daytime lows unfortunately followed suit, rising to 72.6 degrees F (+4.1 degrees). The previous 10-year average daily highs & lows for the mid-August period were 86.4 & 71.1 degrees F, respectively which puts this period in 2017 at -1.1 and +1.5 degrees when comparing to the previous 10-year average. During that time frame, the maximum average daily highs & lows were a scorching 96.9 & 81.0 degrees F (2017) thanks to an incredible three days reaching 100 degrees F! We had 6 days with measurable precipitation during this period, which amounted to a total of 3.72 inches, with...Click Here to Continue Reading!

With July coming to a close, the summer birding season also reached its ending. August is generally regarded as the beginning of fall birding, though many species (shorebirds in particular) begin their actual fall migration during early July. With the highest temperatures now behind us here on the coast, birders were able to spend more time out and about, with some great birds being found thanks to the increase in coverage. Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included WOOD STORK, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO & AMERICAN AVOCET, early first-of-fall arrivals of Gadwall (1 Aug), White-rumped Sandpiper (3 Aug) & Wilson’s Snipe (4 Aug) as well as on-time first-of-fall arrivals for American Redstart (5 Aug) & Scarlet Tanager (10 Aug). WEATHER: Overall, early August’s average daily high temperatures were able to drop from those in late July due to a couple of cold fronts in the latter half of the period, reaching 82.8 degrees F (-2.2 degrees from late July); average daytime lows dropped as well, to 68.5 degrees F (-0.9 degrees). The previous 10-year average daily highs & lows for the early August period were 87.4 & 72.6 degrees F, respectively which puts this period in 2017 at -4.6 and -4.1 degrees when comparing to the previous 10-year average. During that time frame, the maximum average daily highs & lows were 92.6 (2007) & 78.5 degrees F (2016). We had only 2 days with....Click Here to Continue Reading!

The extreme temperatures of mid-July continued through the first half of this period, but fortunately, cooler weather found its way into the region during the latter half, providing some much needed relief to coastal birders! Shorebirds continued to be the primary focus for most eBirders, with increasing counts of most species continuing since early July, and the number of immature birds passing through continues to rise as well. Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included a continuing WHITE-EYED EASTERN TOWHEE, an unseasonal occurrence of Peregrine Falcon, and first-of-season arrivals which included our first-of-fall Piping Plover (24 Jul) & Black Tern (26 Jul). WEATHER: Overall, late July’s average daily high temperatures were able to drop from those in mid-July due to a couple of cold fronts in the latter half of the period, reaching 85.0 degrees F (-4.7 degrees from mid-July); average daytime lows dropped as well, to 69.4 degrees F (-4.1 degrees). The previous 10-year average daily highs & lows for the mid-July period were 89.0 & 72.6 degrees F, respectively which puts this period in 2017 at -4.0 and -3.2 degrees when comparing to the previous 10-year average. During that time frame, the maximum average daily highs & lows were 97.1 & 80.6 degrees F (both occurring in 2016). We had 5 days with measureable precipitation which amounted to a total of 1.96 inches, though most of which...Click Here to Continue Reading!

Oppressive heat permeated the region during mid-July, yielding the hottest period thus far in 2017. Shorebirds arrivals continued more or less on time, and some other notable birds were found despite the heat! Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included the continuing WHITE-EYED EASTERN TOWHEE, a newly found DICKCISSEL, and an unseasonal occurrence of Black-and-white Warbler! Additionally, mid-July continued the trend started last period with first-of-season arrivals pouring through, including our first-of-fall Stilt Sandpiper & Pied-billed Grebe (11 Jul), Pectoral Sandpiper (14 Jul), Black-and-white Warbler, Solitary Sandpiper & Western Sandpiper (15 Jul), Whimbrel (16 Jul) and Red Knot (17 Jul). WEATHER: Overall, mid-July’s average daily high temperatures continued to rise from those in early July, reaching 89.7 degrees F (+1.1 degrees); in contrast, average daytime lows actually dropped slightly, to 73.5 degrees F (-0.2 degrees). The previous 10-year average daily highs & lows for the mid-July period were 88.2 & 72.2 degrees F, respectively which puts this period in 2017 at +1.5 and +1.3 degrees when comparing to the previous 10-year average. During that time frame, the maximum average daily highs & lows were 94.1 & 76.8 degrees F (both occurring in 2016). We had 4 days with measureable precipitation which amounted to a total of 1.84 inches, most falling overnight...Click Here to Continue Reading!

Hot & humid summer weather dominated throughout early July and Shorebirds started arriving in Virginia along their southbound migrations. Top birds during this period in Virginia Beach included the continuing FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER, fresh observations for SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER, ANHINGA & ROSEATE TERN and the probable continuance of a WHITE-EYED EASTERN TOWHEE! In addition to these rarities, first-of-season arrivals this period included our first-of-fall Black-bellied Plover (6 Jul), Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plover, Least Sandpiper & Short-billed Dowitcher (7 Jul).  WEATHER: Overall, early July’s average daily high temperatures continued the typical of trend of surpassing late June’s, rising to 88.6 degrees F (+3.6 degrees); average daytime lows also rose to 73.7 degrees F (+5.4 degrees). The previous 10-year average daily highs & lows for the early July period were 87.9 & 71.7 degrees F, respectively which puts this period in 2017 at +0.7 and +2.0 degrees when comparing to the 10-year averages. During the previous 10-year period, the maximum average daily highs & lows were 93.6 (2012) & 76.6 degrees F (2016). We had 6 days with measureable precipitation which amounted to a total of 1.66 inches, most falling on 8 July (a Saturday) with 0.82 inches accumulating...Click Here to Continue Reading!