June 2020

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After experiencing the highs of peak migration each May, June tends to be our most difficult month in terms of species diversity here in Virginia Beach. A combination of quite a few expected species departures throughout the month but no expected arrivals means that the number of species expected to occur becomes less and less as each day passes. The early portion of the month can produce some lingering spring migrants, like Blackpoll Warbler, or a few species of shorebirds like Spotted Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover and White-rumped Sandpiper, but by about the second week the only species present typically are the annual breeders (save for anything truly rare/unexpected). With the summer heat beginning to set in, and exhaustion taking its toll after the culmination of spring migration in May, birders also just tend to be out scouring the landscape less in June than in other months. Overall, temperatures in June were slightly lower (85°F/69°F for daily highs/lows) than the prior ten-year average (86°F/69°F). Throughout the month, we ranged from a low of 56°F on 1 Jun to a high of 95°F on 4 Jun, which marked the highest value for the calendar year thus far (dethroning the 93°F set the previous day). Over the course of its thirty days, a total of 154 species produced accepted records in eBird during June, of which a good cross section are covered in either the write-up or in the photographs below. While an expectedly significant drop from the record-breaking 221 species logged here in May, compared to recent Junes this number proved to be an increase from both the 148 species logged in 2019 as well as the 141 in 2018. For the calendar year, we now stand at 284 species, which is fourteen higher than the 270 species logged through the same period last year. Collectively, eBirders have now submitted a total of 5,554 complete checklists for the calendar year which, like last month, keeps us on a pace to eclipse the 10,061 submitted in 2019.

Possibly the same MUTE SWAN that has popped up sporadically in the northern half of Virginia Beach over the last few months was detected again at Pleasure House Point NA on 21 Jun (ph. Tommy Maloney). Observed most recently on 26 Jun (ph. Karen & Tom Beatty), it is likely still present in the area. With records from Mar-Apr at Lake Windsor/Lake Trashmore and also in Thoroughgood on a private pond, it seems pretty likely the we’re dealing with the same individual, given the overall scarcity of this species in Virginia Beach across recent years, and the unlikelihood of new migrants arriving here during the summer season. (Jun 2020 Map)

Unexpected along our patch of coastline during the summer season, at least two RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS at Lynnhaven Inlet on 9 Jun (vis. Andrew Baldelli) made for quite a surprise. Though, in recent years, injured or ailing waterfowl have had some pattern of occurrence in late May/early June before they ultimately perish, it is still unusual to see these birds when they do occur. Similarly, last year we had a Common Eider that lingered at Lynnhaven into July. However, all the healthy Red-breasted Mergansers left for their breeding grounds quite a few weeks ago, so it seems a fair guess that this pair either had a wing injury preventing their exodus from occurring, or were perhaps malnourished/sick. (Jun 2020 Map)

A very scarce and secretive breeder throughout most of Virginia, a PIED-BILLED GREBE found at Back Bay NWR on 31 May (vis. Conor Farrell) was quite a shocker. Even more shocking though, was that it continued on the C Pool, visible from the West Dike on 2 Jun (ph. Steve Myers), 18 Jun (ph. Andrew Baldelli), and was observed sitting atop a nest on 22 Jun (vis. Andrew Baldelli), thereby confirming the species as a breeder for the first time in Virginia Beach during the 2nd Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas! Most summers, the species seems to vanish during May, and individuals pop up again in July after having likely bred. The vegetation and terrain of Back Bay NWR doesn’t often afford views of such a cryptic breeder, and there is nowhere else in Virginia Beach where it is suspected to be breeding (perhaps Princess Anne WMA?). So, given the above, this was certainly a highlight for the month of June. (Jun 2020 Map)

Infrequently detected locally even during peak spring migration, a group of three COMMON NIGHTHAWKS passing over a private residence in Hunt Club Forest on 2 Jun (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty) made for some early month excitement. Being a mostly nocturnal species, clearly a lack of effort/coverage by birders at the proper time of day tends to yield fewer reports, but the only other report in the coastal plain of Virginia this month was a single this same date in Surry County! (Jun 2020 Map)

With a single COMMON GALLINULE reported at Back Bay NWR way back on 28 Apr (aud. Robert Ake), it was quite a surprise this month when reports again started at the refuge on 6 Jun (ph. Rob Bielawski). Continuing at the same exact spot along the West Dike near the northernmost extend of the C Pool on 8 Jun (ph. George Burruss) and 10 Jun (vis. Matthew Hosmer), it seems likely that this might represent another breeding record for a very secretive/cryptic species here in Virginia Beach. With other individuals logged during spring migration at False Cape SP to the south, and at Princess Anne WMA on the west side of Back Bay, this species was a well-recorded transient in 2020, but summering records are far more unusual with 2011 being the last such year in terms of eBird reports in the city (also at Back Bay NWR). (Jun 2020 Map)

Exceptionally rare during the summer months in Virginia as a whole, a single BONAPARTE’S GULL at Rudee Inlet on 3 Jun (ph. Amy & Steve Myers) proved to be the only such record in the state during June. Additionally, there was only one other report for this species input to eBird south of Maryland, with one noted in North Carolina on the first of the month! In terms of past Junes within Virginia Beach, only 2013 & 2011 have records for this species input to eBird, with only a handful of other records sporadically reported across different years in scattered locations through the state. (Jun 2020 Map)

Truly a surprise for the month of a June, an immature GLAUCOUS GULL discovered on the beach at False Cape SP on 20 Jun (ph. Marlee Fuller-Morris) made for Virginia Beach’s first ever eBird record during the summer months! Though it wasn’t the only individual logged in Virginia this month, with another at Cape Charles Beach in Northampton County on 28 Jun (ph. Matt Anthony & Erin Chapman), there were very few records on the East Coast as a whole, with only singles in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Earlier this year, one individual was reported in April in Hampton, and at least one was present around the CBBT in Virginia Beach during January, so for a species clearly scarce even during the winter when it’s most likely to occur, these summer records were certainly out of the blue. (Jun 2020 Map)

While fairly common around the barrier islands and marshes of the Eastern Shore, a GULL-BILLED TERN resting on the beach at False Cape SP on 20 Jun (ph. Marlee Fuller-Morris) was an excellent surprise this month for the city! Given the lack of appropriate nesting habitat here in Virginia Beach, this tends to be a difficult species to pin down, since one typically has to luck into a transient during spring or fall that is workings its way up or down our coastline. Random individuals do tend to pop up, and there are past June records on the impoundments at Back Bay NWR as well, but overall, this is a truly scarce species during June in the city. Away from the Eastern Shore, only Hampton and more unexpectedly, Surry County (where it is a VARCOM review species), had records in Virginia. (Jun 2020 Map)

Very rare in Virginia as a whole, an apparent ROSEATE TERN was present on the tidal mudflats off Pleasure House Point NA on 19 Jun (ph. Kathy Louthan & Wes Teets), marking the second report for this species in Virginia Beach this calendar year, and the second June in a row to boast an individual with one at Back Bay last June (ph. Rob Bielawski & Lisa Rose). During Tropical Storm Arthur’s movement off our coast in May (vis. Edward Brinkley), another individual was noted in flight along the North End beaches, so we’ve now matched our total for 2019, as one was observed during Hurricane Dorian’s passage (ph. Andrew Rapp) last September as well. A statewide review species by VARCOM standards, and while we might be the most likely municipality in the state to produce records, any record for this species is to be celebrated. (Jun 2020 Map)

In the same vein as the Red-breasted Merganser mentioned above, a single RED-THROATED LOON present around Lynnhaven Inlet from, 9 Jun (ph. Andrew Baldelli) through at least 28 Jun (ph. Rob Bielawski) likely represented an ailing or injured individual. With thousands of Red-throated Loons passing by our coastline in March & April, and a few lingering into May, seeing one so late into the summer season is certainly unusual. Their closest relative we have here, the Common Loon, does tend to linger into June here each year as well though. This particular Red-throated Loon seems to flow inside the inlet with the incoming tide, and then vanish with the outgoing tide as well, so the best time to look for it foraging around the mud flats seems to be just before high tide occurs. (Jun 2020 Map)

Exceptional any time of year, a pair of WOOD STORKS observed in flight over Muddy Creek Road near Shipps Cabin Road on 19 Jun 2020 (vis. Andrew Baldelli) which made for the first-ever report in eBird for the state during the month of June. Though, surely, not all records are in eBird and summertime feels like a fine time for this species to irrupt northward, especially during droughts in their core range. So far in 2020, Virginia Beach has now boasted three reports of the species, including the sight report mentioned here, as well as photographic records this January at Back Bay NWR (ph. Steve Keith) and at Carolanne Farms Park (ph. Charlie Bruggemann). No other individuals have been reported this calendar year north of North Carolina, and there’s no telling when the next might pop up here, but this is certainly a species to keep in mind as summer progresses. (Jun 2020 Map)

Unfortunately, a single immature BROWN BOOBY found at a private residence in Croatan Beach on 15 Jun 2020 (ph. Anonymous Homeowner fide Karen & Keith Roberts) did not survive after it was picked up by a rehabber. It’s possible that strong onshore winds over the prior few days could have pushed this ailing bird in to shore. So far, this is the only record for the species in Virginia this calendar year, though last summer several were sighted on a buoy in the lower Chesapeake Bay, and other reports this month hailed from North Carolina, Maryland and New Jersey, so it is likely that others (hopefully healthy individuals) could also be around our state’s waters. (Jun 2020 Map)

Fairly expected as a transient and summer resident locally around Stumpy Lake, it was a bit of a shock that ANHINGA had not been observed since early April around the lake. However, a single individual was fortunately found on 10 Jun (ph. Hope Grasser), followed by a report for two individuals 13 Jun (ph. Hope Grasser) and continuing through at least 23 Jun (ph. Steve Myers) indicates that hopefully the species is again breeding somewhere around Stumpy Lake, though clearly not at the same location just off the causeway that was used last summer. The only other reports north of North Carolina this month occurred within Virginia in Chesapeake, Mecklenburg County & Prince George County (the most regular site for the species in the state away from Stumpy Lake), and with a single record at Cape May, New Jersey. (Jun 2020 Map)

Exceptional from mainland Virginia Beach anytime throughout the year, a single GREAT CORMORANT found at Rudee Inlet on 2 Jun by a returning crew of pelagic birders, (ph. Baxter Beamer, Edward Brinkley, Adam D’Onofrio, Paul Glass, Andrew Rapp & Wes Teets) proved extremely unexpected. Typically gone by April or perhaps May from even their winter holdouts around the CBBT, this made for a first June record for Virginia as a state in terms of eBird reporting (though older records have occurred). Lingering only through the following day, 3 Jun, this was the only records south of New York this month, save for another individual miraculously recorded in Florida. (Jun 2020 Map)

Very rare during the summer months in Virginia Beach, an AMERICAN BITTERN found at Back Bay NWR on 31 May (vis. Conor Farrell; later ph. Rob Bielawski) lingered through at least 22 Jun (vis. Andrew Baldelli) along the West Dike at the northernmost reach of the C Pool. Historically, breeding records do exist for this species at the refuge, but it has been a number of decades since the last confirmation. The records this month give us hope that the species could once again be breeding here though! This was the only individual documented in Virginia during June, and aside from a single record in North Carolina and two in Florida, all other records this month in Eastern North America were north of Virginia. (Jun 2020 Map)

Though certainly becoming more expected throughout Virginia Beach in recent years, MISSISSIPPI KITES have typically been limited to areas where nesting has been confirmed north of I-264. This month however, records for the species popped up at four different locations to the south of the interstate. Most notable among the records, a single individual over Larkspur starting on 7 May (vis. Amy & Steve Myers) inexplicably blossomed into a group of at least fourteen individuals nearby on 19 Jun (ph. Rob Bielawski), obliterating Virginia Beach’s prior high count for this species of five individuals! At least five continued over Larkspur through month’s end (ph. Steve Myers). At least one individual was present around NAS Oceana (restricted access) from 5 Jun (vis. Doug Shultz) through 23 Jun (vis. Karl Suttmann). Individuals were also logged over Hunt Club Forest from 27 May-19 Jun (a.r. Karen & Tom Beatty) and over Blackwater Road on 18 Jun (vis. Greg Tito). (Jun 2020 Map)

Being a scarce breeder throughout most of Virginia, a single PEREGRINE FALCON found perched along the western side of the Armada Hoffler tower in Town Center on 21 Jun (ph. Rob & Ruth Bielawski) proved to be an exciting find. With further coverage by birders, a pair was noted 22 Jun (ph. Amy & Steve Myers), and at least one individual continued to be reported on the tower through 27 Jun (ph. Prashant A). Only a handful of records occurred this month for the species away from the Eastern Shore, where nesting programs have been underway for many years. We last had a June eBird record back in 2018, with only singles in 2017 & 2011 preceding that one, so clearly the species is scarce here. With an abundance of prey, namely Rock Pigeons and European Starlings, able to be hunted with ease from the tower, hopefully this pair will have a successful breeding season. (Jun 2020 Map)

For the third summer in a row, a WARBLING VIREO was detected along Ashville Park Boulevard, just east of the clock tower roundabout, starting on 6 Jun (ph. & a.r. Steve Myers). With two reported at the site on 9 Jun (ph. Reuben Rohn), and an individual last observed 14 Jun (ph. David Clark), it seems likely that the pair has again nested in the willow oaks that line this residential parkway. This was the only documented record for the species in a coastal county south of New Jersey during June, and there also were no other coastal plain records in Virginia south of King George County or east of the Richmond metro. (Jun 2020 Map)

A scarce breeder in Virginia Beach, up to three HORNED LARKS were observed this month on NAS Oceana (restricted access) from the publicly accessible Flame of Hope Memorial, beginning on 18 Jun 2020 (aud. Andrew Baldelli) and continuing through month’s end (vis. James Marcum). In past summers, Ashville Park had been the only other known breeding location for this species in the city, but since the main through-road there now has “No Trespassing” signs all along it, it seems no one has been able to search for them. So knowing that they are present in proper breeding habitat at Oceana feels like a welcome gift to birders here who just want the chance to hear & see them, and being on restricted ground means the breeders can only be viewed from a distance, keeping them safe. (Jun 2020 Map)

Keeping up pace with recent years in Virginia Beach, we finally got our first GRASSHOPPER SPARROW of the year when one was heard singing at NAS Oceana (restricted access) on 6 Jun (aud. Karl Suttmann). Fortunately, likely the same individual was heard from the publicly accessible Flame of Hope Memorial on the east side of the base on 28 Jun (vis. Andrew Baldelli; later ph. Rob Bielawski, Steve Myers) and was again observed from this location on 30 Jun (ph. Reuben Rohn) to close out the month. Last year, we also had one present in Virginia Beach, at Mansfield Farms off Blackwater Road, but that location has not seemed to hold any this season. In 2018, the species was not observed here during the summer months, so it is exciting to have a twitchable individual in the city again. Of course, this species is common north of us on the Eastern Shore, and west of farther inland, but coastal reports in the Carolinas during summer offer up some comparison to Virginia Beach’s lack of records. (Jun 2020 Map)

Highly unusual after their peak migration passage in Apr/May through the coastal plain, an adult male BALTIMORE ORIOLE viewed in flight from Pleasure House Point NA on 7 Jun (vis. Rob Bielawski) made for a second summer in a row with a record for this species under eerily similar circumstances. Last June (the 19th to be exact), it was Tracy Tate who observed one in flight over the Bayville Golf Course, while walking the trails at Pleasure House Point NA, and at this date, it would be unlikely to be a late transient, and would seem more likely to be a potential breeder. Unfortunately, the location of the birds isn’t accessible to the public, so there hasn’t been any opportunity to follow up on these, and no other reports have come in for birds watched distantly in flight from across Pleasure House Creek. However, if anyone reading this happens to live in Church Point, it is worth watching and listening for Baltimore Orioles, even out of season as they would be right now. Certainly the species winters throughout the city in good numbers, perhaps a few stay year-round at this point. (Jun 2020 Map)

For the first summer in many years, a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was logged at Stumpy Lake NA, starting on 5 Jun (a.r. Rob Bielawski), occurring again on 22 Jun (ph. Reuben Rohn) and with a final report on 29 Jun 2020 (aud. Jonathan Snyder). Though there is no reason this species shouldn’t be present throughout the summer at this specific location in Virginia Beach, even with coverage by birders it was last reported to eBird for June at Stumpy Lake in 1992. It’s possible the species is present away from the small piece of shoreline that birders have access too, and it has been confirmed as a breeder recently with individuals carrying nesting material as well. But the lack of summer reports is curious, as the species prefers pine forest abutting freshwater, which while tough to find in the city, is quite prevalent at this natural area. (Jun 2020 Map)

As in the cases of the Horned Larks and Grasshopper Sparrow mentioned above, up to three DICKCISSELS have been present on in the same field at NAS Oceana (restricted access) going back to 2 Jun (vis. Karl Suttmann), first noted from the public Flame of Hope Memorial on 18 Jun (vis. Andrew Baldelli) and continuing to be observed from there through month’s end (aud. Steve Keith). While it has been a banner summer for this species in Virginia, it feels all the more remarkable that breeders have been detected in all three of the coastal counties, and this is our only June with eBird records for Virginia Beach aside from a single reports on the Virginia Beach portion of Knott’s Island in 2018. The best way to observe the continuing individuals is to try very early in the morning before noise from traffic makes it tougher to hear from the southwestern corner of the Flame of Hope fence. Typically, all three of the rare breeders (Horned Lark, Grasshopper Sparrow & Dickcissel) that have taken up residence in this field are fairly far out, and views aren’t great, but the early morning also keeps the sun from blinding you. (Jun 2020 Map)

With June having come to a close, we’ve now reached July, the first month of fall migration! Over the next few weeks, shorebirds will have their place in prime time, as they begin heading south into our area once again. With little in the way of passerine movements until August (unless someone lucks into an early Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow Warbler, or American Redstart), and only the post-breeding dispersal of waders taking our eyes off shorebird habitat, it’s likely that s rare plover or sandpiper could get found in July. Princess Anne WMA does not look great at the moment for shorebirds, but conditions can change quickly and it needs to be checked often. The agricultural field at the corner of Muddy Creek Road & Shipps Cabin Road looks good right now, and could start holding shorebirds soon. Back Bay NWR’s impoundments are now mostly obscured with the addition of a secondary cross-dike in C Storage Pool. Beaches throughout the city and mudflats in the Lynnhaven are going to have to be covered often, as they may be our best hopes for shorebirds this month if inland impoundments & fields do not produce. Make sure to keep up with the expected fall arrival dates by clicking here. Happy shorebirding!

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 April! 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.

March 2020

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March was our first month of birding to be impacted by COVID-19, as global case numbers rose drastically and we started to experience the impacts closer to home in the latter third of the month. However, the natural world continued to transition from winter into spring, with flowers blossoming, vegetation greening, and the birds singing. Many birders found at least some time to be out, with proper respect to the physical distancing protocols outlined at the time. For those who did spend time outdoors, March was a lovely month, showing off vast blooms of Bradford Pears, Eastern Redbuds, Cherry Blossoms, Tulip Trees & Dogwoods. The reddish Swamp Maples cast a beautiful contrast to the lush greenery that started to pop this month in forested areas of the city (perhaps no more evident than at Stumpy Lake). Overall, temperatures in March were higher (65°F/49°F for daily highs/lows) than the prior ten-year average (59°F/41°F). Though, of the prior ten years, 2012 & 2016 both featured higher highs, but only 2012 held higher lows. We ranged from a low of 31°F on 8 Mar to a high of 88°F on 20 Mar, which marked the highest value for the calendar year thus far (dethroning the 83°F set the previous day). As with February, the avifauna observed throughout the month seemed very reflective of these higher than normal temperatures. Continuing the pattern set throughout the winter season, waterfowl numbers were abysmal, and Aythya were essentially missed altogether this month. Though, we were blessed with some solid waterfowl rarities, which helped to make up for the lack of diversity and quantity. A major pulse of fresh spring arrivals bolstered overall numbers near month’s end, and also produced some very early first-of-season records. Over the course of its thirty-one days, a total of 178 species produced accepted records in eBird during March, which was a significant boost from the 164 species logged here in February. Compared to recent Marches, this number proved to be a strong increase from both the 167 species logged in 2019 as well as the 170 in 2018. For the calendar year, we now stand at 199 species, which is eight higher than the 191 species logged through the same period last year. Collectively, eBirders have now submitted a total of 3,180 complete checklists for the calendar year which, like last month, keeps us on a pace to eclipse the 10,061 submitted in 2019.

A not-quite-adult MUTE SWAN was photographed on Lake Windsor during the morning hours of 21 Mar (ph. Lisa Rose), and spent some time moving back and forth between there and Lake Trashmore throughout the ensuing hours. Another Mute Swan was reported on a pond in Thoroughgood 29 Mar (vis. Tracy Tate). So far we’ve had a good year for this species, which wasn’t recorded in each of the prior five calendar years in Virginia Beach, but has popped up in a few locations this season. An adult was at Back Bay NWR in January, and one was hanging around Lynnhaven Inlet in February (perhaps even this same individual or the one in Thoroughgood). (Mar 2020 Map)

Still the only record for Virginia Beach this year, the drake EURASIAN WIGEON found on Oceana NAS (Restricted) back on 28 Jan (ph. Mark Burns) continued to be observed through 14 Mar (ph. Karl Suttmann; later ph. Rob Bielawski). This individual made for the southernmost record on the East Coast during March, and only Hoffler Creek Nature Preserve (Portsmouth) and Chincoteague NWR (Accomack) produced other records for Virginia. Please note that this pond is in a restricted access area and is not open to the public. Individuals must possess proper credentials, or be escorted by someone who has them on hand. (Mar 2020 Map)

Also continuing, the female HARLEQUIN DUCK at Little Island Park first found on 16 Dec (ph. Luke Fultz) was present all the way through 19 Mar (ph. Steve Keith), but was not reported again afterward. Throughout its stay around the public pier, this hen was reported a whopping 91 times to eBird! Only one other Harlequin Duck was reported within Virginia Beach in 2020, an individual along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel where the species is more “locally expected” but is still a good find. Additionally, the Little Island individual was the southernmost occurring Harlequin Duck in eastern North America during March! (Mar 2020 Map)

Little Island Park also produced our only record for WESTERN GREBE this month, as likely the same individual first noted there on 25 Nov (ph. Tracy Tate) was again observed as recently as 12 Mar (ph. Bob Epperson & John Pancake). With only one other record for this species on the East Coast of the United States (New Brunswick did have a record), one wonders if the same individual is roaming the coastline of Virginia Beach all the way down to Dare County NC. Given the scarcity of records, it does seem possible. Also, given there has been at least one Western Grebe off our coastline four winter seasons in a row, one wonders if the same individual is returning each year. (Mar 2020 Map)

Miraculous for Virginia Beach, a photo-documented report for EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL was input this month! This particular individual was perched on the railing of a Mezzo Apartments balcony on 28 Mar (ph. Kiera Mollohan fide Karen & Keith Roberts). Not only was this the only record for the species in Virginia’s coastal plain region during March, but it was Virginia Beach’s first record going all the way back to 8-9 Apr 2017 when at least two were present at False Cape SP (a.r. Carlton Noll). (Mar 2020 Map)

An early, first-of-season male RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was reported at a private residence in Alanton on 26 Mar (vis. Michelle Payne), and it may have been the same individual that zoomed through 24 Mar. Based on the most recent few years of eBird data, 10 Apr is the typical date, so this one falling ten-or-more days prior to that warrants inclusion here. Another hummingbird sp. was observed at a private residence in Lake Smith Terrace on 26 Mar (vis. Tracy Tate). For March, there was only one other Ruby-throated Hummingbird report (Mecklenburg), and Cape May, NJ was the only locale north of us to post a record! (Mar 2020 Map)

Immature ICELAND GULLS were reported at two locations in Virginia Beach this month! A first cycle individual was at Little Island Park on 1 Mar (ph. Kathy Bearden), and was likely the same individual observed there initially on 1 Feb (ph. Rob Bielawski). While up at Rudee Inlet, at least two immatures were known to be present, with the first reported to eBird on 16 Mar (ph. Tracy Tate). A second immature was present simultaneously with the first starting 21 Mar (vis. James Marcum, then ph. Steve Keith), and lingered through at least 28 Mar (vis. Karl Suttmann). Surprisingly, we never had any adult Iceland Gulls this season, though we’ve had pretty good luck in the past few winters with individuals of that plumage/age. In looking at the maps of Iceland Gulls in March, only Dare & New Hanover Counties in North Carolina produced records farther south along the East Coast than ours! (Mar 2020 Map)

With an average spring arrival date of 15 Mar to Virginia Beach, a ROYAL TERN observed off Little Island Park on 2 Mar (vis. James Marcum) was either an early northbound migrant, or perhaps a continuing individual since one had been present here back on 15 Feb as well (vis. Nick Newberry & Andrew Rapp). In either case, it makes for a great early March record and aside from another individual present at the Willoughby Boat Ramp in Norfolk from 25 Feb-1 Mar (ph. Eric Alton & Tammy Conklin), this was the northernmost record at the time of the observation for the East Coast! In fact, even during the latter half of the month when the species is moving north in good numbers, no records occurred north of Virginia. (Mar 2020 Map)

Typically absent from Virginia overall from about mid-January through early April, a single BLACK SKIMMER flying northbound past Little Island Park on 13 Mar (vis. Andrew Baldelli) made for a remarkable March record. In most years, the last holdouts of this species are found around Lynnhaven Inlet, though very rarely do any truly winter, sometimes they do linger into the early portion of February. But, March records anywhere in the state are scarce, and this was the northernmost record for the species on the East Coast this month, with the nearest record all the way down in Carteret County, North Carolina! (Mar 2020 Map)

Though up to two LITTLE BLUE HERONS have been recorded in Virginia Beach this winter season with an immature at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract from 5 Jan (vis. Tracy Tate; not input to eBird but verbally communicated at the time of sighting) through 19 Jan (ph. Rob Bielawski) and an even more unusual adult present there on 12 Jan (ph. Rob Bielawski), a 15 Mar record for an immature still came as quite the surprise (ph. Cindy Hamilton & June McDaniels)! With an average spring arrival date in the city of 25 Mar, this is another nice record falling ten or more days prior, and at the time it was the northernmost record for this species along the East Coast! (Mar 2020 Map)

Another unexpectedly early arrival, the first GREEN HERON of the spring season was photographed on the outgoing canal from Lake Windsor on 22 Mar (ph. Tommy Maloney), which ties the second-earliest date for this species in Virginia Beach with one at Pleasure House Point Natural Area on 22 Mar 2015 (vis. Melinda Carr), and was only one day shy of the all-time earliest eBird record at Back Bay NWR on 21 Mar 1978 (vis. Edward Brinkley)! Pleasure House Point hosted the next arrival on 28 Mar (ph. Amy & Steve Myers), and from there moving forward the species was regularly reported again. (Mar 2020 Map)

In a miraculous feat of survival, an immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON successfully made it through the entire winter season at Pleasure House Point Natural Area, and was last recorded 15 Mar (vis. Steve Myers) before blending in among its returning kin! Unusual after October, the last report of more than one individual in the city occurred 11 Nov (ph. Loretta Silvia), and from then until 24 Mar when another arrived to Lake Windsor (ph. Steve Keith), it remained the sole member of its species to inhabit the city! Expanding this a bit, just to show how unusual wintering is, between 23 Nov when one was found in Hampton (vis. Chris Monahan) and 19 Mar when the first spring arrival hit the state in Sussex County (ph. Allen Bryan), it was the only Yellow-crowned Night-Heron known in Virginia! Typically, we start setting this species returning around 20-25 Mar, and it seems the northbound individuals were right on time. (Mar 2020 Map)

Though a single WESTERN KINGBIRD was known to be present on NAS Oceana property along Potters Road from 14 Jan (ph. Karl Suttmann) through 15 Jan (vis. Andrew Baldelli), reports for this species at the location re-awakened in March. Likely the same individual, and a second Western Kingbird were reported at this same location on 2 Mar (ph. Mark Burns), and records persisted here for one-or-two individuals through 12 Mar (vis. Bob Epperson & John Pancake). A later report occurred farther east, near the viewing area at the northeast end of the Oceana runway on 14 Mar (vis. Brandon Holland) but that was the last of the reports. Usually flycatchers aren’t apt to stay in the same place, but fortunately these did allow for a good number of locals & visiting birders alike to view them during their stay. During March, there were no other reports for this species north of Florida along the East Coast, so it was certainly exciting for the city, state & region overall!  (Mar 2020 Map)

As with the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron mentioned above, we also had another species make a surprising successful overwintering attempt. The WHITE-EYED VIREO that was present in the thicket east of the Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract parking lot dating back to at least 24 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) continued to be logged throughout March at the same location! Additionally, another White-eyed Vireo was audio recorded along the entrance road to Back Bay NWR on 13 Mar (a.r. Karen & Tom Beatty) and this may represent either another potential over-winterer or a very early spring arrival, though the former seems quite possible given the date. Unfortunately in this case, there were no prior records to compare though, while the Whitehurst individual was tracked almost every Sunday from late Nov through late Mar, giving proof of its persistence. Typical spring arrival date for this species based on the past few years is 30 Mar, and individuals outside the two mentioned above started being logged 26 Mar, with increasing report frequency thereafter. (Mar 2020 Map)

While they’re uncommon winter residents in the proper habitat provided by managed impoundments and upper reaches of shoreline marshes at Back Bay NWR and False Cape SP, a SEDGE WREN found at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 29 Mar (ph. Rob Bielawski) made for a nice out-of-place record this month. The species is likely on the move during March & April, as it moved to inland locations to breed, and given the effort that was placed into searching for this species at this very location during the winter season, it seems more likely that this individual was a transient individual than a winterer. Aside from a pair of records at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve in Northampton County and a single individual at Shirley Plantation (Restricted) in Charles City County, there were no other records for this species in the state outside of Virginia Beach during March! (Mar 2020 Map)

At least two private residences in Virginia Beach hosted PINE SISKINS during March, with one-to-two continuing in Cypress Point on 12 Mar (vis. Andrew Baldelli & Debbie Schroeder) after having been logged there starting 22 Jan (vis. Debbie Schroeder), and a new record in Hunt Club Forest on 18 Mar (vis. Karen & Tom Beatty) of a single individual. The 2019-2020 winter has not been an irruptive season for this species, or for Purple Finch & Red-breasted Nuthatch, neither of which produced any reports here this month, so any record is exceptional. Even throughout the state as a whole, records for the three most common irruptives have been quite scarce, certainly unlike the prior winter season which held loads of records! (Mar 2020 Map)

With at least four, and potential five WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS present near the retention ponds behind the Harris Teeter in Red Mill starting 27 Dec (ph. Andrew Baldelli & Mike Collins), at least three continued through 14 Mar (ph. Rob Bielawski). Among the continuing individuals was the adult GAMBEL’S WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW which has been the only known individual of this rare race in Virginia for the 2019-2020 winter season. Two immature Dark-lored race individuals were also present along the thickets that line a chain-linked fence that protects the western of the two ponds. Interstingly, there was only one other record for Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow east of the Mississippi River during March, with one in Westchester, New York being the only known individual outside of Virginia Beach! Even the Dark-lored race is a good find for the coastal plain of Virginia, with the only other records in the region this month in Portsmouth, Charles City County & Prince William County. (Species-level Mar 2020 Map / Gambel’s race Mar 2020 Map)

Another rare sparrow for Virginia Beach continued into March, with the LINCOLN’S SPARROW first noted at Princess Anne WMA Whitehurst Tract on 10 Nov (ph. Rob Bielawski) still present at the same location through 15 Mar (vis. Wes Teets). The second winter season in a row one has taken up residency at this exact spot begs the question as to whether it might be the very same individual. Perhaps it will return again next winter? Only one other record for this species popped up in Virginia overall during March, with another continuing occurrence up in Prince William County. This is about the time when the species undertakes its spring migration, so it’s quite possible that more will be logged, though in Virginia it is much more commonly observed in fall, and more frequently found inland although we’ve had some memorable fall migrations of sparrows here on the coast as well. (Mar 2020 Map)

Another rare winterer in Virginia, the YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT first noted at Little Island Park’s kayak launch area on 4 Dec (ph. Steve Myers) and re-found on 17 Feb (ph. Nick Ramsey) continued through at least 2 Mar (ph. Steve Keith) before reports came to an end. It’s likely the individual was still present throughout the remainder of the month, given this species’ skulky nature, it could easily hide, as this individual pointed out during its 2+ month window of evasion. With average spring arrival for this species in the city not until late April, we’re still securely in the wintering window. What’s striking, in looking at the map of March reports for this species, is that there are quite a few records northeast of Virginia along the East Coast, however there were none recorded in Georgia & South Carolina. A strange, or fascinating, pattern for a species that should be present in higher number that farther south one goes in winter! (Mar 2020 Map)

Only the second photo-documented record for RUSTY BLACKBIRD so far in 2020, and the first of more than one individual occurred at First Landing SP on 13 Mar (ph. June McDaniels) when three were present. A scarce species in the coastal counties of Virginia, due primarily to our lack of extensive freshwater marshes and flooded forests that the species is attracted to in winter, any record here is cause for excitement. We’ve had one record each month this year to date, but they don’t ever seem to stay in the same spot long enough for others to follow up unfortunately! With no reports on the Eastern Shore this month, coastal Virginia birders tend to rely on the Great Dismal Swamp in Suffolk & Chesapeake to see these gorgeous blackbirds. (Mar 2020 Map)

A much rarer blackbird regionally, but more easily observed in Virginia Beach specifically, the resident wintering flock of BREWER’S BLACKBIRDS that settled in at Breeze Farms along West Gibbs Road back on 29 Dec during the Back Bay Christmas Bird Count (ph. Kerry, Tom & Tommy Maloney) continued through at least 15 Mar (ph. Cindy Hamilton & June McDaniels) when eight were still present. While North Carolina produced a pair of records this month, there were no others recorded north of Georgia along the East Coast, showcasing how rare this species is in the east, and how fortunate we are locally to host them each winter since the 2016-17 season. (Mar 2020 Map)

In what continued to be a strong winter season for BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS in Virginia Beach, at least two individuals continued to be reported into March, before northbound migrants started popping up in the latter third of the month. Present since 5 Dec (vis. J. A.) at a private residence in Great Neck Estates, one individual was reported through 7 Mar (vis. J. A.) before becoming obscured by what could be new arrivals. Another winterer at Stumpy Lake Natural Area first reported on 22 Jan (ph. Jonathan Snyder) continued through 20 Mar (vis. Reuben Rohn & Jonathan Snyder), although Stumpy Lake has extensive habitat for this species and it’s possible more than one decided to winter here, but all we can say is at least one did for certain. (Mar 2020 Map)

Very early, and only the second occurrence in any March here in Virginia Beach as far as eBird records go, a PROTHONOTARY WARBLER found at First Landing SP on 31 Mar (vis. Andrew Baldelli) was a great way to end the month in terms of warbler records! The only record that pre-dates this one across all years of eBird data so far entered for Virginia Beach was a photographed individual on the grounds of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center on 26 Mar 2016 (ph. Joe & Liz Dunkleman), and 10 Apr is more typical as far as an average spring arrival dates goes. The 2020 records came on the heels of an extensive field of strong southwesterly winds that reached from the Gulf of Mexico all the way up to the mid-Atlantic. Other Prothonotary Warblers popped up on the Suffolk & Chesapeake sides of the Great Dismal Swamp NWR, but the individual at First Landing SP proved to be the most northerly report for the species during March! (Mar 2020 Map)

Highly unexpected between early November and late April, a CAPE MAY WARBLER visiting a private feeder in Kempsville provided another excellent warbler record during March. This individual first came to the birding community’s eye via the Hampton Roads Wildlife Enthusiasts Facebook group, where photographs were posted, before the record then made its way into eBird. Records so far have been input for 8-10 Mar (vis. Mike Jacobs), but the individual was said to have been present in February as well, making it even more clearcut as a wintering individual. Virginia Beach boasts only one other winter record in eBird, with an individual visiting a suet feeder in Laurel Cove from 20 Jan-15 Feb 2016 (ph. Loretta Silvia). While Georgia and North Carolina each had two records for the species during March, there were no other records on the East Coast north of Florida, and this was the most northerly occurrence for the species! (Mar 2020 Map)

Though there were certainly more present in Virginia Beach during March, there was only one report for PAINTED BUNTING with a continuing female/immature-plumaged individual visiting a private residence in Laurel Manor on 8 & 10 Mar (vis. Tommy Maloney). Several others residences in this part of the city have likely observed individuals (or even small wintering groups), but this species tends to be under-reported due to the craze it causes among would-be-twitchers. For whatever reason, Virginia Beach and the other cities of south Hampton Roads tend to hold this species annually in winter, while it remains scarce elsewhere in the state. This winter season has been exceptional though, and several states north of us have boasted records, though Virginia itself only had two, with the other being an adult male in James City County. (Mar 2020 Map)

On the opposing side of species observed, we had a few expected/regularly occurring species that managed to evade eBirders here this month. Surprisingly, there wasn’t a single eBird record during March for Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Common Eider, Northern Bobwhite (still missing for the calendar year as a whole), Purple Sandpiper, Seaside Sparrow & Nelson’s Sparrow. These species should have been present in the city, as they are all annual winter residents with the exception of Northern Bobwhite, which should be a permanent resident, but may in fact be extirpated in the wild here and sustained only by game releases. Additionally, four species that have average arrival dates of 30 Mar were not yet accounted for by month’s end, including: Chimney Swift, Short-billed Dowitcher, Caspian Tern & Tricolored Heron. All that said, missing a few species is inevitable, and any other species that were missed this month would be considered as “Rare” in eBird, so overall, March was highly successful for Virginia Beach eBirders!

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 April! 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.