Ospreys in Love

Not much to report here in Suffolk but Sunday morning we were awakened to an Osprey "singing". The bird was perched near my bedroom window and was calling incessantly. Later in the morning I scoped two Ospreys. So - I guess one of the first signs of spring around these parts.

We found one bird on the CBC on Jan. 1 but I haven't seen it again since. The birds have a lot of work to do. Most of the nests have been cleared off of the channel markers and the ones on the power towers are sparse due to Ernesto and other storms we've had since last nesting season.

Weekly Update!

Not much happening - Highlights from yard would be a Northern Harrier on 2/17.

Year yard list stands at 63 and my life yard list stands at 198. Last year I added Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Brown Noddy, Black-billed Cuckoo, Chuck-will's-widow, Western Sandpiper, & Blue-winged Warbler. Can't wait to see 2007's additions!

My regular arrival date for Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ranges from 3/27 to 4/1 (a little over a month away!) - I'm always looking for ways to herald spring's arrival!

Finally - I've been following the expansion of Wild Turkeys into the area - this picture is just across the river - if they ever make it to the back side of that farm I just may be able to scope 'em and add 'em to my yard list! I'll also have to get my bionic ear out - maybe I can hear a gobble in a couple of months on a calm morning.

Well, I have made another foray into the marshes of Bennett's Creek. I have been quite unable to come up with ANY shartptailed sparrows. This is the SAME marsh that I was able to count dozens in last winter. The marsh is pretty laid down due to storms - perhaps this has contributed to it. I only saw two sparrows, both unid'd. Didn't seem to be sharptaileds - I would guess Swampies but I just didn't get on them.

I'll post again in about a week.

Good Birding!

Les

January 31 trip to Nickawampus Farm, Accomack Co.

Accomack County list stands at 189, Nickawampus Farm list: 125

Finished putting up the new Purple Martin house (I set the bottom pole last year - figured it was time to put the other poles & house up - my earliest date for PUMA in Suffolk is Feb. 2!)

Double-crested Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Northern Bobwhite
Black-bellied Plover
Greater Yellowlegs