Golden-crowned Kinglet
It was mild and sunny today, and was supposed to be just a bit breezy. Walt Childs and I decided to try our birding luck in Augusta County in the Shenandoah Valley. We started off at Augusta Springs Wetlands about 8 miles past Swoope. This site has been very productive for some birders, but has always been poor to just okay when I have been there. It really wasn't very "birdy" this morning, but we did see about 15 avian species there. We saw at let two Golden-crowned Kinglets, and at least six Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Kinglets are neat little birds. They don't stay in the same spot for very long as they flit around looking for insects, but at the same time, are usually not easily spooked by people. When they do stop for a breather every once in a while, they can end up very close for good photos.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Swamp Sparrow
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-rumped Warbler
We then headed to Swoope. We saw a few species as we drove around, but by now it was really windy, and most of the little birds were hunkered down.
Common Raven
American Kestrel
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
We arrived at Smith Lake where we have permission to enter the private property and go birding. There were 50+ ducks near the far end of the lake,in addition to a few sparrows and a Brown Thrasher. Most of the ducks were Green-winged Teals, but mixed in were a few Blue-winged Teals and Wood Ducks.
Ducks
Green-winged Teals
Green-winged Teals
Blue-winged Teals
Wood Ducks
One of the resident Bald Eagles was in its nest, and we saw the other one flying near the Boy Scout camp.
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
We ended up with about 30 avian species for the day.