White-throated Sparrow
We had a big drop in temperatures overnight. I got a late start, and when I began my hike at 10:00 this morning at Lickinghole Creek and Reservoir, it was only 36 degrees. At least there was very little wind. I got onto the trail from Fairwinds Lane, and made my way along the creek to the reservoir. I returned along the same trail, and then crossed over the creek and did a little birding along the large open field. I ended up with 26 avian species, and had some really neat birds.
White-throated Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Downy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Killdeer
Carolina Wren
The map below may be useful to follow the rest of my report, and may help with the Chirstmas Bird Count that will be held this coming weekend. The first raptor I saw was a Bald Eagle. It wasn't at its nest, but was perched near the dam. At one point when I was taking a distant photo of it, I saw the second Bald eagle soaring in the background.
Lickinghole map
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagles
When I got to the small wooden bridge at the back of the marsh area, I saw my first Red-shouldered Hawk of the day. There was a second one that I saw across the reservoir on my way back, and I picked up a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk soaring over the large grassy field.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
There was a lot of commotion near the second Red-shouldered Hawk. Two American Crows were chasing a Red-tailed Hawk. They didn't seem to mind the resident Red-shouldered Hawks, but the Red-tailed was obviously a problem for the crows. I picked up a second red-tailed Hawk over the large grassy field.
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
The highlights of the outing for me were Winter Wrens. This little bird, only four inches in size, is a very secretive species that spends winters here in central Virginia. In a good winter, I might see about a dozen or so of this species, and very, very, rarely, do I get a cooperative Winter Wren that lets me take good photos of it. Remarkably, I saw four of them this morning. The first one was along the reservoir across from where small boats are sometimes launched near the gravel bar.
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
On my way back from photographing the Bald Eagle, I saw another cooperative Winter Wren between the wooden blind and the marshy area.
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
When I was hiking along the large grassy field, I turned the corner to head to the southwest, and heard two more Winter Wrens. One of them flew to my left, but stopped for a minute to take a look at me.
Winter Wren
The other Winter Wren popped up where I was standing for a better look at me, and called to its mate.
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
Winter Wren
I don't know how I got so lucky. Perhaps the Winter Wrens were just pleased to have someone come out in the cold to say hello to them!
This morning's list:
Canada Goose
Mallard
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Winter Wren
Carolina Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal