November 16, 2016 [LINK / comment]
Enjoying more nice weather, today I joined an Augusta Bird Club field trip to McCormick's Mill in southern Augusta County led by Jo King. She counted 28 species altogether, of which the highlight was a Wilson's Snipe on the other side of the upstream pond. It was spotted by Dan Perkuchin, and was a great find. Later on we saw a dozen or so Cedar Waxwings, but they flew away before we could get a good look at them. We also heard and then saw a large flock (estimated at over 45) Eastern Meadowlarks, some of which were in a tree top, others in a field, and some that took a bath in the pond. That was amazing.
Later on, some of us drove over to nearby Willow Lake, where four Ruddy Ducks and one Ring-necked Duck were seen, along with 30 or more Canada Geese.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Wilson's Snipe, Northern Cardinal (M), Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, Mallard (M), and Eastern Meadowlark. Roll your mouse over the image to see the Wilson's Snipe enlarged.