Aviatlas Sightings

November 2, 2009
Bridle Creek/Gold Hill
US · Virginia
Lon. -81.251278, Lat. 36.613047, Alt. 2,680 ft

Member: Scott Jackson-Ricketts
Hotspot: Bridle Creek/Gold Hill

Notes:
Palm warbler added to yard list. Bright morning sun reflecting off the yellow under-tail coverts, and adding that to the tail pumping and eye line brought a tear of joy running down my left cheek today. Palm warbler without a doubt. The Carolina chickadees were flooding the morning with their chatter and quickness...literally. This day was a good one for paying attention, so wising up to that, I stood outside near dusk to see what might chance by. Hearing a sound that reminded me of Canada goose, I turned to the general direction to catch a raven swooping in for what appeared to be its night roost. Caught by the last light behind it, creating a silhouette, the raven extended its tarsus and talons for the landing in perfection of grace.

25 Species Reported:
Turkey Vulture (11)
Mourning Dove (7)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2)
Downy Woodpecker (1)
Pileated Woodpecker (1)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (2)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2)
Cedar Waxwing (6)
Carolina Wren (2)
Eastern Bluebird (2)
American Robin (16)
Carolina Chickadee (7)
Tufted Titmouse (4)
White-breasted Nuthatch (2)
Blue Jay (6)
American Crow (8)
Common Raven (1)
House Finch (5)
American Goldfinch (2)
Palm Warbler (1)
Eastern Towhee (2)
Chipping Sparrow (1)
White-throated Sparrow (3)
Dark-eyed Junco (3)
Northern Cardinal (5)


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November 3, 2009
Bridle Creek/Gold Hill
US · Virginia
Lon. -81.251278, Lat. 36.613047, Alt. 2,680 ft

Member: Scott Jackson-Ricketts
Hotspot: Bridle Creek/Gold Hill


Notes:

Interesting how one day makes such a difference. Mocking birds are scarce in our yard, and today's was the first song sparrow since spring. Not a downy in sight, but the return of the sap-sucker was welcomed. All throughout the year an occasional phoebe makes an appearance, albeit sporadically. Then there was the grackle, whose gruff voice caught my doubtful attention, as a red-bellied woodpecker swung into range. I thought it must be the woodpecker, then spied the grackle. The transition from seasonal expectations makes for the larger temptation to just spend the time paying attention. It is never a disappointment.

25 Species Reported:
Turkey Vulture (5)
Mourning Dove (4)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1)
Pileated Woodpecker (1)
Eastern Phoebe (1)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (5)
Cedar Waxwing (6)
Carolina Wren (2)
Northern Mockingbird (1)
Eastern Bluebird (2)
American Robin (14)
Carolina Chickadee (3)
Tufted Titmouse (3)
White-breasted Nuthatch (3)
Blue Jay (6)
American Crow (4)
House Finch (5)
American Goldfinch (3)
Eastern Towhee (2)
Song Sparrow (2)
White-throated Sparrow (4)
Dark-eyed Junco (9)
Northern Cardinal (3)
Common Grackle (1)

-SJR

This sightings were recorded at:
http://www.aviatlas.com/