Not So Common

Common Gallinule

You never know what may show up. A Common Gallinule was spotted in Monongalia County earlier this month. One has been spotted in Lewis County, this week. It has been in the same location for 4 days, now. The last I heard was it was still present yesterday (5/30/15) at 11:00 am. This species is very rare in our region. It isn't something that would get much of a notice or even a mention in the wetlands of the southern US, but it is a Good bird here. Yep a very good bird.

there have been very few sightings of this bird over the years. The nearest are in Preston County at Terra Alta Lake

back in 1936 and Lewis County at Jacksons Mills back in 1934. So it's been
79 years since this species has been seen in north central West Virginia.
Most state records are in the Ohio River Valley and east of the Allegheny
Mountains, but it has been reported at only 11 locations in the state since
2000. The most recent sightings were May 3, 2015 in Kanawha County, Apr.
16, 2015 in Mineral County, May 5, 2012 in Mason County, and April 18, 2011
in Cabell County.

Therefore if you aren't doing anything; you might want to take a ride to the Georgetown Road/Old Georgetown Road intersection and see if it is still there. May be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don't miss it.

(c) 2015 High Virginia Outdoors  Photo (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

OUR NEWEST RESIDENT

Common Merganser

Things sometimes do change. Usually in a negative way but I see no downside in this. The Common Merganser has become a permanent resident of the Mountain State. Sadly, declines in habitat quality leave us wondering what happened. where did all of the critters go? This single species has apparently taken a liking to West Virginia.
The process was gradual, but we now have nesting pairs on several streams and rivers in the mountain region. These large birds now call the Cheat, Greenbrier, Shavers Fork and Dry Fork and many other waterways home. Less than a decade is all that it took for these birds to set up residency Previously, they only nested in the Northern US and most of Canada. Thinking of that, you can readily see why they have chosen to live here. Same weather and less travel time. This species is a tree cavity nester, therefore once they are established in an area; I imagine the only thing that would push them out would be the lack of large trees with cavities to nest in.They may be in trouble in this part of the county; since they do not like to leave any timber standing. But, I'm sure that they will be able to take hold and prosper in other areas of the state.
(c) 2015 High Virginia Outdoors
Photos (c) High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

COME Shavers Fork

Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz

Welcome to International Opening Day of the Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz!  The Blitz challenges birders to seek Rusty Blackbirds throughout this species’ entire migratory range, from the southeastern U.S. through the Northeast, Midwest, Canada, and Alaska. It’s easy to participate- bird as you normally do and search especially carefully for Rusty Blackbirds- then report your results to eBird under the “Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz” survey type, even if you don’t find a Rusty.  Or, visit one of our Rusty Blackbird Areas of Interest (visit our interactive map at http://rustyblackbird.org/outreach/migration-blitz/2015-areas-of-interest/) to help us assess consistency of migratory timing and habitat use during spring migration.

Many Rusty Blackbirds spend the winter in West Virginia, so our job is largely to document when Rusties get ready for migration and subsequently leave our region to head north to their breeding grounds.  To give you a sense of when peak migratory activity is likely to occur in our area, we’ve posted a list of suggested target dates for each region: http://rustyblackbird.org/outreach/migration-blitz/states-and-dates/ .  However, migratory timing can vary annually based on weather and climate, and some Southern states were reporting Rusty sightings into April last year, so any Rusty reports during the Blitz period of 1 March through 15 June will help our effort. 

For more information on Blitz objectives, along with Rusty Blackbird identification tips, data collection instructions, and data reporting information, you can find additional resources at http://rustyblackbird.org/outreach/migration-blitz/.  

We hope you’ll “get Rusty” with us to help conserve this elusive and vulnerable songbird! Also, follow us on Facebook to hear about Rusty sightings, see Rusty pictures, and get the latest Blitz news: https://www.facebook.com/rustyblackbirdspringblitz

Oddities

The "Oregon"Dark-eyed Junco has returned to my yard today (2/16/15)!! I saw it on February 10, 2015 and got a few photos through the window. I actually had to stand in a wooden chair to get the window shots from above the screen & steam. Of course the chair broke while I was standing and contorting. I have looked for this bird everyday since then but could not find it.
Today it showed up at about 1 pm in what sandy left of my Spicebush. It flew down on the ground in front of the window and I went after the camera. The pigeons then flew in and scared everything off. I can still see the junco up on the hill about 40 yards away, but it is snowing too hard for any photographic attempts. I spent a lot of time looking for this bird over the past week when the sun was out. for now, I guess I'll have to be happy with my window shots.

(c) High Virginia Outdoors  Photos (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I Hate That Place

Common Goldeneye

I just wonder if anyone else has a good place to find an occasional odd bird; that they hate going to? It is the Elkins Flood Control area for me. First off, there is too much traffic and the roads are pretty thin except for the main Georgetown Road. Quite often, there are some shady characters hanging around. What I hate most is that I have Never gotten a good photo there.
Good ducks are often found in the calm area just above the bridge, There is a deceptive quick, slick current. Everything is always in motion. It doesn't look that way, but it is. You cannot take a photo from your vehicle because of power lines in your face. When you get out and try to take a  standing photo, you have to shoot between 3 power lines. Sit down and shoot; you say. I tried that yesterday. By the time you get somewhere cleared of broken beer bottles and used needles; you have to relocate your subject.I took 111 shots of this Common Goldeneye yesterday (2/11/15) and none are decent. This is par for the course at this spot, though. Did I mention that I Hate That Place?

(c)2015 High Virginia Outdoors  Photo (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration

Have you seen a flash of rust-tipped feathers under a bright yellow eye? Or perhaps you’ve enjoyed the dubiously melodious sound of a squeaky-hinge song? Previously a common sight in mixed-blackbird flocks and flooded forests, Rusty Blackbirds now face an unfortunate and remarkable notoriety; this species has endured a decline more severe than any other once-common landbird, with population decreases of 85-95% over the past half-century. Understanding the ecology of this vulnerable species is critical for developing strategies to reverse these declines and protect this species. The Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz encourages you to bird for conservation- support an initiative to identify conservation challenges and develop strategies to conserve a vulnerable songbird.

Be on the lookout and post your sightings to eBird. It will not hurt you one little bit.

VISITATION RIGHTS

Ring-necked Duck (c)2013 HVI

We all enjoy or birds which are year-round residents. Each spring we anticipate the arrival of species that come here to breed. It is sad the many miss out the numerous species that briefing stop by for a visit. These feathered visitors may show up in any season. The most visible are probably the migratory waterfowl who are pushed south by storms and freezes. each winter storm changes the pieces of the puzzle. Some years are better than others in this region. So far, the 2013-14 winter season has not been good here in the mountains. It was much more interesting last year. You never know, it could change at any time. We just need to keep looking to find out whether it will happen or not.

Early spring and mid-summer through early fall are the times to pay attention to exposed mud-flats on our larger bodies of water for shorebirds. Flooded fields are also hot-spots for these migrants. You never know what may show up other than Spotted Sandpipers and Solitary Sandpipers.

Sanderling (c) HVI

Autumn brings us another round of migrants and you never know what may show up around here after a hurricane. Everyday offers new chances to view new species. But, you a guaranteed not to find anything if you are not out there looking. They don't stay around here long but the do offer us visitation rights that we need to cherish.

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (c) 2013 HVI

(c)2014 High Virginia Outdoors All Rights Reserved   Photo (c) High Virginia Images

DAMNIT

Horned Grebe (c) 2013 HVI

I knew a dog named that; once upon a time, seems appropriate right now. I was going to Elkins this morning at around 10:30 am. I've been staring at the waterfowl along the Fossil Park straight for a month and there hasn't been much happening. The birds were standing at the water-line as I was passing by. Goose, goose, goose, mallard, mallard...Mini goose, mini goose, mallard, pull over.. Try not to get run over..Not good, too much traffic. Pull out the binoculars, yep..Two Cackling Geese; about an inch taller than the mallards they are surrounded by..Too much traffic and I need to be somewhere else. No problem, they'll still be there in a couple of hours when I come back through..Nope, nothing there around noon..Figures.

Back to Elkins at around 3pm. I have to go somewhere and then have a half of an hour to kill. I ride out to the spillway..Nice; seven Horned Grebes and I can actually get photos of the nearest ones..Happy, now. Head to my next stop and then head home... Decide to check out the slow part of the Tygart River at the road to the Tygart Valley Regional Jail...What is that? I reach down for my better set of bad binoculars and realize that they are still laying on the bridge at the Elkins Spillway. Grab the other binoculars; which are best used for traction in case you may get hung up. Two Bonaparte's Gulls are floating down the middle of the river. Nice. I turn around and fly back to the spillway for the binoculars...Amazingly, they are still there. Head back to Norton; chasing the sun, in hope of getting photos of the gulls. I can't find them but there is another Horned Grebe there, constantly diving. No chance for photos in the dwindling light. Oh, well just another winter day..I hate winter.

Visions Become Reality

Stillwell Park Fox Squirrel

Many times, most times we come up with ideas which never turn into reality. On occasions; they do. Some spin their wheels in the same old rut from year to year to year; others don't. One of the most enjoyable periods of my life was during the years of 2007 and 2008 and one place that made it so was Stillwell Park, near Marlinton, WV. My work day started in Marlinton at 1:00 pm and my mornings were free. I could be found in the mornings five days per week either on Knapps Creek, Marlin Mountain or at Stillwell Park. Life was good, but things change, companies change hands and life goes on. I have not been in Marlinton since early in 2009. But during my time there, I discovered a birdwatchers paradise. I have never seen such diversity of habitats and species as can be found in such a small area as Stillwell Park. I never saw one other person enjoying the bounty; either.

Two or three years ago, I mentioned this to a couple of the active members of the Pocahontas Nature Club. They took off on the project from there and the Stillwell Nature Trail has become reality. The grand opening will be on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 8am. Sadly, I know that I will not be able to attend. But the resource is there for all to enjoy. You can read the article in the Pocahontas Times and be there to participate in the opening of the trail; if you can make it. I would encourage all birders and nature lovers to make this lovely little park a destination anytime you are in Pocahontas County. It is worth the trip and wildlife abounds; year-round.

I regret that I could not participate, hands on in this project. But, I am glad it has become a reality. The area is home to a numerous and diverse bird population. The records that I kept and submitted for the project do not touch the numbers of species that use the area throughout the year. All of my observation were made between about 11am and 12:30 pm. These are not exactly prime-time birding hours. Flycatchers, warblers, woodpeckers,vireos and sparrows abound. Raptors soar above and  migrating waterfowl and shorebirds stop to rest. What more could you ask for?

Some of my most memorable sightings include the day I was sitting in my truck at the sewage pond, reading the USA Today and a Virginia Rail popped up out of the ditch and stared at me. Least Bitterns used the area on a couple of occasions, I found them just above the discharge into the Greenbrier. I found White-rumped Sandpipers in the flooded field at the pavillion one May morning. One day in the fall the un-cut grasses were covered with Grasshopper Sparrows. On a Winter day, I saw the largest number of Tree Sparrows that I have ever seen. You just never know what you may find if you are just observant. You will be rewarded for your time, no matter what. For some odd reason; I never did see an eagle there. So right there is something to look for and record. Just get out there and do it. Thank you Pocahontas Nature Club !

One thing I really regret about my time in the area is that I was between cameras during this time period. I finally purchased a real camera in January of 2009. This fox squirrel photo is the only one I have from Stillwell  Park. It is one of the very first digital photos that I ever took.

Our Other Thrushes

Swainson's Thrush (c) 2012 High Virginia Images

Migration time is at its peak, right now. Each morning brings new birds for us to enjoy. The sulking thrushes are often overlooked among the colorful warblers bouncing from branch tips. But, they are here in numbers, too. The song of the Wood Thrush is known to all, Hermit Thrushes are the only thrush that we may find overwintering here. The Veery is very common and unknown to many. Most have not even heard of the other two.

The Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) does nest here in the highest elevations of Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, Pendleton and Grant counties. The buffy eye-ring is themajor identification point for this species. The majority of the population nests in the North, in the middle regions of Canada and Alaska. The entire population is on its annual southward move, right now.

Gray-ckeeked Thrush (c)2012 High Virginia Images

The Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus) is the nesting thrush of the Far North. It nests throughout Alaska and Northern Canada. It is a bird of the northern spruce forests. It is distinguished by its partial eye-ring and a duller grayish appearance. It may be found in any overgrown area near you, right now. Like I have said many times before; you never know what you may find, if you just look. Be observant and you will be rewarded.

The photo of the Swainson's Thrush was taken at Camp Garnett on the Rich Mountain Battlefield in Randolph County, WV. The Gray-cheeked Thrush was photographed in my yard in Norton, Randolph County, WV; yesterday.

(c) 2012 All Rights Reserved High Virginia Outdoors-High Virginia Images