VIRGINIA’S BIRDLIFE:

AN ANNOTATED CHECKLISTFourth Edition

Stephen C. Rottenborn and Edward S. Brinkley, Editors

Virginia Society of Ornithology, 2007.

VIRGINIA AVIFAUNA NO. 7

DEDICATION

This checklist is a continuation of lifelong dialogues withour friends, colleagues, and mentors of the present and ofyears past and especially with the editors of the book’s

earlier versions, to whom the current edition is humbly dedicated ~

To Joseph James Murray (the “Green Book” of 1952)To YuLee Ruff Larner (the “Red Book” of 1979)To Teta M. Kain (the “Blue Book” of 1987)

“There is no Country more remarkable for the variety ofBirds in it than Virginia, where the Woods and Groves inthe Spring, Summer, Autumn, and almost all the year arerender’d as delightful by the Musick of their feather’dQuires as by the Coolness of their shades, or the fragrancyof their Flowers.”

—John Oldmixon, The British Empire in America, 1708Cover art by Ali Wieboldt

Layout, design, and production by Alan Schreck and Linda Fields

ContentsIntroduction i

Overview iContent vFormat ixAbbreviations xv

Annotated List of species 1Appendix I 316References 319Index 325

INTRODUCTIONOverviewThis checklist is the fourth edition of Virginia’s Birdlife, an AnnotatedChecklist. The first comprehensive annotated checklist of Virginia birdswas compiled in 1952 by Joseph J. Murray and published by the VirginiaSociety of Ornithology (VSO). The second edition, edited by YuLeeLarner and published in 1979, updated Murray’s 1952 checklist,describing the occurrence of 400 species in the state and givingcontemporary birders a standard by which the significance of theirsightings could be measured. Birders began to take note of records that“beat the book,” and soon thereafter, the state’s ornithological recordhad been augmented to the extent that another update was necessary.Under Teta Kain’s editorship, the third edition of the annotated checklist,covering 411 species, was published in 1987. This fourth edition updatesthe summary of Virginia’s avifauna, addressing the occurrence of 466species in the state.Virginia birding and ornithology have advanced considerably since 1987.The Virginia Avian Records Committee ( VARCOM) was formed in1989 to increase knowledge of Virginia birds, to evaluate and to archiverecords of vagrants and rare nesting species in the state, and toencourage high standards of observation, recording, and reporting inthe birding community. Since then, VARCOM has evaluated more than650 records of rare species, unseasonal occurrences, and unusualbreeding attempts. While several long-standing surveys, such as annualChristmas Bird Counts, local spring and summer counts, annual barrierisland surveys, VSO breeding bird forays, and traditional hawkwatches atRockfish Gap, Harveys Knob, and Kiptopeke have continued to thepresent, a wealth of additional information has been provided by newhawkwatches at Snickers Gap (since 1990) and Candlers Mountain (since1997), Northern Saw-whet Owl fall banding stations (since 1994), andadditional surveys. Birding activity in the Piedmont still trails behind thatin the other two regions but has increased considerably since the late1980s, particularly in the north and southeast. As is true in adjacent states, birding in the Commonwealth has becomemore sophisticated in recent years, and Virginia birders have paid moreand more attention to challenging habitats, such as the pelagic waters,and to weather patterns, which often influence the distribution andvisibility of birds, if mostly on small temporal or spatial scales.

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Complementing an increase in offshore birding (spearheaded by RobertL. Ake beginning in 1970 and by Brian Patteson beginning in 1986),Virginia birders have added significantly to our knowledge of seabirddisplacement by hurricanes since the late 1980s, for instance. “Storm-chasers” have predicted the most likely locations for fallouts ofhurricane-related seabirds, monitored waterbodies in those locations, andanalyzed the distribution and species composition of these fallouts inthe context of the hurricanes’ paths both before and after reaching thestate. Less dramatic weather activity, such as both warm and cold frontsduring migration, has also received more scrutiny in connection withbird movement, especially on the lower Eastern Shore, which hasproduced numerous high counts and records of rare species in recentyears. Since the early 1990s, the Internet has facilitated communicationamong birders from all corners of the state, allowing for rapid reportingof sightings and documentation, encouraging more birders to viewrarities, and increasing in general the number of birders who regularlyreport bird sightings. Distributional ornithology has also made great strides in Virginia in thepast two decades. Researchers such as Bryan D. Watts, Mitchell A. Byrd,and others at the Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) at the Collegeof William and Mary have conducted (and continued) numerous studiesof Virginia’s birdlife in the past 50 years, often focusing on rare ordeclining species and contributing substantially to the conservation ofthese birds. As a recent example, their 1993 and 2003 comprehensivesurveys of colonial nesting waterbirds in the Coastal Plain providedinvaluable information on the abundance and locations of breedingwaterbirds in the state. The status of a number of species in the state has also changed markedlysince 1987. For some species, such as Ross’s Goose, Brown Pelican,White Ibis, Mississippi Kite, Rufous Hummingbird, and Cave Swallow,increases in Virginia records are the direct results of increases and/orshifts in populations. Dramatic increases since 1987 in the number ofrecords of the Pacific Loon, Swainson’s Hawk, California and Thayer’sGulls, Le Conte’s Sparrow, and many others may be due as much (ormore) to birders’ improved abilities to find and/or identify these speciesas to actual population increases. At the same time, some species haveshown obvious declines in the state since 1987; the declining populationsof Northern Bobwhite, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Loggerhead Shrike,Bewick’s Wren, Henslow’s Sparrow, and a number of species of herons,egrets, and terns are discouraging. Populations of many other speciesii

are decreasing more slowly but are certainly in decline, in Virginia as wellas in other parts of their ranges. We are especially indebted toparticipants in Christmas Bird Counts, Breeding Bird Surveys, and VSOForays for allowing the detection of long-term trends in birdpopulations. Likewise, the annual nesting-season surveys of barrierislands conducted by Bill Williams, Ruth Beck, Jerry Via, and Bill Akerssince 1974 provide an invaluable long-term dataset from which trendscan be gauged. The records that appear in this edition of the checklist are derived froma variety of sources. Many records from dates prior to 1987 wereobtained from notebooks maintained by YuLee Larner and Teta Kain.These notebooks were updated manually for a few years following 1987;subsequently, Teta Kain, Charlotte Friend, and others have maintainedan electronic database containing published and contributed records.Many of these records were significant enough that they were publishedin North American Birds (and its predecessor publications: Field Notes,National Audubon Society Field Notes, American Birds, Audubon Field Notes,and Bird-Lore) or in the state journal, The Raven. Data from ChristmasBird Counts and breeding bird forays organized by the VSO and itsmember chapters, and the results of other censuses and studies, weregleaned from The Raven. For most records of relatively rare (fewer thanfifty reports for the state) species, the present editors checked dates andlocations published in earlier editions of this checklist against sourcepublications.The traditional publications used to compile previous editions of thischecklist have been augmented considerably by more recent publications.Important summaries of the state’s birdlife published since 1987 includeRoger B. Clapp’s Egg Dates for Virginia Birds (1997), David W. Johnstonand William J. Ehmann’s Birds of Prey in Virginia (1990) and an addendumto this book by Johnston and Clapp (1993), David W. Johnston’s TheHistory of Ornithology in Virginia (2003), and the Virginia Breeding BirdAtlas Project species occurrence maps (published by the VirginiaDepartment of Game and Inland Fisheries and the VSO in 2001). Inaddition, a host of annotated checklists summarizing the avifaunas ofspecific localities in the state have been published in recent years; theseinclude Barry L. Kinzie’s Birds of the Roanoke Valley: an Annotated Checklist(1985); Charles J. Hansrote, Jr.’s The Birds of Lynchburg, Virginia andVicinity (1987; updated in 2003 by Gene Sattler, Robert Ferrell, ThelmaDalmas, and Rexanne Bruno); YuLee R. Larner and John F. Mehner’sBirds of Augusta County, Virginia (1988; updated by YuLee Larner in 1998);

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Claire Mellinger’s Birds of Rockingham County, Virginia (1998); William J.Sheehan’s Birds of the Williamsburg, Virginia Area (1998); Tony Decker’sThe Birds of Smyth County, Virginia (1999); David W. Johnston’s MountainLake Region and its Bird Life (2000); Richard H. Peake’s Birds of the VirginaCumberlands (2001); and Rick Webb and Blase McCarthy’s Birds of Bath andHighland Counties in Virginia (2002). Virginia Birds, a quarterly publicationof bird sightings throughout the state, was begun in 2004. Due to thesheer number of records gleaned from all these sources in preparing thisfourth edition, and the appearance of many records in multiple sources,it is not feasible to cite the above sources for individual records in thespecies accounts. We are truly grateful to the authors and editors of thepublications listed above for their efforts, and for the use of theirinformation in this checklist. Individual references from which extensive,detailed, species-specific information was obtained (e.g., many of theCCB’s publications) are individually cited in species accounts; thereference number given in brackets (“{ }”) corresponds to the numberedreferences listed at the end of this checklist. Some records were gleaned judiciously from Internet reports (usuallywhen such reports were accompanied by details). Brinkley’s extensivedatabase of Virginia bird records, both historic and contemporary, alsoallowed for expanded treatments of some of the less-common speciesin this checklist. This database included some material from the ListSummary published in VSO Newsletters 1973-1996 and containsextensive material from southern Hampton Roads and Virginia’soffshore waters. We regret that we cannot individually thank all the thousands ofobservers who have contributed records that appear on these pages.Obviously, this book would not exist without the dedicated field workand reporting of Virginia’s birders. However, we are sincerely gratefulto Roger B. Clapp, Bryan Watts, Claudia Angle, John and ThelmaDalmas, Todd M. Day, Susan Heath, Rexanne Bruno, and Bill Williamsfor providing details of records and research and commentingextensively on early drafts, and to John Spahr, Alan Schreck, and LindaFields for spearheading the actual publication of this checklist. We alsowish to thank Charlotte Friend, David W. Johnston, Clair Mellinger,Valerie Kitchens, Marshall J. Iliff, J. Brian Patteson, BeverleyLeeuwenburg, Robert L. Ake, Robert L. Anderson, Fletcher Smith,Michael Stinson, P. A. Buckley, Brian Taber, Ted Floyd, Ben Copeland,Erika Wilson, William Bruni, Susan T. Hubbard, Jane Murray Brooks,Rebecca O. White, Gene Sattler, Brenda Tekin, Joanna Taylor, Tomiv

Saunders, David Spears, and Paul Bedell for taking the time to copy-editearly drafts of this checklist, supply us with details of records, and helpwith research. We offer special thanks to YuLee Larner and Teta Kain, who readthrough early drafts of this manuscript, gave generous and gentle counselon how to improve it, and encouraged us to complete what sometimesseemed to be an endless task of compilation and editing. Without theirsteadfast commitment to the fourth edition of their Checklist, the bookmay never have seen the light of publication. Since our youth, theireditorial work and their long dedication to project-oriented birding haveinspired and challenged us in our Virginia birding odysseys, both in thefield and at our desks; they continue to inspire and challenge us every bitas much today.Finally, we wish to thank those individuals who have fostered our interestin birds and birding over the years. Without their guidance, inspiration,patience, and friendship, this checklist would certainly have had differenteditorship. SCR—my wife Heather, parents Art and Kathleen, membersof the Augusta Bird Club, and Ann Nelson, Ruth Snyder, YuLee Larner,John Mehner, Ruth Beck, Mitchell Byrd, and Teta Kain. ESB—the goodpeople of Cape Henry Audubon Society in Norfolk kindled and stokedmy interest in birds and continue to be my favorite people in the world:Susan Hubbard, Gisela Grimm, Rebecca White, Virginia Hank, FloyBurford, Townley Wolfe, Butch Pearce, Bob Ake, Bob Anderson, TomGwynn, Don Schwab, David and Linda Hughes, Gary Williamson, Dickand Nancy Barron, Darol and Charlie Smith, Bob Tripician, David Clarkand so many others have been part of a great birding family for me.Any text such as this, distilling perhaps millions of hours of birdingobservations into just over 120,000 words, will contain typographicerrors as well as outright errors—records that misstate location, date,plumage, or even species. Any errors herein are our own, and wewelcome corrections and comments. Any corrections, and especiallyrecords that “beat the book” or otherwise augment the informationpresented herein, should be submitted to the VARCOM secretary (seewww.virginiabirds.org for contact information).ContentThis edition includes 459 species on the “regular list”, that is, species forwhich VARCOM has accepted records, or species that have beenaccepted to the state list by virtue of their publication in previousversions of this checklist (i.e., VARCOM has not formally reviewed

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records of regularly occurring species). Four species that were includedin the third edition of Virginia’s Birdlife do not appear in the regular listin this edition; VARCOM re-evaluated records of Temminck’s Stint,Ivory Gull (which is included in Appendix I of this edition), Boreal Owl,and Cassin’s Kingbird that appeared in the 1987 checklist but found thedocumentation of these records inadequate for acceptance. We shouldpoint out that non-acceptance does not necessarily indicate a sentimentthat these species were incorrectly identified when reported; rather, itindicates a conservative interpretation of the documentation, a findingthat the documentation available to the VARCOM was not sufficient toeliminate other possible identifications beyond reasonable doubt. This isa standard common to virtually all records committees that deal withbird distribution.VARCOM has established six categories that describe the overall statusof a species in the state and that are also used to categorize individualrecords:Category 1. Records that have been accepted by VARCOM as a wildbird occurring in the state on the basis of an observation accompaniedby a photograph, specimen, audio or video recording, or band (for bands,only in cases where proof of identification is extant and compelling).Category 2. Sight records without physical evidence but for whichthere is written documentation from one or more observers accepted byVARCOM (24 species). In four cases, there are archived photographs ofthe respective species (Fea’s Petrel, Greater Flamingo, Western MarshHarrier, Townsend’s Warbler), but VARCOM did not accept thephotographs as definitive evidence. Ten species maintained in thisCategory have never been photographed or collected in the state:Garganey, Yellow-nosed Albatross, Short-tailed Shearwater, NeotropicCormorant, Reddish Egret, White-tailed Kite, Red-necked Stint, Bell’sVireo, Sprague’s Pipit, Bohemian Waxwing, Spotted Towhee, and ShinyCowbird. Seven species reported to have been photographed or collectedin Virginia are maintained in this Category simply because the locationof the photograph(s) and/or specimen is unknown and the purportedevidence has never been reviewed. VARCOM would greatly appreciateassistance in locating any physical evidence for the species listed inCategory 2, which includes the following species for which photographsor specimens are mentioned in publications: Barrow’s Goldeneye,Eurasian Woodcock, Black Guillemont, Black-billed Magpie, BorealChickadee, Sage Thrasher, Green-tailed Towhee, and Black-throatedSparrow.vi

Category 3. Records for which the identity is accepted by VARCOMbut the provenance of the individual bird is uncertain (three species—West Indian Whistling-Duck, Barnacle Goose, and EuropeanGoldfinch). This Category is applied only in the case of individuals thathave a reasonable chance of occurring naturally in Virginia as wild birds,either from wild populations or from potentially “established”introduced populations outside the Commonwealth, but for which theprobability of an escaped or released bird is sufficiently high to precludeacceptance in Category 1 or 2 in the opinion of Voting Members.Category 3a is comprised of such species with physical evidence inVirginia. Category 3b is comprised of such species lacking physicalevidence. Category 3 does not include individuals or species deemed byVARCOM to be most likely escaped/released former captives, whetherfrom inside Virginia or otherwise.Category 4. Records that are judged to be acceptable by historicalstandards but that may not meet current standards of acceptance (fourspecies). This category includes two apparently extinct species (EskimoCurlew and Carolina Parakeet) and one species that formerly occurred inthe state but no longer occurs naturally (Trumpeter Swan). These threespecies reportedly once occurred in Virginia, but there is no physicalevidence of occurrence in the state, nor any written documentation ofindividual birds adequate for placement in Category 2.Category 5. Species introduced into the Commonwealth of Virginia orinto other parts of North America that are currently maintaining self-sustaining wild populations within Virginia (seven species). Thesecurrently include Mute Swan, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove,Monk Parakeet, European Starling, House Finch, and House Sparrow.Category 6. Species that were introduced into the Commonwealth ofVirginia and that appeared for a time to be maintaining self-sustainingwild populations within Virginia but that have since been extirpated (twospecies). This category includes Ring-necked Pheasant and JapaneseGreen Pheasant, which currently have no self-sustaining populations inthe state.Other introduced species or forms that have occasionally bred in thewild in Virginia (Rose-ringed Parakeet and African Collared-Dove) arementioned briefly in species accounts of related taxa but are notconsidered candidates for any category above. For the purposes of thischecklist, it is important to note that Category 3 was not instituted until1994. Several waterfowl records that were originally (mostly in the 1980s

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and early 1990s) not accepted by VARCOM on the grounds ofquestionable provenance prior to that time have since been foundsuitable for acceptance in Category 3. Those records are included in thepresent book and so noted. Where known, the museums housing specimens and the accessionnumbers for those specimens are given. There is a great deal more to belearned about the specimen record from Virginia. Many records reportedto have voucher specimens in older literature have no reference data withthem, and so the “physical evidence” that has been assumed to supportsuch records (in Category 1) may or may not be extant. VARCOM willundertake a multi-year review of national and regional specimencollections in an effort to locate specimen material from Virginia,particularly of species known to be rare in the state, as well as tounderstand which subspecies have occurred in Virginia. Muchinformation on the occurrence of various subspecies is mentioned inthe species accounts. A more thorough summary of subspeciesoccurrence in Virginia, compiled by Brinkley, can be found onVARCOM’s website (www.virginiabirds.org). VARCOM welcomesassistance from anyone with interest and inclination to research localspecimen collections in particular. Because specimens are too oftendiscarded, damaged, or lost, VARCOM intends to build a photographicarchive of Virginia specimens, to preserve them for the permanentrecord.Most species on the “regular list” (not including species in Appendix I)are classed in Category 1, as physical evidence of their occurrence inVirginia is extant and currently deemed acceptable by VARCOM. Speciesclassed in other categories are indicated with the appropriate categorydesignation in the header of the species account. For individual recordsaccepted by VARCOM, the category of acceptance is indicated by asuperscript ((1), (2), (3a), or (3b)). Individual records without such adesignation have not been formally evaluated by VARCOM and areconsidered either “historical” records (i.e., those dated prior toVARCOM’s establishment in 1989) or “unreviewed” records (i.e., thosethat have occurred since 1989); the term “report” (as opposed to“record”) is often used in this checklist to refer to unreviewed reports,which may include some records currently in review by VARCOM (as ofsummer 2006). An effort has been made by the editors to provide somevetting of historical and unreviewed records, but the reader should beaware that most of these are sight records that have not been reviewedby a committee, and many or most have no extant documentation.Records documented by a photograph, videotape, or voice recording areviii

annotated with “ph.”, “vid.”, or “v.r.”, respectively. The use of “ph.” or“vid.” with several Category 2 records indicates that such visual evidencewas reviewed by VARCOM but was thought to be inconclusive (i.e., theserecords were accepted only on the basis of written documentationsubmitted). In many cases, photographs are known to have been takenbut have not been submitted for review and archiving. Ideally, allphotographic evidence of Virginia’s less-common species should bearchived with VARCOM, which maintains both an electronic databaseand an archive of original field notes, photographs, sound recordings,video, and other documentation at the University of Virginia.VARCOM’s review list, which lists species for which documentation ofall records is sought, can be found at www.virginiabirds.org.Appendix I lists seven species not yet accepted to the regular list ofVirginia birds, but for which (a) documentation is extant (and, in somecases, under review by VARCOM) and the potential for naturaloccurrence exists, (b) historical accounts suggest the possibility ofhistorical occurrence in the state, though no physical evidence is extantand written evidence is not compelling enough for Category 2 or 4acceptance, or (c) documentation of some kind is extant, but it is unclearwhether the individual(s) in question occurred within the state’s borders. This edition of the checklist includes records through May 2006.FormatThe format of this edition follows that of the previous two editionsfairly closely. The checklist uses the scientific and English nomenclature,and the order, of the seventh edition of The American Ornithologists’Union’s (AOU’s) Check-list of North American Birds (1998), as amended inthe 42nd through 47th Supplements to the AOU Check-list. The status ofeach species is described for each of the three main physiographicregions of the state in which it has occurred. These regions, depicted onthe map on the inside of the front cover, are defined as follows: The Coastal Plain, which extends from the fall line east to the coast andthe adjacent ocean, includes the area bounded on the north by latitude38° 02’ 00 N”, on the south by latitude 36° 33’ 05 W”, and on the eastby all points 200 nmi from the nearest point on the Virginia coastline.These are effectively the outer boundaries of the United States’ ExclusiveEconomic Zone as established by federal law. Unless details regarding thelocation of a record indicate otherwise, all records referring toRichmond, Alexandria, and Arlington are considered to be in the CoastalPlain.

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The Piedmont extends from the fall line west to, and including, thefoothills of the Blue Ridge. All but the highest portion of the easternslope of the Blue Ridge is included within this region.The Mountains and Valleys region extends from the Blue Ridge west tothe state line. The location of the boundary between the Piedmont andMountains and Valleys Region has not been established precisely, but thelower-elevation foothills on the east side of the Blue Ridge are generallyassumed to be within the Piedmont, while the crest of the Blue Ridge iswithin the Mountains and Valleys region. Because the Blue Ridge crestforms the western boundary for a number of counties that lie mostlywithin the Piedmont, the higher-elevation, westernmost edges of thesecounties lie within the Mountains and Valleys region.For some species, the regional summaries are preceded by an“Overview” section containing information relevant to all regions ofoccurrence.In general, if relatively few records exist for a given region, or for a givenseason within a region, all records are listed in chronological order. Thereis some flexibility in these treatments, particularly in the case of veryuncommon species, little-known species, or those species whoseappearances are irregular. For the purpose of this checklist, seasons aregenerally defined as follows: spring—March–May; summer—June–July;fall—August–November; winter—December–February. To “summer”means to remain through the months of June and July; to “winter”means to remain throughout the winter, at least into early March. Forsome species, particularly shorebirds, northbound “spring” migrants andsouthbound “fall” migrants nearly overlap (and possibly do) in mid- tolate June. Thus, July records of shorebirds may be considered “fall”records. If there are more than a few records in a given season within aregion, occurrence during that season may simply be summarized (i.e.,records are not listed individually). However, for some such species, allrecords are listed individually, especially in the case of species for whichthe number of records has changed considerably since 1987. Indescribing occurrence, “transient” pertains to species that pass throughthe state during normal migration, “visitor” pertains to species that occursporadically or irregularly, and often for relatively short durations, and“resident” pertains to species that remain in the state for longerdurations, either year-round or through either the breeding or winterseason. Species described as “permanent residents” are present year-round, though it should be noted that turnover of individuals may occurdue to the seasonal influx of birds breeding elsewhere and/or seasonalx

migration of Virginia’s breeders to other locations during thenonbreeding season. Terms used to describe relative abundance are as follows:Rare: a species that is so scarce that it cannot be expected with anycertainty, or one that occurs in a very specific and extremely limitedhabitat.Uncommon: a species that occurs in small numbers or in limited habitat;such species are usually present within the proper season and habitat butmay be difficult to find.Common: a species that may be found most of the time in moderatenumbers in the proper season and habitat.Abundant: a species likely to be found in large numbers in the properseason and habitat.“Local” is often used to indicate that the distribution of a species issparse; for example, a “locally common” species may be numerous andeasy to find in a few areas where it occurs but may be rare in or absentfrom other locations. “Irregular” is used to describe species whose numbers showconsiderable interannual fluctuation.Dates shown in parentheses without the label “extreme dates” are moreor less average dates between which the species can normally be expectedto occur, though there are often earlier or later dates known. “Extremedates” indicate the earliest and/or latest dates of occurrence on recordand are given (often along with the expected dates) where known.Occasionally, an exceptionally early or late date, one that occurs welloutside the date spans indicated by other available records, is also given.Birds detected outside the “extreme dates” provided should be carefullyidentified and reported to appropriate regional editors of Virginia Birdsand North American Birds with supporting documentation. Forinformation on how to document an unusual bird, please see theVARCOM website, www.virginiabirds.org. Breeding evidence is described where applicable. For regularly breedingspecies, early and late egg dates (most derived from Roger B. Clapp’s EggDates for Virginia Birds) are given, often augmented by the dates on whichother breeding activity (e.g., nest-building, nests with young, or adultsfeeding fledged young) was observed to indicate breeding phenology.For scarcer breeders, all breeding records are usually listed. Detailed

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information on recent trends in breeding abundance, or on breedingdistribution, is given for some species. Records attributed to “VAP” arederived from the VAP maps, but no other information on these recordswas available; atlas field work was conducted from 1985 to 1989.Peak counts (the highest number of individuals observed in a givenlocation on a single day) are listed for each season, where such data areavailable, to give a rough idea of how numerous a given species may be.Multiple high counts for a given species are listed in some cases, eitherto illustrate that several such high counts exist or to convey a sense ofgeographic variability in these high counts. Many peak counts are theresult of contributions from multiple parties on Christmas Bird Counts,Big Spring Days, and other organized counts. Thus the various highcounts given here do not all represent the same type and level of effort:for instance, the state’s highest count of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in asingle day, 100 birds on The Plains CBC (16 December 2001; tied twoweeks later by the Calmes Neck CBC), is the result of 164.25 hours spentby 60 people. By contrast, the highest count of the species in the stateby one party in one fixed location (two people watching for two hours) is 40,on 17 October 2005 at Sunset Beach in southern Northampton County.In a normal day’s birding in most of the state, one would not expect todetect more than eight or 10 of these woodpeckers. For many species,particularly those that have undergone population declines in recentyears, recent high counts may be much lower than historic peak counts.In such cases, the older peak counts are often accompanied by lower,more recent peak counts, or comments regarding recent abundance, insquare brackets (“[ ]”); these counts indicate the highest total in the givenseason in recent years (usually since 1980). For some species, the numberof CBCs on which the species has been recorded since 1984, and a rangeof regional total counts from those CBCs, are given to provide someindication of the regularity of occurrence and abundance in early winter.Christmas Bird Counts provide a great deal of useful information aboutthe long-term status and distribution of the state’s birds. However,interpretation of CBC data can be difficult, for several reasons. Severalcount circles listed in this checklist have boundaries that extend outsideVirginia; such counts include Ft. Belvoir, Calmes Neck, Central Loudoun,Chincoteague, Back Bay, Bristol, Brooke, Danville, Dismal Swamp,Highland County, Kerr Res., Tazewell, Washington’s Birthplace, and WiseCounty. The peak counts listed from these CBCs may (and in many casessurely do) include individuals that are technically not within the stateboundaries (e.g., on the Ft. Belvoir CBC, most of the Potomac R. is, andxii

thus many of the waterfowl recorded are, in Maryland). No attempt hasbeen made in this checklist to distinguish the number of individuals onthese CBCs that actually are recorded in Virginia, although individualrarities found outside of the state on such CBCs are not included in thischecklist.County names are indicated in italics (without the word “County”) exceptin the case of organized bird counts (e.g., “Augusta County CBC”) orlocal facilities (e.g., “Prince William County Landfill”). In most cases, thenames of towns and other localities that are not independent cities arefollowed by the county in which they are located. However, for economyof space, county designations are not provided in the text for thefollowing locations, which are referenced numerous times in the speciesaccounts: Lyndhurst, Stuarts Draft, and Swoope (Augusta); L. Moomaw(Bath); Swift Creek Res. (Chesterfield ); Huntley Meadows CP (Fairfax);Kerr Res. (Mecklenburg ); Blacksburg (Montgomery); Nokesville (PrinceWilliam); Saltville (Smyth); Dulles Airport (Loudoun); L. Anna(Spotsylvania/Louisa); Smith Mountain L. (Bedford ); and South Holston L.(Washington). Note that italics are also used in the text for the names ofhurricanes and tropical storms, though there is no overlap with thenames of Virginia counties.Other specific locations that are referred to a number of times, withouta county designation, include Craney Is., a U.S. Army Corps of Engineersdredged materials disposal area between the lower James R. andElizabeth R. in Portsmouth; Kiptopeke State Park (“Kiptopeke” in text),a state park and the site of long-term fall bird banding and raptormigration monitoring in southern Northampton; Assateague, Wallops,Assawoman, Metompkin, Cedar, and Parramore Islands, barrier islandsin Accomack; Cobb, Little Cobb, Wreck, Myrtle, and Smith Islands, barrierislands in Northampton; and Dyke Marsh along the Potomac R. in Fairfax.The more regular hawkwatch stations include Kiptopeke (operating since1977); Rockfish Gap (milepost 0 on the Blue Ridge Parkway nearWaynesboro, straddling the Augusta/Nelson line but with most records inAugusta; since 1976); Snickers Gap (along Rt. 7 at the Clarke/Loudounline; since 1990); Harvey’s Knob (milepost 95.3 on the Blue RidgeParkway, in Botetourt; since 1975); and Candlers Mt. on the southeasternedge of Lynchburg (since 1997). All references to Chincoteague, BackBay, Great Dismal Swamp (here, “Dismal Swamp”), Fisherman Is., andPresquile refer to the National Wildlife Refuges with those names (andnot to the towns, bodies of water, etc. that bear the same name).“Hunting Creek” refers to the mouth of Hunting Creek, which straddles

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the Alexandria/Fairfax line along the Potomac R. (though most recordsfrom Hunting Creek are in Fairfax). “Mason Neck” refers to both theNational Wildlife Refuge and State Park in Fairfax. “Cape Charles” refersto the town of that name in Northampton, rather than to the entire cape.“Saxis” refers to the marsh and Wildlife Management Area of that namein northwestern Accomack. “Hog Island WMA” refers to the WildlifeManagement Area located along the James R. in Surry, while “Hog Is.(Northampton)” refers to the barrier island. In this text, “Hampton Roads”refers to the lower James R., Elizabeth R., and vicinity, including the citiesof Norfolk and Portsmouth, but also to the area often referred to locallyas “the Peninsula” (Hampton, Newport News, and Poquoson), all ofwhich border the confluences of these rivers with Chesapeake Bay.Sandbridge, Cape Henry, Ft. Story, and Lynnhaven Inlet are all in VirginiaBeach.

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AbbreviationsAMNH – American Museum of Natural HistoryANS – Academy of Natural SciencesAOU – American Ornithologists’ UnionApr – AprilAug – AugustBBC – Breeding Bird CountBBS – Breeding Bird SurveyBSD – Big Spring DayCAS – California Academy of SciencesCBBT – Chesapeake Bay Bridge-TunnelCBC – Christmas Bird CountCCB – Center for Conservation BiologyCP – County ParkCUMV – Cornell University Museum of VertebratesDec – DecemberESVNWR – Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife RefugeFeb – Februaryft – feetFt. – Fortha – hectareIs. – IslandJan – JanuaryJMU – James Madison UniversityJul – JulyJun – JuneL. – Lakem – meterMar – MarchMBC – Mary Baldwin CollegeMCZ – Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoologymi – mile(s)Mt. – Mountain/MountMWC – Mary Washington CollegeNCSM – North Carolina State Museum

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nmi – nautical mile(s)Nov – NovemberNP – National ParkNWR – National Wildlife RefugeOct – Octoberph. – photographedR. – RiverRes. – ReservoirRP – Regional ParkRt. – RouteSBC – Spring Bird CountSep – SeptemberSP – State ParkUMMZ – University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyUSNM – U.S. National Museum (Smithsonian Instititution)v.r. – voice recordedVAP – Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas ProjectVARCOM – Virginia Avian Records CommitteeVCU – Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVDGIF – Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheriesvid. – videotapedVPI – Virginia Polytechnic InstituteVSO – Virginia Society of OrnithologyWMA – Wildlife Management Area

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ANNOTATED LIST OF SPECIESBLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKDendrocygna autumnalis NonbreederOverviewAlthough a few free-flying birds in Virginia may be escapees fromcaptivity, a strong and increasing pattern of occurrence throughout theEast since the mid-1990s, as far north as Ontario and Québec, suggeststhat most records pertain to naturally occurring individuals. The rapidlyexpanding subspecies autumnalis of Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and easternMexico is believed to be involved in most extralimital reports in NorthAmerica, but extralimital reports of the tropical race discolor as far northas the Cayman Islands suggest that observers use caution in assigningsubspecies to vagrants.Coastal PlainFive records: 1( 1 ) immature shot (subspecies not determined; specimenat VCU), King William, 7 Oct 1987; 2, Locustville (Accomack), 19 May1994; 5, Prince George, 8-9 May 1995; 1, Kiptopeke, 15 Aug 1996; 5(3b),Town Point, Nansemond R. (Suffolk), 10 Aug 2002. PiedmontOne record: 5( 1 ) ph., Chesterfield, 2-4 Jun 2003.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(3a) ph., Blacksburg, 1 Jul 1993.WEST INDIAN WHISTLING-DUCK (Category 3) Dendrocygna arborea NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(3a) ph., Dismal Swamp, 29 Apr 2003. While the provenanceof this individual is unknown, queries of registered U.S. collections thatinclude this species revealed no reports of recent escapees, and there isat least a possibility of natural occurrence in this case. There are noreports of the species in North America away from Bermuda, Texas,Massachusetts, and Florida. Native to the West Indies, where it wanderswidely, the species breeds as close to the U.S. as Great Abaco Is.,Bahamas.

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FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCKDendrocygna bicolor NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and irregular visitor, mostly in the extreme southeast ( lower JamesR. through Hampton Roads and Back Bay) and on the Eastern Shore(especially Chincoteague). Three records elsewhere: 6, Hopewell, Nov1964; 1 specimen, near Hopewell, early Jan 1965; 11, Fairfax, 2 Aug 1981.Most records are of small flocks from August through May (with a clearpeak in November); there are single June and July records. About 31records occurred in the two decades following the first Virginia reportin 1959 (22 of these in a period of widespread irruptions 1960-1966), butthere have been only about 10 records since 1980, and none in the period1996-2005. At least some reports of this species, particularly of singlebirds outside the context of irruption cycles, could refer to escapees, asthe species is held in waterfowl collections. Peak counts : 40, Surry, 4 Nov1961; 24, Chincoteague, 28 Oct 1977.PiedmontOne record: 6 shot out of a flock of 25, James R. (Goochland ), 26 Dec1964.Mountains and ValleysRare visitor, with six records: 21, Rockingham, 1 May 1962; 2, Big SpringPond (Rockbridge), 3-17 Apr 1965; 6-8 ph., Mt. Horeb (Augusta ), 8-14Dec 1972; 1 picked up dead, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah NP, 5 Mar 1975;1, Roanoke, 29 May–2 Jul 1979; 3, Fishersville, 25 Oct 1986.GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSEAnser albifrons NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 11 Oct–2 May), withmost records from areas with large flocks of Canada Geese. Nearlyannual, with a steadily increasing number of reports in recent years. Twospecimens taken at Redhead Bay, Back Bay, 23 Nov 1925 are of thewestern North American race gambelli, which is thought to be rarer inthe East than the more numerous and very similar western race frontalis(for which no state specimens are known). Many Virginia sight recordssince the late 1980s have been attributed to the expanding Greenlandrace flavirostris, which has a pinkish-orange bill, and a darker head andheavier speckling below than the western taxa; however, subspecificidentification is challenging. Peak count : 13, Westmoreland, 16 Mar 1985.

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PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 3 Oct–22 Apr), withabout 19 records. Nearly annual in recent years. One summer record: 1,Crozet (Albemarle ), 1 May–27 Sep 1980. Peak count : 6, Nokesville, 16 Mar1985.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor, with about 17 records (extreme dates24 Oct–13 May). Peak counts : 6(1) ph., Clear Creek L. (Washington), 31 Dec2005–29 Jan 2006; 5, near Radford, 7-15 Mar 2003.SNOW GOOSEChen caerulescens NonbreederOverview Historically, two subspecies—Lesser Snow Goose (nominate caerulescens)and Greater Snow Goose (atlanticus)—wintered in relatively discreteareas in Virginia: the larger Greater wintered almost solely in outer-coastal areas such as Chincoteague and Back Bay, while the smaller Lesserwas more widespread inland. Historically, too, dark morphs (“BlueGeese”) were rare on the outer coast, because dark morphs are commonin Lesser Snow Geese but relatively rare in Greater. As populations ofthe species have expanded rapidly over the past several decades, Greatershave been documented more often inland in Virginia, and dark-morphSnow Geese are now much more common on the coasts than prior to1980. Some researchers believe that subspecific boundaries havethemselves become blurred, as intergrades of Greater and Lesser havebeen documented in coastal states to the north of Virginia. Theincreasing counts of “Blue Geese” in coastal areas may thus be a resultof both intergradation and increasing numbers of pure Lesser SnowGeese in coastal areas, but this situation requires further study.Coastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident (30 Oct–20 Mar) alongimmediate coast, generally uncommon inland. Small numbers (includingsome wounded or crippled individuals) occasionally linger into summer,especially along the coast. Numbers have been increasing since the 1960s.A sizeable wintering flock occurs inland in the Presquile/Hopewell area.Dark-morph Snow Geese (“Blue Geese”) occur in small numbers amongwhite-morph birds except at Presquile, where the dark morph oftenpredominates. Peak counts : summer—25, Chincoteague, Jul 1967;winter—65,000, Back Bay CBC, 26 Dec 1964 [42,272, ChincoteagueCBC, 28 Dec 1997; 11,000, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 2004]; 1816

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(including 1623 “Blue”), Hopewell CBC, 16 Dec 2001 (high inlandcount); dark morph—1750 (vs. 194 white morphs), Hopewell CBC, 19Dec 1999.PiedmontUncommon to fairly rare but regular (and apparently increasing) transientand winter visitor (extreme dates 29 Sep–25 May). Regional totals of upto 63 individuals recorded on CBCs 18 of 21 years between 1984 and2004. Dark-morph individuals are greatly outnumbered by white morphs.Peak count : 60, Darlington Heights CBC, 12 Jan 2001. Mountains and ValleysUncommon to fairly rare but regular (and apparently increasing) transientand winter visitor (extreme dates 23 Sep–20 Apr). Regional totals of upto 51 individuals recorded on CBCs 15 of 21 years between 1984 and2004. Flocks are occasionally seen in fall migration from hawkwatches.One summer record: 1, Lexington, lingered through 10 Jun 1967. Dark-morph individuals are greatly outnumbered by white morphs, so a pureflock of 37 dark morphs at Staunton, 4 Nov 2004, was exceptional. Peakcounts : spring—35, Troutville (Botetourt ), 26 Mar 1989; fall—121,Rockfish Gap, 5 Nov 1987; winter—50, Northern Shenandoah ValleyCBC, 17 Dec 1994. ROSS’S GOOSEChen rossii NonbreederCoastal PlainRare but increasingly regular fall transient and winter visitor (extremedates 10 Oct–22 Feb), typically observed with Snow Geese butsometimes alone or with Cackling or Canada Geese. Compared to onesight record listed in the 1987 checklist {1}, there are now about 45records; reported annually 1993-2006. Records are primarily from BackBay and Eastern Shore (mostly Chincoteague and southernmostNorthampton), with a few from Henrico, King George, Surry, and Craney Is.First accepted record: 1, Back Bay, 29 Dec 1981–9 Jan 1982. Twodocumented sight reports of dark morphs from Chincoteague: 1 on 2Nov 1994 and 2 on 17-25 Nov 2001. Reports of dark morphs maypertain to hybrids or backcrosses of Lesser Snow Goose with Ross’sGoose, and caution is needed to distinguish such birds from pure dark-morph Ross’s Geese, which are extremely rare. An apparent hybrid Ross’sx Snow Goose was documented at Mappsville (Accomack ), 9 Feb 1996.Peak counts : 6, northeastern Accomack, 15 Feb 1994; 3, Cape Charles CBC,30 Dec 2004; 3, Curles Neck (Henrico), 18 Dec 2005.4

PiedmontFive reports: 1, Kerr Res., 25 Jan 2003; 2, Halifax, 3-5 Mar 2003; 1,Amherst, 15 Feb 2004; 1, near Marshall (Fauquier ), 29 Feb–1 Mar 2004; 1,South Boston (Halifax ), 18-20 Mar 2006. An apparent hybrid Ross’s xSnow Goose was near Marshall (Fauquier), 8 Nov 2002.Mountains and ValleysRare but increasing transient and winter resident, usually observed aloneor with Canada Geese. Five accepted records from Shenandoah Valley:1(2), Augusta, 11-21 Mar 1997; 1(1) ph., Staunton, 25 Jan–3 Feb 1999; 1(2),Augusta, 3 Dec 2002–6 Mar 2003; 1(1) ph., Staunton, 28 Dec 2002–16 Jan2003; 4(1) ph., Bridgewater (Rockingham ), 24 Nov–3 Dec 2003. Threephotographic records from the southwest: 1 ph., Clear Creek L., (Bristol),31 Dec 2005–29 Jan 2006; 1 ph., Richlands airport (Tazewell ), 6-7 Feb2006; 1 ph., St. Paul (Wise), 30 Jan–7 Feb 2006. Several additional reportsfrom Augusta, Carroll, Rockingham, Russell, and Washington are also likelyvalid.BRANTBranta bernicla NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to locally abundant transient and winter resident (5 Oct–25Apr) on ocean side of Eastern Shore; common to uncommon in lowerChesapeake Bay, and very local in eastern Virginia Beach (LynnhavenInlet area); rare inland. Numbers have declined in recent decades,especially in Chesapeake Bay. Small numbers (most likely crippledindividuals) occasionally linger into summer along the coast, obscuringextreme dates. First fall arrivals seem to appear on the coast in first orsecond week of October, rarely in late September. Very rare transientand winter visitor inland to upper Potomac R. (Fairfax area) and JamesR. (Curles Neck, Henrico). Peak counts : fall—30,000, Chincoteague, 16Nov 1977; winter—32,000, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1966 [10,883,Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1997]; 3000, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1971;spring—245, Wallops Is., 2 May 1990. Regular subspecies is hrota(Atlantic or Light-bellied Brant). Single sight records of nominate bernicla(Dark-bellied Brant; 1, Cape Charles, 22 Mar 2000) and of nigricans (BlackBrant; 1, Chincoteague, 26 Apr 1981); a worn specimen from Cobb Is.,Sep 1888, is also apparently nigricans, but the present location of thisspecimen is unknown. An individual photographed on the CBBT, 19 Jan2003, resembles so-called Gray-bellied Brant, a population phenotypicallyintermediate between hrota and nigricans that nests in Nunavut and winters

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in Puget Sound. More research is needed to determine the taxonomicstatus and field identification of this form.PiedmontThree records: 1, Louisa, 25 Nov 1977; 6, L. Anna, 20 Oct 1980; 1(1) ph.,near Marshall (Fauquier), 19 Mar 2003.Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1(2), Stuarts Draft, 21 Nov–3 Dec 1979; 1, near New Hope(Augusta), 16-30 Nov 1985. BARNACLE GOOSE (Category 3)Branta leucopsis NonbreederOverviewSome free-flying birds in Virginia may have escaped or been releasedfrom captivity, but some (especially along the coast in winter) may benaturally occurring individuals. The nearest nesting grounds are inGreenland, where populations have been increasing in recent decades.Coastal PlainNine reports, only one photographically documented: 1, Arlington, 10Nov 1956; 2, Norfolk, 23 Sep 1982; 1(3b), Jamestown/Hog Is. WMA, 25Jan–13 Feb 1984; 1, east of Fredericksburg (Stafford ), 23 Dec 1987; 1,Curles Neck (Henrico), 12 Jan 1988 (banded on left leg); 1, Lands EndWMA (King George), 11 Dec 1989; 1, Upper Brandon Plantation (PrinceGeorge), 6 Nov 1993; 1(3a) ph., Alexandria/Fairfax, 6 Jan–19 Feb 2002; 1,Chesapeake, 3 Feb 2002.PiedmontOne or two records: 1, Ashburn (Loudoun), 2 Feb 1997; what may havebeen the same bird was present there 17-18 Oct 1997(3b).Mountains and ValleysThree records: 1(3b), Lyndhurst, 21 Mar 1995; 1(3b) Elk Garden (Russell ),24 Feb–1 Mar 1998; 1(3b), Daleville (Botetourt ), 17 Dec 2004–14 Mar 2005.An unseasonal bird at Walnut Hills Campground, Mint Springs (Augusta),23 Jun–17 Aug 2005, was considered a likely escapee by VARCOM.CACKLING GOOSEBranta hutchinsii NonbreederOverviewRecently (2004) split from Canada Goose. Although “small-form CanadaGeese” have often been distinguished from larger birds on CBCs, many6

Cackling Geese were likely overlooked, or at least not well documented,prior to the split, and this species’ status in the state is still beingdetermined. The species was first documented in the state by specimenat Cobb Is. in winter 1888-1889. Whereas most individuals appear to beof the nominate race hutchinsii, single extremely small, dark-breasted birdsat ESVNWR on 18 Jan 1998, Hunting Creek on 9 Feb 2002+, and KingGeorge on 18 Dec 2004 may have been B. h. minima (which is a rarevagrant in the East and is occasionally kept in captivity, and thus mayoccur as an escapee).Coastal PlainRare but probably regular winter visitor (extreme dates 2 Nov–15 Mar),usually with flocks of Canada Geese but sometimes in flocks of SnowGeese, on immediate coast (especially Eastern Shore) and in larger gooseflocks at inland locations. Regional totals of 1-2 “small-form CanadaGeese” reported on CBCs six of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peakcounts : 35, Presquile, 7 Feb 1971; 17, Curles Neck (Henrico), 1 Mar 1990;12, southeast of Richmond, 15 Mar 1989. PiedmontFairly rare winter visitor (extreme dates 30 Nov–5 Mar), with about 14records; further scrutiny of goose flocks will likely demonstrate regularoccurrence in small numbers. Regional totals of up to 5 reported onCBCs three of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak count : 6, Nokesville,18 Dec 1988.Mountains and ValleysFairly rare winter visitor (extreme dates 17 Nov–8 Mar), with about 10records; further scrutiny of goose flocks will likely demonstrate regularoccurrence in small numbers. Regional totals of 1-2 reported on CBCsfour of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : 8, Radford, 17 Jan2004; up to 8, Staunton, 8 Jan–8 Mar 2005. CANADA GOOSEBranta canadensis BreederOverviewStatewide CBC data indicated a decline in abundance from the 1950suntil the mid-1980s. Since then, there has been a steady and substantialincrease in abundance throughout the state during all seasons (e.g., afour-fold increase in abundance on CBCs from mid-1980s to 2004). Thisincrease was noted first in the northern part of the state, and abundance(particularly in the Piedmont and Mountains and Valleys) during all

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seasons generally declines from north to south. The subspecific identitiesof Virginia’s breeding and wintering Canada Geese require furtherinvestigation. While most migrants and wintering birds (other thanpermanent resident flocks) appear to be of the nominate canadensis,introduced geese that now nest and remain year-round in Virginia appearin most cases to be maxima, the Giant Canada Goose, based on theirlarge size. However, it is likely that some intergradation with other taxa(such as interior and moffitti ) has occurred in waterfowl collections and inthe wild, as has been the case in states to the north of Virginia. Murray(1952) documents specimen records of Lesser Canada Goose (parvipes)and Interior Canada Goose (interior ) from the state {2}. Lesser CanadaGoose is very close in proportions to the largest race of Cackling Goose(taverneri ), and reliable criteria allowing the distinction of these twosubspecies in the field are still being determined. Coastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident, uncommon to locally commonand increasing summer resident. Breeding : birds thought to be escapeesor released birds were first recorded nesting at Back Bay in 1940 andHog Is. WMA in 1954. Breeding numbers have soared since the 1980s;now a locally common and widespread breeder. Eggs, 6 Apr–4 Jun. Peakcounts : summer—800, Chincoteague, Jul 1991; winter—50,000, Back Bay,winter 1950-1951; inland—21,153, Hopewell CBC, 18 Dec 1988; 15,500,Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 21 Dec 2002; 15,363, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 31Dec 2000; 15,000, King George, 18 Dec 2004.PiedmontLocally common to abundant transient and winter resident, uncommonto common and increasing summer resident. Breeding : the 1987 checklistnoted an introduced breeding population in Albemarle, Louisa, and Orangeand another in western Fairfax and Prince William {1}. Numbers haveincreased considerably since then, and breeding now occurs throughoutthe northern Piedmont, with lower nesting densities farther south. Eggs,25 Mar–26 May. Peak counts : summer—564, Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun 2006;450, L. Anna, mid-Jun 2004; fall—2500, Louisa, 16 Nov 1986; winter—12,995, The Plains CBC, 15 Dec 2002.Mountains and ValleysLocally common to abundant transient and winter resident, uncommonto common and increasing summer resident. Breeding : first recordedbreeding in Clarke in 1975; breeding abundance has increaseddramatically since the mid-1980s. Now a widespread and regular breederthroughout much of the region, though still breeds fairly rarely (though8

increasingly often) in the south. Eggs, 2 Mar–18 May. Peak counts :summer—nearly 300, Bath, 7-15 Jun 2003; winter—7364, Calmes NeckCBC, 30 Dec 1989; 2080, Augusta, 12 Feb 2006; 1547, Blacksburg CBC,20 Dec 2003; 882, Bristol CBC, 30 Dec 2001.MUTE SWAN (Category 5)Branta canadensis Breeder, introducedOverviewThis introduced species was first recorded in Virginia on 17 Nov 1957at Roaches Run (Arlington). It is represented in the state by releases,escapees, and dispersants from the established breeding population onthe upper Chesapeake Bay (primarily in Maryland). These long-livedbirds may persist for years on ponds or lakes after released, making itdifficult to distinguish first-generation releases and their immediatedescendants from dispersants from established populations. Thoughsuch releases and escapees may try to breed, many nesting attempts,especially at isolated inland locations, apparently fail due to predation.Thus, although reports have increased throughout Virginia in recentdecades, it is not clear whether a self-sustaining population is becomingestablished. A statewide survey conducted by the VDGIF found 60 MuteSwans in the state in 1986, 419 in 1993, 504 in 1999, and 563 in 2002.Coastal PlainUncommon and local but increasing permanent resident throughout.This species was found primarily at Chincoteague until the 1980s, whenit began appearing in other areas; numbers at Chincoteague have beenmuch reduced since the mid-1990s, and the species is unrecorded there2001-2006. Away from Chincoteague, the species is very rare in Accomack(except on islands in the upper Bay) and almost unknown in Northampton,though there were 6 south of Cape Charles, 27 Dec 1982, and 8 at CapeCharles beach, 27 Nov 2005. Highest numbers are currently presentaround upper Chesapeake Bay islands, around Williamsburg, and alongthe upper Potomac R. (especially in Stafford ). More than half of thestatewide population occurs in the Coastal Plain. CBC totals showincreases since the early 1970s, and since 1987 have ranged from 4 to105 individuals, with the Chincoteague, Williamsburg, and Brooke CBCsgenerally providing the highest counts. Breeding : eggs, 4 Apr–23 Jun. Peakcounts : summer—80, Chincoteague, summer 1992 (highest count at thatrefuge); fall—71, Chincoteague, 13 Nov 1992; winter—850, betweenSmith Is. and Tangier Is. on upper Chesapeake Bay, 10 Jan 2006; 66,Brooke CBC, 14 Dec 2001; 56, Williamsburg CBC, 19 Dec 2004; 40,Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1996.

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PiedmontLocally uncommon to fairly rare permanent resident at scatteredlocations throughout central and northern part of region; rarer farthersouth. Many are likely first-generation releases. VDGIF’s surveys indicatethat more than 40% of the statewide population occurs in “NorthernVirginia,” which includes the northern Piedmont. Regional totals of upto 41 recorded on CBCs 15 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004, with theManassas–Bull Run, The Plains, Chancellorsville, Warren, andCharlottesville CBCs garnering most such records. Breeding : eggs, 5-23May. Peak count : 25, Warren CBC, 21 Dec 2003.Mountains and ValleysFairly rare resident at scattered locations in central and northernShenandoah Valley; rare visitor (possibly released birds) elsewherethroughout region. Although immatures are occasionally seen, mostindividuals are adults and are likely first-generation releases; no evidenceof successful breeding in the region. Regional totals of up to 10 recordedon CBCs 17 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004; most such records arefrom the Rockingham County, Calmes Neck, and Northern ShenandoahValley CBCs.TRUMPETER SWAN (Category 4)Cygnus buccinator NonbreederThis species reportedly wintered in Virginia, especially along the PotomacR., in large numbers through the early 19th century, though there are noextant specimens to support the species’ occurrence in the state {3}.The most detailed account of this species’ occurrence in Virginiadescribed it as occurring in flocks along the lower Potomac R., includingthe mouth of the Occoquan R., in the mid-1830s. Trumpeter Swans mayhave continued to occur in the state in winter into the last half of the19th century, but there is no evidence that they persisted into the 20thcentury. Away from northern Virginia (especially Fauquier ), individualsrecorded in the state in recent years are the result of recentreintroduction efforts in states bordering the Great Lakes. Such recordsinclude the following: 1, Huntley Meadows CP, 22 Jan 1990; 1, FalseCape SP, 26 Nov 1994; 2, Stuarts Draft, Dec 2000; 1, L. Brittle (Fauquier ),27 Dec 2000; 1, Airlie (Fauquier), 28 Nov 2005–8 Mar 2006. The latterthree records involved neck-collared birds that were traced to the Ohioreintroduction program. In addition, small numbers of TrumpeterSwans, as well as hybrids between Trumpeters, Mute, and Tundra Swans,are held in private collections in Fauquier and elsewhere in northern10

Virginia, where some pairs breed successfully. Some of these birds arefree-flying, but they and their offspring tend to be sedentary, and virtuallyall such birds wear neck collars. There is little chance that any TrumpeterSwans that may now occur in Virginia arrive from establishedpopulations in western North America.TUNDRA SWANCygnus columbianus NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (25 Oct–10 Apr) on coast,Chesapeake Bay, and Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, irregular anddeclining overall at Back Bay; less common elsewhere but observedincreasingly frequently at inland sites in recent years. Rare summer visitor(most summer reports involve injured birds). Peak counts : 14,400, BackBay CBC, 31 Dec 1960 [5275, Dismal Swamp CBC, 2 Jan 1999]; inland—5232, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1988; 1069, Northumberland, 2 Jan 1978.PiedmontUncommon to rare transient and winter visitor (1 Nov–20 Mar; extremedates 19 Oct–27 Apr), more numerous northward. Three summerrecords: 1, Nokesville, 24 May–6 Jun 1983; 1, Rappahannock, 5 Jun 1996;1, Halifax, 25-28 Jul 2003. Peak counts : spring—300, western Fairfax, 8Mar 1979; fall—289, western Fairfax, 17 Nov 1972; winter—49, ThePlains CBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (1 Nov–20 Mar; extreme dates 22 Oct-22 Apr). Peak counts : spring—119, Augusta, 17 Mar 1996; fall—277,Augusta, 13 Nov 1979; winter—70, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC,23 Dec 2003.WOOD DUCKAix sponsa BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (25 Feb–10 Dec) in freshwaterareas; uncommon winter resident, mostly in the south and east, exceptin Presquile area, where common in late fall and winter. Recorded on adozen occasions at CBBT, both in transit and resting on openChesapeake Bay, mostly Jul-Oct and in March. Breeding : eggs, 29 Feb–15Jun; small young, 28 Mar–14 Aug. Peak counts : spring—131, WilliamsburgSBC, 7 May 1989; summer—75, Dismal Swamp, 10 Jul 1983; winter—2000, Presquile, 5 Dec 1965 [949, Hopewell CBC, 18 Dec 1988].

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PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (5 Mar–10 Nov); uncommonto rare winter resident, more common farther south. Breeding : eggs, 17Feb–13 Apr; small young, 22 Apr–11 Aug. Peak counts : spring—30,Lynchburg, 11 Mar 1971; summer—100, Dulles Airport pond, 3 Jul1982; fall—97, Big Is. (Bedford ), 18 Sep 1986; winter—74, Banister R.CBC, 19 Dec 1993.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (10 Mar–5 Nov); fairly rare butregular winter resident, more common farther south. Annual on CBCs,with regional totals of 9-63 on CBCs between 1984 and 2004. Breeding :eggs, 1 Jun; small young, 8 Apr–19 Aug. Peak counts : spring—51, Augusta,13 Mar 1998; summer—70, Botetourt, 12 Jul 1974; fall—300-400,Rockingham, 20 Sep 1982; winter—37, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC,14 Dec 2002.GADWALLAnas strepera BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (10 Sep–20 Apr), mainly nearcoast; locally common summer resident in Eastern Shore marshes,uncommon to rare elsewhere in summer, becoming rarer farther inland.Breeding : eggs, 1 May–26 Jun; small young, 14 May–13 Aug. First recordednesting in the state at Chincoteague in 1955; now the most commonbreeding duck in Eastern Shore salt marshes (e.g., maxima of 70 adultswith 30 broods on Hog Is. [Northampton ], 19 Jun 1991, 26 adults with 10broods at Fisherman Is., 21 Jun 1991). Peak counts : spring—2599,Chincoteague, 8-14 Apr 1984; summer—400 nesting pairs, Chinc-oteague, summer 1975; winter—12,000, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1974[2100, Brooke CBC, 19 Dec 1994; 1876, Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec1997].PiedmontLocally uncommon to fairly rare transient and winter resident (15 Oct–30 Mar; extreme dates 1 Oct–31 May). One summer record: 1, Kerr Res.,19 Aug 1976. Peak count : 215, The Plains CBC, 21 Dec 2003.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter visitor (15 Oct–15 Apr; extreme dates7 Sep–7 May). Three summer records: 1, Montgomery, 16 Jun 1949; 1,Montgomery, 6 Jun 1953; 1, Fishersville, 4 Jun–30 Jul 1996. Peak counts : 92,

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Bristol CBC, 30 Dec 2001; 89, Blacksburg CBC, 16 Dec 2000.EURASIAN WIGEONAnas penelope NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter resident (extreme dates 5 Oct-15 May), mostlyon coast and in Hampton Roads area but also at scattered locationselsewhere. Recorded annually since 1971 except two years (1976 and1981). Recorded on CBCs 10 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004.Specimen: 1, Virginia Beach, 25 Dec 1914 (CUMV 326). Peak count : 13,Chincoteague, 13 Dec 1986 (no other records of more than 4 indiv-iduals). The majority detected in Virginia have been males. Females arealmost certainly overlooked and are rarely reported in the state; a femaleat Oyster (Northampton), 23 Nov 2005, was described as a rufous morph.PiedmontThree or more records: 1, Albemarle, 24–30 Mar 1951; 1(1) male presentevery winter from 1993-1994 to 2005-2006 (extreme dates 9 Oct–21Mar) in Warrenton/Marshall area of Fauquier (perhaps only a singleindividual involved); 1, Rappahannock, 10 Apr 2004.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 16 Oct–26 Apr), with 10records from Clarke, Frederick, Montgomery, Pulaski, Rockingham, Smyth, andWashington.AMERICAN WIGEONAnas americana NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (10 Sep-10 May)near coast, slightly less common inland; rare summer visitor. Numbershave declined dramatically in past 20-30 years, and counts over 1000would now be considered extraordinary in places where many thousandsformerly occurred. Peak counts : spring—757, Chincoteague, 20-26 Mar1983; fall—25,000, Chincoteague, 16 Nov 1977 [820, Chincoteague, 19Nov 1992]; winter—78,850, Back Bay CBC, 27 Dec 1969 [3855, Ft.Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1988; 3576, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1995; 685,Chincoteague, 5-11 Dec 1982].PiedmontUncommon transient and winter resident (15 Sep–30 Apr; extreme earlydate 5 Sep). Three summer records: 2, Lynchburg, 15 Jun 1990; 1, Fairfax,

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24 Jul 1996; 1, Orange, 23 Jun 2002. Peak counts : 415, Kerr Res. CBC, 2 Jan1978 [361, Kerr Res. CBC, 17 Dec 1995].Mountains and ValleysLocally common to uncommon transient and winter resident (15 Sep–30 Apr; extreme late date 20 May). Two summer records: 1, Montgomery,summer 1940; 1, Bath, 16 Jul 1987. Peak counts : spring—102, Augusta, 17Mar 1988; winter—269, Rockingham, 30 Dec 1970 [98, Bristol CBC, 28Dec 1997 ].AMERICAN BLACK DUCKAnas rubripes BreederOverviewStatewide CBC data indicate a decline from the 1960s to the 1970s;numbers have remained low since the mid-1970s.Coastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (10 Sep–20 Apr);locally common summer resident near coast, uncommon to rare insummer farther inland. BBS data indicate significant declines 1966-2005.Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr–17 Jun; small young, 5 May–26 Aug. Peak counts :summer—300, Henrico, 31 Jul 1983; fall—12,000, Eastern Shore aerialsurvey, early Nov 1980; winter—13,400, Chincoteague CBC, 30 Dec1964 [4905, Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1994; 4900, Cape Charles CBC,30 Dec 1989]; inland—3014, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 22 Dec 1991.PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (10 Sep–30 Mar); rare summerresident and very local breeder. Breeding : eggs, 24 Mar–23 Apr; smallyoung, 29 May-late Jun. Peak counts : 1019, Kerr Res. CBC, 15 Dec 1974[800, Elm Hill WMA (Mecklenburg ), 30 Jan 1985; 410, GreenwaysWetlands CBC, 19 Dec 1996].Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter resident (10 Sep–30 Mar); rare summerresident. Breeding : a few breeding records from Roanoke, Bath, andRockbridge, with broods found in late May and Jun. Peak counts : 723, GladeSpring CBC, 30 Dec 1977; 624, Calmes Neck CBC, 30 Dec 1989.

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MALLARDAnas platyrhynchos BreederOverviewBBS data indicate significant increases in breeding birds throughout thestate (and much of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident (10 Sep−20 Apr); common (andincreasing) summer resident throughout. Breeding : eggs, 1 Mar−27 Jun;small young, 4 Apr−mid-Aug; half-grown young, 29 Aug. Peak counts :summer—500, Henrico, 31 Jul 1983; fall—19,000, Presquile, 21 Nov 1980;winter—9500, Hopewell, 5 Dec 1969 [5299, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1988;4545, Hopewell CBC, 20 Dec 1987].PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (10 Sep−30 Mar); uncommon(but increasing) summer resident, more common northward. Breeding :eggs, 22 Mar−6 Jun; small young, 4 Apr−25 Jul; half-grown young, 30Aug. Peak count : 1800, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1988.Mountains and ValleysCommon to uncommon transient and winter resident (10 Sep−30 Mar);locally common to rare summer resident (though increasing in recentdecades). Breeding : eggs, 14 Mar−21 Jun; small young, 13 Apr−8 Sep. Peakcounts : spring—232, Augusta, 10 Mar 1998; summer—283, Augusta, 2 Jun1998; winter—1880, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 14 Dec 1991;1250, Blacksburg CBC, 23 Dec 1976.BLUE-WINGED TEALAnas discors BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient (15 Mar−30 Apr, 25 Aug−20 Oct); locally uncommonsummer resident along coast (especially in marshes and ponds on EasternShore), rarer in summer farther inland. Rare and irregular winter resident,mostly in southeast; regional totals of up to 29 recorded on CBCs 16 of21 years between 1984 and 2004. Earliest arrival dates difficult todetermine because of winterers, but some appear to arrive as early asFebruary. Often observed in small flocks well offshore, up to 80 mi, inAugust and early September. Breeding : eggs, 29 Apr−11 May; young, 28Apr−21 Aug. Peak counts : spring—253, Chincoteague, Apr 1984; fall—2000, Chincoteague, 1 Oct 1955 [1000, Chincoteague, 2 Oct 1982 and 8

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Sep 1984; 486, Hunting Creek, 16 Oct 1985]; winter—49, NewportNews CBC, 22 Dec 1973 [26, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1996; 27, Ft.Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1988].PiedmontUncommon transient (15 Mar−30 Apr, 25 Aug−20 Oct); rare summerand winter visitor. Regional totals of up to 12 recorded on CBCs five of21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : one record—8 newly hatchedyoung, Nokesville, 11 Jun 1983. A female with 5 fully feathered juveniles,Cedar Run Wetlands (Prince William ), 6-9 Jul 2003, had likely bred locally.Peak counts : spring—79, L. Anna, 6 Apr 1980; fall—70, Pocahontas SP(Chesterfield ), 26 Sep 1953; winter—12, Central Loudoun CBC, 30 Dec2001.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (15 Mar–30 Apr, 25 Aug–20 Oct); rare summerand winter visitor. Regional totals of up to 13 recorded on CBCs eightof 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding: at least three records—brood in Warren, 3 Jun 1975; female with 4 young, Saltville, 1 Jun 1984;pair with 5 young, Bath, summer 1986 (reportedly has bred multiple yearsat Coursey Springs Fish Hatchery, Bath). Peak counts: spring—250, Rock-ingham, spring 1983; fall—63, Rockbridge, 17 Sep 1957.CINNAMON TEALAnas cyanoptera NonbreederOverviewSome free-flying birds in Virginia may be escaped or released birds, butsome are likely naturally occurring individuals. VARCOM has notreviewed all of Virginia’s reports, most of which are of males. Coastal PlainThree or four accepted records: 1(2), Chincoteague, 24-25 Mar 1991; 1(1)ph., Accotink Bay/Accotink Creek, Ft. Belvoir (Fairfax ), 6 Sep–17 Dec1998; 6(2), Hog Is. WMA, 14 Oct 1998, dwindling to 1 male, 17 Oct 1998;1(2), Mason Neck, 11-22 Nov 1998 (possibly the same as the Ft. Belvoirbird). Three unreviewed reports: a male and a female together at L.Prince, Suffolk (designated Nansemond at that time), 14 Jan 1959; 1 male,Chincoteague, 28 Sep–3 Oct 1982; 1 male, Chincoteague, 31 May-mid-Jun 1987. Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(2) male, Stuarts Draft, 7 May 1987.

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NORTHERN SHOVELERAnas clypeata NonbreederCoastal PlainLocally common transient and winter resident (10 Sep−30 Apr) alongcoast, uncommon to rare inland; rare summer visitor near coast (es-pecially on Eastern Shore), but the earliest “fall” arrivals sometimesappear in mid-July. No confirmed breeding records, although thepresence of 3 juveniles (capable of flight) at Hog Is. (Northampton ), 10Jul 1991, suggests the possibility of local breeding. The nearest breedersto Virginia have been noted at Blackwater NWR, Maryland (12 Jun 1985).Peak counts : spring—1000, Craney Is., 25 Mar 1980; fall—3000, Chinc-oteague, 16 Nov 1977; 3000, Craney Is., 14 Nov 1978; winter—2006,Nansemond R. CBC (most at Craney Is.), 5 Jan 1997; 595, Chincoteague,13-19 Dec 1981.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 10 Oct−25 Apr).Regional totals of up to 30 individuals recorded on CBCs 14 of 21 yearsbetween 1984 and 2004. Peak count : 18, The Plains CBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysRare to uncommon transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 29 Aug−9 May). Annual on CBCs, with regional totals of up to 84 individuals,1984-2004. Two summer records: 1, Staunton, 1-14 Jun 1997; 1, L.Moomaw, 7 Jun 2003. Peak counts : spring—16, Wise Res. (Wise), 8 Apr1974; winter—57, Bristol, 31 Dec 1995.WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAILAnas bahamensis NonbreederOverviewVirginia’s reports may pertain to escaped or released birds, or to naturallyoccurring individuals. VARCOM has not reviewed all of Virginia’sreports. Coastal PlainFour records: 1 shot, Back Bay, 17 Dec 1937 (specimen in AMNH); 1shot, near Chincoteague, 14 Nov 1966 (USNM 529630); 1,Chincoteague, 4 Jun 1996; 1(3b), Hampton, 2-8 Feb 1998 (during and aftera powerful coastal northeast storm that tracked northward from theBahamas).

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PiedmontOne report: 1, Burke L. (Fairfax ), 7 Sep 1996 (the day after the remnantsof Hurricane Fran passed through the area).NORTHERN PINTAILAnas acuta Casual BreederOverviewStatewide CBC data indicate a steady and steep decline in numbers fromthe 1950s to the present.Coastal PlainFairly common transient and local winter resident (10 Sep−15 Apr); raresummer visitor, mostly in Accomack (especially Chincoteague). Breeding :rare breeder—about 98 young reported in Arlington 1935-1937, someprobably from feral birds; female with 6 immatures, Alexandria, 4 Jul1962; at Chincoteague, two broods reported in 1971 and one on 10 Jul1979; nested in Norfolk, Apr 1984. Peak counts : fall—7000, Chincoteague,5-12 Nov 1955 [2814, Chincoteague, 13 Nov 1992]; winter—20,000,Back Bay, winter 1941-1942; 7500, Hog Is. WMA, 31 Jan 1982 [6074,Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1996].PiedmontUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep−15 Apr). Nearlyannual on CBCs, with regional totals of 2-63 individuals, 1984-2004. Peakcounts : 82, Kerr Res., 2 Jan 1978 [45, The Plains CBC, 21 Dec 2003].Mountains and ValleysFairly rare to uncommon transient and winter visitor (30 Sep−15 Apr;extreme dates 1 Sep−17 May). Nearly annual on CBCs, with regionaltotals of 2-32 individuals, 1984-2004. One summer record: 1, Roanoke,15-17 Jul 1980. Peak counts : spring—38, Augusta, 3 Mar 1998; winter—43, Augusta, 24 Feb 1998; 17, Roanoke CBC, 20 Dec 1975; 17, BlacksburgCBC, 19 Dec 1981.GARGANEY (Category 2)Anas querquedula NonbreederCoastal PlainThree reports of males in breeding plumage: 1, north of Kiptopeke, 24-28 Mar 1989; 1, Back Bay, 4-6 May 1990; 1(2), Chincoteague, 24-30 May1992. Although escaped or released birds may occur in the state, theserecords are consistent with patterns of occurrence elsewhere in North

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America, and there is a high probability that one or more of these birdswere naturally occurring.GREEN-WINGED TEALAnas crecca Casual BreederOverviewThe regular subspecies observed in Virginia is the North Americancarolinensis. Individuals of the Eurasian subspecies crecca are rare inVirginia, invariably males reported in flocks of carolinensis, chiefly inwinter. Observers should be cautious in reporting nominate crecca, asintergrades have been documented in North America, and molting birdscan be difficult to assign to subspecies. The North American subspeciescarolinensis is considered a full and separate species from crecca byornithological authorities in Europe and Asia and by some in NorthAmerica.Coastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (15 Sep−15 Apr); rare summervisitor, mostly on Eastern Shore (especially Chincoteague). Summeringbirds make extreme dates of transience difficult to determine;nevertheless, migrants apparently arrive as early as mid-August anddepart as late as late May in some years. This species is rarely observedin pelagic waters, chiefly in September. Breeding : one record—brood of4 young, Chincoteague, 11 Jul 1955. Peak counts : fall—2337,Chincoteague, 13 Nov 1992; winter—2900, Chincoteague, 3 Dec 1955;2700, Back Bay CBC, 30 Dec 1973 [1178, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec1994]. Birds of the nominate subspecies are rare winter visitors (extremedates 19 Nov−7 Apr), with about 16 reports but no known specimensor photographs; most records are from the coast and Hampton Roads,with about seven inland records (six from the Arlington/Fairfax area). Anadult male carolinensis x crecca intergrade was in Alexandria, 19 Mar 1955.PiedmontUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep−15 Apr).Exceptionally late date: 1, North Fork Wetlands (Prince William ), 27-29May 2001. Peak counts : 158, Kerr Res., 3 Jan 1976 [41, Kerr Res. CBC, 17Dec 1995]. Three reports of the nominate subspecies, none documentedby specimen or photograph: 1, Albemarle, 19 Dec 1976; 1, Kerr Res., 26Nov 1977; 1, Louisa, 3 Apr 1978.

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Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep−15 Apr; extreme dates5 Aug−27 May). Peak counts : fall—116, Augusta, 25 Nov 1972; winter—85, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 21 Dec 1996. Individuals of thenominate subspecies have been reported on two occasions at Lexington:1 specimen, 1 Feb 1936; 1, 11 Apr 1937.CANVASBACKAythya valisineria NonbreederCoastal PlainLocally common to abundant transient and winter resident (10 Nov−10Apr), mostly near Chesapeake Bay, on larger tidal rivers, and at Back Bay;rare summer visitor in these areas. Formerly much more abundant. Peakcounts : 30,000, Westmoreland, 10 Dec 1967 [11,815, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan1988; 10,704, Williamsburg CBC, 16 Dec 2001; 9600, Washington’sBirthplace CBC, 16 Dec 1995].PiedmontUncommon transient and winter visitor (15 Nov−10 Apr; extreme dates10 Oct−30 May). Nearly annual on CBCs, with regional totals of up to70 individuals, 1984-2004. Peak counts : 117, Kerr Res. CBC, 15 Dec 1974;150, L. Pelham (Culpeper ), 2 Jan 1974 [45, Kerr Res. CBC, 17 Dec 1995].Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter visitor (15 Nov−10 Apr; extreme dates30 Oct−27 Apr). Regional totals of up to 28 individuals recorded onCBCs 14 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : fall—40,Rockingham, 18-24 Nov 1978; winter—50, Roanoke CBC, 1 Jan 1966 [27,Calmes Neck CBC, 27 Dec 1986].REDHEADAythya americana NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and winter resident (15 Oct−15 Apr); rare summervisitor along coast and on larger tidal rivers. Occasionally common nearSaxis (northwestern Accomack ) and around Tangier Is. in ChesapeakeBay. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, this species was abundant at BackBay, with counts of 30,000 in 1951 and 64,000 in 1952, but numbershave declined dramatically since that time. Recent peak counts : 600,Mathews CBC, 4 Jan 1980; 507, Newport News CBC, 21 Dec 1996; 503,Ft. Belvoir CBC, 31 Dec 1967; 406, Saxis, 27 Dec 2003.20

PiedmontUncommon transient and rare winter resident (30 Oct−15 Apr). Regionaltotals of up to 20 individuals recorded on CBCs 14 of 21 years between1984 and 2004. One summer record: 1, Danville, 23 Aug 1974(apparently summered ). Peak counts : spring—170, L. Anna, 11 Mar 1978;winter—29, Central Loudoun CBC, 30 Dec 2000.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (30 Oct−5 Apr; extreme dates 27 Oct−27 May). Regional totals of up to 24 individuals recorded on CBCs 16 of21 years between 1984 and 2004. Two summer records: 1, Blacksburg,summer 1943; 2, Rural Retreat L. (Wythe), 23 May−19 Jul 1978. Peakcounts : 49, Rockbridge, 2 Mar 1974 [7, Roanoke CBC, 20 Dec 1986].RING-NECKED DUCKAythya collaris NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (15 Oct−15 Apr), with smallnumbers occasionally lingering into May and early June; rare summervisitor. Peak counts : fall—3000, Back Bay, 26 Nov 1947 [2100, King George,14 Nov 2004]; winter—7000, Back Bay CBC, 1 Jan 1962 [3560, KingGeorge, 2 Dec 2004; 1825, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1988].PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (15 Oct−15 Apr; extreme earlydate 5 Sep). Small numbers occasionally linger into May and early June,and there are four mid-summer records: 1, Dulles Airport pond, 3 Jul1982; 1-2, Fauquier, 8-22 Jun 2002; 4, Airlie (Fauquier ), 5 Jun–31 Jul 2004;1, Henry, 26 Jun 2004. Peak count : 1295, The Plains CBC, 21 Dec 2003.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon winter resident (15 Oct−30 Apr;extreme dates 2 Oct−7 Jun), with a number of records in mid/late Mayand occasional individuals lingering into June. One mid-summer record:1, Winchester, 1 Jul 2003. Peak counts : 386, L. Moomaw, 26 Mar 1981;190, Calmes Neck CBC, 28 Dec 1991.

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TUFTED DUCKAythya fuligula NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2), Chincoteague, 27-28 Jan 1996. PiedmontTwo records: 1, L. Anna, 6-7 Mar 1994; 1 ph., Airlie Reservoir (Fauquier ),26 Apr−3 May 2006.GREATER SCAUPAythya marila NonbreederOverviewThe status of this species in Virginia has been clouded by difficulty in itsfield identification vis-à-vis Lesser Scaup. Data from the wing-checkprogram of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service support the assessment byVirginia birders that Greater is much less numerous than Lesser in thestate. Greater Scaup numbers appear to be declining in southernTidewater since at least the 1970s.Coastal PlainUncommon to locally common transient and winter resident (15 Oct−10 Apr) near coast, on Chesapeake Bay, and on larger tidal rivers;uncommon to fairly rare transient and winter visitor inland. Five summerrecords: 8, Craney Is., Jun−Jul 1959; 1, Craney Is., 17 Jul 1967; 1, HuntingCreek, 7-14 Jul 1980; 1, Assateague Is., 5 Jun 1981; 1, Hunting Creek, 15Jun 2001. Peak counts : 2856, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 1964; 2500, Ft. BelvoirCBC, 23 Dec 1984.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (5 Nov−10 Apr; extreme dates 3 Nov−6 May). Regional totals of up to 75 individuals recorded on CBCs 10 of21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak count : 75, Central Loudoun CBC,27 Dec 1998.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (30 Oct−10 Apr; extreme dates 10 Oct−21 Apr). Regional totals of up to 23 individuals recorded on CBCs 13 of21 years between 1984 and 2004. One summer record: 1, Tazewell, 17 Jun1972. Peak counts : spring—75, L. Moomaw, 30 Mar 1982; winter—67,Blacksburg CBC, 27 Dec 1965 [22, Blacksburg CBC, 19 Dec 1992].

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LESSER SCAUPAythya affinis NonbreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident (15 Oct−20 Apr) near coast, onChesapeake Bay, and on larger tidal rivers, where also an uncommon late-spring and rare summer visitor; fairly common transient and winterresident inland. Peak counts : spring—4500, Westmoreland, 4 Mar 1983;winter—21,100, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 1989; 20,000, Back Bay, 4 Dec1939; 9270, Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 16 Dec 1995.PiedmontCommon transient and uncommon winter resident (extreme dates 12Oct–23 Apr). Annual on CBCs, with regional totals of up to 95individuals, 1984-2004. Three summer records: 1, Lynchburg, 12 Jun1942; 1, Campbell, 10 Jun 1978; 2, Loudoun, 16 Jun 1978. Peak counts :spring—205, Albemarle, 22 Mar 1955; fall—163, L. Anna, 2 Nov 1982;winter—129, Chesterfield, 6 Jan 1978 [63, The Plains CBC, 16 Dec 2001].Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon winter resident (20 Oct−30 Apr;extreme dates 10 Oct−25 May). Annual on CBCs, with regional totalsof up to 146 individuals, 1984-2004. Two summer records: 1, Daleville(Botetourt ), 12 Jun 1977; 2, Bath, 11 Jun 2003. Peak counts : spring—150, L.Moomaw, 22 Mar 1983; fall—410, Augusta, 11 Nov 1979; winter—120,Blacksburg CBC, 23 Dec 1976 [85, Blacksburg CBC, 16 Dec 1995].KING EIDERSomateria spectabilis NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and local transient and winter resident (20 Oct–10 Apr) alongimmediate coast and in lower Chesapeake Bay; recorded annually since1971 except for a single year (1975). Rare summer visitor, with at leastnine records Jun–Aug. Apparent earliest actual arrivals are 31 Aug 1985at Kiptopeke and 19 Sep 1992 at Chincoteague, where rare. Over 90%of Virginia reports are from CBBT. Adult males are relatively rare buthave been recorded at Cape Charles on 3 Oct 1985, Fisherman Is. on 14Mar 1987 (2 males), and CBBT on 1 Feb 1992, 23 Jan 1994, and 31 Jan1999. Regional totals of up to 11 individuals recorded on CBCs 12 of 21years between 1984 and 2004. Specimens: Cape Charles, 2 Jan 1897;Cobb Is., 19 Dec 1899; Fox Is. (Accomack ), 7 Dec 1940; Gargathy Inlet(Accomack ), 27 Dec 1940; near Lewisetta (Northumberland ), winter 1975

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(preserved at VCU). Peak count : 21, CBBT, 19 Feb 1971. Some 22different individuals were noted along the Virginia coast in winter 1997-1998.COMMON EIDERSomateria mollissima NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and local transient and winter resident (30 Oct−30 Mar) alongimmediate coast and in lower Chesapeake Bay, most regular at CBBT;recorded annually since 1971 except for a single year (1977). Raresummer visitor, with at least nine records involving 11 birds Jun−Aug(1974-2004). Apparent early arrival dates: at CBBT, singles 8 Sep 1974,14 Sep 1978, and 28 Sep 1997; 1, Kiptopeke, 20 Sep 1986. There areapproximately seven reports from Chincoteague, mostly of single birds,with one count of 5 on 23 Nov 1991 and one of 39 on 27 Dec 1996. Thefirst state reports come from Cobb Is. around 1896 and nearbyBroadwater Bay, 28 Dec 1900. Regional totals of up to 61 individualsrecorded on CBCs 13 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Typically,adult males are rare in the state; most are observed in years of greaterCommon Eider abundance. Peak counts : 80, CBBT, 7 Feb 1998; 55,CBBT, 27 Dec 1997. Some 89 birds (at minimum) were noted in theVirginia capes area in autumn/winter 1997-1998.HARLEQUIN DUCKHistrionicus histrionicus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and very local winter resident (25 Oct−10 Apr) along coast;recorded annually since 1971 except for a single year (1979). Raresummer visitor, with about eight summer records, mid-May−late Aug.Most records are from CBBT, with additional records from HamptonRoads, Virginia Beach, and the barrier islands. Earliest apparent arrival:1, CBBT, 15 Oct 1977. Migrating birds are rarely seen, but 2 males inmarshes along the causeway to Chincoteague Is. on 3 Apr 1982, 2 atWallops Is. on 7 Nov 1990, and 1 in southward flight at Back Bay on 29Dec 2001 appeared to be transients. First recorded in state at Craney Is.,13 Dec 1958. Regional totals of up to 10 individuals recorded on CBCs12 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : 15, CBBT, 5 Mar1978; 13, CBBT, 26 Dec 1997.

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PiedmontOne report: 1 adult male, L. Anna, 26 Dec 1993−early Jan 2004.Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1, New R. near Radford, 20 Feb−7 Apr 1973; 2, BlacksburgCBC, 19 Dec 1992.SURF SCOTERMelanitta perspicillata NonbreederOverviewAs with other species of oceanic waterfowl, Surf Scoter numbers havevaried greatly in Virginia in recent decades. On several occasions,widespread mortality has been observed and documented. The oil spillof 27 Feb 1978, which released 25,600 gallons of fuel oil intoChesapeake Bay, killed numerous Surf Scoters, as well as many otherscoters and Long-tailed Ducks. A subsequent avian cholera epidemickilled tens of thousands of diving ducks in February and April that year,with recoveries of over 22,000 birds from the Chesapeake Bay, mostlyscoters and Long-tailed Ducks, about 70% of those birds from theVirginia part of the Bay. The beaches of Virginia Beach and Sandbridgewere likewise covered with dead sea ducks of many species. In late winterand early spring 1994, an epidemic of avian cholera left at least 55,000waterbirds dead (21,000 in Virginia, 13,000 in Maryland), 75% of themLong-tailed Ducks, with lesser numbers of scoters, Bufflehead, andCommon Goldeneye. Observers should record careful counts of seaducks and report them to state ornithological journals, and reportobservations of large-scale mortality to the VDGIF.Coastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident (10 Oct−15 Apr) on coast, inChesapeake Bay, and on lower Potomac R., uncommon to rare elsewhereand becoming much rarer farther inland; rare summer visitor along coast.Peak counts : spring—5300, off Chincoteague, 5 Apr 1991; fall—20,000,flying southward off Chincoteague, 23-24 Oct 1977; 15,000+, flyingsouthward off Chincoteague, 17 Oct 1975; winter—60,000, CBBT, 4Feb 2004; 15,678 (plus 10,000 unidentified dark-winged scoters), CapeCharles CBC, 30 Dec 1989; 13,500, Chesapeake Bay off Cape Charles,26 Jan 2003; 12,000, Hampton, 22 Jan 1967; 3303, Mathews CBC, 2 Jan1983.

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PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 12 Oct–9 May), withabout 11 records of 1-2 individuals.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 21 Oct−20 Apr), withabout 18 records. Peak count : 10, near Blacksburg, 21 Jan 1968.WHITE-WINGED SCOTERMelanitta fusca NonbreederCoastal PlainFairly common to uncommon transient and winter resident (15 Oct−15Apr) on coast and in Chesapeake Bay; uncommon to rare elsewhere andbecoming rarer farther inland; very rare summer visitor along coast.Declining sharply in recent decades on Chesapeake Bay; in late winter2004, when minimally 75,000 Black/Surf Scoters congregated at themouth of the Bay, observers never tallied more than 100 of this species.Peak counts : spring—10,000, near Chincoteague, 24 Mar 1951; winter—7000, CBBT, 28 Feb 1979 [1077, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1989]. Acount of 68, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 5 Jan 1996 was a high count so far up thePotomac R.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 12 Nov−17 May), withabout 13 records. Peak count : 7, L. Anna, 15 Jan 1978.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 16 Oct−9 May), withabout 20 records. Peak count : 15, Carvins Cove Res. (Botetourt ), 11 Apr1971.BLACK SCOTERMelanitta nigra NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to locally abundant transient and common winter resident (10Oct−15 Apr) on coast and in Chesapeake Bay, uncommon to rareelsewhere and becoming very rare farther inland. Rare but almost annualsummer visitor along coast; this is the most likely of the three scoterspecies to summer. Peak counts : summer—37, Metompkin Is., 23 Jun1982; winter—25,000, off Cape Henry, early Feb−early Mar 1998;16,300, Chincoteague CBC, 30 Dec 1964 (the all-time high count on a

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CBC in North America); 15,000, CBBT, 4 Feb 2004.PiedmontSeven records: 2-3, Swift Creek Res. (Chesterfield ), 20-22 Nov 1977; 1,Goochland, 11-12 Mar 1978; 1, L. Anna, 11 Nov 1979; 1(2), Fairfax, 1 Dec1991; 1(2), Beaverdam Res. (Loudoun), 15 Oct 1994; 1, Sandy River Res.(Prince Edward), 24 Nov 1996; 1, Sandy River Res. (Prince Edward ), 3-13Nov 2002.Mountains and ValleysFive records: 3, Rockingham, 9-30 Nov 1977; 2, Rural Retreat L. (Wythe),21 Oct 1995; 1, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 21 Dec 1996; 1(2),Staunton, 8 Dec 2001; 1, Blacksburg CBC, 15 Dec 2001.LONG-TAILED DUCKClangula hyemalis NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (30 Oct−15 Apr) oncoast, in Chesapeake Bay, and on lower Potomac R., uncommon to rareelsewhere and becoming rarer farther inland; rare summer visitor alongcoast. This species declined sharply in Virginia since the 1970s (see noteson mortality in Surf Scoter account), but recent counts have increasednotably since the late 1990s. Peak counts : spring—675, west of Hog Is.(Northampton), 24 Mar 2005; winter—5300, CBBT, Feb 1975 [982, CBBT,4-5 Feb 2006]; 2485, Chincoteague CBC, 27 Dec 1975; 482, MathewsCBC, 3 Jan 1999. A count of 31, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 1994 was a highcount so far up the Potomac R.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 26 Oct−24 Apr).Recorded on CBCs only two of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peakcounts : spring—27, Lynchburg, 24 Apr 1940; early winter—73,Beaverdam Res. (Loudoun), 3 Dec 1992.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 25 Oct−21 Apr).Regional totals of 1-2 individuals recorded on CBCs seven of 21 yearsbetween 1984 and 2004. Peak count : 44, Swoope, 29 Mar 1990.

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BUFFLEHEADBucephala albeola NonbreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident (30 Oct−10 Apr) on coast, inChespeake Bay, and on lower reaches of larger tidal rivers; commoninland. Rare summer visitor, with at least seven records: five late Mayand summer records from the upper Potomac R. near Alexandria/Fairfax; 1, Oyster (Northampton), 18 May–1 Jun 2004; 1, Dameron Marsh(Northumberland ), Jun 2004. Peak counts : 7196, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan1988; 5475, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1966; 4449, Chincoteague CBC,29 Dec 2004; 3914, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1989.PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (5 Nov−10 Apr; extreme dates 24Oct–27 Apr). Peak counts : spring—71, Albemarle, 14 Apr 1955; fall—86,L. Anna, 15 Nov 1978; winter—289, Kerr Res. CBC, 17 Dec 1995.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter visitor (5 Nov–10 Apr; extreme dates1 Nov–5 May) over most of region, locally common on New R. nearBlacksburg. One summer record: 1, Rockbridge, 17 Jun 1935. Peak counts :fall—170, Augusta, 22 Nov 1977; winter—299, Bristol CBC, 27 Dec1998; 153, Blacksburg CBC, 27 Dec 1962.COMMON GOLDENEYEBucephala clangula NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (10 Nov−30 Mar) near coast, inChesapeake Bay, and on lower reaches of larger tidal rivers, less commonfarther inland; rare summer visitor. This species has declined sharply insouthern Tidewater since at least the 1970s. Peak counts : 2500, Wakefield(Surry), 10 Dec 1988; 801, Newport News CBC, 18 Dec 1976; 608,Mathews CBC, 30 Dec 1990; 527, Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 18 Dec1993.PiedmontUncommon transient and winter resident (10 Nov−30 Mar). Nearlyannual on CBCs, with regional totals of up to 27 individuals, 1984-2004.Peak counts : spring—21, L. Anna, 15 Mar 1980; winter—96, Albemarle, 23Feb 1959 [56, L. Anna CBC, 4 Jan 2004].

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Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter visitor (10 Nov–15 Apr; extreme dates7 Nov–29 Apr) over most of region, locally common on New R. nearBlacksburg. Nearly annual on CBCs, with regional totals of up to 34individuals, 1984-2004. One summer record: 1, New R. near Blacksburg,15-18 Jun 1965. Peak counts : 85, Blacksburg CBC, 31 Dec 1951 [31,Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 18 Dec 2004; 16, Blacksburg CBC,15 Dec 2001].BARROW’S GOLDENEYE (Category 2)Bucephala islandica NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo accepted records: 1(2), CBBT, 28 Feb 1982; 1(2), CBBT, 5 Mar 1994.Other winter reports from Virginia Beach and Suffolk have not beenreviewed. The wing-check program of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,which accepts wings from waterfowl hunters in order to monitorharvests, has reportedly received wings of drake Barrow’s Goldeneyesfrom Virginia around 15 Dec 1963 (Accomack ) and Dec 1996 (near BackBay). These have not yet been reviewed by VARCOM. HOODED MERGANSERLophodytes cucullatus BreederOverviewRecent increases in numbers of summering birds (and breeding records)in Virginia reflect more broad-scale population increases and rangeexpansion in the northeastern U.S. since the 1960s, as documented byBBS data.Coastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (30 Oct−10 Apr; extreme earlydate 14 Oct) over most of region; rare summer resident. Breeding : rarebreeder in eastern Fairfax (Huntley Meadows CP and Mason Neck) since1989, with up to four pairs/year nesting in nest boxes at HuntleyMeadows. Probably an annual breeder on the Eastern Shore in WoodDuck boxes (e.g., four eggs were in a box in Accomack, 17 Apr 1991).Four breeding records elsewhere—female on nest with five eggs, DismalSwamp, 21 Apr 1977; brood, First Landing SP (Virginia Beach), 17 May1984; female with a dozen chicks, Dragon Run (Middlesex/King andQueen), 8 May 2003; female on nest with one egg, Mattaponi R. nearBeulahville (King William), 31 Mar 2006. Eggs, 2 Mar−21 Apr. Peak counts :fall—300, Dismal Swamp, 17 Nov 1985; winter—1345, Little Creek

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CBC, 31 Dec 1993.PiedmontCommon to uncommon transient and winter resident (30 Oct−15 Apr);rare summer visitor. Breeding : four records—female with 9 small young,Banister R. WMA (Halifax ), 27 May 1989, and bred here again in 1992;confirmed breeding(2), Warren (Albemarle), 6-31 May 2000; female with9 young, Phelps WMA (Fauquier ), 10-18 Apr 2004. Peak counts : fall—195,Richmond, 19 Nov 1980; winter—202, L. Anna CBC, 5 Jan 2002; 196,Kerr Res. CBC, 26 Dec 1976.Mountains and ValleysCommon to uncommon transient and winter resident (30 Oct−15 Apr);rare summer visitor, with more than 11 summer records (mostly inearly/mid-June). Breeding : one record—1 female with 2 nearly grownyoung(2), Douthat SP (Bath), 11 Jun 2003. Peak counts : fall—72, Botetourt,16 Nov 1980; winter—368, Augusta, 8 Dec 2001; 308, Bristol CBC, 26Dec 2004.COMMON MERGANSERMergus merganser Casual BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (15 Nov−10 Apr) in freshwaterareas, uncommon to rare on outer coast and in Tidewater area; raresummer visitor in eastern Fairfax. Breeding : one record—female with 2 or3 half-grown young, Dyke Marsh, 27 Jun 1965. Peak counts : 3501, Ft.Belvoir CBC, 31 Dec 1995; 2500, Brooke CBC, 2 Jan 1961.PiedmontUncommon to rare transient and winter resident (30 Nov−10 Apr;extreme dates 4 Nov−15 May) in most of region, locally common atreservoirs in northern Piedmont. One summer record away fromextreme north: 1, Richmond, 26 Jul–1 Aug 1981. Breeding : possibly threerecords—female with half-grown young, Potomac R. near RiverbendPark (Fairfax ), 8 Jun 2004; female with 17 ducklings, Potomac R. nearRiverbend Park (Fairfax ), 12 May 2005; pair with 3-4 young, Potomac R.near Pennyfield Lock (Montgomery, Maryland), 14 May 2005. Theselocations are all just barely in Maryland, as nearly the entirety of thePotomac R. in this area is on the Maryland side of the state line; however,the nests may have been located on either the Virginia or Maryland sideof the river. Peak count: 453, The Plains CBC, 15 Dec 2002.

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Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter resident (30 Nov−10 Apr; extreme dates 10Nov−13 May); rare summer visitor. Breeding : four records—inRockingham, adults with 6 young, 26-29 May 1954 and females withyoung, 1947 and 1953; female with 8 young, Little R. (Montgomery), 4-21Jun 2003. Peak counts : spring—18, Hungry Mother L. (Smyth), 30 Apr1978; winter—21, Bristol CBC, 28 Dec 1974.RED-BREASTED MERGANSERMergus serrator NonbreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and common winter resident (30 Oct−30 Apr) alongcoast and in lower Chesapeake Bay, common (especially in saltwaterareas) to uncommon elsewhere. Small numbers often linger into late Mayand early June; relatively rare summer visitor along the coast (very rareinland), but there are more than 30 summer reports. Peak counts : spring—1500, Chincoteague Bay, 18 Mar 1953; 875, CBBT, 27 Mar 2005;fall—3000, Hampton, 19 Nov 1970; winter—11,465, Cape Charles CBC,31 Dec 1991; 10,000, Back Bay, 22 Feb 1986; inland—401, Washington’sBirthplace CBC, 16 Dec 1995.PiedmontUncommon to rare transient and winter visitor, more common in spring(15 Nov−30 Apr); several records into late May, and two summerrecords: 1, Kerr Res., 8-12 Jun 1977; 1, Martinsville, 5-10 Jun 1995. Peakcounts : spring—125, Kerr Res., 27 Mar 1975; fall—34, Amherst, 24 Nov2004; winter—55, Swift Creek Res., 5 Dec 1984.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to rare transient and winter visitor, more common in spring(15 Nov−30 Apr); several records into late May, and five summer records:1, Frederick, 24 Jun 1978; 1, L. Moomaw, 8-13 Jun 1982; 1, CowpastureR. (Bath), 8 Jun 1982; 1, New R. (Giles), 8 Jun 1983; 1, Augusta, 12 Jun–29 Jul 1998. Peak counts : spring—129, Botetourt, 15 Apr 1983; fall—23,New R. (Pulaski), 24 Nov 2004; winter—80, Augusta, 15 Dec 1994.RUDDY DUCKOxyura jamaicensis NonbreederCoastal PlainLocally common to abundant transient and winter resident (30 Sep−15Apr), most common on tidal rivers; rare but locally regular early summer

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visitor (especially at Craney Is. and Chincoteague). This species has bredon one occasion in Maryland (2004); breeding should be looked for inVirginia. Peak counts : spring—10,000, Alexandria, 24 Mar 1964;summer—29, Chincoteague, Jun−Jul 1976; winter—152,688, Williams-burg CBC, 22 Dec 1996 (the all-time high count on a CBC in NorthAmerica); 15,000, Yorktown, 15 Jan 1981; 14,095, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 30Dec 2001; 13,975, Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 16 Dec 1995.PiedmontUncommon transient and winter visitor (30 Sep−30 Apr); several recordsinto late May, and four summer records: 1, Kerr Res., 8-12 Jun 1977; 2,Nokesville, 3 Jun 1983; 1, Martinsville, 5-10 Jun 1995; 1, Goochland, 15 Jul2004. Peak counts : fall—91, Richmond, 30 Nov 1980; winter—234,Chancellorsville CBC, 4 Jan 1998.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and uncommon to rare winter visitor (15 Oct–25Apr). Four summer records: 1, near Blacksburg, summer 1952; 1,Frederick, 11 Jun 1994; 20, Augusta, 2 Jun 1998 (decreasing to 1 on 5 Jul);2, Staunton, 16 Jun 2003. Peak counts : spring—200, Claytor L. (Pulaski),spring 1965; fall—220, Augusta, 23 Nov 1977; winter—73, Augusta, 22Dec 1999.RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Category 6)Phasianus colchicus Former breeder, introducedOverviewThroughout much of the 20th century, this species was widely introducedin Virginia by hunt clubs and the VDGIF. During the period 1969-1976,nearly 12,500 were released in the state; approximately 3500 were releasedin 1969-1970 alone, mostly in Rockingham and Augusta. However,numbers dwindled everywhere following releases and have declinedespecially rapidly since the late 1970s. Although there are still occasionalreports in Virginia, these result from ongoing, local introductions forhunting. Concluding that there are no self-sustaining populationsanywhere in the state, VARCOM revised the status of this species fromCategory 5 (introduced and maintaining self-sustaining wild populationswithin Virginia) to Category 6 (introduced species currently extirpated)in 2005.Coastal PlainFormerly uncommon permanent resident but likely no longerestablished. Last recorded on the Eastern Shore on Hog Is.32

(Northampton), 18 Jul 1990 and near Oyster, 29 May 1991; population atCamp Peary near Williamsburg last reported 1992. Regional totals of upto 10 individuals recorded on CBCs 15 of 21 years between 1984 and2004; since 1995, recorded on CBCs only at Hopewell, where the species’persistence likely results from repeated releases. Breeding : eggs, 4-17 May;small young, 11 Jun−mid-Aug. Peak counts : spring—28, WilliamsburgSBC, 4 May 1980; fall—49, Charles City, 27-28 Oct 1969. PiedmontFormerly uncommon permanent resident in northeastern Loudoun, rareelsewhere. Small numbers have been recorded in northern Loudoun (fromPurcellville north) as recently as 2002, but it is unknown whether theseresult from repeated, recent releases or are the vestiges of the formerbreeding population. Contemporary reports from other locations are ofrecently released birds. Breeding : formerly, released birds likely bred widely,but only one confirmed record—9 half-grown young, Loudoun, 13 Jun1978. Peak count : 10, Loudoun, 16 Jun 1978.Mountains and ValleysFormerly uncommon and local permanent resident in Augusta, Clarke,Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren; rare elsewhere. There are stilloccasional reports from the northern Shenandoah Valley, but it isunknown whether these are the result of repeated, recent releases orrepresent the vestiges of the former breeding population. Regional totalsof up to 6 individuals recorded on CBCs 13 of 21 years between 1984and 2004, mostly on Calmes Neck, Northern Shenandoah Valley, andShenandoah NP−Luray CBCs. Breeding : eggs, Rockbridge, 10 Jul; adultswith 6 young, Cole Mt. (Amherst ), 14 Jun 1970; female with young,Shenandoah Valley, 3 Aug 1979. Peak count : 8, Augusta County CBC, 18Dec 1976.JAPANESE GREEN PHEASANT (Category 6)Phasianus versicolor Former breeder, introducedCoastal PlainThis species, which was recently split from Ring-necked Pheasant, hasbeen released in several Coastal Plain locations, but populations have notpersisted. Releases occurred on the Northern Neck in the 1960s, but thelast birds were seen at Kilmarnock in late 1982. A number of birds werereleased in Accomack and Northampton in the 1960s and early 1970s, withas many as 380+ released on the Eastern Shore 1970-1973. Smallnumbers were reported regularly in southern Northampton through the

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mid-1990s, mostly south of the Oyster/Cheriton area (in areas whereRing-necked Pheasants were also observed). Breeding was confirmed asrecently as 1993, when a nest with eggs was found at Mockhorn Is.WMA, but the species was last reported on the Eastern Shore at theESVNWR on 12 Dec 1995. Releases in Mathews in 1974 were similarlyunsuccessful. Japanese Green Pheasants were reported sporadically atCurles Neck Farm (Henrico), where they were occasionally released withRing-necked Pheasants, as recently as 6 Jul 1994. However, this species( like the Ring-necked Pheasant) has been extirpated from the state as abreeding species. VARCOM placed this species on the state list inCategory 6 in 2005.RUFFED GROUSEBonasa umbellus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate substantial declines in Virginia (and much of thenortheastern U.S.), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainFormerly a very local permanent resident in eastern Prince William andStafford (Prince William Forest Park and Quantico Marine Corps Base),where the population has been very small since the 1960s or earlier.Current status unknown, and may no longer occur in region. Most recentrecord: 1 window-kill, Arlington, 14 Nov 1991. Two reported on the CapeCharles CBC, 27 Dec 1972, were certainly local releases.PiedmontUncommon and local permanent resident; historically, reported fromDanville north to Loudoun, but most records are from Amelia, Appomattox,and Nelson north through western Goochland and central Louisa to Fauquierand Prince William. Few recent records away from western edge of region,and current status is poorly known. Breeding : eggs, 19-30 Apr; half-grownyoung, 14 Jun. Peak count : 8, Warren CBC, 29 Dec 1974 [6, CharlottesvilleCBC, 23 Dec 1990].Mountains and ValleysUncommon to locally common permanent resident. Populations arecyclic, but downward trends have been evident in many areas, especiallysince the early 1990s. Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr−15 Jul; broods, 16 May−25Aug. Peak counts : 25, Big Flat CBC, 30 Dec 1970; 25, Shenandoah NPCBC, 18 Dec 1977; 23, Shenandoah NP−Luray CBC, 16 Dec 1990 and20 Dec 1992.34

WILD TURKEYMeleagris gallopavo BreederOverviewThis species was abundant and widespread in Virginia in colonial timesbut had declined dramatically by the end of the 19th century, due in largepart to overhunting {4}. Restocking efforts by the VDGIF since about1930 has bolstered numbers considerably, and populations continue toincrease in all regions. The genetic composition of the currentpopulations is unknown, but they mostly appear typical of thewidespread eastern North American subspecies silvestris.Coastal PlainLocally uncommon to rare permanent resident, increasing in abundancewestward. Reintroduced in early 1990s on Eastern Shore (inNorthampton), where expanding and increasing in number. Breeding : eggs,5 Apr−28 May; young through 9 Jul. Peak counts : spring—17, StratfordHall (Westmoreland ), 8 May 1986; winter—124, Williamsburg CBC, 15Dec 2002; 89, Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 16 Dec 1995; 79, Eyre Hall(Northampton), 22 Feb 2005.PiedmontUncommon to locally common permanent resident, most numerous incentral part of region. Breeding: eggs, 14 Apr−11 Jun; young, 7 Jun−15Aug. Peak counts : summer—28, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 2005; 27,Albemarle, 15 Aug 1971; winter—93, Lynchburg CBC, 16 Dec 2000.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to locally common permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 26Apr−6 Jul; young through 16 Sep. Peak counts : spring—33, Peaks of OtterBSD, 4 May 2002; fall—31, Botetourt, 4 Sep 1978; winter—125,Blacksburg CBC, 20 Dec 2003; 104, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC,21 Dec 1996.NORTHERN BOBWHITEColinus virginianus BreederOverviewStatewide CBC data indicate fairly stable populations until the mid-1970s.Since then, numbers have declined precipitously. Though the species isstill present throughout most of the state, it seems on the verge ofextirpation in many areas. The nominate subspecies is expected inVirginia, though in some areas, stocked populations have included

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subspecies texanus {2} and possibly also floridanus. More study is neededto determine the effect of restocking efforts on the genetic compositionof Virginia’s bobwhites.Coastal PlainUncommon and declining permanent resident. Regional totals recordedon CBCs declined from 524 in 1984 (when 10 CBCs were conducted) to88 in 2004 (when 15 CBCs were conducted). Breeding : eggs, 22 Apr−21Sep; downy young through 15 Oct. Peak counts : 271, Chincoteague CBC,28 Dec 1977 [138, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1984; 127, ChincoteagueCBC, 28 Dec 1988].PiedmontUncommon and declining permanent resident. Regional totals recordedon CBCs were as high as 291 in 1986 (when eight CBCs were conducted)but declined to only 5 in 2004 (when 12 CBCs were conducted). Breeding :eggs, 14 Apr−11 Oct. Peak counts : summer—169, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun1986; winter—223, Warren CBC, 23 Dec 1973 [129, Charlottesville, 29Dec 1985; 81, Danville CBC, 17 Dec 1994].Mountains and ValleysUncommon and declining permanent resident. Regional totals recordedon CBCs were as high as 406 in 1986 (when 18 CBCs were conducted)but declined to only 3 in 2003 and 1 in 2004 (when 20 CBCs wereconducted). Breeding : eggs, 26 Apr−Sep; downy young through 19 Oct.Peak counts : spring—73, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3 May 1975; winter—294,Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 18 Dec 1976 [120, NorthernShenandoah Valley CBC, 19 Dec 1987].RED-THROATED LOONGavia stellata NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (30 Oct−20 May, occasionally asearly as 5 Oct), on coast and in Chesapeake Bay, uncommon to rare onlarger lakes and upper reaches of tidal rivers farther inland; relatively raremore than 30 mi from shore. Large flights involving thousands of birdshave been observed along ocean coasts in Mar−Apr and Nov−Dec. Raresummer visitor along coast, far rarer during this season than CommonLoon. Very rarely observed in breeding plumage in Virginia. Peak counts :spring—5000, Wallops Is., 10 Mar 1971; fall—651, Chincoteague, 30Nov 1991; winter—8076, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 2003; 1375, LittleCreek CBC, 31 Dec 1997; 1362, Bethel Beach (Mathews), 31 Dec 199136

(high for the Bay). A count of 9 at Dyke Marsh, 12 Apr 1980, is a highcount so near the fall line.PiedmontRare transient and even rarer winter visitor (25 Oct−30 Apr), with mostrecords from larger lakes (especially L. Anna and Kerr Res.). Recordedon CBCs less than one year in two. Three records of single birds between23 May and 10 Jun from L. Anna, Kerr Res., and Timberlake (Campbell ).Early date: 1, Kerr Res., 27 Sep 2003. Peak counts : fall—4, L. Anna, 1Nov 1981; winter—4, L. Anna, 9 Dec 1977; 4, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan1993.Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient and early winter visitor (extreme dates 4 Nov−18 Dec),occurring primarily on larger lakes; recorded less than annually. Norecords of more than 2 individuals. Four spring records: 1, Silver L.(Rockingham), 6 Apr 1995; 1, Lyndhurst, 2-17 Apr 1996; 1, L. Moomaw,17 Mar 2003; 1, Staunton, 30 Apr 2005.PACIFIC LOON Gavia pacifica NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor, with at least nine records: 1(1) specimen,Back Bay, 30 Apr 1987 (UMMZ 277139); 1(2), Wise Point (Northampton),6 Dec 1994; 1(2), False Cape SP/Back Bay, 29 Dec 1995; 1, Kiptopeke, 26Nov 1996; 1(2), Back Bay, 29 Dec 1996; 1, CBBT, 5 Jan 2001; 1,Cherrystone Landing (Northampton), 30 Dec 2003; 1, Dameron Marsh(Northumberland ), 27 Jan 2005; 1(2), Back Bay, 4 Dec 2005. A number ofunaccepted and unreviewed records along the coast from Chincoteaguesouth (1975−2004) are likely also correct, and increased documentationefforts would likely demonstrate that this species is a regular (evenannual) but rare migrant and winter visitor along the immediate coast.Three records accepted as either Pacific or Arctic Loon (G. arctica): 1,Assateague Is., 3 Apr 1976; 2(2), Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 2003; 1(2), LittleCreek CBC, 31 Dec 2004. A Pacific-type loon at Virginia Beach, 2 Jan2004, showed features more consistent with Arctic Loon, a species notdocumented on the Atlantic Coast of North America.PiedmontTwo to four records: at Kerr Res., records of single individuals 6 Dec2003−12 Mar 2004(2), 10 Apr 2005(1) (ph.), and 1 Feb−25 Mar 2006 couldpossibly all pertain to the same bird returning over multiple winters; 1(1)

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ph., L. Anna, 24 Feb−6 Mar 2004.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1, South Holston L., 4 Dec 2005. COMMON LOONGavia immer NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep−25 May) on coast and inChesapeake Bay, uncommon (though more abundant in all seasons thanRed-throated Loon) on larger lakes and upper reaches of tidal riversfarther inland. Late migrants pass through into mid-June, and a fewnonbreeders linger through summer each year, mostly on immediatecoast and in Chesapeake Bay. Peak counts : spring—900, off Cape Charles,25 Apr 1991; summer—10, Chincoteague, 6 Jul 1975; fall—2313, Diggs(Mathews), 25 Nov 1994; 1445, Mathews, 26 Nov 1983; winter—1153,Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1995; 1000, off New Point Comfort (Mathews),7 Dec 1990; inland—263, Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 17 Dec 1994.A count of 43 at Mason Neck, 19 Apr 1992, was a high count so far upthe Potomac R.PiedmontUncommon transient (1 Apr−15 May, 10 Oct−25 Dec), primarily onlarger lakes and ponds; fairly rare winter resident and rare summer visitor(with more than 15 records Jun−Aug) on larger lakes. Peak counts :spring—208, Philpott L. (Henry/Patrick), 14 Apr 2004; fall—500, L.Anna, 12 Nov 1979; 200, Short Hill Mt. (Loudoun), 27 Oct 2001; winter—47, Kerr Res. CBC, 21 Dec 1997; 20, L. Anna, 19 Jan 1980.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to rare transient (20 Apr−15 May, 10 Oct−25 Dec),primarily on larger lakes and ponds and (in migration) at mountainhawkwatches; rare winter and summer visitor (with about 11 Jun−Julrecords). Peak counts : fall—511 (in migration), Snickers Gap, 26 Nov2002; 500 (in migration), Snickers Gap, 8 Nov 1991; 71, Augusta, 13 Nov1979; winter—19, Bristol CBC, 26 Dec 1993.PIED-BILLED GREBEPodilymbus podiceps BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (20 Aug−30 Apr); fairly rare and

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local summer resident. Rarely observed in pelagic waters in Aug−Sep,sometimes over 60 mi offshore. Breeding : breeding records from nontidalfresh and brackish marshes and ponds at Chincoteague, Virginia Beach,Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Northampton (ESVNWR and countylandfill), Charles City ( L. Harrison), Surry (Hog Is. WMA), and Fairfax(Huntley Meadows CP). Eggs, 31 Mar−24 Jul; many broods, 19 May−22Aug, with a very late brood of fairly young chicks, ESVNWR, 8 Oct1987. Peak counts : spring—22, Chincoteague, 10-16 Apr 1983; summer—25, Chincoteague, 12 Jul 1980; 18, Chincoteague 6-7 Jul 1983; fall—273,Chincoteague, 13 Oct 1973; 180, Chincoteague, 13 Sep 1958 [morerecent counts there much lower, e.g., 45 on 25-26 Sep 1985, 36 on 2-3Oct 1986, 27 on 5 Oct 1991]; 98, Hunting Creek, 25 Oct 1985; winter—435, Brooke CBC, 14 Dec 2001; 393, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1975. PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (30 Aug−30 Apr); rare summerresident. Breeding : four records—adults with 3 downy young, Amherst,13-24 May 1977; pair with 5 young, Bedford, 24 May−10 Jun 1984; pairwith 3 young, Bedford, 16 May−1 Jun 1985; two pairs with broods, DickCross WMA (Mecklenburg ), 3 Jul 2003. Summering birds at other smallponds and marshes suggest more widespread breeding. Peak counts :spring—20, L. Anna, 8 Mar 1981; fall—77, Danville, 15 Sep 1950; 58,Swift Creek Res., 12 Nov 1986; winter—87, L. Anna, 25 Jan 1981.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon winter visitor (30 Aug−25 Apr); raresummer resident. Breeding : five records—young, Rockingham, Jun 1956;adult with up to 7 downy young, Rockingham, 4 Jun−7 Jul 1979; adult with4 half-grown young, Laurel Bed L. (Russell ), 13 Jul 1972; adult with 2young, Back Creek Res. (Bath), 21 Jul 1985; adult nest-building, Mt.Horeb (Augusta), 17 Jun 1998 ( broken egg found at nest on 14 Jul 1998).Summering birds at other small ponds and marshes suggest morewidespread breeding. Peak counts : spring—18, Mt. Horeb (Augusta), 21Apr 1998; fall—73, South Holston L., 18 Oct 1995; 38, Alleghany, 12 Oct1947; winter—101, Bristol CBC, 31 Dec 1995.HORNED GREBEPodiceps auritus NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (extreme dates 6 Oct−23 May) on

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coast, in Chesapeake Bay, and in larger estuaries; less common on upperreaches of tidal rivers and farther inland. Two summer records: 1, BoneIs. (now the northern end of Wreck Is.), 2 Jul 1921; 1, Chincoteague, 22Jun and 10 Jul 1975. Peak counts : spring—3500, Craney Is., 19 Mar 1981;700, Chesapeake Bay south of Tangier Is., 7 Mar 1988; 450, Kiptopeke,6 Mar 2005; fall—385, Alexandria, 2 Nov 1957; winter—10,000, CBBT,22 Jan 1978; 2716, Hopewell CBC, 20 Dec 1998; 2683, Back Bay CBC,25 Dec 1967; 1703, Chincoteague, 29 Dec 1955. Numbers have declinedprecipitously since the 1970s, and counts exceeding 1000 would now beexceptional.PiedmontUncommon transient and rare winter visitor (extreme dates 15 Oct−20Apr), locally common only at L. Anna and Kerr Res. Two or threesummer records: 1, Kerr Res., 25 Jun 1977; 1, Airlie Res. (Fauquier), 17 Jun2000, and possibly same bird at North Fork Wetlands (Prince William), 21-24 Jun 2000. Peak counts : spring—225, Kerr Res., 27 Mar 1975;winter—105, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1993.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and rare winter visitor (extreme dates 5 Oct−24May), with larger counts generally of birds grounded by storms. Peakcounts : spring—51, Bath, 4 Apr 1973; fall—27, L. Shenandoah(Rockingham), 29 Nov 1982; winter—51, Shenandoah R. (Clarke), 28 Dec1980.RED-NECKED GREBEPodiceps grisegena NonbreederOverviewThis species is normally relatively rare in Virginia, most regularlyobserved in coastal waters. However, unusually large influxes of first-winter birds and basic-plumaged adults occurred in February 1994 (over370 individuals counted statewide) and late February through early March2003 (at least 721 individuals), apparently due to freezing of the GreatLakes. Smaller “echo” influxes were noted in January and February 1995and March 2004. Occurrences throughout Virginia were much morewidespread (and on a greater variety of habitats, including smaller riversand ponds), counts were much higher, and birds lingered later into spring(and even summer) during these incursions than is normal. This specieswas reported in 41 counties and nine cities during the 2003 incursion,with the highest concentrations in northern Virginia. In 1994, birds were

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much more prevalent on the coast and utilized a wide array of habitats:pelagic, neritic, and littoral zone waters were all found to hold numbers,but the majority of birds used open Chesapeake Bay waters, large lakesand reservoirs, and large rivers, and to a lesser extent fish hatcheries,small lakes at suburban developments, borrow pits, and sewage ponds.Late winter influxes had previously been noted in the interior of the state(e.g., in 1948, 1959, and 1977) but not on the coast. The 1948 flightspanned 7 Mar–15 Apr and covered the state, but at that time, very fewobservers were present on the Eastern Shore to assess abundance there.Birds in breeding plumage have been observed on numerous occasionsin the context of such incursions but are otherwise rarely seen. Coastal PlainIn most years, fairly rare but annual transient and winter visitor (extremedates during normal years 25 Oct−26 Mar) on coast, in Chesapeake Bay,and in larger estuaries; rare transient on upper reaches of tidal rivers andfarther inland. Regional totals of up to 13 individuals recorded on CBCs12 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. After the 2003 incursion,individuals lingered to 28 Apr in Arlington and 24 May at Occoquan Bay(Prince William). Early arrival date: 1, Chincoteague, 10 Sep 1995. Peakcounts : 179, Fisherman Is., 26 Mar 1994; 28, Chincoteague, 20 Feb 1994;18, CBBT, 12 Feb 1994; 13, off Virginia Beach to Norfolk Canyon, 5Feb 1994; peak counts in non-incursion years: 10, seen from CapeCharles−Norfolk ferry, 18 and 24 Dec 1948 and 30 Jan 1949; 7,Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1970; 7, Brooke CBC, 18 Dec 1998.PiedmontIn most years, rare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates duringnormal years 14 Nov−26 Apr), primarily on larger lakes; most records arefrom late winter and early spring (e.g., only one CBC record since 1984).Late date: 1, Swift Creek Res., 5-30 May 1978. After 2003 incursion,lingered into April at several locations in the north, with one present to19 Jul at Burke L. (Fairfax ). Peak counts : 29, Burke L. (Fairfax ), 22 Mar2003; 22, L. Anna, 13 Feb 1994; 8, Mill Creek L. (Amherst ), 25 Mar 1994;peak count in non-incursion years: 3, Kerr Res., 18-26 Feb 1977.Mountains and ValleysIn most years, rare transient and even rarer winter visitor (extreme datesduring normal years 31 Oct−13 Apr), with most records being of singleindividuals in late winter and early spring. After 1994 incursion, onelingered until 3 May in Augusta. Peak count : 4, Augusta, 28 Feb 1994.

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EARED GREBEPodiceps nigricollis NonbreederCoastal PlainRare fall transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 20 Sep−24 Mar) nearcoast, with approximately 20 records (mostly of single individuals) duringthese two seasons. Although most records are from winter, eight arefrom September and early October, earlier than typical arrival dates ofHorned Grebes. Nearly half of all records (about 15) are fromChincoteague (1979-1998), but some of these may represent a fewrepeatedly returning birds; others are from Northampton, CBBT, Norfolk,Suffolk (Craney Is.), Hampton, and Virginia Beach. Two early springrecords: 1, Craney Is., 6 Mar 1981; 1, CBBT, 11-24 Mar 1994. One Augrecord: 1, Chincoteague, 16 Aug 1972. Specimen: 1, Craney Is., 9 Nov1966. Peak counts : 3, Chincoteague, 4-6 Dec 1994; 2, Chincoteague, 17Feb 1994 and 10 Jan 1995; 2, Craney Is., 1 Dec 2005.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor, with seven records: 1, L. Anna, 2 Nov1980; 1, Timberlake (Campbell ), 11 Apr 1986; 1 ph., Lynchburg, 19 Dec1987−6 Jan 1988; 1, Timberlake (Campbell ), 3 Apr 1993; 4, 28 Mar 1994,Smith Mountain L.; 1(1) ph., Dulles Airport pond, 20-29 Sep 1997; 1,Beaverdam Res. (Loudoun), 29 Mar−4 Apr 2000. Mountains and ValleysThroughout most of region, very rare transient and winter visitor, withseven records: 1 found dead, Rockingham, 20 Dec 1975 (specimen atJMU); 1(2), Stuarts Draft, 16 Aug 1980; 1, L. Shenandoah (Rockingham), 27Apr 1981; 1, Rockingham, 25 Oct 1984; 1, Staunton, 14 Mar 1997; 3, Wise,20 Mar 1998; 2, Laurel Bed L. (Russell ), 13 Oct 1998. Each year since1994, small numbers have been found at South Holston L. on theVirginia/Tennessee state line (extreme dates at this location 30 Aug−14Apr). Peak counts : fall—19, South Holston L., 5 Oct 1997; spring—9,South Holston L., 9 Mar 2004.WESTERN GREBEAechmophorus occidentalis NonbreederOverviewIn the 35th Supplement to the American Ornithologists’ Union’s Check-list of North American Birds (1985), Western Grebe and Clark’s Grebe,previously defined as color morphs, were recognized as full and separatespecies. The specific identify of most Aechmophorus grebes recorded in42

Virginia prior to this split is unknown, as documentation of these birdsdid not include sufficient detail to allow specific identification. Theserecords are listed separately, after the 10 reports of Western. Coastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor, with six records: 1, Little Hunting CreekBay (Alexandria), 30 Oct 1985; 1(2), Pohick Bay RP (Fairfax), 27-28 Mar1986; 1, Chincoteague, 17 Feb 1991; 1(2), Craney Is., 1 Jan 1995; 1, CBBT,1-17 Feb 2001; 1(2), Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 2003.PiedmontFour records: 1, Kerr Res., 17 Mar 1986; 1, Smith Mountain L., 15 Nov1986; 1, Sandy River Res. (Prince Edward ), 20 Nov−10 Dec 1996; 1(1) ph.,Reston (Fairfax), 21-30 May 1998.RECORDS OF UNIDENTIFIED Aechmophorus GREBESCoastal PlainFour or five records: 1, near Yorktown, 4 Dec 1963; 1 ph. (photographnot identifiable to species but probably Western), Craney Is., 3 Nov−2Dec 1973 and 16 Mar−5 May 1974 (possibly the same individual in falland spring ); 1, Little Creek CBC, 1 Jan−25 Feb 1982; 1(2), Virginia Beach,1 Jan 2005.PiedmontThree records: 1, Dulles Airport pond, 14-19 Oct 1964; 1, Kerr Res., 17-21 Apr 1983; 1, L. Orange (Orange), 9 Jan 1999.Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1, Claytor L. SP (Pulaski ), 24 Jan−27 Feb 1965; 1, L.Shenandoah (Rockingham), 31 Dec 1994.CLARK’S GREBEAechmophorus clarkii NonbreederCoastal PlainOne to five records, all from the Chesapeake Bay mouth: 1(2), CBBT, 11Feb 2000; 1(2), 18-31 Dec 2001, Virginia Beach/Ft. Story; 1(1) ph., VirginiaBeach, 31 Dec 2002-2 Jan 2003; 1(1) ph., Virginia Beach, 31 Dec 2003–4Jan 2004; 1, Virginia Beach, 31 Dec 2005. It is likely that these records,the only accepted records for the Atlantic coast aside from records inMaine and North Carolina, pertain to the same individual returning forup to seven successive winters; it should be noted that none was detectedin this area in winter 2000-2001, and an individual reported as this species

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from Virginia Beach on 1 Jan 2005 was accepted by VARCOM only asClark’s/Western Grebe.YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (Category 2) Thalassarche chlororhynchos NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo sight records: 1(2), 55 mi east of Assateague Is. (38° 01’ N, 74° 04’W), 3 Dec 1979; 1(2), Back Bay, 28 Nov 1981. The description of the1979 bird suggests that it was of the more expected nominate subspecies,Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, rather than bassi of the Indian Ocean(unrecorded in North America).BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSSThalassarche melanophris NonbreederOne record in Coastal Plain: 1(1) ph., Norfolk Canyon ca. 65 nmi east ofVirginia Beach, 6 Feb 1999. Of the 20+ sight records of the species forthe western North Atlantic, this is the only one to have been documentedby photograph. An observer conducting aerial wildlife surveys offVirginia Beach, 17 Mar 2004, reported an individual of this species; dueto the brevity of the observation, the record was accepted by VARCOMonly as “unidentified albatross”.NORTHERN FULMARFulmarus glacialis NonbreederCoastal PlainIrregularly fairly common to rare visitor in pelagic waters, mostly seawardof the 200-m isobath, from fall through spring (extreme dates 24 Sep–12 Jun); extremely rare visitor to inshore waters. Knowledge of seasonaldistribution limited by paucity of winter pelagic trips but found regularlyon February and March trips in recent years, with approximately 26reports totaling 1368 birds from offshore areas (through March 2006).Dead or moribund birds very rarely found on beaches; only one inshorerecord of a healthy bird: 1, CBBT, 4 Mar 1990. Two inshore records: 2,eight mi east of Parramore Is., 24 Sep 1977; 2, off Smith Is., 12 Jun 1982.Specimens: 1, near Cobb Is., prior to 1 Jul 1911; 1, Sandbridge, 3 Mar1962 (USNM 478859); 1, Hog Is. (Northampton), 21 Jun 1982; 1, Hog Is.(Northampton), late Jun 1992. Only one record of the species in thecontext of a tropical cyclone in Virginia: 1, False Cape SP, Virginia Beach,30 Sep 1983 (Tropical Storm Dean); this report is consistent with similarlate-September reports from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and Cape44

May, New Jersey. Most individuals observed are of the lighter of the twolight morphs, but on some late winter offshore trips, intermediate anddarker morphs (“blue fulmars”) have been seen in small numbers. Peakcounts : winter—503 (including 20+ dark or intermediate morphs), offVirginia Beach, 3 Feb 2002; 200+, off Virginia Beach, 9 Feb 1997;spring—36, off Virginia Beach, 5 Mar 2005; 23-39, 35-63 mi off VirginiaBeach, 9 May 1982. HERALD PETRELPterodroma arminjoniana NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1 dark morph, Norfolk Canyon, 22 Sep 1991; 2(2) (one lightand one dark morph), CBBT, 13 Jul 1996 (Hurricane Bertha). Recentlydiscovered to be a regular visitor in small numbers to pelagic waters offNorth Carolina from May through September. Probably more regular inwarmer, Gulf Stream-influenced waters far off Virginia than is known,but birding trips off Virginia rarely reach these waters. PiedmontTwo records: 1(2) light morph, Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (Hurricane Fran); 1(1)intermediate/light morph ph., captured alive at Kerr Res. and released onCBBT, 19 Sep 2003 (Hurricane Isabel ).FEA’S PETREL (Category 2)Pterodroma feae NonbreederOverviewThis species is observed annually in small numbers in pelagic waters offthe North Carolina Outer Banks. Because of its similarity to theendangered Zino’s Petrel (P. madeira), reports of Fea’s Petrel in NorthAmerica have yet to be fully accepted by the American Ornithologists’Union, which lists the species in an Appendix to the main Check-list. Coastal PlainOne record: 1(2) ph., off Virginia Beach, 9 Sep 1995 (one day after thepassage of Hurricane Luis).PiedmontOne record: 1(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (Hurricane Fran).

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BLACK-CAPPED PETRELPterodroma hasitata NonbreederCoastal PlainApparently rare spring through late fall visitor (extreme dates 30 May–19 Nov) far offshore, with six pelagic reports of single birds during thisperiod: 69 mi east of Assateague Is., 7 Sep 1975; 125 mi east-southeastof Chincoteague, 30 Aug 1979; 120 mi east of Virginia Beach, 10 Sep1981; 127 mi east of Virginia Beach, 16 Sep 1981; near Norfolk Canyon,30 May 1992; 160 mi east of Virginia Beach, 19 Nov 2003. Addition-ally, 4 single birds were recorded between 100 and 150 mi east of theVirginia capes, 15 Aug 1980. Probably more numerous in warmer, GulfStream-influenced waters than indicated by these offshore records, butbirding trips off Virginia rarely reach these waters. There are severalpelagic records of this species at Virginia latitudes but well east of theExclusive Economic Zone that also serves as the boundary for the state’savifaunal list. Singles were recorded at 36° 65’ N, 65° W, 532 nmi east ofCape Henry, 22 Aug 1969 and around 37° 57’ N, 62° 30’ W, 605 nmi eastof Chincoteague, 8 Apr 1973. In inshore waters, recorded at CBBTduring and immediately following the passage of several recent hur-ricanes: 9(2), 13 Jul and 26(2), 14 Jul 1996 (Hurricane Bertha); 2(2), 7 Sep1996 (Hurricane Fran); 1(2), 27 Aug 1998 (Hurricane Bonnie); 1, 5 Sep1999 (Hurricane Dennis); 5(2), 19 Sep 2003 and 4(2), 20 Sep 2003(Hurricane Isabel ). Unreviewed reports of single Black-capped Petrelsassociated with these hurricanes come from Ft. Story, 13 Jul 1996, andfrom the Chesapeake Bay, 3 km off the town of Cape Charles, 14 Jul1996, both following Bertha. Two were found dead on Cobb Is., 18 Jun2001. One winter record: 1 ph., off Virginia Beach, 18 Feb 2006(unexpected just 40 mi offshore in cool water only 8.3º C).PiedmontOne record: 6(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (Hurricane Fran).Mountains and ValleysThree records associated with hurricanes: “Sea Islands” Hurricane—1 fe-male, Blacksburg, 30 Aug 1893 (AMNH 349314) and 2, near Winchester,30 Aug 1893 (USNM 152522 and MCZ 328581); Hurricane Hugo—1(1)female, Verona (Augusta), 23 Sep 1989 (USNM 596792). A specimen re-covered at Covington, 6 Sep 1979 (Hurricane David ) was lost before itsidentity could be confirmed.

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CORY’S SHEARWATERCalonectris diomedea NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to irregularly common visitor spring through fall (extremedates 4 May–19 Nov) offshore, with peak abundance in September. Insummer and especially autumn, a few move closer to shore. Dead ormoribund birds are very rarely found on beaches; most recently, one ormore were among dozens of dead shearwaters at Chincoteague, 6 Sep1997 and later (specimens not saved), one was on Cobb Is., 18 Jun 1991,and one was at Fisherman Is., 7 Jul 2005. Most inshore records are fromCBBT and Chincoteague during storms, but 3 seen flying off Chinc-oteague, 1-4 Jul 1997, were in the context of a large “die-off ” ofshearwaters, mostly Greater, during a period of apparent prey scarcitythat brought many shearwaters into littoral waters from North Carolinato Maryland. Records at CBBT associated with hurricanes: 3(2), 13 Jul1996 and 2(2), 14 Jul 1996 (Hurricane Bertha); 1(2), 28 Aug 1998 (HurricaneBonnie); 5(2), 5 Sep 1999 (Hurricane Dennis); 12(2), 19 Sep 2003 and 2(2), 20Sep 2003 (Hurricane Isabel ). A count of 33 from shore at Back Bay, 2Nov 1985, occurred during a strong coastal storm. Peak counts : spring—148, 10-65 mi off the Virginia capes, 30 May 1988; summer—897, offAssateague Is., 17 Aug; 1991; fall—2792, off Virginia Beach, 18 Sep2000; 2165, off Virginia Beach, 8 Sep 1996; 1335, 65 mi east of VirginiaBeach, 29 Sep 1979.PiedmontOne record: 4(2), Kerr Reservoir, 6 Sep 1996, with 2(2) still present 7 Sep(Hurricane Fran).GREATER SHEARWATERPuffinus gravis NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to irregularly common visitor spring through fall (extremedates 20 May–27 Nov) offshore. Often lingers late into the fall and hasbeen noted off the Delmarva Peninsula in large numbers in late Novem-ber (e.g., 287 in Maryland waters off Ocean City, 23 Nov 1991). Onewinter record: 1 ph., Norfolk Canyon, 7 Dec 1991. Notable die-offsoccurred in Jun 1969, 1975, and 2005, with 75 picked up dead or dyingat Chincoteague on 22 Jun 1969, 29 at Back Bay in late June 1975, and30 on the Virginia coastline between mid-June and 7 Jul 2005; smallernumbers were noted dead on beaches in 1989 and 1997 as well. Healthybirds are rarely seen from shore, except associated with inshore

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incursions/die-offs and following hurricanes and strong coastal storms.Most inshore records are from CBBT, Chincoteague, Virginia Beach,and barrier islands. Inshore/inland records following hurricanes: 5(2),CBBT, 13 Jul 1996 and 1(2), CBBT, 14 Jul 1996 (Hurricane Bertha); 1(1)found dead, Godwin Bridge over Nansemond R., 13 Jul 1996 (HurricaneBertha); 1(1) ph., upper Chesapeake Bay just south of Maryland state line,17 Jul 1996 (Hurricane Bertha); 1(2), James R., 6 Sep 1996 (HurricaneFran); 2(2), CBBT, 5 Sep 1999 (Hurricane Dennis). A count of 36 fromshore at Back Bay, 2 Nov 1985, occurred during a strong coastal storm.Specimens: 1, Cobb Is., 2 Jul 1934 (USNM 322008); 1, off Wach-apreague, 24 May 1995 (ANS). Peak counts : spring—384, 20-65 mi off theVirginia capes, 30 May 1988; 260, off Virginia Beach, 12 Jun 1988;summer—303, off Virginia coast, 17 Aug 1991; fall—108, off VirginiaBeach, 18 Sep 2000.SOOTY SHEARWATERPuffinus griseus NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to irregularly common late spring and early summer visitor(extreme dates 15 May–28 Aug) offshore; rare and irregular in littoralwaters, mostly in late May and early June during spring migration. Smallnumbers are seen from shore (Virginia Beach, CBBT, barrier islands,and Chincoteague) more often than other shearwaters, particularly duringstrong easterly winds in late spring (e.g., 23, Chincoteague, 21 May 1992).Occasionally found dead in spring and very early summer in shearwater“die-offs” but never in numbers approaching those of Greater Shear-waters; only 13 reports of single birds found dead 1909-2005, all between30 May and 21 Jun. One record far into the Chespeake Bay: 1, Great FoxIs., 8 Jun 1976. Late fall date: 1, off beach at Back Bay, 2 Nov 1985. Areport of 1 at Back Bay, 15 Mar 1964, would be two months early for aspring migrant but could represent a wintering bird. Four certain winterrecords: 1, 52 mi off Virginia coast, 6 Dec 1979; 1, off Virginia Beach,21 Feb 1998; 1, off Virginia Beach, 24 Feb 2001; 1, off beach at BackBay, 3 Feb 2006. There are perhaps only six other winter reports for thewestern North Atlantic Ocean. Specimens: 1, Smith Is., May 1909(USNM); 1 adult male, Chincoteague, 21 Jun 1940; 1, Wallops Is., 13Jun 1976; 1, off Wachapreague, 24 May 1995 (ANS). Peak counts : 301,off Virginia Beach, 30 May 1988; 100, off Virginia Beach, 30 May 1992.

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SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER (Category 2)Puffinus tenuirostris NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2), Norfolk Canyon off Virginia Beach, 18 Jan 1998. Theonly other record from the western North Atlantic Ocean involves a livebird found ailing off the coast of Florida, now a specimen. Thistransequatorial migrant is an abundant South Pacific Ocean nester thatspends the nonbreeding months in the North Pacific and Bering Sea.MANX SHEARWATERPuffinus puffinus NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to rare visitor offshore, mostly seaward of 200-m isobath.Most records are from late fall through early summer, though recordsexist for all months but April, July, and October ( possibly reflectingcoverage of pelagic waters as much as seasonal occurrence, as the specieshas been recorded year-round off North Carolina). Of 30 offshorerecords totaling 152 individuals (1975-2005), 15 are from Dec–Feb, 10from May–Jun, three from August, and two from late November.Specimens found dead during shearwater die-offs include 1 at Back Bay,29 Jun 1975; multiple birds at Chincoteague, early Sep 1999 afterHurricane Dennis (specimens not saved and identification notconfirmed); and during the summer die-off of 2005, singles at Fisher-man Is. in mid-June and on Myrtle Is., 24 Jun, and several atChincoteague in late June. One inshore record of a healthy individual: 1,CBBT, 26 Dec 2005. Peak counts : spring—22, off Virginia Beach, 30 May1988; fall—47, off Virginia Beach, 27 Nov 2004; winter—18, offVirginia Beach, 2 Feb 1991. AUDUBON’S SHEARWATERPuffinus lherminieri NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to very common summer and fall visitor (extreme dates 30May–14 Oct) to warm waters well offshore, with peak numbers in lateAugust and September. Most are observed seaward of the 200-m isobathin the pelagic drift community, foraging in rafts of pelagic algae(Sargassum), but 1 was only 20 mi east of False Cape, 10 Aug 1982. Awinter record of a single bird 430 nmi east of Assateague Is. (technicallyoutside Virginia waters), 13 Dec 1979, indicates that, as in NorthCarolina, at least some probably linger into the colder months in theGulf Stream, which passes far offshore in winter. Specimens: 1, Cobb Is.,

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1 Sep 1893 ( likely the result of the “Sea Islands” Hurricane); 1, BackBay, 1 Aug 1939 (NCSM); 1, Fisherman Is., 8 Oct 1999 (probably theresult of Hurricane Dennis). Three records from CBBT: 1, 21 Aug 1974;1, 14 Jul 1996 (Hurricane Bertha); 1-2, 5 Sep 1999 (Hurricane Dennis, atropical depression on this date). Another record associated with Dennisis from Ft. Story, 6 Sep 1999. The only other inshore reports are fromVirginia Beach in early Oct 1900 and from Chincoteague on 29 Jul 1979(apparently a healthy bird). Peak counts : summer—55, off Assateague Is.,17 Aug 1991; fall—1545, 65 mi east of Virginia Beach, 26 Sep 1979; 565,135 mi east of Virginia capes, 11 Sep 1979 (after Hurricane David ). WILSON’S STORM-PETRELOceanites oceanicus NonbreederCoastal PlainFairly common visitor spring through fall (extreme dates 1 May–20 Oct)offshore and in lower and central Chesapeake Bay, with records frommouths of larger rivers and the upper Bay as far north as the Marylandstate line. Seen regularly, but in small numbers (especially followingstrong easterly winds), from shore along coast and in bays betweenbarrier islands and mainland Eastern Shore. Large northbound flightsfrom shore are occasionally observed: counts of 50-65/hour were noted28 Jun 1992 and 30 Jun–2 Jul 1992 at Metompkin Is., and 38 were atCBBT, 4 Jun 1997, during strong easterly winds. Apparently rare insideChesapeake Bay after July (except following hurricanes, when counts ashigh as several hundred have been made from a single location). Latedates: 1, off Virginia capes, 20 Oct 1979; 2, CBBT, 5 Oct 1982.Significant inshore/inland records following hurricanes: “hundreds,”upper Chesapeake Bay near Watts Is., 24 Aug 1933; 7, on Back Bay, 18Aug 1986 (Hurricane Charlie); 71, 13 Jul 1996 and 20, 14 Jul 1996, CBBT(Hurricane Bertha); 8, James R. from Jamestown Ferry, 13 Jul 1996(Hurricane Bertha); 8, James R. near Kingsmill, 6 Sep 1996 (HurricaneFran); 56, 19 Sep 2003 and 20, 20 Sep 2003, CBBT (Hurricane Isabel ).Two reported at Hunting Creek, 19 Sep 2003, following Hurricane Isabelwere not accepted by VARCOM but were apparently either Wilson’s orBand-rumped Storm-Petrels. Peak counts : spring—3304, Washington andPoor Man’s Canyon, 15 May 1993; 3000+, Virginia waters 50 mi east-southeast of Ocean City, Maryland, 1 Jun 1975; summer—600, off theVirginia capes, 10 Jul 1982; fall—500, off Virginia Beach, 16 Aug 1986;2420, Wilmington Canyon–Norfolk Canyon area, 12 Sep 1980; 1500, offVirginia Beach, 23 Sep 2001. Peak count in Chesapeake Bay is 300-400,

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Mobjack Bay (Mathews/Gloucester), 23 Jun 1973.PiedmontOne report following Hurricane Isabel : 2, Swift Creek Res., 19 Sep 2003.WHITE-FACED STORM-PETRELPelagodroma marina NonbreederCoastal PlainRare ( but probably regular) visitor to neritic and pelagic waters in Augustand September, with eight reports, mostly of single birds: 1, 50 nmi east-southeast of Chincoteague (37° 27’ N, 71° 55’ W), 24 Aug 1980; 1(2), 60mi east of Assateague Is., 21 Sep 1985; 1(2), Poor Man’s Canyon, 12 Aug1991; 1(1) ph., Washington Canyon, 17 Aug 1991; 1(2), James R. offKingsmill, 6 Sep 1996 (Hurricane Fran); 1 ph., 12 nmi s. of NorfolkCanyon, 23 Sep 2001; 1(1) ph., off Virginia Coast, 16 Aug 2003; 2-3, offVirginia Beach, 7 Sep 2003. One reported 20 nmi east of CBBT, 12 Aug1969, was not accepted by VARCOM but was fairly well documentedand is consistent with subsequent records.LEACH’S STORM-PETRELOceanodroma leucorhoa NonbreederCoastal PlainRare visitor from late spring through fall (extreme dates 15 May–5 Oct)far offshore, usually in deeper water, generally occurring in lowerChesapeake Bay only following hurricanes. Storm-blown birds include15-20, Tanners Creek, 26 Aug 1933 (after the “Chesapeake-Potomac”Hurricane); 12, Norfolk, 15 Aug 1955 (apparently the result of HurricaneIone); 1, Lynnhaven Inlet, 19 May 1972 (during a coastal nor’easter); 11(2),13 Jul 1996 and 14(2), 14 Jul 1996, CBBT (Hurricane Bertha); 15(2), 19 Sep2003 and 20(2), 20 Sep 2003, CBBT (Hurricane Isabel ). The late date of5 Oct 1948 comes from the Chincoteague causeway, an unusual locationgiven the lack of tropical storm activity in the vicinity; the bird couldhave been entrained in Hurricane #8 of that year, but it passed well tothe south of Virginia. One winter sight report: 1, CBBT, 10 Jan 1971.Specimen: 1, Back Bay, 25 Aug 1964. Two undocumented, inshorereports of multiple birds from the old Norfolk-to-Kiptopeke ferry (3on 17 Aug 1945 and 6 on 28 Jul 1948) did not occur in the context oftropical disturbances, and more likely pertained to Wilson’s Storm-Petrels. Peak counts offshore: 189, off Chincoteague, 15 Aug 1992; 45, offVirginia Beach, 4 Jun 2002; 30, off Virginia Beach, 30 May 1993; 25, 45-70 mi off Virginia coast, 7 Jun 1986; 21, off Virginia Beach, 17 May1991.

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PiedmontThree reports: reported from Petersburg after an Aug 1842 hurricane;during Hurricane Isabel, 19 Sep 2003, singles were reported at Airlie Res.(Fauquier) and L. Anna.Mountains and ValleysOne report during Hurricane Isabel : 1, between Front Royal and Luray(Page), 19 Sep 2003.BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETRELOceanodroma castro NonbreederCoastal PlainProbably a rare but regular visitor in summer and early fall in warmer,Gulf Stream-influenced waters far offshore (or in eddies of warm watersporadically encroaching farther inshore), though there are only fiveoffshore records due to the paucity of long-distance pelagic birding trips:7(2), 60 mi east of Virginia Beach, just north of North Carolina border,14 Aug 1988; 1(1) ph., off Virginia coast, 17 Aug 1991; 11, Poor Man’sCanyon, 14 Aug 1993; 1, off Virginia Beach, 4 Jun 2002; 1(2), off Virginiacoast, 3 Jul 2004. Recorded at CBBT during or immediately followingseveral recent hurricanes: 4-8(2), 13 Jul 1996 (Hurricane Bertha); 1(2), 28Aug 1998 (Hurricane Bonnie); 17(2), 19 Sep 2003 and 7(2), 20 Sep 2003(Hurricane Isabel ). The only other hurricane-associated record is 1(2),Virginia Beach, 12 Jul 1996, just before Hurricane Bertha’s landfall inNorth Carolina. Single Oceanodroma believed to be this species were notedoff Virginia Beach, 16 Aug 1986, and at Sunset Beach, near Wise Point(Northampton), 18 Sep 2003 during the passage of Hurricane Isabel. Thefirst record of the species for North America was of 2 specimens of thenominate subspecies found just across the Virginia border inWashington, D.C., 28 and 29 Aug 1893, during the “Sea Islands”Hurricane. This species can be very difficult to identify in the field, andcautious observers often list reports of Oceanodroma as unidentified tospecies.PiedmontTwo records: 1, Kerr Res., 19 Sep 2003 (Hurricane Isabel ); 1(1) specimen(of nominate subspecies), Nelson, 19 Sep 2004 (Hurricane Ivan). Otherunreviewed Isabel-related reports thought to be of this species were 1 atL. Anna, 19 Sep 2003, and 3 at Swift Creek Res., 19 Sep 2003.Mountains and ValleysNo definite records, but a storm-petrel at L. Frederick (Frederick), 19 Sep

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2003, during the passage of Hurricane Isabel was thought to be of thisspecies.WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRDPhaethon lepturus NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1(2), Norfolk Canyon, 21 Aug 1993; 1(1) adult ph., CBBT, 19Sep 2003 (associated with Hurricane Isabel ). Two unreviewed reports: 1adult, 120 km east of the CBBT, 24 Sep 1975; 1, near Nofolk Canyon,17 Sep 1988. Other unconfirmed reports of tropicbirds from fishingboats (e.g., 1 in early Aug 1988) may indicate that this species is moreregular offshore, although Red-billed Tropicbird (P. aethereus), as yetundetected in Virginia waters but recorded over 30 times in NorthCarolina waters, may also occur. White-tailed Tropicbirds are probablyannual visitors in small numbers to the Gulf Stream and associatedwaters far (over 100 nmi) offshore. Beyond the Exclusive EconomicZone, which extends 200 nmi off the coast, White-tailed Tropicbird hasbeen recorded twice from the latitude of Virginia: 1 adult, about 300 mieast of the Virginia capes, 4 Oct 1980; 3 solitary adults, about 1062-1107nmi east of Virginia, 6 Sep 1997.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1 picked up dying (specimen preserved), Staunton, 15 Oct1954 (during Hurricane Hazel ). This specimen is of the expectedsubspecies, catesbyi, which breeds as near to Virginia as Bermuda.BROWN BOOBYSula leucogaster NonbreederCoastal PlainFive records: 1 immature ph., Lynnhaven Inlet, 27 Jun−29 Sep 1968; 1different immature, off Smithville in Chesapeake Bay, 9-13 Jul 1968; 1immature, Chincoteague, 30 Sep 1972; 1, Fisherman Is., 26 Jun 1982; 1partial specimen(1), Fisherman Is., Nov 1999. The partial specimen wastoo decomposed to allow subspecific determination; it is assumed thatall western North Atlantic reports of this species refer to the nominatesubspecies, which is found regularly north to the Dry Tortugas, Florida,and with increasing frequency as far north as North Carolina. Anunidentified booby, probably Brown, was in the ocean east of Oyster(Northampton), 10 Jul 2005.

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NORTHERN GANNETMorus bassanus NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (10 Oct−5 May)offshore, in nearshore ocean waters, and in lower Chesapeake Bay.Numbers dwindle through spring, but a few often linger into late May orearly June; rare through the summer. Occurs irregularly in central andupper Chesapeake Bay and in lower reaches of its larger tidal tributaries,with counts on the Potomac R. of up to 60 in Nomini Bay (Westmore-land ), 11 Nov 1954 and 190 at Washington’s Birthplace (Westmoreland ),11 Dec 2001; one was far upriver at Mt. Vernon (Fairfax), 1 Apr 1977.Only one record away from tidal waters: 1 at a park lake in Norfolk, 28Apr 1978. Peak counts : spring—5000-6000, CBBT, 30 Mar 2001; winter—14,100, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 2001; 13,000, CBBT, 26 Dec 2001.AMERICAN WHITE PELICANPelecanus erythrorhynchos NonbreederCoastal PlainFairly rare but increasingly regular transient and winter visitor (30 Aug−10 May); rare summer visitor. Four records in late 1800s but fewadditional records until the late 1970s. Recorded every year since 1978,with most records from Back Bay, Lynnhaven Inlet, Craney Is., Hog Is.WMA, and Eastern Shore (including Chincoteague, southernNorthampton, and barrier islands). Five records away from thesecoastal/Hampton Roads areas: 3, Bethel Beach (Mathews), 1 Mar 1994; 1,Mason Neck, 28 Feb 1998; 2, Hunting Creek, 9-12 Oct 2002; 3-6(2),Occoquan Bay (Prince William) and Belmont Bay (Fairfax), 14-31 May2003; 1(2), Lottsburg (Northumberland ), 31 Dec 2003−5 Jan 2004. Loneindividuals, and occasionally pairs, summer on barrier islands, oftenamong Brown Pelican and gull colonies. Individuals have been observedsitting on gull nests on Cedar Is. and Fisherman Is., and one built and saton an eggless nest in the Fisherman Is. Brown Pelican colony in Jun1995. However, no evidence of a true breeding attempt (e.g., egg-laying)has been observed. Peak counts : spring—15, north of Kiptopeke, 25 Mar1989; 8, College Creek ( James City), 22 Apr 2003; fall—18, ESVNWR, 31Oct 2003; winter—11, Virginia Beach, 3 Jan 2004.PiedmontTwo records: 1(2), Halifax, 8-9 May 2004; 1, Staunton River SP (Halifax),18 Sep 2005.

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Mountains and ValleysSeven records: 1(1) ph., Fairlawn (Pulaski ), 7-24 Nov 1979; 1(1) ph.,Rockbridge, 5 Nov 1989; 1, South Holston L., 21-23 Dec 1991; 1(1) ph.,Stuarts Draft, 26 Nov 2000; 1 ph., Blacksburg, 4 Jul 2005; 13, CarvinsCove Res. (Botetourt ), 30 Mar 2006; 4, South Holston L., 8 Apr 2006.BROWN PELICANPelecanus occidentalis BreederOverviewThe status of this species has changed dramatically since the late 1970s,when it was considered rather rare in the state. Murray listed just six firmrecords from the coast, one from Suffolk, and another fromCharlottesville in 1952 {2}. In spring 1977, Brown Pelicans beganshowing up along the coast, with 2 off Virginia Beach about 21 Apr and27-30 at Fisherman Is., 23 May, 6 of which lingered in the area throughAug. Nine were at Fisherman Is. and 7 at Back Bay in fall 1977, and 2were seen at Parramore Is on 27 May 1979. The 1980s saw an explosionof reports, with each season documenting ever-higher counts and nestingfirst documented in 1987. Since that time, Brown Pelicans have becomean increasingly common sight in and around the tidewater and nearshorewaters, with small (but increasing) numbers wintering, particulary duringmilder winters. Since the late 1990s, small numbers of Brown Pelicanscan also be found on golf course ponds and interior freshwater lakeswell away from salt water, particularly in Virginia Beach. The surge inthe Atlantic population is clearly linked to the ban of the pesticide DDT,which nearly resulted in the extirpation of this species from the UnitedStates in the 1960s.Coastal PlainCommon resident spring through fall (1 Mar−30 Nov) and less commonwinter resident along coast and in lower Chesapeake Bay, occurringregularly along lower reaches of larger tidal rivers as well. Breeding : firstrecorded breeding in 1987 at Fisherman Is. (one nest with eggs on 14May and four nests with eggs on 29 Jun, but breeding unsuccessful) andMetompkin Is. (30 nests without eggs 17 Jun, with egg-laying in anumber of nests and young in the nest into mid-September). Since then,breeding has occurred once more at Metompkin Is. (23 nests, one witheggs, 23 Jun 1992), but otherwise breeding on the barrier islands hasbeen restricted to Fisherman Is., where the number of pairs increasedsteadily to 1000 in 2002 before halving in 2003 and again in 2004.Pelicans began nesting in the Shanks Is. area on the upper Chesapeake

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Bay near the Maryland state line in 1992, and since then the size of thiscolony (composed of several subcolonies) has increased rapidly. A surveyof the entire region in 1993 found 324 pairs at Fisherman Is. and 44pairs at Shanks Is. {5}. A complete ground count of nests in 1999 found928 nests {6}. A repeat of the 1993 coast-wide survey in 2003 estimated1661 pairs (454 pairs at Fisherman Is. and 1207 in three Shanks Is.subcolonies) {7}, a 350% increase since 1993. A total of 1434 nests wascounted in the Shanks Is. area 18 May 2004. Eggs, 15 Apr−20 Aug; nestswith young, 17 Jun−5 Sep. Peak counts : summer—2100,Shanks/Cheeseman Islands, 9 Jul 2003; 1822, Fisherman Is., 20 Jun 1999;winter—800, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 2002.PiedmontFour records: 1, Charlottesville, 1 May 1947; 1 ph., L. Anna, mid-Jul−3Sep 1979; 1, L. Anna, 26 May 1981, 1, Swift Creek Res., 31 Dec 1986−6Jan 1987.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(2), James R. (Amherst ), 5 Jul 1998.NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Category 2)Phalacrocorax brasilianus NonbreederPiedmontOne record: 1(2) ph., Potomac R. shoreline and Lowes I. Golf Club(Loudoun), fall 2005. This bird was discovered from the Maryland sideof the Potomac R., where it was observed and well photographed 12Aug–11 Nov. Although the entire river here is in Maryland, the bird wasseen flying to and from ponds at the Lowes I. Golf Club, on the Virginiaside of the river, on 27, 28, and 29 Oct (and possibly on other dates aswell). This is the only record of the species on the East Coast.DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTPhalacrocorax auritus BreederOverviewThis species has increased considerably in recent decades, primarily alongthe coast (as a breeder, transient, and winter resident) but also inland (asa transient and local winter resident) as well. Statewide numbers on CBCsincreased steadily from the 1970s to the 1990s, and more dramaticallysince then, with a 15-fold increase in number/party hour since the mid-1980s.

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Coastal PlainAbundant transient near coast and Chesapeake Bay, uncommon to locallycommon transient farther inland; locally common winter and summerresident, mostly near coast. Breeding : first recorded at Hopewell (sixoccupied nests on 29 May 1978), where nesting has occurred in steadilyincreasing numbers every year since 1984 on a small island of treescolonizing two submerged wooden barges in the James R. A colony onelectrical transmission towers along the James R. Bridge in NewportNews had 14 nests in 1990 and has also steadily grown in size, as havecolonies in the Shanks/Cheeseman Is. area of the upper ChesapeakeBay, which first had nests (six) in 1993 {8}. A colony in a stand of bald-cypress on the James R. at Keenan Marsh (Prince George) had 27 nests in1993 and 16 in 1994, a duck blind in Chincoteague Bay had five nests in1995 {8}, and a small island (Chimney Pole Marsh) in northeasternNorthampton had 12 nests on 16 Jun 1998, eight on 23 Jun 1999, and 20in 2002. A survey of the entire region in 1993 found 354 pairs in fourcolonies {5}. A repeat of this survey in 2003 found five colonies with1338 pairs (10 pairs at Chimney Pole Marsh, 907 pairs at two colonies inthe Shanks/Cheeseman Is. area, 154 pairs at the James R. Bridge, and267 pairs at Hopewell) {7}, a 278% increase since 1993. Eggs, 1 May−20 Aug. Peak counts : spring—7000, Fisherman Is., 15 Mar 1986;fall—10,000-20,000, Chincoteague, 13 Oct 1955; winter—8000, LittleCreek CBC, 31 Dec 2002; 6436, Nansemond R. CBC, 5 Jan 2003; 1423,Hopewell CBC, 17 Dec 2000. PiedmontUncommon but widespread transient and uncommon to rare summervisitor (30 Mar−10 Nov), rarer but regular on large lakes in winter.Although widespread during migration, most records of larger flocksare from large lakes or are of birds observed in flight. Peak counts :spring—175, Kerr Res., 20 Apr 1983; summer—41, Kerr Res., 14 Jul1991; winter—33, Kerr Res. CBC, 19 Dec 1993.Mountains and ValleysUncommon but widespread transient and uncommon to rare summervisitor (15 Mar−10 Nov); rare winter visitor (regional total of 1-3individuals recorded on CBCs 10 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004).Although widespread during migration, most records of larger flocksare from large lakes or are of birds observed in flight, often fromhawkwatch sites. Peak counts : spring—55, Staunton, 15 Mar 2002; fall—1660, Harvey’s Knob, 27 Oct 2001; 1050, Botetourt, 8 Nov 1995.

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GREAT CORMORANTPhalacrocorax carbo NonbreederCoastal PlainFairly common winter resident (15 Oct−15 Apr) around CBBT andlower Eastern Shore; uncommon elsewhere along coast, in HamptonRoads area, around Chesapeake Bay, and along lower reaches of largerBay tributaries; rarer farther upstream along these tidal rivers (e.g.,occurring along James R. up to Hog Is. WMA/Jamestown area and alongPotomac R. up to Alexandria/Fairfax area, with at least seven recordsfor each location). Recorded during every month; more individuals seemto linger later each year (primarily along immediate coast and at CBBT),and there are about 10 summer records. Numbers have steadily increasedin recent decades; the species was not recorded on a Virginia CBC until1970, and the peak count for the state was only 25 as recently as 1985.Specimen: 1, Lynnhaven Inlet, 29 Oct 1972. Peak counts : spring—65,CBBT, 20 Mar 1993; 18, Westmoreland, 15 Mar 1985 (high inland count);9, Fisherman Is./CBBT, 20 May 1992 (high for late spring); fall—25,Westmoreland, 26 Nov 1983; winter—77, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1991and 30 Dec 2004; 19, Westmoreland, 3 Feb 1986.PiedmontTwo records: 1(2), Beaverdam Res. (Loudoun), 26 Nov 2001; 1(2), Kerr Res.,12 Mar 2004.ANHINGAAnhinga anhinga Probable BreederCoastal PlainRare visitor in southeastern Virginia, primarily in Apr–May and Aug–Sep but with many summer records and a few lingering into early winterin 1981, 1997, 1998, and 2003 (extreme dates 5 Apr–17 Jan). Mostrecords are south of the James R. from the Meherrin R. drainage inGreensville/Southampton eastward, with Stumpy L. (Virginia Beach) beingthe location of most regular occurrence. About nine records fromEastern Shore and CBBT, 25 Jun–12 Oct, and several from theJamestown/Williamsburg area. Records elsewhere: 1, Alexandria, about1-8 Aug 1936; 2, Ft. Hunt (Fairfax), 4 May 1975; 1, Curles Neck (Henrico),1 May 1996; 1, Curles Neck (Henrico), 27 Apr 2002. In May 1981, onemale was observed placing sticks in a bald-cypress, and courtship displayswere observed, at Stumpy L. No conclusive evidence of breeding hasbeen observed, but the presence of birds during summer along theMeherrin R. and at Stumpy L. in recent years suggests that this species58

is likely breeding in the region. Peak counts : spring—12, Newport News,28 Apr 1996; 6, Stumpy L. (Virginia Beach), 16-23 May 1981; fall—5,Chincoteague, 20 Sep 1992.PiedmontFive records: 1(1) ph., Patrick, 7 or 8 Aug 1939; 1, Richmond, 28 Aug 1970;1(2), Orange, 26 Sep 1999; 1(2), Banister WMA (Halifax), 2 Jul 2000; 1,Loudoun, 17 May 2002.Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1(2), Front Royal, 12 May 1981; 1(2), Rockfish Gap, 7 and 10Sep 2003.MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRDFregata magnificens NonbreederCoastal PlainRare visitor spring through fall (extreme dates 14 May–23 Oct), mostlyalong the coast, with eight records attributed to this species and anothernine records of unidentified frigatebirds that were likely this species.Some of these records are directly attributable to displacement byhurricanes. Records of Magnificent Frigatebirds: 1 immature, CBBT, 3Jul 1968; 1 ph., near Hog Is. (Northampton), 14 Jul 1972; 1, Chincoteague,14-17 May 1976 (injured 17 May; USNM 567754, subspecies rothschildi );1 ph., James R. near Williamsburg, 6 Sep 1979 (Hurricane David ); 1,Hog Is. (Northampton), 29 Jun 1980; 1 adult male, Chincoteague, 20-28Sep 1998; 1 ph., CBBT, 23 May 2004; 1(1) adult female ph., Kiptopeke, 9Nov 2005 (Hurricane Wilma). Records of unidentified frigatebirds: 1(2),Potomac R. at Alexandria, 3 Oct 1988 (Hurricane Gilbert ); 1, Chinc-oteague, 26 Jun 1999; 1, Suffolk, 30 Aug 1999 (Hurricane Dennis); 1,Gloucester, 2 Oct 1999; 1, West Point (King William), 6 Oct 1999; 2, CapeCharles, 23 Oct 2000; 1, Isle of Wight, 20 May 2002; 1 adult male ph.,Chesapeake, 9 Nov 2005 (probably related to Hurricane Wilma); 1 adultmale, Fisherman Is., 26 May 2006.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) ph., near Rural Retreat (Wythe), 13 Oct 1988, wascaptured, rehabilitated, and released in Florida. This record was likelyassociated with Hurricane Gilbert, which displaced over 100 frigatebirdsinto the continent’s interior.

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AMERICAN BITTERNBotaurus lentiginosus BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and winter resident (5 Sep−20 May) along coast,uncommon transient farther inland; rare summer resident in easternFairfax. CBC data indicate a steady decline in winter abundance from the1950s through the 1970s before leveling off at low levels. Breeding :apparently a regular breeder in the early 1900s, with fresh eggs 5-15 May.Two juveniles were at Back Bay, 28 May 1968. Since then, breeding hasbeen confirmed only at Huntley Meadows CP. Here, breeding wassuspected in the early 1980s and was confirmed in 1989 (unfledgedyoung being fed, 3 Jul(1)), 1990 (nest with 3 young, 31 May), 1992, 1996,and 1998 (nest with 1 chick, 22 Jun) but not since that time. Peak counts :spring—10, Hampton, 22 Apr 1967; winter—24, Chincoteague CBC, 27Dec 1975 [11, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1998 and 29 Dec 1999].PiedmontFairly rare spring and fall transient (25 Mar−10 May, 15 Sep−30 Oct);rare summer and winter visitor, with no breeding records in the lastcentury. Recent summer records: 1-2, Amherst, 11-16 Jul 1986; 2, KerrRes., 14 and 28 Jun 1987. Abundance of this species has declined sincethe mid-1900s, and historic peak counts (e.g., 14, Albemarle, 18 Jul 1948)have not been approached in recent decades.Mountains and ValleysFairly rare spring transient and rare fall transient (25 Mar−10 May, 15Sep−30 Oct); rare summer and winter visitor. Old summer records fromMontgomery and Roanoke suggest historical breeding, but no suspectedbreeding since the mid-1900s.LEAST BITTERNIxobrychus exilis BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr−20 Sep), breedingin nontidal brackish and freshwater marshes along coast and in tidalbrackish/fresh marshes along middle/upper reaches of larger tidal rivers.Four winter records: 1 found dead, Deep Creek (Chesapeake), 24 Dec1954; 1, Great Bridge (Chesapeake), 23 Dec 1961; 1, Craney Is., 28 Jan1981; 2, Back Bay, 30 Dec 1985. Breeding : eggs, 4 May−9 Jul; nests withyoung, 16 Jun−18 Aug. Peak counts : spring—25, Grandview (Hampton),25 Apr 1974; 13, Back Bay, 17 May 1975; summer—17, Dyke Marsh, 2560

Jun 1950; 10, Back Bay, 10 Jun 1985. PiedmontRare and local transient and summer resident (extreme dates 8 May−11Sep). Breeding : three records—2 adults and 2 young, Big Is. (Bedford ), 20Jul−20 Aug 1985; breeding confirmed, Big Is. (Bedford ), 3 May 1986; 1adult with 1-2 fledged juveniles (1 still retaining down on its head), CedarRun Wetlands (Prince William), 6-30 Jul 2003. Recent summer recordsfrom Bedford, Dinwiddie, Fauquier, Louisa, Martinsville, Mecklenburg,Nottoway, and Prince William suggest that this species is a rare but localbreeder in a number of locations throughout the region.Mountains and ValleysRare and local transient and summer resident (extreme dates 22 Apr−14Oct). Breeding : recent summer records from Augusta, Bath, Rockingham,and Smyth suggest that this species breeds in very low numbers, but thereare only two documented breeding records, both old records fromMurrays Pond near Roanoke: nest with two eggs on 22 May, four eggson 27 May, and three young on 14 Jun 1945; nest with four eggs, 19 Jun1948.GREAT BLUE HERONArdea herodias BreederOverviewNumbers throughout the state have increased considerably during allseasons, and this species has become a much more common andwidespread breeder in recent decades.Coastal PlainCommon year-round, being most numerous during migration in Mar–Apr and Aug–Nov. Breeding : compared to five colonies known in 1964,and about 28 colonies known during the late 1970s and 1980s, a surveyof the entire region in 1993 found 156 colonies containing about 9112pairs {5}. More than 70% of colonies were west of the Chesapeake Bayand north of the James R., with many in the headwaters of small streams.A repeat survey in 2003 found 203 colonies containing about 9136 pairs(17 colonies and 576 pairs on Bay islands and the bayside of the EasternShore, four colonies and 51 pairs in the urban Hampton Roads area, 158colonies and 7112 pairs on the west side of the Bay north of the JamesR., and 24 colonies and 1397 pairs south of the James R. in non-urbanareas) {7}. Nesting has occurred on barrier islands only at FishermanIs., with up to 38 birds, 1992-2002 (but no nesting since 2002). A large

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colony at Mason Neck contained 1457 nests in Jan 2000. Eggs, 10 Mar–20 Jun. Peak counts away from colonies : spring—325, Williamsburg SpringCount, 7 May 1989; winter—384, Hopewell CBC, 17 Dec 1989; 345,Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 2003; 318, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 31 Dec 1995.PiedmontCommon permanent resident, more numerous in migration. Breeding :since breeding was first detected during VAP fieldwork in the late 1980s,a number of small colonies have been discovered in Albemarle, Amherst,Chesterfield, Fauquier, Goochland, Halifax, Loudoun, Prince William, andSpotsylvania. Many of these colonies are associated with beaver ponds.Peak counts : summer—29, Banister R. WMA (Halifax), 6 Jun 1998;winter—202, Kerr Res. CBC, 26 Dec 1976. One record of subspeciesoccidentalis (Great White Heron): 1(1) ph., Briery L. (Prince Edward ), 4 Sep–14 Oct 2002. Mountains and ValleysUncommon permanent resident, more numerous in migration, mostly atlower elevations. Breeding : first recorded breeding in Highland, 9 Jun 1989.Since then, breeding has become much more widespread—active nests,Washington, 20 Jun 1998 (and for a year or two thereafter, with 12+ nestsat a different Washington location, 2 Apr 2005 and 29 Mar 2006); one nest,South R. near Vesuvius (Rockbridge), 13 Apr 2002 and 28 May 2003; 10nests, North Fork of Powell R. in Flatwoods (Lee), 22 Apr 2002, with 20nests (some with young) here on 12 May 2003; 18-20 nests, confluenceof Powell R. and Butcher’s Fork (Wise), 15 Mar 2003; 12 nests, NorthFork of Holston R., Saltville, 28 Mar 2006 (and reportedly in previousyears); 3 nests, Frank’s Mill (Augusta), 29 Apr 2006. Breeding is likelyoccurring even more widely than indicated by these records. Peak counts :summer—35, Augusta, 29 Jul 2004; fall—17, Harvey’s Knob, 7 Oct 1978;winter—79, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 19 Dec 1999; 32, Bath,17 Jan 1989. Five records of Great White Heron: 1, Daleville (Botetourt ),1-4 Jun 1976; four records of single individuals (possibly involvingreturning birds in at least some years) from South Holston L.: 15-19 Oct1990(1) (ph.), 29-31 Aug 1991, 25 Aug 1994, and 7-29 Aug 2002.GREAT EGRETArdea alba BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (25 Mar–15 Nov), mostly nearcoast, sometimes abundant in late summer and fall; irregular and locallycommon winter resident on coast, rare elsewhere in winter. Breeding : a62

survey of the entire region in 1993 found 45 colonies containing about2520 pairs {5}, indicating a three-fold increase in numbers since the early1970s. A repeat survey in 2003 found 35 colonies containing about 2720pairs (nine colonies and 467 pairs on barrier islands and seaside ofEastern Shore, three colonies and 470 pairs on Bay islands and baysideof Eastern Shore, three colonies and 586 pairs in urban Hampton Roadsarea, 12 colonies and 359 pairs on west side of Bay north of James R.,and nine colonies and 838 pairs south of James R. in non-urban areas){7}. Colonies are scattered throughout the region, and numbers havebeen increasing at a particularly high rate inland, where large numbersnow occur in Great Blue Heron colonies in the swamps of theChickahominy, Blackwater, Nottoway, and Meherrin R. drainages.Numbers of pairs within the barrier island/lagoon system of the EasternShore declined from 885 in 1993 and 976 in 1998 to 467 in 2003,although annual June surveys of the barrier islands from Assawoman Is.south (1975-2005) indicate fairly stable numbers, with a 31-year meanof 383 birds/survey (range 99 in 1978 to 659 in 1984) {9}. Eggs, 18Apr–26 Jun; unfledged young, 29 May–19 Aug. Peak counts away fromcolonies : fall—350, Chincoteague, 7-8 Oct 1982; winter—215,Chincoteague CBC, 27 Dec 1975 [170, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1993]. PiedmontUncommon summer and fall visitor (most numerous 1 Jul–20 Sep;extreme dates 24 Mar–17 Nov); uncommon to rare spring transient inApril and May. Five winter records: 1, Kerr Res., early Dec 1975–3 Jan1976; singles in the Nokesville area 19 Dec 1986, mid-Dec 1990, and 19Dec 1993; 1, The Plains CBC, 18 Dec 2005. Peak counts : spring—28, KerrRes., 27 Apr 1975; summer—35, Lynchburg, 20 Jul 1970; fall—85,Banister R. WMA (Halifax), 27 Sep 1987.Mountains and ValleysUncommon summer and fall visitor (most numerous 10 Jul–10 Sep;extreme dates 11 Mar–2 Nov); fairly rare spring transient. Five winterrecords: 1, near Roanoke, 15 Dec 1973; 1, Montgomery, 6 Feb 1973; 1,Waynesboro, 6 Dec 1997; 1, Augusta, 2 Feb 1999; 1, Fincastle CBC, 15Dec 2001. Peak counts : 32, Augusta, 14 Aug 1998; 20, Augusta, 16 Jul 1995.LITTLE EGRETEgretta garzetta NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1(1) ph., Chincoteague, 17 May–28 Sep 1992; 1(2),Chincoteague, 24 Jul–25 Sep 1993. A bird with characters intermediate

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between Little Egret and Snowy Egret was at Chincoteague during Aug1993; it may have been a hybrid between the two species. Hybridizationbetween the two has been documented at Barbados, and fieldidentification of extralimital Little Egrets should be made with caution.SNOWY EGRETEgretta thula BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and summer resident (30 Mar–10 Oct)on coast, uncommon transient inland; usually uncommon winter residenton coast, being most numerous in winter on Eastern Shore. Breeding :breeding abundance increased from the 1940s through the 1960s but hasdeclined steadily since the mid-1970s. On annual June surveys of barrierislands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/surveydeclined from 1065 during the period 1975-1979 to 550 in the 1980s,245 in the 1990s, and 148 during the period 2000-2005 (range, 2330 in1976 to 88 in 2002) {9}. A survey of the entire region in 1993 found 15colonies containing about 2329 pairs {5}. A repeat survey in 2003 found16 colonies containing about 882 pairs (nine colonies and 624 pairs onbarrier islands and seaside of Eastern Shore, six colonies and 178 pairson Bay islands and bayside of Eastern Shore, and one colony and 80pairs in the Guinea marshes of Gloucester), a decline of 62% over 10 years{7}. Besides the Gloucester record, only one breeding record west ofChesapeake Bay: one pair feeding young in a nest, James R. nearHopewell, 4 Jul 1978. Eggs, 22 Apr–13 Aug; nests with young as early as8 May. Peak counts : fall—2200, Chincoteague, 28 Aug 1965; 1580,Chincoteague, 20-21 Sep 1982; winter—109, Chincoteague CBC, 27 Dec1965 [more recently, regional CBC totals did not exceed 39individuals/season between 1984 and 2004, with a high of 26,Chincoteague CBC, 30 Dec 1998]. PiedmontRare transient and postbreeding summer visitor (extreme dates 9 Apr–24 May, 10 Jul–15 Sep). One June record: 1, Kerr Res. area, 8 Jun 1977.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and postbreeding summer visitor (extreme dates late Mar–18 May, 2 Jul–26 Sep). Peak count : 5, Fishersville, 28 Apr 1989.

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LITTLE BLUE HERONEgretta caerulea BreederCoastal PlainFairly common transient and summer resident (10 Apr–20 Oct) anduncommon to fairly rare winter resident along coast; irregularlyuncommon transient and postbreeding summer visitor farther inland(occurs inland more frequently than Snowy Egret). During winter, mostnumerous on Eastern Shore. Breeding : formerly one of the mostabundant breeding waders along the Atlantic Coast, numbers in Virginiadeclined dramatically from the 1950s to the 1970s and have been steadilydeclining since. On annual June surveys of barrier islands fromAssawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/survey declinedfrom 190 during the period 1975-1979 to 149 in the 1980s, and 72 from1990 to 2005 (range, 326 in 1982 to 30 in 1990) {9}. A survey of theentire region in 1993 found 10 colonies containing about 374 pairs {5}.A repeat survey in 2003 found eight colonies containing about 310 pairs(five colonies and 249 pairs on barrier islands and seaside of EasternShore and three colonies and 61 pairs on Bay islands) {5}. Eggs, 27 Apr–22 Jun; nests with young, 1 Jun–23 Aug. Peak counts away from colonies :summer—1500, Chincoteague, 1 Aug 1974 [recent summer peak countsare only in the 200-300 range]; fall—592, Chincoteague, 6 Sep 1982;winter—86, Chincoteague CBC, 27 Dec 1975; 52, Cape Charles CBC, 27Dec 1986 [more recently, regional CBC totals did not exceed 11individuals between 1987 and 2004, with a high of 10, Cape CharlesCBC, 27 Dec 1994]. PiedmontUncommon to fairly rare postbreeding visitor in summer and fall (30Jun–30 Aug; extreme dates 22 Apr–Sep), mostly immatures; rare springtransient. Peak count : 75, Pocahontas SP (Chesterfield ), summer 1938 [nocomparable recent counts].Mountains and ValleysFairly rare postbreeding visitor in summer and fall (30 Jun–30 Aug;extreme dates 5 Apr–3 Oct), mostly single immatures; rare springtransient. Peak count : 3, Carvins Cove Res. (Botetourt ), 22 Aug 1935.

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TRICOLORED HERONEgretta tricolor BreederCoastal PlainFairly common transient and summer resident (10 Apr–15 Oct) on coast,becoming less numerous away from immediate Chesapeake Bay andlower portions of its larger tributaries; uncommon winter resident oncoast, most numerous on Eastern Shore. Breeding : first recorded nestingon Rogue Is. (Northampton), Jun 1941. The Virginia population reacheda high between the 1950s and 1970s and has declined since. On annualJune surveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005),mean abundance/survey declined from 794 during the period 1975-1979to 477 in the 1980s, 233 in the 1990s, and 223 during the period 2000-2005 (range, 1364 in 1976 to 103 in 1996) {9}. A survey of the entireregion in 1993 found 12 colonies containing about 767 pairs {5}. Arepeat of this survey in 2003 found 11 colonies containing about 507pairs (seven colonies and 456 pairs on barrier islands and seaside ofEastern Shore and four colonies and 51 pairs on Bay islands), about one-third of the numbers of the mid-1970s {7}. Most of the recent declinehas resulted from losses in Chincoteague Bay heronries. Eggs, 1 May–20Aug; nests with young as early as 8 May. Peak counts : summer—600 pairsnesting near Chincoteague, Jun 1970 [now much reduced]; winter—132,Chincoteague CBC, 27 Dec 1975 [more recently, regional CBC totals didnot exceed 93 total individuals between 1984 and 2004, with a high of62, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1998]. PiedmontRare spring transient and postbreeding summer visitor (extreme dates27 Apr–7 Sep), with seven records of single individuals.Mountains and ValleysRare spring transient and postbreeding summer visitor (extreme dates 4May–26 Aug), with seven records of single individuals.REDDISH EGRET (Category 2)Egretta rufescens NonbreederCoastal PlainFour reports: 1 white morph, Norfolk, 2-26 Jun 1942; 1, Norfolk, 27Apr 1957; 1 white morph, Chincoteague, 21 Sep 1978; 1 adult darkmorph, Chincoteague causeway, 20 Jun 2003. This species has beenrecorded annually in coastal North Carolina since the mid-1990s, largelyin summer, and may occur more regularly in coastal Virginia thanindicated by these four reports.66

CATTLE EGRETBubulcus ibis BreederCoastal PlainFairly common transient and summer resident (30 Mar–10 Oct) on coast,uncommon spring and rare fall transient elsewhere. Rare winter visitor,mostly around Back Bay; regional totals of up to 34 recorded on CBCs10 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. First recorded in Virginia atChincoteague, 13 May 1953. Breeding : first recorded nesting nearWachapreague on 18 Jun 1961. The Virginia population increasedthrough the 1960s, then declined steadily until the mid-1990s; since then,numbers have declined dramatically. On annual June surveys of barrierislands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/surveydeclined from 374 during the period 1975-1979 to 153 in the 1980s, 98in the 1990s, and 31 during the period 2000-2005 (range, 540 in 177 to4 in 2002, 2003, and 2005) {9}. A survey of the entire region in 1993found nine colonies containing about 1459 pairs {5}. A repeat survey in2003 found six colonies containing about 166 pairs (five colonies and146 pairs on barrier islands and seaside of Eastern Shore and one colonywith 20 pairs on Bay islands), a decline of 89% in 10 years (mostattributable to declines in Chincoteague Bay colonies) {7}. A colonyalong the James R. near Hopewell was established in 1977, peaked at 298pairs in 1978, then declined until it disappeared in the mid-1990s. Eggs,14 May–early Aug; nests with young, 26 Jun–31 Aug. Peak counts :summer—400 pairs nesting near Chincoteague, early Jun 1970 [nowmuch reduced]; fall—675, Kiptopeke, 31 Aug 1988 [more recent highcounts tend to be below 50 per day]; winter—47, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec1975 [34, Back Bay CBC, 28 Dec 1992]. PiedmontUncommon to fairly rare spring transient; rare summer and fall visitor(extreme dates 2 Apr–16 Nov). Two winter records: 1, Albemarle, 27 Dec1964; 1, Mecklenburg, 4 Jan 1986. Peak counts : 15, Sweet Briar College(Amherst ), 18 Sep 1973; 15, near Manassas (Prince William), 7 Oct 1977.Mountains and ValleysFairly rare transient and summer visitor (extreme dates 25 Mar–2 Nov).Peak counts : spring—21, Rockingham, 1 May 1962 (first record west of theBlue Ridge); fall—11, Verona (Augusta), 11 Oct 1987.

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GREEN HERONButorides virescens BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (5 Apr–20 Oct); few linger afterOctober. Rare and irregular early winter visitor (regional totals of up to6 individuals recorded on CBCs 14 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004),with no confirmed records between mid-January and early March.Breeding : although a widespread breeder, numbers have been decliningin some areas in recent decades. Mean abundance/survey on annual Junesurveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005)increased from 21 during the period 1975-1979 to 42 in the 1980s, thendeclined to 14 in the 1990s and only 2 during the period 2000-2005(range, 80 in 1981 to zero in 2003-2005) {9}. Numbers detected inheronries of the barrier island/lagoon system of the Eastern Shore andon islands in northern Chesapeake Bay declined dramatically (by 100%and 88%, respectively) between surveys conducted in 1993 and 2003{5,7}. Eggs, 17 Apr–5 Aug. Peak counts : summer—100, Dismal Swamp,10 Jul 1983; 75 adults, barrier islands, summer 1983; fall—20, nearHopewell, 21 Aug 1976; winter—4, Chincoteague CBC, 30 Dec 1992.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–10 Oct); rare earlywinter visitor (only two CBC records, 1984-2004). Breeding : eggs, 2 May–16 Jun. Peak count : 25, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1988.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–30 Sep; extreme earlydate 10 Mar), usually at low elevations; rare early winter visitor (only fiveCBC records, 1984-2004). Breeding : eggs, 18 Apr–28 Jun. Peak count : 32,Roanoke, 29 Aug 1979.BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONNycticorax nycticorax BreederCoastal PlainFairly common transient and summer resident (15 Apr–10 Nov) nearcoast, less common inland; irregularly common winter resident on coast,uncommon to rare inland in winter. Breeding : formerly more widespread,now breeding solely on Eastern Shore and upper Chesapeake Bay. Onannual June surveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/survey declined from 1629 during the period1975-1979 to 807 in the 1980s and 315 from 1990-2005 (range, 2780 in68

1976 to 158 in 2002) {9}. A survey of the entire region in 1993 found13 colonies containing about 526 pairs, an 80% decline since 1975 {5}.A repeat survey in 2003 found 13 colonies containing about 640 pairs(nine colonies and 590 pairs on barrier islands and seaside of EasternShore and four colonies and 50 pairs on Bay islands) {7}. Eggs, 7 Apr–27 Jun; nests with young through 19 Aug. Peak counts : summer—1175pairs in colony, Fisherman Is., 27 May 1976 [now significantly reduced];400, Westmoreland, 25 Jun 1955 [no comparable recent counts so farinland]; winter—208, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1970 [more recently,regional CBC totals did not exceed 117 individuals between 1984 and2004, with a high of 69, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1996]. PiedmontRare transient and local summer resident. Four winter records: 1, KerrRes. CBC, 26 Dec 1976; 1, Campbell, 20 Jan 1996; 1, Manassas–Bull RunCBC, 22 Dec 2002 and 26 Dec 2004. Breeding : one record—six occupiednests, Danville, 15 Jun 1951. Peak count : 15, Danville, 14 Apr 1951.Mountains and ValleysRare visitor throughout the year; regional totals of up to 13 individualsrecorded on CBCs 12 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding :several records from Rockingham and Shenandoah—20 nests nearBridgewater (Rockingham), 1959; three occupied nests, Shenandoah, May–Jun 1977; 12-13 nests with 5 incubating adults, Rockingham, 22 May 1981;seven nests near Elkton (Rockingham) 1988 (reportedly nesting at thislocation since 1980s and continuing through 1990s). Peak counts :spring—13, Rockingham, 20 Apr 1981; summer—13, North R.(Rockingham), 22 Jun 1979; winter—7, Shenandoah NP–Luray CBC, 21Dec 2003.YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONNyctanassa violacea BreederCoastal PlainUncommon and local transient and summer resident (10 Apr–10 Oct)near coast, rare farther inland. Rare early winter visitor near coast(regional totals of up to 4 recorded on CBCs eight of 21 years between1984 and 2004); few confirmed records between mid-January and earlyFebruary. Breeding : first recorded breeding in Virginia in 1947. A purecolony on Mockhorn Is. (Northampton) numbered 150+ pairs in 1970,but productivity was low and the colony disappeared. Numbers havedeclined precipitously on the Eastern Shore as a whole; on annual Junesurveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean

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abundance/survey declined from 81 during the period 1975-1979 to 68in the 1980s, 11 in the 1990s, and 3 during the period 2000-2005 (range,119 in 1983 to zero in 2004) {9}. A survey of the entire region in 1993found 35 colonies containing about 388 pairs {5}. A repeat of thissurvey in 2003 found 40 colonies containing about 241 pairs; most (38colonies with 234 pairs) were in the urban Hampton Roads area, wherenumbers had increased through the early 1990s before decliningsomewhat {7}. Eggs, 10 Apr–21 Jul; nests with young through 25 Aug.Peak count : 34, The Hermitage (Norfolk), 15 Apr 1981.PiedmontRare and local transient and summer resident (extreme dates 13 Apr–18Nov). Breeding : three records—five nests with eggs, Charlotte, 27 Apr1933; nested in Herndon (Fairfax) in 2003 and 2004, with three nests inJun 2004. Repeated summer records at Banister R. WMA area (Halifax)indicate likely breeding. Peak counts : 9, Loudoun, 15 Jun 1978; 8, BanisterR. near Scottsburg (Halifax), 18 Jun 1989.Mountains and ValleysRare and local transient and summer resident (extreme dates 24 Feb–2Nov). Three winter records: 1(1) ph., Blacksburg, 21 Oct 1996–15 Jan1997; 4, Blacksburg CBC, 18 Dec 1999; 1, Roanoke CBC, 17 Dec 2001.Breeding : nesting confirmed in Rockingham in 1951, Montgomery in 1970,Salem in 1976-1977 and 1982-1984, Botetourt in 1979, and Roanoke in2004. Eggs, 24 Apr–22 May, nests with young through 22 Jun. Peak count :7, Roanoke, 3 Jun 1976.WHITE IBISEudocimus albus BreederCoastal PlainLocally uncommon to rare and irregular transient and summer resident,most common on southern Eastern Shore and in extreme southeast;fairly rare elsewhere in Chesapeake Bay area, becoming rarer inland.Records have increased since the late 1960s, most notably on thesouthern Eastern Shore since the mid-1990s. Formerly very rare inwinter; wintering has occurred on southern Eastern Shore since the mid-1990s, though the species is still most abundant in late summer. Breeding :breeds only on barrier islands. First recorded breeding (nest with young)in the state on 10 Jul 1977 at Fisherman Is., where nesting occurred until2002. Began nesting in mixed heronries on Cobb Is. in 1998, Wreck Is.in 2001, and Chimney Pole Marsh (Northampton) in 2005. On annual Junesurveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (from 1977, when70

first recorded, to 2005), mean abundance/survey increased from 2 duringthe period 1977-1989 to 14 in the 1990s and 96 during the period 2000-2005 (with a high of 141 in 2005) {9}. A 2003 aerial survey of the entireregion estimated 77 pairs in two colonies (compared to three pairs inone colony in 1993) {5, 7}. Peak counts : summer—150, Back Bay/FalseCape SP, 14 Jul 1993; 132, Fisherman Is., 18 Jun 2000; inland—45, HogIs. WMA, 7 Jul 1993; fall—238, ESVNWR, 5 Oct 2004; winter—105,Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1997.PiedmontRare and irregular postbreeding visitor in summer and fall (extreme dates19 Jun–9 Oct). One winter record: 1 immature ph. and vid., Nelson, 18Nov 2005–3 Apr 2006. Peak count : 8, Albemarle, 6-9 Aug 1969.Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular postbreeding visitor in summer and fall (extreme dates20 Jun–13 Sep). The only late fall/winter records are from Salem, whereone was recorded 26 Nov 1986, with possibly the same individual (ph.),20 Dec 1986–10 Mar 1987. Peak count : 4, South Fork Holston R. (Smyth),late Jul–early Aug 1988.GLOSSY IBISPlegadis falcinellus BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and summer resident (20 Mar–15 Sep)along coast; uncommon to rare transient inland. Uncommon to rarewinter visitor along coast; regional totals of up to 7 individuals recordedon CBCs 10 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : first recordedbreeding at Hog Is. (Northampton), 19 Jun 1956 (two nests). Numbersincreased considerably on the Eastern Shore from the 1950s to the mid-1970s but have steadily declined since. On annual June surveys of barrierislands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/surveydeclined from 947 during the period 1975-1979 to 557 in the 1980s, 221in the 1990s, and 134 during the period 2000-2005 (range, 2534 in 1976to 95 in 2000) {9}. A survey of the entire region in 1993 found 11colonies containing about 1008 pairs {5}. A repeat survey in 2003 found11 colonies containing about 818 pairs (eight colonies and 669 pairs onbarrier islands and seaside of Eastern Shore and three colonies and 149pairs on Bay islands) {7}. Eggs, 2 May–23 Jun; nests with young, 1 Jun–12 Jul. Peak counts : summer—1200 pairs nesting, Hog Is. (Northampton),Jun 1975; 601, Chincoteague, 27-28 Jul 1987; fall—2500, Chincoteague,20 Aug 1974 winter—32, Chinc-oteague CBC, 28 Dec 1971 [7, Little

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Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1995].PiedmontRare spring transient and postbreeding visitor in summer and fall(extreme dates 30 Mar–22 Sep), with 20+ records. Peak counts : spring—5, Louisa, 17 Apr 1976; fall—7 ph., Amherst, 15 Sep 1978.Mountains and ValleysRare spring transient and postbreeding visitor in summer and fall(extreme dates 30 Mar–4 Nov), with about 17 records of 1-2 individualseach.WHITE-FACED IBISPlegadis chihi NonbreederCoastal PlainRare spring and summer visitor, with nine records (some possiblyinvolving returning individuals), all but one from the Eastern Shore: 1(1)ph., Chincoteague, 8 Jul and 2 Aug 1979; 1(1) ph., Chincoteague, 27 Jun–4 Jul 1999; 1(1) ph., Chincoteague, 6-11 May 2001; 1 ph., Chincoteague,19 May–5 Jun 2002; 2(1) ph., Fairview, near Cape Charles, 29 May 2003(plus 2 possible hybrid Glossy Ibis x White-faced Ibis); 1, Chincoteague,4 May–7 Aug 2003; 1(2), Chincoteague, 25 May–26 Jun 2004; 1, Chinco-teague, 29 Apr–12 Jun 2005; 4 ph., Huntley Meadows CP, 18-22 Apr2006.WOOD STORKMycteria americana NonbreederOverviewThis species’ extralimital appearances are irregular, probably triggeredby drought conditions in its core range. Overall, its drastic decline as abreeder in southern Florida is mirrored in the sharp decline in recentrecords in Virginia. However, the species now nests into North Carolina(as of 2005), and birds from this small colony may disperse northwardin years to come.Coastal PlainRare and irregular visitor spring through fall (extreme dates 20 Apr–17Dec), mostly near the James, York, and Elizabeth Rivers; very rare in latefall and early winter. Of 21 records (totaling minimally 102 individuals),only five since 1985: 1, Norfolk, 17 Dec 1992; 1, Wise Point (ESVNWR),1 Dec 1994; 1, Fisherman Is., 10 Jun 2000; 10-12, Hanover, 10 Apr 2001;1, Mathews, 12-13 Sep 2003. Peak count : 50, Hampton, 3 May 1949. First

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recorded in the state in New Kent (4 birds in summer 1893).PiedmontFour records: 3 shot, Vinitarville (Goochland ), 18 Jul 1896; 3, Cham-blissburg (Bedford), 20-26 May 1974; 1, near Kerr Dam (Mecklenburg ), 25Jun 1977; 1 ph., Nelson, 23 Aug 1984. Mountains and ValleysRare summer visitor, with about 11 records (extreme dates Jun–6 Sep).Records from Augusta, Botetourt, Frederick, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Salem,Scott, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, and Waynesboro. Only three recordssince 1985: 3, Waynesboro, 21 Aug 1985; 1, Salem, late 1985; 1, nearRoanoke, Aug 1995. Peak count : 19, Kerr’s Creek (Rockbridge), 25 Jul–29Aug 1979.BLACK VULTURECoragyps atratus BreederOverviewStatewide CBC totals vary considerably from year to year but indicate ageneral increase in abundance since the mid-1960s.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident except on Eastern Shore, whereuncommon (but increasing). Breeding : eggs, 17 Mar–8 May; nests withyoung, 25 Apr–1 Jun. Peak counts : spring—337, near Hopewell, 7 May1949; summer—150, near Smithfield (Isle of Wight ), 3 Jul 1984; fall—684, Kiptopeke, 25 Oct 1995; winter—218, Hopewell CBC, 16 Dec2001; 205, Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 2 Jan 2005. Kiptopekehawkwatch fall season high is 2630 in 1996; mean numbers hereincreased from 57/season (0.19/hour) in the 1980s to 811/season(1.10/hour) in the 1990s and 970/season (1.30/hour), 2000-2003.PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 14 Mar–12 Jun; nests withyoung, 13 Apr–11 Aug. Peak counts : 376, Charlottesville CBC, 17 Dec1979; 372, The Plains CBC, 17 Dec 2000.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident except in the Cumberlands, where fairlyrare. Breeding : eggs, 1 Mar–3 Jun; nests with young, 20 Apr–1 Jul. Peakcounts : 976, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 17 Dec 1977; 813,Blacksburg CBC, 29 Dec 1975. At Rockfish Gap hawkwatch, fall seasonhigh is 344 in 1994.

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TURKEY VULTURECathartes aura BreederOverviewStatewide CBC data indicate a steady but significant (seven-fold) increasesince the mid-1960s. The increase in vultures in the state has led somecommunities to insist on eradication of vultures at roost sites, a practicethat was halted in 2005. Counts are highest in fall and winter, when localnesting birds are joined in communal roosts by birds that nest farthernorth.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 8 Apr–1 Jun. Peak counts :fall—1821, Kiptopeke, 25 Oct 1995; winter—603, Cape Charles CBC, 30Dec 2001. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season high is 12,417 in 1996; meannumbers here increased from 632/season (2.11/hour) in the 1980s to4063/season (5.50/hour) in the 1990s and 5911/season (7.90/hour),2000-2003. Counting of this species at Kiptopeke is difficult, asindividual birds may pass Kiptopeke and other points in southernNorthampton many times per day. However, most daily high counts havebeen taken on days when vultures appear to be leaving the peninsula andcrossing the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. On such days, hundreds maybe seen along the span of the CBBT. CBC data on this species are moredifficult to interpret, as multiple parties may record the same vulturesseveral times during the day.PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 25 Mar–11 Jun; nests withyoung, 7 May–20 Jul. Peak count : 987, Charlottesville CBC, 17 Dec 1978.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, but uncommon in the Cumberlands andthe higher elevations of the Appalachians, especially in winter. Breeding :eggs, 12 Apr–22 May; nests with young through 3 Aug. Peak counts : fall—2183, Russell, 6 Nov 1998; winter—1322, Northern Shenandoah ValleyCBC, 15 Dec 1979. At Rockfish Gap hawkwatch, fall season high is 1020in 1993.GREATER FLAMINGO (Category 2)Phoenicopterus ruber NonbreederOverviewIt is possible that some of the Greater Flamingos recorded in Virginiahave been escapees from captivity, although at least some (e.g., the 197274

record following Hurricane Agnes and late fall/winter records along thecoast) are likely naturally occurring birds. Most of these recordsapparently are of Greater Flamingos (the only species expected to occurnaturally), but the presence of a Chilean Flamingo (P. chilensis), certainlyan escapee, at Craney Is., 14-27 Sep 1986, indicates that caution iswarranted in interpreting poorly documented records of flamingos. Likewild flamingos, those that have escaped from captivity may also bedisplaced by hurricanes and tropical storms, as documented by ChileanFlamingo as far out of range as Iceland, and careful documentation ofall extralimital flamingos is essential.Coastal PlainRare summer and fall visitor with at least five, possibly as many as nine,records of single free-flying birds (extreme dates late Jun–28 Dec): 1,Chincoteague, 9 Nov 1969; 1, Chincoteague, 20 Nov 1971; 1, AssateagueIs., late Jun–15 Aug 1972 (after Hurricane Agnes); 1, Chincoteague, 17Oct–28 Dec 1978; 1, Grandview Beach (Hampton), 28 Aug 1985; 1,Fisherman Is., Aug–Sep 1985; 1, Craney Is., 15 Oct–12 Dec 1985; 1,Chincoteague, Nov 1985 (these latter four records possibly involving thesame individual); 1, Gloucester/Mathews, 19-23 Nov 1990. None of thesereports has been reviewed, and no photographic documentation isknown to exist for them.Mountains and ValleysThree, possibly four records: 1, Goshen (Rockbridge), 7 Aug 1969 andpossibly the same bird (ph.), Waynesboro, 10-12 Aug 1969; 1 ph.,Rockingham, 10-11 Oct 1986; 1 ph., Rockingham, Oct 1996. Contrary toprevious reports, the 1969 records were likely unrelated to HurricaneCamille, which did not even become a tropical storm in the Caribbeanuntil 14 Aug 1969. Photographs of the two Rockingham records do notpermit definitive identification to species, but those of the 1996 birdsuggest Chilean Flamingo.OSPREYPandion haliaetus BreederOverviewThis species was much reduced in number during the 1950s and 1960s,when DDT and other organochlorine pesticides were widely used; thesechemicals inhibited eggshell formation, which led to inviable eggs orbreaking of eggs prior to hatching. Since the use of DDT was bannedin the United States, numbers of this species have increased steadily,although a reduction in recent years in some areas (e.g., the bayside of

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the Delmarva Peninsula) has been noted, possibly due to food stress.Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (10 Mar–30 Oct, thoughrecently arrival in late February or the first week in March has been thenorm). Rare mid-winter visitor, although more individuals have beenlingering later each year; annual on CBCs since 1986, with regional CBCtotals as high as 13 (in 1999 and 2004). Breeding : the number of pairs inthe region increased from a low of 309 in 1971 to 850 in 1986, and asystematic survey in 1995 recorded 1800 pairs in the Virginia portion ofthe Chesapeake Bay, including 320 pairs on the Potomac R., 252 on theRappahannock R., 145 on the York R., 360 on the James R., and 125along the bayside of the Delmarva Peninsula {10}. Much of thepopulation growth in recent years has been within the brackish and tidalfresh reaches of tributaries along the western shore of the Bay. Thisspecies now breeds fairly commonly along tidal rivers and creeks ( lesscommonly away from tidal water and larger inland lakes) throughout allbut the south/southwestern part of the region. Eggs, 26 Mar–9 Jul; nestswith young through late August. Peak counts : fall—1053, Kiptopeke, 20Sep 1996; winter—6, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1993. Kiptopekehawkwatch fall season high is 5775 in 1996; mean numbers here were755/season (2.52/hour) in the 1980s, 2653/season (3.59/hour) in the1990s, and 1992/season (2.66/hour), 2000-2003.PiedmontUncommon transient (30 Mar–15 May, 10 Sep–25 Oct; extreme dates11 Mar–24 Nov), more common in spring; rare and local summerresident. Four winter records: 1, Falls Church, 2 Jan 1971; 1, Kerr Res.,26 Dec 1976; 1, Charlottesville CBC, 17 Dec 1978; 1, Mill Creek L.(Amherst), 27 Dec 2002. Breeding : fairly rare and local breeder, thoughincreasing in recent decades. In the 1980s, breeding records came fromKerr Res. in 1983 (two pairs) and 1984, Great Falls in 1984, and centralHenrico in 1986 and 1988 ( James R. above Richmond). Since then, thespecies has spread, and breeding is now known or suspected at Kerr Res.,L. Anna, and Smith Mountain L. (confirmed in 2004), and along theJames R. upstream to Goochland and Powhatan, along the RappahannockR. upstream to the Rivanna R., and along the Potomac R. upstream toHarpers Ferry, West Virginia. Peak counts : 26, Candlers Mt. (Lynchburg),16 Sep 2002; 15, Ni Res. (Spotsylvania), 23 Sep 1979. At Short Hill Mt.hawkwatch, fall season high is 85 in 1988; 67 were counted at CandlersMt. (Lynchburg) in Sep 2002.

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Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (5 Apr–15 May, 10 Sep–25 Oct); peak two-weekfall migratory period at Snickers Gap is 9-22 Sep. Rare summer andwinter visitor, with about six winter records. No confirmed breedingrecords, but may be breeding undetected in the region, where records inall seasons have increased in recent decades. Peak counts : spring—90,Rockfish Gap, 26 Apr 1987; 57, Harvey’s Knob, 15 Apr 1984; fall—64,Snickers Gap, 19 Sep 1999; 37, Rockfish Gap, 20 Sep 1998; 22, CourseySprings Fish Hatchery (Bath), 27 Sep 1989. Fall season highs of 233 in1986 at Rockfish Gap (20-year mean of 145/season and 0.32/hour,1985-2004) and 289 in 1999 at Snickers Gap (13-year mean of220/season, 1991-2003).SWALLOW-TAILED KITEElanoides forficatus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare but apparently increasing spring and early summer visitor, with atleast 28 records (all but three of single birds) between 3 Apr and 18 Junsince 1951. Most spring records are from the Eastern Shore (ninerecords), and Back Bay/Dismal Swamp area (at least eight records), withothers from the Williamsburg/Gloucester area and one record six minorth of Kilmarnock (Northumberland ), 30 Apr 1983. Five records alongupper Potomac R.: 1, Alexandria, 11 Apr 1897; 1, Ft. Hunt (Fairfax), 13May 1974; 1, Quantico (Prince William), 20 Apr 1997; 1(2), HuntleyMeadows CP, 18-19 Jun 1999. Three mid/late summer records: 1, HogIs. WMA, 28 Aug 1991 (and perhaps the same individual seen across theJames R. at College Creek [ James City], the same day); up to 2 adults,Gloucester, 23 Jul–5 Aug 2003; 1(2), Gloucester, 19 Jul 2004. Bent {11, p. 52}listed a record from Aylett (King William), 31 Aug 1895, but thisapparently refers to Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, rather than Swallow-tailedKite. Summering birds should be investigated for the possibility ofnesting, although nests are difficult to locate, and nesting has yet to beconfirmed in North Carolina.PiedmontFour records: 1(1) ph., Marriott Ranch (Fauquier/Rappahanock), 29 Jul–11Aug 2002; 1, Ivy Creek Natural Area (Albemarle), 2 May 2003; 1(2),Annandale (Fairfax ), 8 Jun 2003; 1, near Centreville (Fairfax ), 17 Apr2006.

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Mountains and ValleysFour records: 2, Lexington, summer 1890; 1 specimen, Salem, 21 Aug1938; 1, Augusta, 6 Sep 1946; 1, Buchanan, 11 May 2003. WHITE-TAILED KITE (Category 2)Elanus leucurus NonbreederCoastal PlainThree accepted records: 1(2), Charles City, 5 Jun 1988; 1(2), Cheriton(Northampton), 26 Apr 1998; 1(2), Suffolk, 3 Apr 2004. MISSISSIPPI KITEIctinia mississippiensis Casual BreederOverviewNumbers have increased throughout Virginia since 1987, when theChecklist listed only eight sight records {1}, and seem to increase everyyear. This species is not known to breed north of Virginia, and many ofthe state’s records appear to be of wandering one-year-old individuals.However, given the number of spring and summer records and theoccurrence of adults (in addition to subadults), breeding is likely morewidespread than is currently known. Dispersants could occur virtuallyanywhere in the state.Coastal PlainIn most of region, fairly rare but now annual transient and early summervisitor in late May and June; even rarer summer resident and fall transient(extreme dates 9 May–7 Oct). There are now >50 records totaling >150individuals. Migrants/dispersants occur virtually throughout, but arerecorded most regularly on Eastern Shore and along upper Potomac R.In recent years, small numbers have summered regularly, and beenconfirmed breeding, in extreme southwest (eastern Greensville andSouthampton) and along upper Potomac R. (eastern Fairfax and PrinceWilliam). First recorded in the region in Norfolk (2 birds), 28 Aug 1962.Breeding: three records—from 1995 to 1997, a pair bred successfully in thesame backyard in Woodbridge (Prince William), with adults feeding 1fledgling through 4 Sep 1995, a nest with five eggs on 11 Aug 1996, anda nest with five eggs on 2 Jul 1997. Near Ft. Hunt (Fairfax), kites werefirst observed in 2002, and 2 adults with 2 juveniles were noted on 30Aug 2003; a nest with five eggs was discovered here 7-8 Aug 2004, andnesting in 2005 produced at least one young. A nest with 1 large youngwas in Southampton, 16 Jul 2005; this nest was active again in 2006. Likelybreeds more widely than is known. Peak counts: spring—5, Huntley78

Meadows CP, 22 May 2004; summer—26, southeastern Greensville andSouthampton, 14 Jun 2003. PiedmontFairly rare but now annual transient and early summer visitor in late Mayand June; even rarer summer resident and fall transient (extreme dates 2May–23 Sep). There are nearly 30 records of almost 50 individuals. Firstrecorded in region in Charlottesville, 20 May 1962. Breeding : tworecords—up to 6 kites were present, and a pair built a nest, in a residentialarea along the Occoquan R. near Manassas (Prince William), May–Jun2004, but the nest was apparently usurped by crows. At Annandale(Fairfax ), recently fledged young with adults were observed 23 Jul 2005in an area where kites had been observed in previous summers. Peakcounts : 8, Halifax, 7 Jun 1998; 6, near Manassas (Prince William), 2 Jun2004.Mountains and ValleysFairly rare transient and summer visitor (extreme dates 4 May–17 Oct),with 11 records of single individuals (three in May, three in June, singlesin August and October, and three in September). Recorded at Lexington(first state record, 22 May 1951), Augusta (five records, including four ator near Rockfish Gap), Bath, Harveys Knob (two records), Peaks ofOtter BSD, and Highland.BALD EAGLEHaliaeetus leucocephalus BreederOverviewNumbers in Virginia, as elsewhere throughout the lower 48 states,declined markedly from 1950 to 1971 as a result of the widespread useof the pesticide DDT. In 1972, the statewide breeding populationstabilized at 33 pairs (32 in the Coastal Plain) and remained at that leveluntil 1977, at which time breeding was occurring in 11 counties. Sincethen, the species’ breeding distribution has expanded, and breedingabundance has increased steadily to 66 pairs in 1986, 330 in 2001, and453 occupied breeding territories (in 36 counties and 9 independentcities) in 2005 {12}. The per-capita reproductive rate has more thantripled since 1977 {13}. This population increase, which mirrors range-wide increases, has resulted primarily from the banning of the use ofthe pesticide DDT in North America, although local conservation effortswithin the state have also made a significant contribution.

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Coastal PlainUncommon to locally common permanent resident. Chesapeake Bay-area populations are augmented in summer by about 1500 birds fromFlorida and other southeastern states, and in winter by about 500 birdsfrom northern populations, making the region the most significant areaof convergence for Bald Eagles on the East Coast {14}. Breeding : eggs,15 Dec–11 Apr; nests with young through mid-June. Most nests arealong tidal rivers and creeks, with highest numbers along the Potomac,Rappahannock, and James Rivers, but nests are also present at scatteredlocations elsewhere in the region. Breeding abundance declines fartherfrom tidal rivers and large lakes. Westmoreland, King George, Richmond, Essex,and Charles City support the highest numbers of pairs, accounting for36.4% of the state’s population in 2004 {10}. More than 96% of thestate’s breeding pairs occur in this region {12}. Peak counts : summer—448, James R., Jul 1997 {15}; fall—34, Kiptopeke, 29 Oct 1996;winter—395, Rappahannock R. from Tappahannock to RappahannockAcademy, 7 Feb 2005; 256, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 31 Dec 2000; 172,Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 21 Dec 2002; 120, Hopewell CBC, 22 Dec1996. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season high is 363 in 1997; meannumbers here increased from 24/season (0.08/hour) in the 1980s to163/season (0.22/hour) in the 1990s and 262/season (0.35/hour), 2000-2003.PiedmontFairly rare transient throughout most of region; fairly rare and localpermanent resident in scattered locations. Recorded annually on CBCssince 1987, with regional totals of up to 56 (in 2003-2004). Breeding :historically, nesting was recorded along the Potomac R. near Leesburg in1954 and 1955, and more recently at Kerr Res. in 1984 and 1985. Sincethe mid-1980s, breeding has expanded in this region to include recordsin Albemarle, Amherst, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Fauquier, Halifax, Henrico,Loudoun, Louisa, Lynchburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Petersburg, Pittsylvania,Powhatan, Prince Edward, and Prince William. Peak counts : fall—6, CandlersMt. (Lynchburg), 30 Sep 2001; winter—16, The Plains CBC, 21 Dec2003, 19 Dec 2004, and 18 Dec 2005; 13, Kerr Res., 25 Dec 1993; 8, SkyMeadows SP (Fauquier), 20 Feb 2002.Mountains and ValleysFairly rare to locally uncommon transient and winter visitor throughoutmost of region; rare in summer. Most numerous in fall, when peak two-week fall migratory period at Snickers Gap is 16-29 Sep. Recordedannually on CBCs since 1985, with regional CBC totals of up to 35 (in80

2001-2002). Breeding : has nested at L. Moomaw several years since 1989,and in Clarke, Page, Rockbridge, and Shenandoah. Summer records fromother areas (e.g., 18 on Bath/Highland foray, 7-15 Jun 2003) suggestbreeding in additional locations. Peak counts : fall—23, Snickers Gap, 19Sep 1999; 11, Rockfish Gap, 21 Aug 2005; winter—20, Calmes NeckCBC, 30 Dec 2001; 13, L. Moomaw, 17 Jan 2004; 12, NorthernShenandoah Valley CBC, 19 Dec 1998. Fall season highs of 47 in 2000at Rockfish Gap (20-year mean of 22/season and 0.05/hour, 1985-2004)and 170 in 2003 at Snickers Gap (13-year mean of 88/season, 1991-2003). Mean number/hour at Rockfish Gap increased from 0.03 in the1980s to 0.05 in the 1990s and 0.09, 2000-2004.NORTHERN HARRIERCircus cyaneus BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (15 Aug–5 May), more commonnear coast; uncommon to rare and local summer resident in largerChesapeake Bay marshes and on barrier islands, much rarer inland insummer. Breeding : since 1990, breeding has been documented on barrierislands ( likely 10-15+ pairs present), in Bay marshes on western side ofnorthern Eastern Shore (2-3+ pairs), and in marshes on western shoreof Bay from Mathews south to Hampton (10+ pairs) {16}. A nest wasalso found in an upland field at the ESVNWR in 1995. Eggs, 19 Apr–24 Jun; nests with young through mid-July. Peak counts : fall—119,Kiptopeke, 29 Sep 1995; 100, Chincoteague, 10 Oct 1981; winter—97,Cape Charles CBC, 28 Dec 1976; 93, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1986.Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season high is 1697 in 1995 (20-year mean of709/season and 1.11/hour, 1984-2003).PiedmontUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Aug–30 Apr); rare summervisitor. No breeding records, but mid-summer records, especially incentral and northern part of region, suggest the possibility of localbreeding. Peak count : 48, Nokesville CBC, 20 Dec 1992. Short Hill Mt.hawkwatch fall season high is 209 in 1989.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Aug–30 Apr). Peak two-week fall migratory period at Snickers Gap is 23 Oct–5 Nov. Raresummer visitor; a pair with one juvenile near Swoope, 31 Jul 2004,suggests breeding, but breeding has not been confirmed. Peak counts :fall—24, Snickers Gap, 4 Nov 1993; 23, Rockfish Gap, 23 Sep 1986;

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winter—36, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec 1990. Fall seasonhighs of 159 in 1986 at Rockfish Gap (where mean number/hourdeclined from 0.19 in the 1980s to 0.15 in the 1990s and 0.11, 2000-2004) and 278 in 1999 at Snickers Gap (13-year mean of 187/season,1991-2003).WESTERN MARSH HARRIER (Category 2)Circus aeruginosus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2) adult female ph., Chincoteague, 4 Dec 1994. Althoughphotographs were not clear enough to document this observationconclusively, written descriptions and excellent field sketches submittedby multiple observers led to VARCOM acceptance of the record, theonly one for North America. Other Western Hemisphere records comefrom Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, and Dominica. The AOU did notconsider the Chincoteague report adequately documented for acceptanceto the main list, placing it in the Appendix to its Check-list of NorthAmerican Birds {17}.SHARP-SHINNED HAWKAccipiter striatus BreederOverviewStatewide CBC numbers (number/party hour) show a three-fold increasesince the mid-1960s, mirroring general increases in abundance ofbreeders in the Eastern U.S. since the 1960s revealed by BBS data. Incontrast, number/hour at the Kiptopeke and Rockfish Gap hawkwatcheshave shown a general decline since the late 1970s and early 1980s; rawcounts vary considerably among years at fall hawkwatch sites. Coastal PlainUncommon transient and winter resident (generally 10 Sep–30 Apr, butwith some early migrants in August and late migrants in May); commonto locally abundant in fall along coast, peaking in abundance in lateSeptember and early October. Rare summer visitor, mostly in thenorthwest. Breeding : formerly a rare breeder (eggs, 10-20 May), withnesting records from King and Queen (1944), Stafford (1975), and easternPrince William, but no recent regional breeding records. Peak counts : fall—3842, Kiptopeke, 29 Sep 1994; winter—56, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec1976 [40, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1989]. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fallseason high is 26,355 in 1995; mean numbers here were 8661/season(28.91/hour) in the 1980s, 12,221/season (16.54/hour) in the 1990s, and82

6675/season (8.92/hour), 2000-2003.PiedmontUncommon transient and winter resident (10 Sep–30 Apr); rare summerresident, mostly in the north and near the Blue Ridge. Breeding : threerecent records—nest, Appomattox, early Jun 1978; nest, western PrinceWilliam, mid-Jun 1980 (3 fledged young, 28 Jul); Campbell (VAP). Eggs,5-17 May. Peak counts : spring—50, Reston (Fairfax ), 11 Apr 1992; fall—35, Amherst, 10 Oct 1976; 29, Louisa, 7 Oct 1978; winter—22, The PlainsCBC, 15 Dec 2002. Short Hill Mt. hawkwatch fall season high is 1136 in1990.Mountains and ValleysUncommon permanent resident, less common (rare in many areas) andmore local in summer. Peak two-week fall migratory period at SnickersGap is 3-16 Oct. Breeding : probably a widespread but sparse/localbreeder, with relatively few confirmations of this fairly secretive nester;only two breeding confirmations during VAP, in Alleghany and Tazewell.A nest near Whitetop Mt. (Smyth), mid-Jul 2004, is one of few breedingconfirmations in the extreme south. Eggs, 3 May–3 Jun. Peak counts :spring—36, Harvey’s Knob, 9 Apr 1978; fall—509, Rockfish Gap, 4 Oct1986; 336, Snickers Gap, 5 Oct 1996; winter—27, Northern ShenandoahValley CBC, 14 Dec 2002. Fall season highs of 3644 in 1986 at RockfishGap (where mean number/hour declined from 4.12 in the 1980s to 1.74in the 1990s and 1.99, 2000-2004) and 2465 in 1995 at Snickers Gap (13-year mean of 1855/season, 1991-2003).COOPER’S HAWKAccipiter cooperii BreederOverviewCounts vary considerably among years at fall hawkwatch sites but havegenerally increased since the 1970s. Statewide CBC numbers(number/party hour) declined from the 1940s through the early 1960sbut since then have shown a five- to six-fold increase, mirroring increaseson BBS routes throughout the East since the 1960s. In all regions, morenumerous than Sharp-shinned Hawk in summer, less numerous inwinter, and much less numerous in migration.Coastal PlainUncommon transient and winter resident throughout, being commonto locally abundant in fall along coast (peaking in abundance in earlyOctober); uncommon summer resident in the northwest, rare (but

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apparently increasing) in summer elsewhere. Breeding : during VAP,confirmed in Isle of Wight and along upper Potomac R. (Stafford toFairfax). A nest with one egg was at Winter Harbor (Mathews), 22 Apr1999 (3 fledged young, 7 Jul). Nest-building as early as 9 Mar; eggs, 22Apr–15 May. Peak counts : fall—340, Kiptopeke, 29 Sep 1995; winter—20,Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 2002. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season highis 3625 in 1995; mean numbers here increased from 215/season(0.72/hour) in the 1980s to 1540/season (2.08/hour) in the 1990s and1750/season (2.34/hour), 2000-2003.PiedmontUncommon permanent resident, less numerous and more local (butincreasing, especially in the north) during summer; fewer transients thanon coast or in mountains. Breeding : during VAP, confirmations fromDanville and Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William; many breeding recordsfrom Fairfax and Prince William since 1990. Eggs, 23 Apr–26 May; nestswith young through 17 Jul. Peak counts : fall—60, Charlottesville, 27 Sep1945; winter—11, Nokesville CBC, 18 Dec 1994; 11, Central LoudounCBC, 29 Dec 2002. Short Hill Mt. hawkwatch fall season high is 222 in1993.Mountains and ValleysUncommon permanent resident, less numerous (rare in many areas) andmore local in summer. Peak two-week fall migratory period at SnickersGap is 3-16 Oct. Breeding : eggs, 2 Apr–28 May; recently fledged youngthrough 24 Jul. Peak counts : spring—36, Harvey’s Knob, 9 Apr 1978;fall—47, Snickers Gap, 10 and 19 Oct 1995; 43, Rockfish Gap, 4 Oct1994; winter—22, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec 2001; 21,Shenandoah NP–Luray CBC, 16 Dec 1990. Fall season highs of 289 in1997 at Rockfish Gap (15-year mean of 154/season and 0.35/hour,1990-2004) and 521 in 1995 at Snickers Gap (13-year mean of300/season, 1991-2003). Mean number/hour at Rockfish Gap increasedfrom 0.14 in the 1980s to 0.31 in the 1990s and 0.52, 2000-2004.NORTHERN GOSHAWKAccipiter gentilis NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and irregular fall migrant and winter visitor, even rarer in spring(extreme dates 2 Oct–6 May); most fall records are from Eastern Shore.Regional totals of up to 4 individuals recorded on CBCs 10 of 21 yearsbetween 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : 7, Kiptopeke, 17 Nov 1999; 6-7,Kiptopeke, 12 Nov 1999. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season high is 27 in84

1999 (20-year mean of 7.0/season and 0.01/hour, 1984-2003).PiedmontRare and irregular fall migrant and winter visitor, even rarer in spring(extreme dates 24 Oct–17 Apr), mostly in the north. Short Hill Mt.hawkwatch fall season high is 17 in 1993.Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular fall migrant and winter visitor, even rarer in spring(extreme dates about 15 Sep–15 May). Several earlier fall reports ( lateAug–early Sep) are not well documented. Peak two-week fall migratoryperiod at Snickers Gap is 8-21 Oct. Regional totals of up to 3 individualsrecorded on CBCs 10 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. One at LocustSpring (Highland ) 26 May 1986 may have been a lingering migrant or asummering bird. Three summer records: 1, Montgomery, Aug 1952; 1,Highland, 18 Jun 1990; 2 (single adult and subadult), Mt. Rogers, 27 Jun1992. Breeding has been recorded just over the state line in Pocohontas,West Virginia, and should be looked for in Virginia. Peak counts : fall—10,Snickers Gap, 3 Oct 1999; 3, Rockfish Gap, 23 Oct 1999; spring—3,Highland, 30 Mar 1980. Fall season highs of 15 in 1999 at Rockfish Gap(20-year mean of 4/season and 0.01/hour, 1985-2004) and 42 in 1993at Snickers Gap (13-year mean of 18/season, 1991-2003).RED-SHOULDERED HAWKButeo lineatus BreederOverviewStatewide CBC numbers (number/party hour) declined from the 1940sthrough the 1960s, but since 1970 have shown a four-fold increase. BBSdata also indicate significant increases in abundance (in Virginia andmuch of the eastern U.S.) since the 1960s.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 8 Mar–26 Apr. Peak counts :fall—44, Kiptopeke, 5 Nov 1997; winter—65, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 4 Jan1998, 29 Dec 2002, and 2 Jan 2005; near coast—29, Back Bay CBC, 29Dec 1977. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season high is 182 in 1997; meannumbers here increased from 12/season (0.04/hour) in the 1980s to84/season (0.11/hour) in the 1990s and 94/season (0.13/hour), 2000-2003.PiedmontUncommon to fairly common permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 3 Mar–11 May; nests with young through 24 Jun. Peak count : 118, The Plains

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CBC, 18 Dec 2005. Short Hill Mt. hawkwatch fall season high is 83 in1989.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter resident; rare to uncommon summerresident, more numerous in the southwest. Peak two-week fall migratoryperiod at Snickers Gap is 21 Oct–3 Nov. Breeding : eggs, 20 Mar–25 Apr;recently fledged young through 18 Aug. Peak counts : fall—47, SnickersGap, 23 Oct 2000; 22, Rockfish Gap, 19 Oct 1986; winter—29, NorthernShenandoah Valley CBC, 18 Dec 2004; 27, Bristol CBC, 26 Dec 2004.Fall season highs of 63 in 1993 at Rockfish Gap (20-year mean of34/season and 0.07/hour, 1985-2004) and 287 in 1995 at Snickers Gap(13-year mean of 184/season, 1991-2003).BROAD-WINGED HAWKButeo platypterus BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient (30 Mar–10 May, 10 Sep–20 Oct; extreme dates23 Mar–29 Nov) in most of region, irregularly common to abundant onEastern Shore in fall. Rare summer resident, mostly to northwest, butthis species has expanded into the southeast in recent years, and is seenwith increasing frequency during the breeding season. Three winterreports: 1, Alexandria, 29 Nov 1977–28 Feb 1978; 1, Gloucester Point(Gloucester), 4 Jan–23 Feb 1979; 1, Ashland (Hanover), 10 Feb 2006.Breeding : nests with two eggs, Northampton, 23 May 1891 and 21 May 1898;nest with two eggs, King and Queen, 15 May 1945; adult with 2 young justout of nest, Stumpy L. (Virginia Beach), 28 May 1953; apparent nestingpair, ESVNWR, May–Jun 2005. Prevously, occasional nesting pairsreported at Ft. Belvoir and elsewhere in eastern Fairfax, Prince William,and Stafford, east of the fall line. Although numbers are apparentlyincreasing in summer, there have been no breeding confirmations in theregion since the early 1980s. Eggs, 13-23 May. Peak counts : 2454,Kiptopeke, 30 Sep 1995; inland—1700, Ft. Hunt (Fairfax ), 23 Sep 1987.Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season high is 5211 in 1995 (20-year mean of1146/season and 1.80/hour, 1984-2003).PiedmontCommon transient and uncommon to fairly rare summer residentthroughout (30 Mar–15 Oct; extreme dates 18 Mar–late Oct). Severalreports of dark-morph birds, but none have been documented. Breeding :eggs, 23 Apr–4 Jun. Peak counts : spring—300, Reston (Fairfax ), 17 Apr1992; fall—4417, Candlers Mt. (Lynchburg), 20 Sep 2004; 4203,86

Manassas, 21 Sep 1996. Fall season high for Candlers Mt. is 10,716 (in18 days of observation) in 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon spring transient, uncommon to fairly rare summer resident,and abundant fall transient (10 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates 15 Mar–29Oct). Peak one-week fall migratory period at Snickers Gap is 16-22 Sep.Several reports of dark-morph birds, but none have been welldocumented. Breeding : eggs, 22 Apr–25 Jun; nests with young, 6 Jun–20Jul. Peak counts : spring—601, Harvey’s Knob, 15 Apr 1984; fall—19,004,Snickers Gap, 18 Sep 1998; 17,373, Linden Fire Tower, 21 Sep 1981;11,783, Rockfish Gap, 16 Sep 1986. Fall season highs of 27,755 in 1986at Rockfish Gap (where mean number/hour declined from 42.18 in the1980s to 18.91 in the 1990s and 16.09, 2000-2004) and 25,889 in 1998 atSnickers Gap (13-year mean of 7608/season, 1991-2003).SWAINSON’S HAWKButeo swainsoni NonbreederCoastal PlainRare fall transient (extreme dates 21 Aug–26 Nov) on Eastern Shore,where there are about 34 fall reports, mostly in September and October.One winter record: 1, Cheriton (Northampton), 5 Jan 1999. The first staterecord was of one at Chincoteague, 21 Aug 1978, but all subsequentEastern Shore records have been in southern Northampton, with 26 fromthe Kiptopeke hawkwatch alone. One at College Creek hawkwatch (JamesCity), 22 Apr 2001, is the only spring record and only regional recordaway from the Eastern Shore. The recent surge in records (two from thelate 1970s, one from the 1980s, 20 from the 1990s, and 12 from 2000through 2005) is probably due more to increased fall coverage of theEastern Shore and observers’ improved abilities to detect and identifythese birds than to an actual increase in numbers. Kiptopeke hawkwatchfall season high is 8 in 1998.PiedmontOne record: 1(2), Beaverdam Res. (Loudoun), 16 Oct 1995.Mountains and ValleysTwo accepted records: 1(2), Snickers Gap, 29 Oct 1993; 1(2), Snickers Gap,29 Sep 2000. There are several other unreviewed or unaccepted fallrecords from Snickers Gap and Rockfish Gap that may also be valid.

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RED-TAILED HAWKButeo jamaicensis BreederOverviewStatewide CBC numbers (number/party hour) have increased steadilysince the 1960s. BBS data also indicate significant increases in abundance(in Virginia and much of the eastern U.S.) since the 1960s. There areseveral reports of dark morphs of the western races calurus and harlani,but few are well documented. There are also multiple reports of paleindividuals resembling “Krider’s Red-tailed Hawk” (formerly considereda valid subspecies, krideri, but now generally considered a color morphof borealis).Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident; breeding abundance has increased inrecent years. Breeding : eggs, 15-18 Apr. Peak counts : fall—347, Kiptopeke,5 Nov 1997; winter—100, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 31 Dec 2000; 74, CapeCharles CBC, 30 Dec 1995; 74, Hopewell CBC, 17 Dec 1995. Kiptopekehawkwatch fall season high is 2370 in 1996 (20-year mean of 765/seasonand 1.20/hour, 1984-2003). Three reports of subspecies calurus: 1specimen, between Kempsville and Stumpy L., Virginia Beach, late Dec1960 (formerly in collection of the Norfolk Museum of Arts andSciences); 1, Hog Is. WMA, 5 Mar 1983; 1, Kiptopeke, 26 Nov 2002.One report of subspecies harlani: 1 immature dark morph, Kiptopeke, 9Nov 1995. A bird banded at Kiptopeke, 25 Oct 2004, resembled“Krider’s.”PiedmontCommon permanent resident, more numerous in migration and winter.Breeding : eggs, 10 Mar–16 Apr. Peak counts : 135, Central Loudoun CBC,28 Dec 2003; 129, The Plains CBC, 18 Dec 2005. Short Hill Mt.hawkwatch fall season high is 1944 in 1989. Two reports of dark-morphindividuals of the subspecies calurus: 1 banded and ph., near Manassas(Prince William), 11 Jan–3 Apr 1999 (returned Nov 1999–22 Mar 2000and 2 Dec 2000–late Mar 2001); 1, Louisa, 13 Jan 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, more numerous in migration and winter.Peak two-week fall migratory period at Snickers Gap is 30 Oct–12 Nov.Breeding: eggs, 8 Mar–2 Jun. Peak counts : fall—751, Rockfish Gap, 6 Nov1985; 451, Snickers Gap, 7 Nov 1999; winter—184, NorthernShenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec 2001. Fall season highs of 2101 in 1985at Rockfish Gap (20-year mean of 795/season and 1.75/hour, 1985-

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2004) and 3149 in 1999 at Snickers Gap (13-year mean of 1692/season,1991-2003). Several reports of dark-morph individuals of the subspeciescalurus, but only one documented: 1, Stuarts Draft, 25-30 Dec 1998. Adark Red-tailed Hawk, possibly harlani, was in Fishersville during thewinters of 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, and it or another was at thislocation on 17 Dec 2005. A bird Harveys Knob, 12 Nov 2005, resembled“Krider’s”.FERRUGINOUS HAWKButeo regalis NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) immature ph., ESVNWR, 10 Jan–6 Mar 1995. Thisindividual, one of only two documented on the Atlantic Coast, rangedwidely over the winter, being seen as far north as fields west of Oyster(Northampton) and south to Fisherman Is., where it was last seen.Moutains and ValleysOne record: 1(2), Washington, 14 Jan 1973.ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKButeo lagopus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and irregular transient and winter resident (30 Oct–30 Mar). Locallyuncommon on northern Eastern Shore, although usually rare as far southas Cape Charles area (e.g., only 23 recorded at Kiptopeke hawkwatch,1978-2003, with 14 of those in a single year). Early date: 1, Norfolk, 2Sep 1974. Recorded annually on CBCs since 1985, with regional totals ofup to 6 birds. Peak counts : fall—4, Kiptopeke, 19 Oct 1999; winter—4,Chincoteague CBC, 21 Dec 1965, 29 Dec 1966, 28 Dec 1970, and 29Dec 1979; 4, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1972. Kiptopeke hawkwatchfall season high is 14 in 1999 (7 light morph, 6 dark morph, 1intermediate).PiedmontRare and irregular transient and winter resident (30 Oct–30 Mar; extremedates 21 Sep–30 Apr), mostly in the north; locally uncommon in Loudoun.Recorded on CBCs 14 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004, with regionaltotals of up to 6 birds. A major influx was noted in Jan–Feb 2004. Peakcounts : 20, Loudoun, 15 Feb 2004; 10, Dulles Airport, 20 Jan 1960; 9,Dulles Airport, winter 1980-1981.

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Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular transient and winter resident (30 Oct–30 Mar; extremedates 23 Sep–8 May), locally uncommon in the north and in Highlandand Tazewell. More numerous here than in other regions. Recordedannually on CBCs since 1984, with regional totals of 2-12 birds. A majorinflux was noted in Jan–Feb 2004. Peak counts : 18, Highland, 31 Jan 2004;9, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 19 Dec 1981; 6, Burkes Garden(Tazewell), 17 Feb 2003. Infrequently observed at hawkwatch sites in fall.Nearly annual at Snickers Gap hawkwatch, but with a seasonal high ofonly 4 (in 1992); only five records from Rockfish Gap hawkwatch.GOLDEN EAGLEAquila chrysaetos NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 16 Sep–11 May); almostall coastal records are of immatures and subadults. Regional totals of upto 3 individuals recorded on CBCs nine of 21 years between 1984 and2004. Exceptionally early date: 1, Kiptopeke, 3 Sep 2005. Exceptionallylate date: 1 immature, Virginia Beach, 1 Jun 1974. Peak count : 6,Kiptopeke, 3 Nov 1996. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season high is 37 in1995 (20-year mean of 8.8/season and 0.01/hour, 1984-2003).PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (15 Oct–10 Apr), rarer than in CoastalPlain and Mountains and Valleys regions; extreme late date 7 May. NoCBCs recorded this species between 1984 and 2004. Two old summerrecords: 1, Bluemont (Loudoun), 26 Aug 1928; 1, Paris (Fauquier), 12 Jul1925. Peak count : 3, Warrenton, 4 Mar 1950. Short Hill Mt. hawkwatch fallseason high is 13 in 1989.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (15 Oct–10 Apr, but migrantsoccasionally recorded as early as 24 Aug), except locally uncommon andregular winter resident in the southwest (e.g., Tazewell ) and in Highland.Peak two-week fall migratory period at Snickers Gap is 28 Oct–10 Nov.Recorded nearly annually on CBCs since 1984, with regional totals ofup to 14 birds. Rare summer visitor, with recent (post-1980) summerrecords from Alleghany, Grayson, Highland (several), Page, and Washington.Murray (1952) noted that a pair probably nested along the Devil’sBackbone, near Crabbottom (Highland ) in about 1935 and that a pairapparently nested in the 1930s and into the early 1940s on the westernface of Massanutten Mt. (Shenandoah) {2}; however, there is no90

conclusive evidence that breeding has occurred in the state {18}. Peakcounts : fall—6, Snickers Gap, 6 Nov 1991; 4, Rockfish Gap, 12 Nov 1996;winter—14, Highland, 27 Feb 1994; 8, Highland, 22 Feb 1985; 8, HighlandCounty CBC, 18 Dec 1997; 6, Blackford CBC, 19 Dec 1998 and 29 Dec2001. Fall season highs of 17 in 1996 at Rockfish Gap (20-year mean of5/season and 0.01/hour, 1985-2004) and 29 in 1995 at Snickers Gap(13-year mean of 19/season, 1991-2003). AMERICAN KESTRELFalco sparverius BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident; uncommon to locally raresummer resident, apparently declining in recent years. Breeding : eggs, 20Apr–27 May. Peak counts : spring—318, Back Bay, 4 Apr 1990; fall—2427,Kiptopeke, 29 Sep 1995; winter—164, Back Bay CBC, 30 Dec 1968 [104,Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1987]. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fall season highis 20,682 in 1995 (20-year mean of 5543/season and 8.69/hour, 1984-2003).PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident; uncommon to locally raresummer resident. Breeding : eggs, 22 Mar–26 Jul. A nest box program inPrince William resulted in as many as 250 young banded in 50+ nest boxesin 1990. Peak count : 86, Nokesville CBC, 20 Dec 1992. Short Hill Mt.hawkwatch fall season high is 85 in 1989.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to common transient and winter resident; uncommonsummer resident. Peak two-week fall migratory period at Snickers Gapis 9-22 Sep. Breeding : eggs, 9 Apr–11 May; nests with young as early as 6Apr. Peak counts : fall—72, Rockfish Gap, 5 Oct 1986; 44, Snickers Gap,17 Sep 1999; winter—83, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec1990. Fall season highs of 260 in 1986 at Rockfish Gap (20-year meanof 101/season and 0.22/hour, 1985-2004) and 272 in 1999 at SnickersGap (13-year mean of 158/season, 1991-2003). MERLINFalco columbarius NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to common transient and uncommon winter resident (5Sep–30 Apr; extreme dates 30 Aug–31 May) on immediate coast, less

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numerous farther inland. Recorded annually on CBCs since 1984, withregional totals of 5-20 birds. Two summer records: 1, ESVNWR, lateJul 1993; 1, Cape Charles, 12 Jul 2002. This species, like Peregrine Falcon,is commonly observed hunting and migrating along the CBBT span.Peak counts : fall—463, 18 Sep 1998 (with 389 the next day); winter—7,Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1977 and 28 Dec 1994. Kiptopeke hawkwatch fallseason high is 2780 in 1997 (20-year mean of 1048/season and1.64/hour, 1984-2003). A bird resembling F. c. suckleyi (Black Merlin), asubspecies that breeds in the Pacific Northwest, was noted 25 Oct 1996at Kiptopeke. Merlins that nest around the west end of L. Superior,however, can appear very similar to typical Black Merlins, and there is noconfirmed record of suckleyi in the East.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (10 Sep–30 Apr). Regional totals of upto 5 individuals recorded on CBCs 10 of 21 years between 1984 and2004.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (10 Sep–30 Apr; extreme dates 23 Aug–15 May). Peak two-week fall migratory period at Snickers Gap is 4-17Oct. Regional totals of up to 5 individuals recorded on CBCs 15 of 21years between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : fall—10, Rockfish Gap, 15Oct 2005; 9, Snickers Gap, 13 Oct 2001; winter—3, Fincastle CBC, 17Dec 2000. Fall season highs of 23 in 2003 at Rockfish Gap (where meannumber/hour increased from 0.01 in the 1980s to 0.02 in the 1990s and0.04, 2000-2004) and 47 in 2001 at Snickers Gap (13-year mean of27/season, 1991-2003). GYRFALCONFalco rusticolus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2), Kiptopeke, 21Oct 2000. PiedmontOne record: 1(1) banded and ph., Short Hill Mt., 27 Nov 1991.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) shot, Rockingham, 29 Jan 1984. The bird could not berehabilitated and released, but it survived and was housed at the WildlifeCenter of Virginia until it died (specimen in USNM).

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PEREGRINE FALCONFalco peregrinus BreederOverviewHistorically, this species was known from at least 24 breeding locationsin the mountains of Virginia, with two additional sites in old Ospreynests on the Eastern Shore. Populations declined through the 1950s and1960s, primarily due to eggshell thinning from bioconcentration of thepesticide DDT, and this species was believed extirpated from Virginiaas a breeding bird by the mid-1960s. Between 1978 and 1993, after theuse of DDT was banned in North America, about 250 young birds werereleased (“hacked”) in Virginia. Since 2000, another 50 chicks have beentranslocated from nests on bridges in the Coastal Plain to inland sites. Anumber of nesting structures have also been erected, mostly in theCoastal Plain, for use by this species. Breeding populations in Virginiahave rebounded largely as a result of these intensive management efforts,and in 2004, there were 19 occupied territories in the state {19}. In 2004,15 actual breeding attempts produced 27 young that survived beyondfledging, though translocation of chicks from sites with high mortalityrisk (e.g., some bridges) is necessary to support this level of productivity{19}. Depredation of young by Great Horned Owls continues to be aproblem at some sites. Low hatching rates (74% in 2004), due at least inpart to contaminants (e.g., some eggs continue to be thin-shelled), andhigh chick mortality in the absence of management continue to threatenthe comeback of this species in Virginia. Turnover in breeding adults ishigh, and it is unknown whether the state’s breeding population can besustained without continued immigration from other areas. Numbers atfall hawkwatch sites have increased steadily since the late 1970s.Currently, breeding birds in Virginia are the result of reintroductions andrepresent mixtures of subspecies anatum, pealei, tundrius, and taxa fromother continents. The Arctic-nesting subspecies tundrius is a regulartransient and wintering bird in Virginia. The subarctic/western anatummay occur currently as a vagrant but would be difficult to distinguishfrom individuals from the reintroduction programs. Birds resemblingpealei are often seen, but these are almost certainly from reintroducedstock.Coastal PlainUncommon transient and winter resident (5 Sep–15 May) and rarebreeder along coast, rarer farther inland. Recorded annually on CBCssince 1984, with regional totals of 5-20 birds; an influx of birds, primarilyof the subspecies tundrius, occurs in winter, as birds form winter

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territories that are held for several years. Rare and local summer resident,primarily in areas providing suitable structures (e.g., towers or bridges) forbreeding. Breeding : the first Virginia breeding record after the DDT eraoccurred on Assateague Is. in 1982. Since then, the known populationhas increased to nearly 20 pairs. In 2004, 10 occupied territories were onthe seaside of the Eastern Shore, with nine others scattered around theBay, the Hampton Roads area, and on James R. bridges {19}. Nestingstructures included nine towers erected for this species, seven bridges,two old buildings, and one high-rise building. Peak counts : fall—364,Kiptopeke, 7 Oct 1997; winter—6, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1986 and27 Dec 1987; 6, Wachapreague CBC, 20 Dec 1997. Kiptopeke hawk-watch fall season high is 1640 in 1997; mean numbers here increasedfrom 118/season (0.39/hour) in the 1980s to 707/season (0.96/hour) inthe 1990s, followed by a slight decline to 560/season (0.75/hour), 2000-2003.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (15 Sep–10 May). Only two CBCrecords of single birds between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : one oldrecord—Great Falls, one mi south of Sandy Landing (Loudoun), 4 Apr1906. In 2004, three chicks from Coastal Plain bridges were hacked at asite near Danville {19}.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (15 Sep–10 May), locally uncommon athawkwatch sites in fall. Peak two-week fall migratory period at SnickersGap is 27 Sep–10 Oct. Only six CBC records of single birds between1984 and 2004. Formerly a rare summer resident. Breeding : formerlynested at 24+ locations in Madison, Montgomery, Pulaski, Rockbridge, andRockingham, Shenandoah NP, and elsewhere. Numerous young have been“hacked” in mountain locations since the late 1970s. Although birds weredetected throughout the 1980s and early 1990s in several mountainlocations, relatively few breeding attempts have been documented.Recently, pairs of adults have been observed in Shenandoah NP onStony Man (1992, 1994-1998, 2005), Brown Mt. (1993), and Old Rag(1993, 1994, 1998) {20}. In 2005, a systematic survey of cliff sites,including all historic nest sites, detected birds only on Stony Man {21}.Birds from coastal sites with low productivity continue to be translocatedto hack sites in the mountains (e.g., Hawksbill in Shenandoah NP). Eggs,29 Mar–26 Apr. Peak counts : 17, Snickers Gap, 5 Oct 2002; 9, RockfishGap, 28 Sep 2003. Fall season highs of 38 in 1997 at Rockfish Gap(where mean number/hour increased from 0.01 in the 1980s to 0.03 in94

the 1990s and 0.07, 2000-2004) and 60 in 2002 at Snickers Gap (13-yearmean of 34/season, 1991-2003).YELLOW RAILCoturnicops noveboracensis NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter resident along coast (extreme dates 4 Oct–12May), with at least 17 records. Most records are from the Eastern Shore(Northampton, 29 Dec 1967, 26 Feb 1972, 17 Nov 1994, 13 Nov 2004;Assateague Is., 29 Dec 1972, 23 Nov 1992), CBBT (12 May 1968, 12 Oct1985, 4 Oct 1989 [specimen]), Suffolk (25 Oct 1896 [specimen inAMNH], 21 Oct 1903, 31 Oct 1991 [2 birds], 23 Feb 1995), and Back Bayarea (29 Dec 1981, 29 Dec 1991). Two records elsewhere: 1, Grandview(Hampton) 22 Apr 1984; 1 specimen, Williamsburg, 11 Oct 1980. Thisextremely secretive species undoubtedly occurs much more regularly thanthe few records indicate. During late fall in the 1950s and 1960s, refugemanagers at Back Bay noted that Yellow and Black Rails were commonlyobserved flushing ahead of active mowing or disking operations inmarshes (though details of specific records are lacking). Rives (1890)noted that many were taken in fall during hunts for Sora {22}. Theprovenance of several old northern Virginia/Potomac R. marshspecimens in the collection of the USNM (153333, 14 Apr 1893 and80297, 4 Oct 1879) has been questioned; they may have been collectedin Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia.PiedmontThree old records: 1 specimen, Nelson, 27 Oct 1893 (AMNH 129492); 1specimen, Buckingham, 13 Oct 1893 (AMNH 472179); 1, Dinwiddie, 16Sep 1951.Mountains and ValleysFive old records: 3, Blacksburg, Oct 1915; 1, Harrisonburg, 15 Oct 1936;“several” (1 captured), Lexington, 29 Sep 1937; 1, Roanoke, 16 Oct 1953;1, Lexington, 23 Aug 1954 (more than a month earlier than typical fallmigration through the mid-Atlantic states).BLACK RAILLaterallus jamaicensis BreederCoastal PlainRare transient and rare to locally uncommon summer resident (20 Apr–15 Oct); very rare winter visitor. Most records are from northwestern

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Accomack, especially near Saxis and marshes just to the south. OtherEastern Shore reports are few in recent years, all of single birds: nearCedar Is., 10 Sep 1984; Hog Is. (Northampton), 15 Jun 1989; Islet 4 ofShanks Is., 4 May 1995; near Locustville (Accomack), 12 Nov 1999. Fivewinter records: 1, Fisherman Is., 3 Mar 1973; 2, near Cape Charles, 29Dec 1973; 1, Little Creek area, 31 Dec 1976; 1, Rattrap and FinneyCreeks (Accomack), 24 Jan 2004; 1, Bennett’s Creek (Suffolk), 2 Feb 2006.Six reports from the CBBT in Sep–Oct and Apr–May; in two of thesecases (12 May 1968, 4 Oct 1989), the Black Rail was found near a YellowRail, and in one case (12 May 1968), two Black Rails were found. Five ofthe CBBT records involve dead birds, two of those being prey itemstaken by Merlin and Fish Crow. Four recent records (all but the last ofcalling birds) away from the Eastern Shore and CBBT: 2, Guinea Neck(Gloucester), 10 Apr 1992; 1, Craney Is., 1-7 Aug 1994; 1, HuntleyMeadows CP, 10 Jun–13 Jul 2002 (unusual for both inland location andtime of year); 1, Huntley Meadows CP, 17 Apr 2004. Breeding : formerlybred in bayside marshes and on barrier islands of Eastern Shore andlikely elsewhere around Chesapeake Bay and near Back Bay. The first setof eggs documented in Virginia was from Northampton, 16 Jun 1911, butthe species has not been found breeding in that county in modern times.Numbers at traditional breeding sites, especially Saxis Marsh, havedeclined in recent decades. Eggs, 11 May–15 Aug. Peak counts : 15, BackBay, 18 May 1966; 14, bayside marshes from Saxis to Onancock(Accomack), night of 12-13 May 1991. PiedmontFour records: 1, Sweet Briar College (Amherst ), 14 Oct 1977; 1(1) v.r.,Dulles Greenway Wetlands (Loudoun), 11 Jul–2 Aug 1997; 1(1) v.r., DullesGreenway Wetlands (Loudoun), 28 Jul–5 Aug 2001; 1 calling, North ForkWetlands (Prince William), 18-24 Jun 2002. The presence of calling birdsat large wetland restoration sites (where the latter three records occurred)in summer suggests the possibility of breeding, although no breedingevidence has been noted in the region.Mountains and ValleysFive old records from the southwest: 1, Roanoke, 23 Sep 1936; 1specimen, Blacksburg, 27 May 1939; 1, Blacksburg, 7 Nov–17 Dec 1943;1, Roanoke, 13–22 May 1945; 1, Abingdon (Washington), 27 Jun 1946.The presence of calling birds in summer suggests the possibility of atleast former breeding in the region, although no breeding evidence hasbeen noted. More recently, there is an unreviewed report of fourobservations of single individuals flushed from a wet meadow along the96

Cowpasture R. (Alleghany), 23-24 Aug 2005.CLAPPER RAILRallus longirostris BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and summer resident in salt marshesnear coast and around Chesapeake Bay and along lower, saltwater reachesof tidal rivers and creeks; uncommon to locally common winter resident.No records from truly inland locations (well away from tidal water) inregion, though recorded inland along James R. nearly to fall line: 1specimen, Henricus Park (Chesterfield ), 10 Apr 2002 (VCU 2300); may bemore regular inland than records indicate. Extremely high tides duringthe nesting season can destroy virtually all nests (as in 1982 atChincoteague), and hurricanes and other storms may cause widespreadmortality (e.g., 26-28 Jun 1974, when over 350 were found dead betweenFisherman Is. and Back Bay, or 20 Sep 2003 and later, followingHurricane Isabel ). Breeding : eggs, 9 Apr–10 Aug; downy young through10 Sep. Peak counts : spring—91, Accomack bayside, 11 May 2001;summer—39 nests, Chincoteague, 4-7 Jun 1984; winter—159,Chincoteague CBC, 27 Dec 1975; 138, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1998.PiedmontRare transient, with seven records: 1 captured and released, Richmond,11 Oct 1934; 1 specimen, Charlottesville, 7 Oct 1972; road-killedspecimens from Richmond on 12 Sep 1973 (VCU 492), 14 Apr 1976(VCU 919), 20 Aug 1980 (VCU 1305), and 11 Apr 2002 (VCU 2281); 1found dead, Richmond, 15 Apr 1984. All of these Richmond recordsare from areas west of the fall line.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1 specimen, Lexington, 9 Nov 1928.KING RAILRallus elegans BreederCoastal PlainUncommon to locally common transient and summer resident, mainlyin fresh and brackish marshes (both tidal and nontidal); uncommon torare winter resident, mostly in the southeast but in low numbers alongtidal rivers as far north as Fairfax. Probably most numerous in largermarshes of tidal rivers just below fall line (e.g., breeding density withintall cordgrass marshes of the Pamunkey R. was 0.06/ha {23}) and at

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Back Bay/False Cape. Rarely reported in breeding season on EasternShore; one recent record, at Assateague on 5 Jun 1981, may pertain to alate migrant. Recorded annually on CBCs, with regional totals of 5-34birds between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 21 Apr–3 Jul; downy young,25 May. Peak counts : summer—five families with at least 23 young,Huntley Meadows CP, summer 1989; winter—57, Back Bay CBC, 29Dec 1975 [30, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1989]. PiedmontRare transient and summer resident (extreme dates 18 Apr–14 Oct).Breeding : two records—adults with young, Dinwiddie, 19 Jul 1954; adultand empty nest, Kerr Res., 10 Jun 1977. Recent summer records fromother areas, such as Bedford, Loudoun, Louisa, and Prince William, suggestthe possibility of more widespread (though very local) breeding.Mountains and ValleysFormerly a rare transient and summer resident (extreme dates 14 May–12 Nov). Only two recent records: 1, Coursey Springs Fish Hatchery(Bath), 29 Sep 2002; 1, near Berryville (Clarke), 24 Jun 1989. Breeding :three old records from Roanoke—adults with 12 young, 2 Jul 1950; adultwith 5-6 young, 28 Jun 1953; nest with two eggs, 1 Jun 1959. No recordsfrom the Roanoke area since the 1960s. VIRGINIA RAILRallus limicola BreederCoastal PlainCommon to uncommon transient and summer resident, mainly in freshand brackish marshes (both tidal and nontidal); uncommon winterresident. Recorded annually on CBCs, with regional totals of 6-80 birdsbetween 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 16 May–16 Jun; downy young, 5May–19 Aug. Peak counts : spring—42, Accomack bayside, 11 May 2001;winter—42, Back Bay CBC, 28 Dec 1994; 35, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec1972.PiedmontRare to locally uncommon transient and summer resident; rare wintervisitor. Regional totals of up to 7 individuals recorded on CBCs seven of21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : one record—2 adults with fiveeggs, Martinsville, mid-Jun 1986. The recent presence of birdsthroughout the summer at large wetland restoration sites in Prince William(Cedar Run and North Fork Wetlands) and Loudoun (Dulles GreenwayWetlands), with occasional summer records from other northern

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Piedmont locations, indicates likely breeding in multiple locations. Peakcount : 8, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1976.Mountains and ValleysRare transient, summer resident, and early winter visitor (extreme dates14 Apr–31 Dec). Breeding : rare breeder, with eight known records—fourat Blacksburg, two at Saltville ponds (Smyth), and one each in Clarke andnear Winchester. Recent summer records from other locations (e.g.,South River Preserve in Stuarts Draft) suggest more widespreadbreeding. Eggs, 6 May–14 Jun. Peak counts: 6, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3 May1975, 1 May 1976, and 7 May 1977.SORAPorzana carolina BreederCoastal PlainCommon spring transient and common to locally abundant fall transient(15 Apr–20 May, 20 Aug–20 Oct); rare summer resident and rare touncommon winter resident. Recorded nearly annually on CBCs, withregional totals of up to 10 birds between 1984 and 2004. Compared toVirginia Rail, generally less abundant in winter but more numerous andwidespread during migration. Breeding : two records—adult with young,Hampton, 9 Jun 1938; 1 very young juvenile, Hampton, 9 Jul 1961. Peakcounts : fall—2000, Chickahominy R. in James City, 30 Sep 1983 (falloutduring Tropical Storm Dean); 1235 shot in two days by two hunters,James R. marshes, 5 and 16 Sep 1881; 75, Back Bay, 18 Sep 1956; 49 shotin one day, Essex, fall 1983; winter—15, Cape Charles CBC, 29 Dec 1973[8, Back Bay CBC, 28 Dec 1994].PiedmontRare to uncommon transient (20 Apr–20 May, 20 Aug–20 Oct); rare andvery local summer resident and winter visitor. One to 2 individualsrecorded on CBCs four of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. The recentpresence of birds throughout the summer at large wetland restorationsites in Prince William (North Fork Wetlands) and Loudoun (DullesGreenway Wetlands) indicates likely breeding, but breeding has not beenconfirmed in the region.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (20 Apr–20 May, 25 Aug–20 Oct); rare and verylocal summer resident and winter visitor. Breeding : two records—nestwith eggs, Augusta, 26 Apr 1973; eggs, Blandy Experimental Farm nearBoyce (Clarke), about 1980. The presence of adults in late May and Jun

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2004, followed by a juvenile 18 Jul, at Blandy Farm suggests more recentbreeding at that location, and recent summer records from otherlocations suggest the possibility of more widespread breeding. Peakcounts : 40, Roanoke, 12 Oct 1947 [6, Wise, 8 May 1995].PAINT-BILLED CRAKENeocrex erythrops NonbreederPiedmontOne record: 1(1) injured bird salvaged, western Henrico, 15 Dec 1978(USNM 575802). This bird, which showed no abnormal wear or othersigns of having been held in captivity, is apparently of the subspeciesolivascens, which occurs throughout much of northern South America.There is only one other North American record of this species, aspecimen from Brazos, Texas, 17 Feb 1972. PURPLE GALLINULEPorphyrio martinica NonbreederCoastal PlainRare spring and summer visitor (extreme dates 7 Apr–17 Aug) alongcoast, with 24 records totaling 27 birds in the region, inland to James City.Eight records are from Chincoteague (28 Jul 1973, 13–14 Jul 1974, 25Jun–2 Jul 1977, 13-17 Aug 1982, 7-18 Jun 1986(1), 24 Apr 1987, 6 Jun1997, and 22 May 1999); six are from the Back Bay/Virginia Beach area(17 May 1938, 19 May 1946, 3 May–4 Jun 1968 [up to 4 birds], 26 Jun1977, 28 Apr–10 May 1981 [3 birds; ph.], 23 May 1989); and eight recordsof single birds are from various tidewater locations: Norge ( James City),29 Apr–10 May 1953; Williamsburg, 2 May 1963 and 16 Apr 1967;Weyanoke Sanctuary (Norfolk), 16 Apr–early May 1976; Grandview(Hampton), 11 May 1980; James City, 9-16 May 2004(2); Ft. Monroe(Hampton), 7 Apr–early Jun 2005; Suffolk, 24 Apr 2006 (found dead).Specimens are reported from Cobb Is. (1880s), CBBT (25 May 1967),and Suffolk (24 Apr 2006). It is most surprising that this species has notbeen found in autumn in the region, as a strong pattern of late autumnoccurrences (mostly of first-year birds) is evident from New Jerseynorthward. A nest with four eggs at Hog Is. (Northampton), 17 Jun 1916,previously attributed to this species, would be the only breeding recordfor the state; however, these details may instead be a misintepretation ofa record of a nest of the “Florida Gallinule,” now Common Moorhen,at that location on 17 Jun 1911.

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PiedmontRare and local spring and summer visitor (extreme dates 14 Mar–20Aug), with seven records of single birds: Dinwiddie, 22 Apr 1963 andanother at a different location, 10 Jun 1963; Lynchburg, 2 May 1951 and25 Apr 2001(2); Nelson, 12-26 May 1985; Chester (Chesterfield ), 21 May1980; Orange(1), 14 Mar–20 Aug 1993 (captured and ph.).Mountains and ValleysRare and local visitor (extreme dates 9 Feb–4 Oct) with seven records:1 specimen, South Buffalo Creek near Lexington (Rockbridge), 16 May1940; 2, Montgomery, 4 Oct 1944; 1, Roanoke, 28 Apr–31 May 1961; 1injured, Roanoke, 30 May 1973 (specimen at College of William andMary); 1, Daleville (Botetourt ), 1 Jun 1976; 1 ph., Rockingham, 5 May–17Jun 1976; 1 specimen, Blacksburg, 9 Feb 1986.COMMON MOORHENGallinula chloropus BreederCoastal PlainUncommon to rare transient and summer resident (15 Apr–30 Oct),mostly near coast and in Hampton Roads area; fairly rare winter residentin the extreme southeast, rarer elsewhere. Recorded nearly annually onCBCs, with regional totals of up to 9 birds between 1984 and 2004.Breeding : eggs, 2 May–29 Jun; small young through 28 Aug. Peak counts :fall—50, Norfolk, Sep 1951 [no comparable recent counts]; winter—18,Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1975 [7, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1993].PiedmontRare transient and summer resident (extreme dates 16 Apr–29 Oct). Twowinter records: 1, Lynchburg CBC, 20 Dec 1975; 1, Kerr Res. CBC, 22Dec 1996. Breeding : one record—nest with eggs, near Danville, 12 May1947. Breeding was suspected but not confirmed in Lynchburg, Jun 1949and 1972, and Amherst, 30 Aug–20 Sep 1981. Peak count : 5, Amherst, 2-3Sep 1981.Mountains and ValleysRare spring transient (15 Apr–5 Jun), with fewer records scatteredthroughout the rest of the year. No evidence of breeding observed.AMERICAN COOTFulica americana Casual BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (5 Oct–10 May), formerly

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abundant at Back Bay but numbers now much reduced; rare summerresident. Avian cholera resulted in the loss of 80,000-100,000 at BackBay in winter 1969-1970 and 25,000 in Feb 1975. Breeding : threerecords—nest with eggs, Middlesex, 20 May 1968; adult with young,Norfolk, 21 Jul 1956; 2 adults with 2 young of different ages, Craney Is.,28 Aug 1970. Peak counts : fall—11,590, Chincoteague, Oct 1975; 2100,Hunting Creek, 16 Nov 1986 (inland); winter—47,500, Back Bay CBC,29 Dec 1971 [3300, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1995]; 4878, Ft. Belvoir CBC,3 Jan 1988 (inland). PiedmontCommon transient and uncommon to locally common winter resident(5 Oct–10 May); rare summer resident. Breeding : a few old records fromRichmond, where downy young have been observed 4 Jun–13 Sep. Peakcounts : fall—1729, L. Anna, 9 Nov 1980; winter—2500, Kerr Res. CBC,17 Dec 1995.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon to locally common winter resident(5 Oct–10 May); rare summer visitor. Breeding : one record—adults with10 young, Rural Retreat L. (Wythe), 1977. Peak counts : spring—96, RuralRetreat L. (Wythe), 1 Apr 1975; summer—19, Augusta, 2 Jun 1998; fall—200, Roanoke/Botetourt, 7 Nov 1979; 200, Rural Retreat L. (Wythe), 6 Nov1997; winter—1000+, L. Moomaw, 13 Jan 2001.LIMPKINAramus guarauna NonbreederPiedmontOne record: 1 ph., Lynchburg, 20 Apr–9 Jun 1971.SANDHILL CRANEGrus canadensis NonbreederOverviewThe number of Sandhill Crane records in Virginia has increasedconsiderably in all regions since the 1980s. Recently, the species hasexpanded its range eastward in the Midwest, across upstate New York,and into northern New England, where small numbers now breed; a fewhave also bred recently in southern New Jersey, where hybrids andbackcrosses with Common Crane (G. grus) have been noted.Identification of cranes in Virginia should thus be made with caution.Whooping Cranes (G. americana) from the Wisconsin–Florida

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experimental population have been observed on migration in westernVirginia (e.g., 29 Apr 2003 in the southwest).Coastal PlainFairly rare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 6 Aug–14 May),with 32+ records. Most records are from Oct–Jan (19) and Apr–May(eight). Recorded primarily from the Eastern Shore (about 18 records,most from southern Northampton in fall), with three records from VirginiaBeach/Back Bay and singles from Alexandria, Arlington, Charles City,Gloucester, Hanover, Isle of Wight, James City, New Kent, Prince William,Stafford, and Westmoreland. Peak counts: fall—15, ESVNWR, 5 Nov 2004;winter—5, Catlett Is. (Gloucester), 14 Dec 1997–15 Jan 1998; spring—4,Westmoreland, 27 Apr 1988.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 6 Aug–6 Jun), with fouraccepted records and at least 10 unreviewed reports. Most records (10)are in spring (extreme dates 14 Mar–6 Jun): 1(1) ph., Middleburg(Loudoun), 3-5 Jun 1987 (probably the same bird seen south of Leesburg6 Jun 1987); 1, Great Falls (Fairfax ), May 1988; 1, Vienna (Fairfax ), 17May 1988; 1 ph., Upperville (Fauquier), 25-27 May 1988; 1, Manassas, 11May 1997; 13(2), Lucketts (Loudoun), 14 Mar 1998; 1, Eleanor LawrencePark (Fairfax ), 25 Mar 1998; 1, Orange, 15-16 Apr 1999; 1(2), Madison, 15-16 Apr 2000; 1, Albemarle, 24 May 2003. Two fall records: 4,Charlottesville, 10 Oct 1996; 1, Orange, 20 Oct 2003. Two winter records:1(1) ph., Nokesville, 28 Feb 1991; 2(2), North Fork Wetlands (PrinceWilliam), 18 Dec 2005.Mountains and ValleysRare transient, with 16 known records spanning all seasons. Six springrecords: 1(2), Shenandoah, 11-16 May 1987; 1, Rockingham, 20 May 1988; 3,Wise, 28-29 Mar 1991; 1(3a) ph., Waynesboro, 12 May 2003 (the tamenature of this bird, in a residential back yard, led VARCOM to accept thisrecord in Category 3 due to concerns that the bird may have beenreleased from captivity); 1, Rural Retreat L. (Wythe), 26 Mar 2004 (joinedby 3 others 5 Apr, the last seen 9 Apr); 1, Middlebrook (Augusta), 5 Apr2006; 1, Blacksburg, 16 Apr 2006. Six summer/fall records: 1, Montgomery,1 Jul–21 Oct 1965; 2(2), Troutville (Botetourt ), 21 Oct 1986; 1(1) ph.,Swoope, 15-28 Jul 2002; 1, South Holston L., 10-11 Nov 2002; 3, Mt.Solon (Augusta), 14 Jul–15 Aug 2004; 1, Harveys Knob, 30 Nov 2005.Three winter records: 1(2), Pulaski, 11 Jan 2001; 5, Smyth, mid-Jan–31 Jan2003; 1, Russell, 29 Jan 2006.

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERPluvialis squatarola NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (30 Jul–5 Jun) nearcoast, much less numerous, occurring primarily as a transient, inland.Typically rare in summer (between mid-June and mid-July) along coast;a few nonbreeders sometimes linger on beaches and in intertidal lagoonsof barrier islands through summer. Peak counts : spring—24,552, EasternShore barrier islands/coastal lagoons, 6 May 1994 {24}; 4000-6000,lower Eastern Shore, 18 May 1981; summer—555, Wreck Is., 20 Jun1994; fall—3500, Cobb Is., 7 Sep 1927; 2800, Chincoteague, 10 Nov1974; winter—1605, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1973 [1178, CapeCharles CBC, 27 Dec 1998].PiedmontRare transient (extreme dates 19 Apr–31 May, 18 Aug–15 Nov), morenumerous in fall. Peak counts : spring—8-10, Nokesville, 23 May 1981;fall—7, Culpeper, 10 Sep 2002.Mountains and ValleysRare transient (extreme dates 25 Mar–1 Jun, 10 Jul–25 Nov), morenumerous in fall. Peak counts : spring—10, Swoope, 8 May 1973; fall—101, Roanoke Airport, 18 Aug 1985.AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERPluvialis dominica NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon fall transient (15 Aug–5 Nov, extreme late date 24 Nov) nearcoast, rare inland. Rare spring transient (extreme dates 31 Mar–23 May;all but one report of single birds) and rare summer visitor (records 21Jun–31 Jul, mostly single birds) on Eastern Shore and at Craney Is. Morerecords from Eastern Shore than all other areas combined, although thespecies was almost annual in appearance in fall at Craney Is. in the 1980s.Recorded in the region annually since 1971 except for a single year(1976). One winter record: 1, Chincoteague, 29 Dec 1965 (several otherCBC reports from Eastern Shore may be valid as well). Historically, thiswas described as an irregular but sometimes abundant fall transient onthe barrier islands, with reports of large flocks through the 19th century,but abundance appears to have declined since then. Peak counts : spring—6, Kiptopeke, 28 May 1978; fall—150, Chincoteague, 26 Sep 1977; 62,Arlington, 5 Oct 1963; 62, Kiptopeke area, 4 Sep 2000; 55, Hunting Creek,27 Sep 1986.104

PiedmontRare but regular fall transient (extreme dates 25 Aug–20 Nov); even rarerspring transient, with at least five spring records (extreme dates 30 Mar–4 May). Peak count : 61, Loudoun, 14 Sep 1996. Mountains and ValleysRare but regular fall transient (extreme dates 18 Aug–12 Nov). Rarespring transient (extreme dates 18 Mar–8 Apr), with about 11 springrecords, most from the southwest. Peak counts : spring—162, Pulaski, 8Apr 1987; 38, Roanoke, 8 Apr 1987; fall—37, Roanoke Airport, 8 Oct1984.SNOWY PLOVERCharadrius alexandrinus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) male ph./vid., Cedar Is., 19-21 Jun 1995. This birdreturned to the same location each of the three subsequent years andwas recorded 18 Jun 1996, 3 Jun 1997, and 16 Jun 1998. It performedcourtship displays for Piping Plovers, made a nest scrape on severaloccasions, and was observed brooding Piping Plover chicks in 1998, butactual breeding was not confirmed.WILSON’S PLOVERCharadrius wilsonia BreederCoastal PlainUncommon summer resident (25 Apr–5 Sep; extreme dates 2 Apr–26Sep) on barrier islands, from Fisherman Is. north to Wallops Is. (formerlynested on Assateague Is. as well). Rare transient and summer visitor onsandy beaches along lower Chesapeake Bay (mostly at Grandview Beachin Hampton), at Craney Is. (about five records of 1-4 birds), and coastsouth of Cape Henry, though it does not currently nest in these locations.No records in the region west of Chesapeake Bay/Hampton Roads.Breeding : in recent years, most breeding pairs have occurred on Accomackbarrier islands; fewer have been noted in Northampton. On annual Junesurveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1978-2005),numbers ranged from 18 in 1985 to 85 in 1991, with a 28-year mean of48 {9}. Between 1986 and 1995, mean state population was 40 pairs{25}. Eggs, 29 Apr–11 Jul. Peak counts : summer—200, Cobb and WreckIs., 13-14 Jun 1955; 61 nests, barrier islands, Jun 1982; fall—35, WallopsIs., 27 Aug 1972.

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PiedmontTwo records: 1 specimen, Nelson, Aug 1887; 1, Bedford, 18 May 1975.Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1 ph., Radford, 3-23 Sep 1964; 1, Saltville ponds (Smyth),27 Sep 1965. SEMIPALMATED PLOVERCharadrius semipalmatus NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient (10 Apr–10 Jun, 25 Jul–15 Nov) alongcoast, much less numerous inland; uncommon to rare summer andwinter visitor, primarily along coast. Peak counts : spring—1748,Chincoteague, 15-16 May 1981; fall—1830, Chincoteague, 12-13 Aug1977; winter—74, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1998.PiedmontUncommon transient and rare summer visitor (extreme dates 2 May-16Oct). Peak counts : spring—5, Big Is. (Bedford ), 17 May 1986; fall—45,Riverville (Amherst ), 27 Aug 1985.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and rare summer visitor (extreme dates 19 Apr–15Nov), more numerous in spring. Two early winter records: 1, NorthernShenandoah Valley CBC, 19 Dec 1992; recorded in Smyth to 6 Dec. Peakcount : 72, Roanoke, 18 May 1981.PIPING PLOVERCharadrius melodus BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and summer resident (15 Mar–15 Oct) onimmediate coast, primarily on barrier islands, and in lower ChesapeakeBay (rarely as far north as Mathews). Rare winter visitor (formerly asomewhat more numerous winter resident). Extremely rare transientaway from outer coast and lower Chesapeake Bay. Regional totals of 1-3 individuals recorded on CBCs nine of 21 years between 1984 and 2004;1 at Winter Harbor (Mathews), 6 Dec 1996–15 Feb 1997, is the onlywinter record inside the Bay and one of very few recorded winteringanywhere in the state in recent times. No recent records in the regionwest of Chesapeake Bay/Hampton Roads. Breeding : currently breedsprimarily on barrier islands, with highest numbers on Metompkin Is. andat Chincoteague. On annual June surveys of the barrier islands from106

Assawoman Is. south (1978-2005), numbers ranged from 42 in 1978 to174 in 1995, with a 28-year mean of 122 {9}. Virginia breedingpopulation between 1986 and 1995 averaged 105 pairs {25}. A few pairstypically nest at Grandview Beach in Hampton (usually up to four pairs)and, less frequently, at Craney Is. Eggs, 19 Apr–29 Jul; downy young, 19May–4 Aug. Peak counts : spring—65, Chincoteague, 2 Apr 1969;summer—174, barrier islands, Jun 1995; fall—150, Chincoteague, 16 Sep1978; 22, Wallops Is., 22 Oct 1991 (fairly late for such a count); winter—15, Cape Charles CBC, 29 Dec 1973 [no comparable recent counts].PiedmontTwo records: 1(2), near Fredericksburg, 17-18 May 1980; 1(2), Danville, 12Sep 1989.Mountains and ValleysThree records of single individuals from Roanoke Sewage TreatmentPlant: 17 Aug 1978, 29 Aug–5 Sep 1979, and 2-3 Aug 1981.KILLDEERCharadrius vociferus BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident, sometimes abundant in migration.Breeding : eggs, 12 Mar–27 Jun. Peak counts : fall—249, Kiptopeke, 27 Oct1936; 238, Alexandria, 23 Nov 1981; winter—656, Little Creek CBC, 31Dec 1998.PiedmontCommon permanent resident, less numerous in winter. Breeding : eggs,29 Mar–17 Jul. Peak counts : spring—500, Nelson, 23-24 Mar 1977;winter—401, Banister R. CBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, less numerous (and usually occurringprimarily at lower elevations) in winter. Breeding : eggs, 6 Mar–13 Jul. Peakcounts : summer—200, Augusta, 9 Jul 1998; fall—450, Lyndhurst, 8 Sep1985; winter—670, Augusta, 2 Dec 1985; 228, Luray CBC, 18 Dec 1983(peak count for a CBC in this region).MOUNTAIN PLOVERCharadrius montanus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1 ph, Chincoteague, 16-17 Oct 1976.

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AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERHaematopus palliatus BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident on immediate coast of Eastern Shore,locally common in Tangier Is. area of Chesapeake Bay; uncommon torare transient and winter visitor elsewhere in lower Chesapeake Bay andalong coast south of Cape Henry. Recent winter surveys of the barrierisland/lagoon system indicate that Virginia supports the second highestwinter population within the species’ range (approximately 1400 birds).These winter numbers include both Virginia breeders and birds fromnorthern breeding populations, although some Virginia breedersapparently move south in winter. On rare occasions, dispersants occur ashort distance up tidal rivers (e.g., a few records from Williamsburg/Jamestown area). Breeding : on annual June surveys of the barrier islandsfrom Assawoman Is. south (1979-2005), numbers ranged from 422 in2002 to 1274 in 1984 {9}. Mean counts on these Jun surveys declinedfrom 1082 from 1979 to 1989 to 675 in the 1990s and 527, 2000-2005.A 2003 survey estimated 588 breeding pairs in the state (302 pairs onbarrier islands, 223 in seaside lagoon system inshore of barrier islands,21 on western shore of Chesapeake Bay, and 42 on eastern shore ofChesapeake Bay), suggesting that Virginia supports the largest breedingpopulation on the East Coast {26}. Eggs, 6 Apr–23 Jul; small youngthrough 5 Aug. A nest with two eggs at Bluff Pt. (Northumberland ), 2 Jun1985, was unusually far north on the west side of the Bay. Peak counts :summer—1274, barrier islands, Jun 1984; fall—1000, Hog Is.(Northampton), 4 Oct 1979; 650, Great Machipongo Inlet (Northampton),16 Oct 1983; winter—869, Cape Charles CBC, 29 Dec 1973 [627, CapeCharles CBC, 27 Dec 1988]; 603, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1973.PiedmontOne record: 1 specimen, Brunswick, 11 Jan 1924.BLACK-NECKED STILTHimantopus mexicanus BreederCoastal PlainFairly rare and local transient and summer resident near coast (extremedates 5 Apr–28 Sep), where recorded annually since 1971 except for asingle year (1984); most records are from late spring from Chincoteague,Wallops Is., Craney Is., or Back Bay. Five records west of ChesapeakeBay/Hampton Roads: 1, Williamsburg, 27 Apr 1987; 4, Huntley108

Meadows CP, 20 May 1997; at Hog Is. WMA, 1 on 11 May 2003 and 1(1)on 17 Apr 2004; 1(2), Occoquan Bay NWR (Prince William), 28 Apr 2005.Exceptionally late date: 1, Chincoteague, 24 Nov 1969. Breeding : fiverecords—adult with 1 downy young, Chincoteague, 16 Jul 1971; at leasttwo broods, Chincoteague causeway, 24 Jun–23 Jul 1999; at Craney Is.,nest in mid-May (and downy young on 28 May) 1975, and downy young14-26 Jul 1996 and 25 Jul 2001. Successful breeding along theChincoteague causeway, 2002-2005, is suggested by the presence of upto three pairs in May–Aug, typically accompanied by juveniles Jul–Aug.Peak counts : 28, Chincoteague, 4 Aug 1992; 20, Chincoteague causeway,26 May 1998.PiedmontTwo records: 1 ph., Kerr Res., 28 Apr 1986; 1(1) ph., Cedar Run Wetlands(Prince William), 27-28 May 2003.AMERICAN AVOCETRecurvirostra americana Casual BreederCoastal PlainUncommon to fairly rare transient and winter visitor, and fairly raresummer resident, along coast and in Hampton Roads. Most records arefrom late summer and fall, primarily from Craney Is. and Chincoteague.Farther inland, small numbers recorded on six occasions in Fairfax ( Jun–Nov), three occasions in Surry ( Jul–Aug), and one(1) in Charles City, withone record of 11 at Curles Neck (Henrico), 31 Jul 1983. Formerly locallycommon at Craney Is., but numbers much reduced since the early 1980s.Between 1984 and 2004, recorded on CBCs only seven of 21 years, witha maximum regional CBC total during this period of 26 in 1996. Breeding :one record—adults with 2 chicks(1) ph., Craney Is., 20-29 Jul 1991. Anearlier probable breeding attempt was recorded here 27 Jun 1975. Peakcounts : spring—50, Craney Is., 14 Apr 1997; summer—450, Craney Is., 7Aug 1981 [26, Craney Is., 25 Jul 2001]; fall—782, Craney Is., Sep 1978[60, Craney Is., 21 Sep 1989]; winter—330, Craney Is., winter 1976-1977[18, Nansemond R. CBC, 5 Jan 1997]. Away from Craney Is., most highcounts are from Chincoteague (e.g., 44 on 20-21 Aug 1981, 40 on 23 Aug1980, and 28 on 20 Nov 1972, though recent counts are much lower).PiedmontFive records: 1, Albemarle, 21-29 Sep 1956; 2, Orange, 14-16 Oct 1965; atL. Anna, 1 on 28 Jun 1978, 1 ph. on 14 Aug 1979, and 5 on 9 Jul 1980.

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Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient (extreme dates 5 Jul–2 Nov), with about 10 fall records.Four spring records: 6, Lexington, 6 May 1967; 4 ph., Lyndhurst, 7 Apr1988; 50, Rockingham, 26 Apr 1998; 25, Staunton, 21-22 Apr 2002. Fallpeak count : 8, Lyndhurst, 21 Aug 2003.SPOTTED SANDPIPERActitis macularius BreederOverviewIn all regions, straggling northbound migrants may occur until mid-June,nearly overlapping with the first southbound migrants in late June. Thus,individuals seen in June may be either transients or potential breeders,obscuring the true distribution and abundance of this species as abreeder in Virginia.Coastal PlainCommon transient (15 Apr–5 Jun, 1 Jul–15 Oct); fairly rare and localsummer resident. Rare winter visitor; regional totals of up to 5 recordedon CBCs 11 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : two oldrecords—nest with four eggs, James R. near Richmond, 22 May 1881;nest with four eggs, Arlington, 29 May 1933. The occurrence of birdsthroughout the summer along pebbled shorelines of the major rivers inthe region suggests more widespread breeding, but this has not beenconfirmed. Peak counts : spring—61, Williamsburg Spring Count, 4 May1980; 50, Dyke Marsh, 25 Apr 1953; late summer/fall—45,Chincoteague, 30 Jul 1961; 37, Craney Is., 4 Jul 1965; 37, Chincoteague,19-20 Jul 1984; winter—5, Newport News CBC, 20 Dec 2003.PiedmontCommon transient (15 Apr–25 May, 10 Jul–15 Oct), more numerous inspring. Rare summer resident, mostly in the north and west. FourDecember records, but no records of wintering: 1, Albemarle, 28 Dec1985; 1, Warren CBC, 22 Dec 1985; on Banister R. CBC, 1 on 20 Dec1992 and 3 on 18 Dec 1994. Breeding: four records—nest with eggs,Nelson, 20 Jun 1885; nest with eggs, Potomac R. shore, 21 May 1944; pairwith downy young, Amherst, 31 May 1976; adult with 3 chicks, Loudoun,1 Jul 2002. Peak counts : spring—58, Albemarle, 10 May 1947; 35, NorthFork Wetlands (Prince William), 30 Apr 2000; summer—17, LynchburgBBC, 3 Jun 1989; winter—3, Banister R. CBC, 18 Dec 1994.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and locally uncommon to fairly rare summer resident110

(15 Apr–15 Oct), most numerous in spring. Breeders are more numeroushere than in the other regions. Five winter records, but only one afterDecember: 1, Montgomery, 26 Dec 1955; 1, Roanoke, 18 Dec 1971; 1,Montgomery, 21 Jan 1976; 1, Roanoke, 16 Dec 1978, 1, RockinghamCounty CBC, 18 Dec 1993. Breeding : eggs, 17 May–19 Jun; downy young,8 Jun–16 Jul. Peak counts : spring—101, Roanoke, 19 May 1981; fall—17,Roanoke, 25 Jul 1979.SOLITARY SANDPIPERTringa solitaria NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to common transient (20 Apr–20 May, 25 Jul–15 Oct;extreme dates 23 Mar–27 Nov), more numerous inland. Stragglingnorthbound migrants have been recorded as late as 9 Jun, and the firstsouthbound migrants have appeared as early as 1 Jul (with multiplerecords from the first few days in July), but there are no records between9 Jun and 1 Jul. Peak counts : spring—65, Williamsburg Spring Count, 4May 1986; 60, Alexandria, 25 Apr 1953; fall—15, Cheriton (Northampton),15 Sep 1985.PiedmontCommon transient (10 Apr–20 May, 25 Jul–15 Oct; extreme spring dates19 Mar–4 Jun), more numerous in spring. Straggling northboundmigrants have been recorded as late as 4 Jun, and the first southboundmigrants have appeared as early as 1 Jul, but there are no records betweenthese dates. Peak count : 105, North Fork Wetlands (Prince William), 3 May2000.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient (10 Apr–20 May, 25 Jul–15 Oct; extreme dates 29Mar–4 Nov), more numerous in spring. Straggling northbound migrantshave been recorded as late as 30 May, and the first southbound migrantshave appeared as early as 1 Jul, but there are apparently no June records.Peak counts : spring—63, Augusta Co. BSD, 6 May 1978; fall—34,Roanoke, 2 Aug 1983.GREATER YELLOWLEGSTringa melanoleuca NonbreederOverviewIn all regions, straggling northbound migrants may occur until mid-June,while the first southbound birds appear as early as late June. Truly

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summering individuals (present throughout June) are fairly rare,occurring primarily along the coast.Coastal PlainCommon transient (25 Mar–5 Jun, 10 Jul–20 Nov), more numerous inspring, and uncommon to fairly rare summer visitor on coast ( lessnumerous inland). Uncommon and irregular winter resident, primarily oncoast. Recorded annually on CBCs, with regional totals of 115-727 birdsbetween 1984 and 2004. Generally outnumbers Lesser Yellowlegs by afactor of 4-5 or more in winter (based on CBC data). Peak counts : fall—1100, Chincoteague, 30 Jul 1961; winter—447, Cape Charles CBC, 27Dec 1998.PiedmontUncommon transient (25 Mar–5 Jun, 10 Jul–10 Nov), more numerousin spring. Rare winter visitor, mostly in December (only one CBC recordsince 1984). Peak counts : spring—29, North Fork Wetlands (PrinceWilliam), 30 Apr 2000; fall—25, L. Anna, 19 Oct 1980; winter—3,Banister R. CBC, 3 Jan 1999.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (25 Mar–5 Jun, 10 Jul–10 Nov), more numerousin spring. Rare winter visitor, mostly in December (only one CBC recordsince 1984). Peak counts : spring—52, Stuarts Draft, 15 Apr 1980; fall—75, Rockbridge, 17 Sep 1957; 75, Augusta, 4 Nov 1972.WILLETTringa semipalmata BreederOverviewSalt marsh-nesting Willets in the state are of the nominate subspecies,which is strictly coastal and rarely strays inland. The Western Willet (T.s. inornata) breeds inland in western/midwestern North America andoccurs in Virginia primarily in fall and winter. Although Virginia’s inlandrecords have not been definitively identified to subspecies (and there areno specimens from inland locations), it is presumed that these inlandbirds are Western Willets. Nominate semipalmata and inornata differ fromone another in plumage, morphology, voice, and foraging and nestingbehavior. Virginia birders should attempt to determine the racial identityof any Willet occurring inland, and report the relative abundance of bothsubspecies along the coast.Coastal PlainThe nominate subspecies is a common transient and summer resident112

(20 Apr–15 Oct) in Eastern Shore coastal salt marshes, being locallycommon on Chesapeake Bay, and is a common transient along the coastsouth of Cape Henry. Willets are uncommon and local winter residentson the coast, primarily on the Eastern Shore; wintering birds appear tobe only inornata, for which Murray (1952) listed a postbreeding arrivaldate of 17 Jul {2}. The two subspecies can often be observed togetherJul–early Aug; a very few nonbreeding inornata, apparently first-summerbirds, summer on the barrier islands, making assessment of postbreedingarrival dates difficult. Willets are rare west of Chesapeake Bay and the saltmarshes along the lower reaches of the Bay’s tributaries, and most birdsseen west of these areas are likely inornata. One inland winter record(subspecies unknown): 1, Pamunkey R. in King William, 31 Jan 2004.Breeding : eggs, 1 May–16 Jul. Occasionally nests in grain fields on EasternShore mainland, usually within one mi of salt marshes. Peak counts :spring—600, Chincoteague, 14 May 1960; late summer/fall—2000,seaside marshes from Chincoteague to Wachapreague, 20 Jul 1961; 436,Smith and Myrtle Is., 17 Jul 1991; winter—319, Cape Charles CBC, 30Dec 2000.PiedmontRare transient, with eight records (most or all presumably inornata). Fourspring records: 1 (dried remains), Lynchburg, 8 Apr 1938; 1, Scottsville(Albemarle), 13 May 1962; 7, Lynchburg, 30 Apr 1984; 2, Nokesville, 9May 1992. Four fall records: 1, Kerr Res., 19 Aug 1976; 1, Riverville(Amherst ), 16 Aug 1987; 1(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (Hurricane Fran); 1(2),L. Anna, 19 Sep 2003 (Hurricane Isabel ).Mountains and ValleysRare transient, with six spring records (extreme dates 20 Apr–3 Jun) fromAugusta (two records), Rockingham (two records), Blacksbsurg, andRoanoke, and 10 fall records (extreme dates 8 Jul–12 Sep) from Roanoke(four records), Augusta (four records), Pulaski, and Rockingham. All arelikely inornata. Peak counts : 15, Roanoke, 11 May 1981; 14, L. Shenandoah(Rockingham), 20 Apr 1981. LESSER YELLOWLEGSTringa flavipes NonbreederOverviewIn all regions, straggling northbound migrants may occur until early June,while the first southbound birds appear as early as late June. Trulysummering individuals (present throughout June) are fairly rare,occurring primarily along the coast.

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Coastal PlainCommon transient (30 Mar–30 May, 10 Jul–20 Nov), more numerous infall, and uncommon summer visitor on coast ( less numerous inland).Uncommon and irregular winter resident, primarily on coast. Recordedannually on CBCs, with regional totals of 12-175 birds between 1984and 2004. Peak counts : spring—800, Craney Is., 29 Apr 1979; 310,Alexandria, 30 Apr 1956 (high inland); summer/early fall—2000,Chincoteague, 17 Jul 1980 [450, Chincoteague, 22 Jul 2003]; fall—3000,Craney Is., 19 Aug 1974 and 9 Aug 1978 [700, Capeville (Northampton),12 Sep 2003]; winter—128, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1999. As is trueof many other shorebird species, numbers of Lesser Yellowlegs aresometimes seen in unexpected settings in connection with tropical low-pressure systems, e.g., 85 Lesser Yellowlegs at CBBT during passage ofHurricane Dennis, 5 Sep 1999.PiedmontUncommon transient (10 Apr–25 May, 10 Jul–25 Oct). Exceptionallyearly date: 2, Bedford, 6 Mar 1994. Peak counts : spring—58, North ForkWetlands (Prince William), 30 Apr 2000; fall—66, Albemarle, 16 Aug 1955.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (10 Apr–25 May, 10 Jul–30 Oct). Two winterrecords: 1, Clarke, Dec 1979; 1, Northern Shenandoah Valley, 15 Dec1979. Peak counts : spring—51, Stuarts Draft, 19 Apr 1980; fall—150,Rockbridge, 17 Sep 1957; 77, Roanoke, 28 Jul 1980.UPLAND SANDPIPERBartramia longicauda BreederCoastal PlainRare spring and locally uncommon to rare fall transient (10 Apr–10 May,10 Jul–10 Sep; extreme dates 14 Mar–3 Nov); rare in late fall, thoughsmall numbers occasionally linger through October. Clearly declining asa transient in recent decades. Most recent records are from Eastern Shorein fall. Formerly noted at several area airports (especially Norfolk andRichmond), but regulations in place after September 2001 preventsurveys of these sites. Peak counts : 46, Wallops Is. Station, nearChincoteague, 19 Aug 1971; 31, Chincoteague, 19 Aug 1977; 25, ByrdAirport east of Richmond, 8 Aug 1982; 14, near Cape Charles, 13 Jul1980 [9, Capeville (Northampton), 5 Sep 2003].

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PiedmontRare transient (15 Apr–10 May, 15 Jul–10 Sep). Rare and very localsummer resident, in recent years primarily in northern Loudoun and at aturf farm near Remington (Fauquier). Formerly more widespread, and in1970s and 1980s occurred during summer in Amherst, western Fairfax,Loudoun, and Prince William. Breeding : three definite breeding records—2adults with 2 half-grown young(2), near Lucketts (Loudoun), 10 Jun 1987;2 adults with 2 young(2), turf farm near Remington (Fauquier), 11 Jun1988; 2 adults copulating on 9 May 2002 had 3 full-sized juveniles on 14Jul 2002 at the same turf farm near Remington, where the species wasalso recorded in Jun 1996 and 1997 and May 2001. Multiple territorialpairs and family groups in Loudoun from the late 1970s to 1989, and inPrince William, indicate greater breeding abundance, at least formerly, butthere have been no June records from the Lucketts area since 1989. Peakcounts : spring—13, Albemarle, 17 Apr 1951; 10, Nokesville, 23 Apr 1982;summer—12, Loudoun, 14 Jun 1978.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and very local summer resident (extreme dates 22 Mar–22Oct). Formerly much more common, but it was apparently heavilyhunted. Breeding : eggs, 26 Apr–27 May; downy young, 3 Jun. Since the1970s, summer records have been primarily from Pulaski northward.Only four recent nesting records—nest with four eggs, Rockingham, 17May 1979; nest, Blacksburg, summer 1983; adults with fledged young,Pulaski, 1984; adult with 2 young, near Edinburg (Shenandoah), 12 Jun1986. No confirmed breeding records since 1986. Peak count : 22,Rockingham, 27 Aug 1983.ESKIMO CURLEW (Category 4)Numenius borealis Nonbreeder, ExtinctThere is no physical evidence of this species’ occurrence in Virginia.However, its main fall migration routes to the Argentine pampas wereover the Atlantic Ocean, including waters east of Virginia. Thus, its fallmigration in September would make it likely to have appeared in Virginiaduring strong easterly winds or tropical disturbances. It was reported tobe a “rare and irregular” migrant at Cobb Is. in the latter half of the 19thcentury, where it was apparently shot on several occasions by Captain C.H. Crumb, a reliable observer {22}. Eskimo and Long-billed Curlewsand Whimbrel are correctly identified in Charles Hallock’s A Sportsman’sGazetteer and General Guide (1877), which lists Norfolk, Virginia as a goodplace to hunt these three species {27}. As there are firm records of the

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species for virtually all other eastern states, it is reasonable to assumethat Virginia was part of the fall range of Eskimo Curlew. Based on thesehistorical reports, this species has been accepted to the Virginia list inCategory 4 by VARCOM. The last confirmed records of the speciesanywhere in the world are from the Texas coast in 1962 and Barbados on4 September 1963 (shot by a hunter), but unconfirmed sight reportspersist into the 21st century.WHIMBRELNumenius phaeopus NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient (15 Apr–20 May, 10 Jul–20 Sep), mostly along coast;rare west of Chesapeake Bay. Fairly rare summer and winter visitor,primarily on Eastern Shore. Nearly annual on CBCs, with regional totalsof up to 15 birds between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : spring—41,623,on aerial survey of Eastern Shore barrier islands/coastal lagoons, 9 May1995 {26}; 3000, Chincoteague, May 1959; 1500, Parramore/Cedar Is.area, 14 May 1998; fall—1200, Chincoteague, 30 Jul 1961; 1000, Cobb Is.area, 15 Aug 1999; winter—15, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1989. Five orsix records of one of the white-rumped Eurasian races: 1, MockhornIs., 12 Sep 1981; 1, Hog Is. (Northampton), 17 Apr–1 Jun 1983 (possiblythe same individual at that location, 6 Jul 1984); 1, Chincoteague, 27 Apr1991; 1, Chincoteague, 2 Aug 2003; 1 ph. (subspecies phaeopus), WillisWharf (Northampton), 21 May 2005. Previous reports of white-rumpedbirds were not identified to subspecies, and were thus either variegatus,which breeds in northeastern Siberia, or nominate phaeopus, which breedsfrom Iceland east to north-central Siberia.PiedmontThree records: 1, near McLean (Fairfax ), 5 Jul 1981; 3, Campbell, 2 Jun1990; 37(1) ph., Loudoun, 27 May 1997.Mountains and ValleysRare visitor, with seven records. Five spring records: 1, Montgomery, 9 Apr1930; 1, Montgomery, 17 Mar 1935; 1, Rockingham, 25 May 1992; 1, FancyGap (Carroll ), 12 May 1995; 2(2), Augusta, 26-27 May 1998. Two fallrecords: 1, Roanoke, 14 Sep 1983; 1, South Holston L., 8 Sep 2004.

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LONG-BILLED CURLEWNumenius americanus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter and summer visitor along immediate coast(especially barrier islands), with one inland record (6 birds, Arlington, 22May 1949). Much more abundant in 19th century, but recorded only about15 times since 1950 and 10 times since 1980. Five records fromDecember (one of a bird first noted 28 Dec 1988, which winteredthrough 19 Mar 1989); remaining records fall between 30 Apr and 10Oct, peaking in August. Only two records after 1991: 1, Fisherman Is.,10 Oct 2005; 1, Chimney Pole Marsh, near Hog Is. (Northampton), 14Nov 2003 (what was surely the same individual returned in early fall of2004 and again 28 Aug 2005–2 Apr 2006; it apparently wintered in thevicinity in both cases, roosting with American Oystercatchers).HUDSONIAN GODWITLimosa haemastica NonbreederCoastal PlainRare to locally uncommon fall transient, on Eastern Shore (especiallyChincoteague), rare farther inland to Craney Is. and Hampton;occasionally lingers to mid-December (extreme dates 1 Jul–17 Dec).Historically more numerous, but fewer records, and of fewer individuals,in recent years. Three records west of Chesapeake Bay/Hampton Roads:1, Hog Is. WMA, 6 Oct 1984; 1, Hunting Creek, 22 Sep–18 Oct 1985; 4,Hunting Creek, 21 Sep–5 Oct 1986. Three records earlier than July: 1 atChincoteague, 22-24 May 1982, was likely an off-course spring migrant,but singles at Chincoteague, 24 Jun 1977, and Myrtle Is., 17 Jun 1991,may have been summering birds, late northbound migrants, or earlysouthbound migrants. Peak count s: 53, Chincoteague, 5 Oct 1975; 44,Chincoteague, 6-7 Sep 1978; 22, Chincoteague, 30-31 Jul 1981 [morerecently, counts are much lower, with a peak of 4, ESVNWR, 25 Aug2000]. Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1(1) ph., Pulaski, 4 May 1984; 8, Roanoke, 18 Aug 1985.

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BAR-TAILED GODWITLimosa lapponica NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records of single birds, both at Queen Sound along theChincoteague causeway: 28 Dec 1973 and 5-15 Sep 1991(1) (ph.).MARBLED GODWITLimosa fedoa NonbreederCoastal PlainRare to locally uncommon fall transient and winter resident, and rarespring transient (extreme dates 9 Aug–31 May), mostly on or near coast;fairly rare summer visitor, with a handful of reports 21 Jun–31 Jul,apparently nonbreeders. Most records are from Eastern Shore, includingbarrier islands and mudflats adjoining seaside of mainland, and winteringflocks have been present consistently (at least 1966-2006) on mudflats atOyster (Northampton), Willis Wharf (Northampton/Accomack), and ThomsCreek near Mockhorn Is. (Northampton). Rare inside Chesapeake Bay (e.g.,Mathews, Hampton, and Craney Is.) and at CBBT. Three inland records:3, Hog Is. WMA, 11 Jun 1981; 1, Hunting Creek, 10 Aug 1991; 1,Hunting Creek and Dyke Marsh, 7 Aug–10 Sep 1995. Peak counts :spring—115, Willis Wharf, 23 Mar 1999; fall—109, Smith Is., 5 Oct 1981;winter—214, Willis Wharf, 24 Feb 2003.PiedmontOne record: 1, L. Manassas (Prince William), 19 Sep 2003 (duringHurricane Isabel ).Mountains and ValleysOne record: 10-14(2), Rockingham, 24-25 Apr 1984.RUDDY TURNSTONEArenaria interpres NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon but declining spring transient and common fall transient andwinter resident (30 Jul–5 Jun) on coast. Uncommon summer visitor oncoast, most regularly observed on seaside of Eastern Shore. Raretransient west of Chesapeake Bay to Hog Is. WMA and HuntingCreek/Dyke Marsh, with two records for the latter area: 1, 19 May 1977;3, 18 May 2002. Peak counts : spring—15,884, Chincoteague, 22 May 1982;fall—286, Chincoteague, 18-19 Aug 1983; winter—298, Cape CharlesCBC, 29 Dec 1973 [133, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1987].

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PiedmontRare transient, with nine records. Four spring records: 1, L. Anna, 15May 1979; 10, Nokesville, May 1985; 1(2), Kerr Res., 17 May 1987; 20,Cedar Run Wetlands (Prince William), 1 Jun 2003. Five fall records: 2,Albemarle, 18 Aug 1955; 1(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during HurricaneFran); 1(2), Staunton River SP (Halifax), 1 Sep 1997; 1, Cedar RunWetlands (Prince William), 12 Aug 2003; 1, Culpeper, 18 Aug 2004.Mountains and ValleysRare spring transient (extreme dates 4-30 May), with about 12 springrecords from Augusta, Bath, Roanoke, Rockbridge, and Rockingham. Four fallrecords: 1, Rockbridge, 28 Aug 1949; 3, Roanoke, 12 Aug 1979; 13,Roanoke, 18 Aug 1985; 1, Stuarts Draft, 13 Aug 1992. Spring peak count :11, New Hope (Augusta), 19 May 1981.RED KNOTCalidris canutus NonbreederCoastal PlainLocally common but declining transient (10 May–5 Jun, 20 Jul–25 Sep)along coast; particularly large concentrations occur on the barrier islandsin spring, with numbers peaking around the third week in May.Uncommon to rare winter and summer visitor, usually along immediatecoast. Rare west of Chesapeake Bay, such as at Hunting Creek, wherethere are four records of 1-9 birds (15 Aug–5 Oct), and Hog Is. WMA.Nearly annual on CBCs, with regional totals of up to 40 birds between1984 and 2004. Peak counts : spring—12,768, aerial survey of EasternShore barrier islands/coastal lagoons, 16 May 1994 {26}; 10,500,Chincoteague, 22 May 1982; 8000, Metompkin Is., 20 May 1978; fall—2175, Chincoteague, 4 Aug 1977; winter—520, Chincoteague CBC, 28Dec 1970 [73, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 2005; 40, Cape Charles CBC, 30Dec 1996].Mountains and ValleysRare transient, with seven records. Three spring records: 1, Saltville, 6 Jun1945; 1, Lyndhurst, 29 Mar–2 Apr 1986; 1, Roanoke, 14 May 1986. Fourfall records: 1, Saltville, 28 Aug–3 Sep 1979; 1, Roanoke, 28-30 Jul 1980;2, Roanoke, 18 Aug 1985; 14, South Holston L., 8 Sep 2004.

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SANDERLINGCalidris alba NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon but declining transient and winter resident (30 Jul–5 Jun) oncoast (particularly on outer beaches), common in lower Chesapeake Bay;rare transient west of Chesapeake Bay (e.g., at least five records inWilliamsburg area and four records in Fairfax ). Uncommon summervisitor on coast. One winter record inland: 1, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 23 Dec1978. Peak counts : spring—10,033, Chincoteague, 22 May 1982 [2299,Chincoteague, 2 Jun 1992]; fall—16,365, Back Bay/False Cape, 5 Aug1991; 11,130, Chincoteague, 18-19 Aug 1978; 10,000, Wallops Is., 5 Oct1975; winter—3780, Back Bay CBC, 28 Dec 1994; 411, Mathews CBC,3 Jan 1999 (high away from coast).PiedmontRare fall transient (extreme dates 18 Aug–27 Oct), with about 17 fallrecords. Three spring records: 1, South Boston (Halifax), 10-17 May1991; 11, Kerr Res., 27 May 2002; 5, Culpeper, 9 May 2004. Peak counts : 73,Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran); 14, Staunton River SP(Halifax), 28 Aug 2005.Mountains and ValleysRare spring and fall transient (extreme dates 6-31 May and 23 Jul–1 Nov).Peak counts : spring—5, Roanoke, 25 May 1979; fall—7, Roanoke, 18 Aug1985.SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERCalidris pusilla NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon but declining transient (15 Apr–10 Jun, 10 Jul–30 Oct) alongcoast, uncommon transient inland; uncommon summer visitor, primarilyalong coast. Extreme dates difficult to determine owing to difficulty ofdistinguishing basic-plumaged Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers.Published winter records (all pre-1975) are now assumed to refer toWestern Sandpiper; studies in the 1970s determined that SemipalmatedSandpipers winter mostly from Florida to South America. Peak counts :spring—25,000, Chincoteague, 17 May 1964 [20,410, Chincoteague, 22-23 May 1986]; fall—50,000, Chincoteague, 2 Sep 1978; 110, Alexandria,19 Aug 1953 (high inland count).

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PiedmontUncommon transient (30 Apr–5 Jun, 15 Jul–20 Oct). Peak count : 45,Riverville (Amherst ), 27 Aug 1985.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (30 Apr–5 Jun, 15 Jul–20 Oct). Two summerrecords from Saltville: 1, 21-22 Jun 1974; 1, 10 Jun 1980. Peak counts :spring—259, Roanoke, 3 Jun 1979; fall—35, Lyndhurst, 28 Jul 1980.WESTERN SANDPIPERCalidris mauri NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon fall transient, uncommon to rare winter resident, and rarespring transient (10 Jul–30 May) along coast, much less numerous inland.Wintering birds generally depart by late March (most apparently leave inearly to mid-March), and there are fewer than 10 documented records forApril and May. Peak counts : late winter/early spring—470, Thoms Creek,15 Mar 1987; fall—15,000, Chincoteague, 2 Sep 1978; 800, Ft. Eustis(Newport News), 1 Oct 1990 (slightly inland); winter—1220,Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1974 [547, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1991;510, Back Bay CBC, 28 Dec 1994].PiedmontRare fall transient (extreme dates 20 Jul–28 Aug). Several spring reports(extreme dates 7-20 May) may be valid, but none are well documented.Peak count : 12, Nokesville, 20-26 Jul 1985.Mountains and ValleysFairly rare but regular fall transient (extreme dates 2 Jul–15 Nov). Severalspring reports (extreme dates 30 Apr–4 Jun) may be valid, but none arewell documented. Peak count: 15, New Hope (Augusta), 3 Nov 1993.RED-NECKED STINT (Category 2)Calidris ruficollis NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2) adult in breeding plumage, Craney Is., 22-25 Jul 1994.LEAST SANDPIPERCalidris minutilla NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient (15 Apr–30 May, 5 Jul–15 Nov) alongcoast, common to uncommon inland; rare summer visitor on coast.

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Uncommon to rare winter resident on coast and locally inland nearHopewell (where regular in small numbers in December), but few reportsanywhere between late January and early March. Peak counts : spring—3510, Chincoteague, 8-9 May 1986; early fall—5000, Chincoteague, 17 Jul1980; winter—88, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 2000; 54, near Hopewell,17 Dec 1977 (high inland count).PiedmontUncommon transient (30 Apr–30 May, 10 Jul–15 Oct); rare early wintervisitor, mostly in the south in December. Peak counts : spring—68,Amherst, 6 May 1986; fall—55, Amherst, 27 Aug 1985; winter—15,Banister R. CBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (extreme dates 8 Apr–13 Jun, 3 Jul–19 Nov). Onewinter record: 1, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 20 Dec 1980. Peakcounts : spring—398, Roanoke, 12 May 1982; fall—30, Saltville, 11 Aug1996.WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERCalidris fuscicollis NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to locally common transient (30 Apr–10 Jun, 5 Aug–7 Nov)along coast, less numerous inland; rare summer visitor along coast. Afew occasionally linger well into November along the coast, but thereare only two December records (and none after December): 1, CapeCharles CBC, 27 Dec 1980; 1, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1990. Peakcounts : spring—100, Craney Is., 18 May 1981; late spring/early summer—24, Chincoteague, 10 Jun 1982 (high count for this late date); fall—130,Craney Is., 26-27 Sep 1987; 15, Hunting Creek, 15 Oct 1988 (high inlandcount).PiedmontRare spring transient (extreme dates 30 Apr–11 Jun). Two later Junerecords: 1, Albemarle, 25 Jun 1955; 1, Culpeper, 16 Jun 2002. Five fallrecords: 1, Albemarle, 6 Oct 1956; 2, L. Anna, 30 Oct 1983; 3, Timberlake(Campbell ), 3 Sep 1994; 1, North Fork Wetlands (Prince William), 5 Sep2000; 1, Cedar Run Wetlands (Prince William), 12 Aug 2003. Peak count :9, Cedar Run Wetlands (Fauquier), 11 May 2003.Mountains and ValleysRare transient (extreme dates 25 Apr–11 Jun, 10 Jul–6 Nov), morenumerous in spring than fall. Peak count : 18, Roanoke, 26 May 1981.122

BAIRD’S SANDPIPERCalidris bairdii NonbreederCoastal PlainRare fall transient (extreme dates 26 Jul–30 Oct), mostly near coast butwith scattered inland records (especially in Fairfax ); recorded annually(in the state as a whole) since 1971 except for a single year (1974). Allwell-documented fall records pertain to juveniles. Three summer records(all likely pertaining to early southbound migrants): 1, Chincoteague, 8 Jul1975; 1, Chincoteague, 10 Jul 1980; 5, Metompkin Is., 27 Jun 1981. Veryrare spring transient, with six undocumented May reports (extreme dates12-28 May) and one well-documented record of a basic-plumaged adultat Chincoteague, 19 Apr 1985. Peak counts : 7, Craney Is., 30 Aug 1980; 5,Alexandria, 17 Sep 1960; 5, Chincoteague, 11 Sep 1980.PiedmontRare fall transient (extreme dates 31 Aug–14 Oct), with about nine fallrecords of single birds. Three undocumented spring reports: 2, Powhatan,18 May 1977; 1, Bedford, 12 May 1981; 1, Bedford, 5 May 1983.Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient (extreme dates 31 Jul–12 Oct), with about 17 fallrecords. Three undocumented spring reports: 1, Montgomery, 22 Apr 1976;1, Roanoke, 18-23 May 1980; 3, Wise, 5-7 May 1991. Peak counts : 13,Rockingham, 22 Aug 1985; 5, Roanoke, 6-7 Sep 1979.PECTORAL SANDPIPERCalidris melanotos NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient (25 Mar–30 May, 20 Jul–15 Nov) on coast, morenumerous in fall; uncommon inland. A few occasionally linger into earlyJune, but there are few reports between mid-June and early July.Exceptionally early date: 11, King George, 5 Mar 1988. Two early winterrecords: 2, Back Bay, 5 Dec 1987; 1, ESVNWR, 2 Jan 1994. Peak counts :summer—31, Chincoteague, 11-12 Jun 1985; fall—1067, Chincoteague,13-14 Sep 1984; 565, Alexandria, 22 Sep 1985.PiedmontUncommon transient (extreme dates 6 Mar–4 Jun and 21 Jul–30 Nov),usually more numerous in fall. Peak counts : spring—66, Cedar RunWetlands (Prince William), 24 Apr 2003; fall—85, Cedar Run Wetlands(Prince William), 23 Aug 2001.

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Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (extreme dates 1 Mar–28 May, 6 Jul–19 Nov),usually more numerous in fall. Three winter records: 1, Augusta, 29 Dec1979–29 Feb 1980; 1, Calmes Neck CBC, 29 Dec 1979; 1, Roanoke, 11Feb 1986. Peak counts : spring—300, Pulaski, 6 Apr 1984; 209, Augusta,24 Mar 1978; fall—150, Luray, 19 Sep 2003.SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPERCalidris acuminata NonbreederCoastal PlainFour records, all of juveniles: 1(2), Hunting Creek, 14 Sep 1983; 1(1) ph.,Chincoteague, 14 Sep 1984; 1(2), Hunting Creek, 16 Sep 1989; 1, Capeville(Northampton), 4 Sep 2003.PURPLE SANDPIPERCalidris maritima NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to locally common winter resident (1 Oct–20 May) alongimmediate coast. Apparently a rare transient, with few records that clearlypertain to nonwintering birds. This very local species appears to haveexpanded its regular wintering range southward with the constructionof extensive jetties (e.g., at Cape Charles and Rudee Inlet), riprap, andespecially the four artificial islands of the CBBT, where the largest countshave been recorded. First recorded in the state at the Cape Charles jetty(2 birds on 3 Dec 1945; peak count there 61 on 31 Mar 2006). Awayfrom immediate coast, recorded irregularly at Craney Is. since the mid-1960s and in Mathews since the mid-1990s; 2 at Muses Beach(Westmoreland ), 10 May 1975, were unusually far inland and may havebeen migrants. Rare summer visitor/resident, mostly on CBBT; multiplereports of single birds from Aug and Sep apparently pertain tosummering individuals. Peak counts : spring—210, CBBT, 19 May 2001;fall—200, CBBT, 15 Nov 1986; winter—100, Craney Is., winter 1964-1965; 82, CBBT, 26 Dec 1994.DUNLINCalidris alpina NonbreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident (30 Jul–30 May) along coast,much less numerous west of Chesapeake Bay; summering individuals inJune and July are rare, occurring mostly along coast. Numbers peak later124

in fall than in other Calidris; although very early postbreeding birds maybe present by late July and the first week of August, most fall arrivaloccurs in September or later, and fall numbers do not peak until October.Peak counts : spring—85,189, Eastern Shore barrier islands/coastallagoons, 27 Apr 1994 {26}; 25,000, Mockhorn Is., 27 Mar 1974(probably mostly wintering birds); 8682, Chincoteague, 8-9 May 1986;fall—10,000, Wallops Is., 22 Nov 1975; 6456, Chincoteague, 25-26 Oct1984; 80, Hunting Creek, 30 Oct 1988 (high inland count); winter—19,290, Cape Charles CBC, 29 Dec 1973; 17,354, Cape Charles CBC, 30Dec 2004; 15,000, Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1973.PiedmontRare transient (extreme dates 13 Apr–18 May and 4 Oct–30 Nov). Twowinter records: 2, Kerr Res. CBC, 19 Dec 1993; 1, Banister R. CBC, 16Dec 2001. Peak counts : spring—23, Fauquier, 17 May 2003; fall—6, Louisa,16 Oct 1977.Mountains and ValleysRare transient (extreme dates 27 Mar–4 Jun and 11 Jul–9 Dec). Twowinter records: 1, Augusta, 29 Dec 1979; 2, Augusta, 18 Feb 1980 (1present until 5 May). Peak counts : spring—60, Augusta, 19 May 1981;fall—34, Roanoke, 28 Oct 1981.CURLEW SANDPIPERCalidris ferruginea NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient (extreme dates 30 Apr–6 Jun, 14 Jul–23 Oct), with recordssplit nearly evenly between spring and fall. The majority of records (32)are from Chincoteague, mostly of single birds (two records of 2individuals: 13 May 1973, 25 May 1986). Elsewhere near the coast, sixrecords from Craney Is. (1976-1995), one from Metompkin Is. (1979),and two from Wallops Is. (1973 and 1977). Three inland records: 1,Alexandria, 16 Oct 1956 (first state record); singles, Hunting Creek, 21Sep and 23 Oct 1986. Recorded in Virginia all but five years during theperiod 1978-2005. Except for single juveniles at Chincoteague, 2 Oct1974 and 21 Sep 1996, all documented records have been of adults. STILT SANDPIPERCalidris himantopus NonbreederCoastal PlainLocally uncommon to rare spring transient and uncommon to locallycommon fall transient (5 Apr–25 May, 20 Jul–25 Oct; extreme dates 24

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Mar–8 Nov) along coast; rare inland in fall, mostly in Fairfax. Very rarebetween early June and mid-July, with most such mid-summer recordsfrom Chincoteague (the site of most records during all seasons). Peakcounts : spring—30, Wallops Is., 11 May 1974; fall—1200, Chincoteague,27-28 Jul 1974 [319, Chincoteague, 2 Aug 2003]; 250, Craney Is., 30 Jul1976; 58, Hunting Creek, 11 Oct 1985 (high inland count).PiedmontRare fall transient (extreme dates 30 Jul–12 Sep), with at least 13 recordsof 1-2 individuals from Albemarle, Amherst, Loudoun, Mecklenburg, PrinceEdward, and Prince William.Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient (extreme dates 20 Jul–1 Nov). One spring record: 1,Wise, 17-18 May 1995. Peak counts : 33, New Hope (Augusta), 21 Jul 1996;12, Roanoke, 29 Jul 1980.BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERTryngites subruficollis NonbreederCoastal PlainRare fall transient near coast (extreme dates 24 Jul–29 Oct), whererecorded annually since 1971 except for a single year (1976). Mostrecords are from Eastern Shore, with occasional records from HamptonRoads (especially Craney Is.) and Virginia Beach areas. Several recordsinland along James R. to Surry and Williamsburg. Three records fromHunting Creek: 2 on 1 Oct 1985, 1 on 16 Oct 1985, and 1-4, 14-27 Sep1986. One spring record: 1, Chincoteague, 1-27 May 1964. Peak count:350, Chincoteague, 13 Sep 1980, with 211 still present 20 Sep 1980 [norecent counts exceeding 20 individuals].PiedmontRare fall transient (extreme dates 7 Aug–15 Sep), with about 14 recordsfrom Amherst, Danville, Culpeper, Fauquier, Henrico, Loudoun, Mecklenburg,and Prince William. Many of these records are from sod farms. All recordsare of 1-3 individuals except for 7 at Bristow (Prince William), 11 Sep2004.Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient (extreme dates 18 Aug–5 Oct) at Roanoke Airport andSewage Treatment Plant, with 13 records of 1-3 individuals. Reported atRoanoke during 10 years since 1977, but no records elsewhere in theregion.

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RUFFPhilomachus pugnax NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient (extreme dates 21 Mar–22 May, 28 Jun–17 Oct) near coast,more frequent in fall. First state record was a juvenile male collected atFour Mile Run (Alexandria), 3 Sep 1894. Recorded next in Norfolk on10 Sep 1944, then on four occasions in Virginia Beach (1964-1968), butno subsequent reports come from those cities. After this period,Chincoteague has had at least 34 records totaling at least 39 birds (1969-2005). Other records include two more from Eastern Shore locations(Piney Is. 1974; Locustville 1975, both Accomack), one from CBBT (9Sep 1972), and at least three from Craney Is. (1976-1990). Five inlandrecords (including the aforementioned Alexandria record): 1, Hog Is.WMA, 4-7 May 1986; at Hunting Creek—1, 24 Sep 1961; 1, 11 Apr 1964;1-2, 13 Aug–17 Sep 1983. Two December records: 1, Norfolk, 29 Dec1966; 1, Virginia Beach, 10 Dec 1967. Peak counts : 4, Craney Is., 10 Apr–7 May 1976; 3, Chincoteague, 10 Aug 1969 and 6-12 Jul 1980.PiedmontOne record: 1 ph., Nelson, 17-19 May 1975.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) female ph., near New Hope (Augusta), 9 May 1987.SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERLimnodromus griseus NonbreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient (30 Mar–5 Jun, 5 Jul–30 Oct) along coast, generallyuncommon inland; uncommon to rare summer visitor and fairly rare tolocally uncommon winter visitor (annual on several coastal CBCs).Surveys at Chincoteague indicate that subspecies hendersoni arrives earlierin July (first week) than nominate griseus, which arrives mostly towardmid-July. Because distinguishing these subspecies in nonbreeding andtransitional plumages is not known to be possible in the field, thesubspecific identity of fall and winter Short-billed Dowitchers ispresently unknown. Peak counts : spring—10,000, Wallops Is., 24 May1972; fall—3200, Chincoteague, 23 Jul 2003; winter—1133, Cape CharlesCBC, 30 Dec 2000.PiedmontRare fall transient (extreme dates 3 Jul–3 Nov). Two spring records: 1,Charlotte, 18 May 1963; 60, Loudoun, 18 May 2002. Fall peak count : 18,

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Staunton River SP (Halifax), 3 Nov 1991. Mountains and ValleysRare to locally uncommon transient (extreme dates 26 Mar–9 Jun, 1 Jul–15 Nov). Peak counts : spring—192, Augusta, 14 May 1995; fall—53,Roanoke, 18 Aug 1985.LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERLimnodromus scolopaceus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare spring and uncommon fall transient (30 Mar–15 May, 15 Jul–15Nov) along coast, rare inland; rare and irregular winter resident mostlyon coast. The presence of small numbers of wintering birds makes boththe late date for fall transients and the early date for spring transientsdifficult to assess. Recorded on CBCs 12 of 21 years between 1984 and2004, with regional totals of up to 43 birds. Inland, about seven fallrecords from Fairfax (including a high count of 31 at Hunting Creek, 16Oct 1985) and one winter record of 1 at Curles Neck (Henrico), 18 Dec1987. Peak counts : spring—25, Chincoteague, 19 May 1978 and 17 Apr1986; fall—266, Chincoteague, 30 Sep–1 Oct 1982; 200, Chincoteague,3 Oct 1977; winter—43, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 2000; 20, NewportNews CBC, 14 Dec 2002. PiedmontRare transient, with seven records. Two spring records: 1, Timberlake(Campbell ), 14 May 1994; 1, North Fork Wetlands (Prince William), 3 May2000. Five fall records: 1, Louisa, 9 Oct 1977; 1, Nokesville, 21 Aug 1983;2 ph., Nokesville, 21 Jul 1985; 1, Nokesville, 26 Aug 1988; 1, nearRemington (Fauquier), 9 Sep 2004.Mountains and ValleysRare transient, with eight records. Two spring records: 3, Pulaski, 4 May1984; 2, Wise, 17-18 May 1995. Six fall records: 1(2), Daleville (Botetourt ),19-20 Aug 1979; 3(2), Rockingham, 15 Oct 1980; 1, Roanoke, 13-16 Oct1983; 1, Roanoke, 23 Sep 1984; 1, Rural Retreat L. (Smyth), 25 Jul 1986;1-2(1) ph., Stuarts Draft, 16-19 Oct 1992.WILSON’S SNIPEGallinago delicata NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (5 Sep–10 May; extreme dates 12Aug–20 May). One summer record: 1, Bone Is. (Northampton), 2 Jul 1921.128

Peak counts : spring—250, Bermuda Hundred Plantation (Chesterfield ), 10Mar 1979; 200, Presquile, 28 Mar and 3 Apr 1983; fall—300,Chincoteague, 15 Nov 1960; winter—280, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1982. PiedmontUncommon to common transient and winter resident (5 Sep–10 May;extreme dates 13 Aug–3 Jun). Peak counts : spring—193, Albemarle, 25 Mar1950; 112, Nokesville, 24 Mar 1988; fall—40, Louisa, 10 Nov 1975;winter—60, Nokesville, 20 Feb 1980.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to common transient and winter resident (5 Sep–10 May;extreme dates 17 Jul–18 May), mostly in lowlands. One mid-summerrecord: 1, Augusta, 25 Jun 1980. Peak counts : spring—204, Augusta, 2 Apr2005; 108, Wythe, 29 Mar 1982; winter—58, Blacksburg CBC, 27 Dec1972 [35, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 18 Dec 1988].EURASIAN WOODCOCK (Category 2)Scolopax rusticola NonbreederPiedmontOne old record: 1 specimen, Loudoun, 1873. The whereabouts of thisspecimen are unknown, but the identification has long been consideredcorrect.AMERICAN WOODCOCKScolopax minor BreederOverviewBBS data indicate statewide declines in abundance of breeders, 1966-2004. Coastal PlainCommon transient (1 Feb–20 Apr, 10 Oct–15 Dec) throughout,uncommon to common winter resident, mostly near coast; uncommonsummer resident. Since 1987, over 1000 have been banded at ESVNWR,where the species can be abundant in winter, especially after hard freezesto the north. The presence of wintering birds that engage in suchfacultative movements makes the dates of transience difficult todetermine, but large fallouts (e.g, during spring fog in Norfolk, andduring inclement weather in fall on CBBT) give some indication of peakmigratory movements, which are in Feb–Mar and Nov–Dec. Breeding :eggs, 11 Feb–21 Apr. Peak counts : 570, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1993(the all-time high count on a CBC in North America); 100, CBBT, 3 Feb1985.

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PiedmontCommon transient and uncommon summer resident; uncommon to rarewinter resident. Annual on CBCs between 1984 and 2004, with regionaltotals of 2-18 birds; at least in the south, some birds winter. Breeding :eggs, 3 Mar–20 May. Peak count : 30, Chesterfield, 18 Dec 1966.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon summer resident; rare winter visitor.Recorded on CBCs 12 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004, with regionaltotals of up to 8 birds; it is unknown whether (or in what abundance)birds recorded in December winter, as there are few January records.Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr–18 May; adults with young as early as 22 Apr. Peakcounts : 16, Shenandoah NP, 10 May 1975; 8, Augusta, 15 Mar 1986.WILSON’S PHALAROPEPhalaropus tricolor NonbreederCoastal PlainRare to locally uncommon and declining fall transient (usually 20 Jul–20Sep) and rare spring transient (extreme dates 12 Apr–19 Oct); raresummer visitor in June and early July. Most records on coast (especiallyChincoteague and Wallops Is.) and in lower Chesapeake Bay (especiallyCraney Is.). Recorded inland to Surry/Williamsburg area (at least sevenrecords in spring and fall) and Alexandria/Fairfax area (six fall records,10 Aug–27 Sep). Peak counts : spring—5, Back Bay, 27 Apr 1968; fall—74,Craney Is., 19 Aug 1977; 30, Chincoteague, 23 Aug 1977 [more recently,10 were at Chincoteague, 13-18 Jul 1986, but no more recent counts ofmore than 4 birds].PiedmontRare transient, with eight records. Three spring records: 1,Charlottesville, 6 May 1978; 2, Scottsville (Albemarle), 6-7 May 1978; 1(1)ph., Loudoun, 19 May 1997. Five fall records: 1, Amherst, 30 Aug 1981; 1,Bedford, 18 Aug 1985; 1, Loudoun, 13 Aug 2001; 1, Culpeper, 31 Aug 2002;1, Culpeper, 8 Sep 2004.Mountains and ValleysRare transient, with about 10 spring records (extreme dates 4 May–10Jun) and 14 fall records (extreme dates 10 Jul–11 Sep). Peak count : 6,Montgomery, 5 May 1978.

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RED-NECKED PHALAROPEPhalaropus lobatus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare to locally uncommon transient (15-30 May, 25 Jul–30 Sep; extremedates 12 May–16 Nov) offshore, near coast (especially at Chincoteague),and in Hampton Roads (especially Craney Is.). Rare summer visitor inthese areas, with a few records throughout June and July. Even rarerfarther inland, with three spring records (12 May–8 Jun) from easternFairfax, one spring record (6 May) and three fall records (12 Aug–5 Sep)from the Williamsburg/Hog Is. WMA area, and 1 at Presquile, 16 Nov1970. Peak counts : spring—33, off Virginia Beach, 21 May 1988; 31,Craney Is., 21 May 1980; fall—55, off Cape Henry, 30 Sep 1972; 50, offVirginia Beach, 13 Aug 1988; 40, Chincoteague, 23 Sep 1974. Surveys inpelagic waters during April and October passage periods would probablyindicate greater abundance of this species than is currently recorded inVirginia; peak counts of the species in adjacent offshore waters of NorthCarolina and Maryland are significantly higher.PiedmontRare fall transient (extreme dates 22 Aug–19 Sep), with about eight fallrecords. Three spring records: 1, Lynchburg, 11 May 1941; 1, Sperryville(Rappahannock), 16 May 2003; 2, Reston (Fairfax ), 18 May 2003. Peakcount : 43(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran).Mountains and ValleysRare spring transient (extreme dates 4 May–3 Jun), with about 10 springrecords. Six fall records: 1, Saltville, 15 Sep 1945; 1, Waynesboro, 11-12Oct 1967; 2-18, Roanoke, 5-7 Sep 1979; 1, Swoope, 30 Oct 2002; 1(1) ph.,Rockingham, 9 Sep 2004; 1, Staunton, 9 Sep 2004. Spring peak count : 8,Blandy Experimental Farm near Boyce (Clarke), 22-23 May 2003.RED PHALAROPEPhalaropus fulicarius NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to rare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 13 Aug–26 May) offshore, much rarer onshore. Offshore reports (25+ reportstotaling 800+ birds, 1971-2005) account for most records of multiplebirds. Onshore reports are few, including at least five from Chincoteague,three from Craney Is., three from CBBT, and single records from HogIs. (Northampton) on 10 May 1991, Hog Is. WMA on 21 Oct 1983, andHunting Creek on 21 Sep 1963. Onshore, only one record of multiple

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birds: 2, Craney Is., 7 Sep 1996 (after Hurricane Fran). Two summerrecords: 1, Craney Is., 24 Jun 1962; 1, Chincoteague, 7 Jul 1974. Peakcounts : spring—20, off Cape Henry, 14 May 1973; fall—25, off VirginiaBeach, 27 Nov 2004; 13, 65 mi east of Virginia Beach, 16 Sep 1980;winter—300, off Virginia Beach, 31 Jan 1988; 250, off Virginia Beach,9 Jan 2000. Peak counts from boats only a few mi into Maryland waters(and including some birds in Virginia waters) are much greater: 4665 on29 Apr 1978 and 1001 on 28 Apr 1983. Pelagic waters off Virginia havereceived little attention in April and early May, presumably the time ofpeak spring passage for this species off Virginia. PiedmontThree records: 1 specimen, Charlottesville, 18 Sep 1938; 1(2), SouthBoston, 23 Dec 1990; 1(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran).Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient (extreme dates 23 Aug–15 Dec), with about eightrecords (including three specimens) of single individuals. LAUGHING GULLLarus atricilla BreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and summer resident (10 Mar–30 Nov) near coastand around Chesapeake Bay, with postbreeding flocks dispersing well uplarger tidal rivers to fall line in summer and fall ( Jul–Nov). Numbersdwindle through December; rare to locally uncommon winter visitorafter December, mostly in extreme southeast during mild winters.Breeding : nests primarily in Eastern Shore coastal salt marshes, with smallcolony on Little Fox Is. in upper Chesapeake Bay since 2001. Breedingpopulations increased considerably from the 1970s through the 1980sbut have declined somewhat since. A survey of the entire region in 1993found about 44,387 breeding pairs on Eastern Shore {5}. A repeat ofthis survey in 2003 found 60 colonies containing about 44,953 pairs (58colonies and 41,692 pairs on seaside of Eastern Shore, one colony of550 pairs in Little Fox Is. area, and one colony of 2711 pairs on HamptonRoads Bridge-Tunnel islands) {7}. Eggs, late Apr–5 Aug. Peak counts :summer—21,886, Wreck Is., Jun 1986; fall—72,000, Back Bay, 7 Nov1951; 5000, Alexandria area, 14 Sep 1978 (high inland count); winter—3860, Hopewell CBC, 19 Dec 1999; 700, Brooke CBC, 14 Dec 2004;377, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 1 Jan 1995.

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PiedmontLocally common postbreeding visitor ( Jul–Nov) in Prince William,especially at county landfill and vicinity, fairly rare elsewhere in region;numbers dwindle through December. Two mid-winter records: 2,Spotsylvania, 24 Jan 1987; 1, Prince William County Landfill, 3 Feb 1981.Rare spring transient (extreme dates 26 Mar–26 May). Formerly rare inthe region, but numbers have increased considerably since the mid-1980s,especially in the north. Peak counts : 4500, Nokesville, 13 Oct 1990; 3500,Prince William County Landfill, 4 Oct 2003. Larger numbers than usualwere recorded at inland locations in central and southern Piedmont on19 Sep 2003, during Hurricane Isabel (e.g., 60+ at L. Anna), and at KerrRes. on 22 Sep 1989 (10, Hurricane Hugo) and 6 Sep 1996 (150,Hurricane Fran).Mountains and ValleysRare but increasingly regular transient (extreme dates 16 Feb–1 Jun, 18Aug–11 Nov). Two winter reports: 1, Blacksburg, 16 Feb 1986; 1, RuralRetreat L. (Smyth), 23 Dec 1997. Peak counts (not associated withhurricanes): spring—5, Roanoke, 11 Apr 1982. During Hurricane Isabel,numerous individuals were reported 19 Sep 2003, including 24 in Augusta,40 in Frederick, 126 in Page, 76 in Rockingham, and 3 in Warren. The countof 9 from S. Holston L. 27 Sep 2003 surely represented birds displacedby the same storm.FRANKLIN’S GULLLarus pipixcan NonbreederCoastal PlainRare visitor summer through fall (extreme dates 7 Jul–14 Nov),particularly along coast and in Hampton Roads area (including Craney Is.and Surry), with about 15 fall records from these areas. Rare inland alongPotomac R. in fall, with at least eight records: 1, Potomac Beach(Westmoreland ), 19 Aug 1986; in Hunting Creek area, singles 21 Jul 1978,7 Jul 1980, 27-30 Sep 1986, 6-7 Aug 1989, 17 Sep 1995, and 5-6 Oct1996, and 2 there 14 Nov 1998 (plus about five other undocumentedreports from this area). Two winter records: 1, CBBT, 16 Dec 1998; 1,Neabsco Creek (Prince William), 15 Dec 1997. Five spring/early summerrecords: 1, Hunting Creek, 12-13 Jun 1977; 1, Craney Is., 27 May 1988;1, Queens L. (York), 12 May 1991; 1, Jamestown, 11 Jun 1996; 1(1) ph.,Assateague Is., 14 Mar 1995.

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PiedmontTwo records: 1(1) ph., Dulles Airport pond, 12 Apr 1997; 2(1) ph., PrinceWilliam County Landfill, 4 Oct 2003 (one lingering through 9 Oct).Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1 specimen, Blacksburg, 22 Oct 1898.LITTLE GULLLarus minutus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 24 Oct–16May) near coast, in Hampton Roads area, in Chesapeake Bay at least asfar north as Mathews, and offshore. In recent years, highest numbers havebeen associated with Bonaparte’s Gull flocks near mouth of ChesapeakeBay. Numbers have declined in past 10 or so years, a trend also reportedfrom Niagara R. gorge and North Carolina. Regional totals of up to 4individuals recorded on CBCs 10 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004.Two inland records from Hunting Creek area, including one very early(Sep) record: 1, 12 Nov 1978; 1, 21-27 Sep 1986. Three inland recordsalong the James R. in the Williamsburg area: singles on 23 Mar 1985 and6 Apr 1986, and 2-3 on 23 Mar 1986. Four summer records: 1-3,Chincoteague, 24 Aug–24 Sep 1972; 1, Chincoteague, 8 Aug–27 Sep1974; 5, Craney Is., 5 Jun 1974; 1, CBBT, 15 Aug 1983. Almost all recordsare of adults; single first-cycle birds were documented 3 Mar 1985(Virginia Beach), 26 Dec 2005 (CBBT), and 18 Feb 2006 (off VirginiaBeach, ph.). First recorded in state at CBBT, 5 Dec 1964. One specimen:Fisherman Is., 26 Dec 1982. Peak counts : 28, Virginia Beach oceanfront,17 Feb 1992; 18, Ft. Story, 3 Mar 1985.PiedmontOne record: 1(1) ph., Dulles Airport pond, 2-3 Apr 1995.BLACK-HEADED GULLLarus ridibundus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare but probably annual transient and winter resident (extreme dates 7Oct–25 May), with about 40 reports, most near coast and in HamptonRoads. At least seven records from the CBBT, eight from Chincoteague,14 from southern Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Portsmouth, and VirginiaBeach), and two from the Williamsburg area. Regional totals of 1-2individuals recorded on CBCs seven of 21 years between 1984 and 2004.

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Two inland records from Fairfax : singles on 8 May 1971 and 17 Nov1974. Three summer records: 1, Craney Is., 9 Jul 1976; 1 ph.,Chincoteague, 16 Jul–28 Oct 1990 (and possibly the same bird reportedthrough December); 1, Back Bay, 14 Jul 1993. First recorded in state atCraney Is., 13 Feb 1959. Five records of 2 individuals: at CBBT on 27Dec 1983, 27 Jan 1995, and 21-26 Feb 1999 (2 first-cycle birds and oneadult present during the latter period, but no more than 2 seen in oneday); Chincoteague, 25 Feb 1984; Ft. Story, 31 Dec 2005. All otherrecords are of single individuals.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(2), New R. below mouth of Tom’s Creek, near Blacksburg,19 Dec 1981.BONAPARTE’S GULLLarus philadelphia NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient (5 Mar–30 Apr, 10 Oct–15 Dec), uncommon tolocally common winter resident, and rare summer visitor near coast, inChesapeake Bay, and along lower reaches of tidal rivers. Uncommontransient and uncommon to fairly rare winter resident farther inland(where most numerous in spring); very rare summer visitor inland.Sometimes scarce or absent between mid-January and mid-February,when large concentrations are found farther south, mostly off NorthCarolina’s coast, but flocks often shift to Virginia’s offshore waters atthis season, particularly in milder winters and when prey is plentiful. Peakcounts : spring—10,000, off Virginia Beach, 4 Apr 1982; 5000, Craney Is.,31 Mar 1975; winter—14,000, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 2000; 5250,Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1969.PiedmontLocally uncommon spring transient, fairly rare fall transient (25 Mar–30Apr, 25 Oct–25 Nov), and fairly rare and local winter visitor in most ofregion; irregularly common at Kerr Res. and L. Anna during migrationand winter. Peak counts : spring—180, Kerr Res., 19 Apr 1975; winter—534, L. Anna CBC, 5 Jan 1986; 518, Kerr Res. CBC, 22 Dec 1996.Mountains and ValleysLocally uncommon spring transient and fairly rare fall transient (30 Mar–30 Apr, 25 Oct–25 Nov). Rare visitor in early winter; regional totals ofup to 100 individuals recorded on CBCs 16 of 21 years between 1984and 2004, with most of these early winter records probably being of late

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migrants. One summer record: 1, Roanoke, 20 Jun 1988. Peak counts :spring—100, South Holston L., 9 Apr 2004; fall—102, Augusta, 22 Nov1977; winter—200, Carvins Cove Res. (Botetourt ), 6 Dec 1984.HEERMANN’S GULLLarus heermanni NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) juvenile ph., Craney Is., 30-31 Aug 2002.BLACK-TAILED GULLLarus crassirostris NonbreederCoastal PlainFive records (possibly involving no more than 2 individuals returningover multiple years), all of adults: 1(2), Grandview Beach (Hampton), 22Mar–26 Apr 1995; 1(1) ph., CBBT, 27 Dec 1996–20 Mar 1997; 1(1) ph.,CBBT, 13 Dec 1997–24 Mar 1998; 1(1) ph., CBBT, 8 Dec 1998–13 Mar1999 (2 birds ph. on CBBT, 31 Dec 1998–10 Jan 1999; presumably oneof these 2 was also reported on Fisherman Is. 27 Dec 1998 on the CapeCharles CBC); 1(1) ph., CBBT, 26 Dec 1999–15 Jan 2000. MEW GULLLarus canus NonbreederCoastal PlainThree accepted records: 1(2) first-cycle, Suffolk, 2 Jan 1996; 1(1) adult ph.,CBBT, 26 Dec 2001; 1(1) adult, CBBT, 19 Dec 2002. Several older reportsfrom the Alexandria/Fairfax area were unconfirmed. The 1996 and 2001records were of the nominate subspecies, which breeds in northernEurope, while the 2002 record was of the subspecies brachyrhynchus,which breeds in Alaska and western Canada and winters along the WestCoast.RING-BILLED GULLLarus delawarensis NonbreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident (10 Aug–30 May); uncommon torare and local summer visitor. Peak counts : 44,834, Nansemond R. CBC,5 Jan 2003; 23,088, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1988; 17,879, Hopewell CBC,17 Dec 1995.

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PiedmontLocally common to abundant transient and winter resident (15 Sep–30May) at Kerr Res., L. Anna, Richmond, and landfills in Prince William,Fauquier, Spotsylvania, and Henrico, uncommon elsewhere; rare summervisitor. Peak counts : 20,000, Prince William County Landfill, 25 Feb 2003;9500, Kerr Res., 27 Feb 1978; 10,000-12,000, Fairfax County Landfill, 7Mar 1972.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter resident (15 Oct–20 May), locallycommon in migration; rare summer visitor. Peak counts : spring—500,Montgomery, 18 Mar 1982; fall—700, Stuarts Draft, 12 Nov 1979;winter—1583, Blacksburg CBC, 19 Dec 1998; 1500, Carvins Cove Res.(Botetourt ), 14 Feb 1982.CALIFORNIA GULLLarus californicus NonbreederOverviewWhereas the 1987 checklist noted only one record of California Gull{1}, there are now about 24 records in the state, 16 of which occurredfrom 2002 through 2005. This increase has resulted at least in part froman actual increase in the number of individuals visiting the state, as BBSdata indicate significant recent increases in abundance in the eastern andnortheastern portions of the species’ breeding range in western NorthAmerica. However, increased coverage of northern Virginia landfills,increased scrutiny of gull flocks, and improvements in birders’ abilitiesto detect and identify this species have also certainly contributed to therecent surge in records. It is also possible that some of these records,particularly from northern Virginia, involve sightings of the sameindividuals over multiple years and/or at multiple locations.Coastal PlainRare winter visitor, with about 20 records of single individuals nearmouth of Chesapeake Bay and along upper Potomac R. (extreme dates13 Nov–24 Mar); undoubtedly occurring undetected in other locations.Nine coastal records: at Ft. Story—1(1) adult ph., 28-29 Jan 1989; 1(2)adult, 3 Jan 1992; at CBBT—1(1) adult ph., 16 Mar 1991; 1 adult, 26 Dec1996 (on CBC); 1 first-cycle ph., 10 Mar 1999; 1 adult ph., 12 Feb 2002;1 first-cycle ph., 25 Dec 2002; other coastal locations—1(2) adult,Lynnhaven Inlet, 31 Dec 1995; 1 first-cycle, Kiptopeke, 30 Dec 2002.Up to 11 records from upper Potomac R.: 1, Arlington, 22 Feb 1967; atHunting Creek/Dyke Marsh—1(2) adult, 21-24 Feb 2002; 1 adult ph., 23

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Dec 2002; 1 adult, 19-27 Mar 2004; 1 adult, 13-14 Mar 2004; 1 adult, 13Nov 2005–21 Jan 2006; at Neabsco Creek (Prince William)—1 adult, 24Mar 2002; 1 adult, 24 Dec 2002–24 Feb 2003; 1(2) adult, 23 Feb–13 Mar2004; 1(2) adult, 26 Nov 2004; 1(2) adult, 11-28 Dec 2005. Several of theserecords could involve repeat occurrences of the same individual(s).PiedmontRare winter visitor, with nine records: at Fauquier County Landfill—1(2)adult, 19 Dec 1999; 1 second-cycle, 20 Dec 2002; 1 adult ph., 26 Feb2005; at Prince William County Landfill—1(1) adult ph., 27 Jan 2001; 1(1)first-cycle ph., 16 Feb 2002; 1 adult, 17 Dec 2002; 1 adult ph., 26 Dec2003–28 Feb 2004; 1 third-cycle, 12 Jan 2006; 1 adult, 12-21 Jan 2006.The 2002 and 2003-2004 records from the Prince William CountyLandfill may have involved the same birds observed at Neabsco Creekin the Coastal Plain during the same periods.HERRING GULLLarus argentatus BreederCoastal PlainAbundant permanent resident along coast; common transient and winterresident and locally common summer visitor inland along tidal rivers,less numerous farther from tidal water. Breeding : nests on seaside ofEastern Shore and locally on islands in upper Chesapeake Bay (since1976), with small numbers breeding recently at Bethel Beach (Mathews),near the York R. mouth, and on Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel islands.First reported breeding in the state at Cobb Is. in Jul 1948. Breedingnumbers increased to 2600 pairs in nine colonies in 1977 and peaked inthe late 1980s. On annual June surveys of barrier islands fromAssawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/survey increasedfrom 2113 during the period 1975-1979 to 3526 in the 1980s beforedeclining somewhat to 3328 in the 1990s and 2928 during the period2000-2005 (range, 8306 in 1986 to 936 in 1978) {9}. A survey of theentire region in 1993 found 35 colonies containing about 8801 pairs {5}.A repeat of this survey in 2003 found 38 colonies containing about 4521pairs (18 colonies and 3417 pairs on barrier islands and seaside ofEastern Shore, 17 colonies and 1066 pairs on Bay islands and bayside ofEastern Shore, and one colony with 24 pairs on Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel islands), a decline of 49% since 1993 {7}. Eggs, 10 May–1 Aug.Peak counts : summer—8306, barrier islands, Jun 1986; 1300,Shanks/Cheeseman Is. area in Chesapeake Bay, 9 Jul 2003; winter—19,775, Nansemond R. CBC, 5 Jan 1997; 3566, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 4 Jan138

1998 (high inland count).PiedmontLocally common transient and uncommon winter resident (15 Nov–30Apr) at Kerr Res., L. Anna, Richmond, and landfills in Fauquier, Henrico,Prince William, and Spotsylvania; uncommon to fairly rare elsewhere. Twosummer records: 1, Kerr Res., 8-10 Jun 1977; 1, L. Anna, summer 2004.Peak counts : spring—67, L. Anna, 18 Mar 1978; winter—1718, NokesvilleCBC, 28 Dec 1986; 1659, L. Anna CBC, 2 Jan 2005; 300, Kerr Res., 27Feb 1978.Mountains and ValleysRare to locally uncommon transient and winter visitor (15 Nov–30 Apr;extreme dates 20 Aug–29 May). Two summer records: 1, Roanoke, 22 Jul1935; 1, New R. (Giles), 10 Jun 1983. Peak counts : 125, Roanoke, 29 Jan1982; 100, Harrisonburg, 29 Jan 1980.YELLOW-LEGGED GULLLarus cachinnans NonbreederCoastal PlainOne accepted record: 1(1) first-cycle ph., Back Bay, 28 Dec 1997.Unreviewed reports of first-cycle birds from CBBT, 16 Dec 1999 and 24Dec 2001, may also be valid; one report of an adult from the CBBT, 2Mar 1996, though not accepted by VARCOM, may likewise be correct.An adult was recorded at Georgetown Reservoir in Washington, D.C.(within sight of Virginia) on many occasions 1 Feb 1990–4 Apr 1991, 26Dec 1991–23 Feb 1992, and 9 Jan 1993–6 Mar 1993. What may havebeen the same individual was occasionally reported in this period atMaryland landfills. Because of potential confusion with aberrant Herringand Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and with hybrid gulls (e.g., Herring xLesser Black-backed), reports of this species should be accompanied byextensive photographic documentation.THAYER’S GULLLarus thayeri NonbreederOverviewIdentification difficulties (vis-à-vis Herring Gull for darker individualsand kumlieni Iceland Gull for lighter birds) obscure the true status of thisspecies in Virginia. All records of Thayer’s Gull should be welldocumented with extensive, detailed descriptions, and preferably withphotographs. Because critieria for its identification were not well

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established until the 1980s, reports prior to 1980 are best consideredhypothetical. High counts of this species (two counts of 3) occurred inharsh winters noted for high numbers of “white-winged” gulls well southof their typical range.Coastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor (25 Nov–10 Mar, extreme dates 31 Oct–1 Apr) along coast, in Hampton Roads, and at CBBT, with at least 14reports from these areas: 1 adult, CBBT, 31 Oct–6 Dec 1987, possiblythe same individual as 1(1) adult ph., CBBT, 5 Mar–1 Apr 1988; 1(2) first-cycle ph., CBBT, 26 Feb 1989; 1 first-cycle, Oyster (Northampton), 21 Jan1993; 1 first-cycle ph./vid., Virginia Beach City Landfill, 12 Feb 1994;1(2), CBBT (Chesapeake Bay CBC), 26 Dec 1994; 1(2) first-cycle, L.Christopher ( Virginia Beach), 31 Dec 1994; 3(2) adults, SoutheasternPublic Service Authority Landfill (Suffolk), 2 Jan 1996; 3 first-cycleph./vid., Virginia Beach City Landfill, 13-14 Dec 1996; 1 ph. CBBT, 26Dec 1996–early Mar 1997; 1 first-cycle ph., Hampton, 8 Jan 2001; 1 first-cycle, CBBT, 25 Dec 2001; 1 adult, CBBT, 30 Dec 2001; 1 adult ph.,CBBT, 28 Dec 2002; 1 juvenile ph., off Virginia Beach, 27 Nov 2004. Apublished report of an adult at Hunting Creek, 10 and 16 Sep and 1978and later is unseasonal by nearly two months and should be consideredhypothetical. There are many other reports from coastal areas and inlandat Fairfax that may be valid, although some reports have turned out torefer to Herring Gulls or to kumlieni Iceland Gulls, or have not beenadequately documented for inclusion here. PiedmontFour records: 1(2) first-cycle, Prince William County Landfill, 25 Feb 2003;at Fauquier County Landfill—1(1) first-cycle ph., 21 Dec 2003; 1 first-cycle, 19 Dec 2004; 1 adult ph., 26 Feb 2005. ICELAND GULLLarus glaucoides NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor (15 Dec–5 May; recorded in fall as earlyas 15 Oct), mostly near coast, where several immatures are reported inmost winters. Rarer inland, but there are numerous inland records fromthe upper Potomac R. (Prince William, Fairfax, and Alexandria) andWilliamsburg area. Individuals occasionally linger into May. Five summerrecords: 2, near Reedville (Northumberland ), 9 Jun 1972; 1, Smith Is., 26Jun–8 Jul 1975; 1, Wreck Is., 26 Jun 1976; 1 ph., Cedar Is., 18 Jun 1991;1, Hog Is. (Northampton), 18 Jun 1997. In contrast to Thayer’s Gull, the140

vast majority of Iceland Gulls recorded in Virginia are immatures,predominantly first-cycle birds; there are no documented records ofadult Iceland Gulls in Virginia (and just a few from North Carolina). Alldocumented reports appear to pertain to the darker subspecies kumlieni.No records of more than 3 individuals.PiedmontRare but regular transient and winter visitor at Prince William CountyLandfill (extreme dates at this location mid-Dec–14 Mar). Seven recordselsewhere: 1, Chesterfield, 5 May 1975; 1, Richmond, 24 Jan 1976; 1, L.Anna, 2 Nov 1980; 1, Swift Creek Res., 13 Jan 1984; 1(1) ph., Henrico, 22Jan 1994; 1(1) ph., Fauquier County Landfill, 21 Dec 2003; 1, James R.near Brown’s Is. (Richmond), 7 Jan 2006. Peak count : 3, Prince WilliamCounty Landfill, 27 Jan 2001.LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLLarus fuscus NonbreederOverviewIn both Coastal Plain and Piedmont, numbers of this species increasedsteadily from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, with more dramaticincreases in the past 10 years. The first specimen of Lesser Black-backedGull for North America was noted in Virginia at Chincoteague, 7 Oct1948; it flushed onto the Maryland side of Assateague Is., where it wascollected.Coastal PlainUncommon but increasing transient and winter visitor (10 Sep–15 Apr).Most numerous along outer coast, at CBBT, and in Hampton Roads,with the largest concentrations usually present in the Sandbridge/BackBay area. Uncommon to fairly rare transient and winter resident inlandat landfills and along larger tidal rivers; regular (and increasing) alongupper Potomac R., less numerous at other inland locations. Recordedannually since 1974. Regional CBC totals have increased from 1individual on one CBC in 1984 to 110 birds on nine CBCs in 2002-2003.Since the mid-1990s, this species has begun to summer in numbers fromSandbridge south to Back Bay/False Cape (mostly immatures) andshould be looked for in gull flocks at this season elsewhere in the region.Peak counts : summer—76, Back Bay, 24 Jun 2004; fall—45, Sandbridge,14 Oct 2004; winter—76, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 2004; 37, NansemondR. CBC, 5 Jan 2003.

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PiedmontUncommon to fairly rare but regular transient and winter visitor (extremedates 19 Sep–5 Apr) in the north, most numerous at Prince WilliamCounty and Fauquier County landfills; scattered records elsewhere inwestern Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Orange, and Spotsylvania, at L. Anna,and along the James R. at Richmond. Peak counts : spring—15, PrinceWilliam County Landfill, 19 Mar 2004; fall—15, Prince William CountyLandfill, 6 Oct 2001; winter—11, The Plains CBC, 21 Dec 2003.Mountains and ValleysTwo reports: 1, Roanoke, 4 Apr 1984; 1 adult, South Holston L., 18 Sep2004.GLAUCOUS GULLLarus hyperboreus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 15 Oct–15 May), mostlynear coast, where several individuals (mostly first- and second-cyclebirds) are typically reported each winter; recorded annually since 1971except for a single year (1977). Regional totals of up to 3 individualsrecorded on CBCs six of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Even rarerinland, but there are numerous inland records from the upper PotomacR. (Prince William, Fairfax, and Alexandria) and Williamsburg/Surry area.Individuals occasionally linger through May, mostly along coast. Foursummer records: 1, Hog Is. (Northampton), 7 Aug 1961; 1, Chincoteague,22 Aug 1974; 1, Craney Is., 4 Jul 1976; 1, Cape Charles, 1 Jul 1984. Norecords of more than 2 individuals.PiedmontRare but regular transient and winter visitor at Prince William CountyLandfill (extreme dates at this location 20 Dec–20 Apr). Seven recordselsewhere: 1, Kerr Res., 29 Nov 1975–3 Jan 1976; 1, Fairfax CountyLandfill; 11 Jan 1981; 1, Spotsylvania, 11 Feb 1988; 1, Henrico CountyLandfill, mid–22 Jan 1994; 1(1) ph., Fauquier County Landfill, 19-21 Dec2003; 1, L. Anna, 18 Dec 2004; 1, James R. near Brown’s Is. (Richmond),9-27 Jan 2006. No records of more than 2 individuals. All records are ofimmatures except for 1 adult, Prince William County Landfill, 21 Jan2006.Mountains and ValleysTwo reports: 1, near Bridgewater (Rockingham), 22 May 1978; 1, Roanoke,3-5 Jan 1985.

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GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLLarus marinus BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant permanent resident along coast; uncommon tocommon transient and winter resident and locally common summervisitor inland along tidal rivers, less numerous farther from tidal water.Breeding : nests on seaside of Eastern Shore (mostly barrier islands), onislands in upper Chesapeake Bay, and on Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnelislands. First reported breeding in the state at Fisherman Is. in Jun 1970.On annual June censuses of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south(1975-2005), mean abundance/survey increased from 5 during the period1975-1979 to 196 in the 1980s, 316 in the 1990s, and 552 during theperiod 2000-2005 (range, zero in 1975 and 1977 to 667 in 2002) {9}. Asurvey of the entire region in 1993 found 26 colonies containing about514 pairs {5}. A repeat survey in 2003 found 31 colonies containingabout 1084 pairs (15 colonies and 720 pairs on barrier islands and seasideof Eastern Shore, 15 colonies and 353 pairs on Bay islands and baysideof Eastern Shore, and one colony with 11 pairs on Hampton RoadsBridge-Tunnel islands), an increase of more than 100% since 1993 {7}.Eggs, 25 Apr–28 Jun. Possible Great Black-backed x Herring Gullhybrids have been noted several times on the CBBT. Peak counts : fall—600, Alexandria, 14 Sep 1978; 600, Mathews, 12 Oct 1987; winter—3075,Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1998; 889, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1999 (highinland count).PiedmontLocally uncommon winter resident (20 Sep–10 Apr) at landfills inFauquier, Henrico, Prince William, and Spotsylvania, at L. Anna, and on theJames R. in Richmond. Fairly rare elsewhere in northern part of region.The only three regional records south of Henrico are from Kerr Res.,where single individuals were recorded on 30 Nov 1976, 6 Sep 1996(during Hurricane Fran)(2), and 21 Dec 1997. Peak counts : 232, L. AnnaCBC, 2 Jan 2005; 200, James R. near Brown’s Is. (Richmond), 9 Jan 2006;166, Nokesville CBC, 16 Dec 1990; 100, Prince William County Landfill,17 Dec 2002.Mountains and ValleysTwo reports: 1, Botetourt, 13 Mar 1989; 1, Shenandoah River SP (Warren),19 Sep 2003 (during Hurricane Isabel ).

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SABINE’S GULLXema sabini NonbreederCoastal PlainRare visitor, with eight records. This species is typically pelagic duringmigration but has been recorded definitively only twice offshore inVirginia waters: 1 juvenile, off Virginia capes, 2 Aug 1979; 1(1) juvenileph., off Virginia Beach, 13 Sep 1998. Probably more regular far offshorethan indicated by these two offshore records; 2 apparent Sabine’s Gulls60 mi off Virginia Beach, 25 May 1990, were too distant for confirmationbut match the peak of spring passage in the western North AtlanticOcean. Six onshore records: 1, Back Bay, 4 Oct 1967; 1 second-cycle,CBBT, 20-22 Jun 1968; 1, Craney Is., 8 Sep 1977; 1 molting adult,Chincoteague, 19 May 1979; 1(2) adult, Chincoteague, 1 Sep 1983; 1 adult,CBBT, 9 Dec 2001.PiedmontThree records: 1(2) adult, Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran);1(1) juvenile ph., L. Anna, 19 Sep 2003 (during Hurricane Isabel ); 1(1) adultph., Potomac R. near Violette’s Lock (Loudoun; seen in Maryland andVirginia), 26 Sep 2005.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) juvenile ph., South Holston L., 7 Sep 2003.BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKERissa tridactyla NonbreederCoastal PlainIrregularly common to uncommon winter visitor (20 Oct–10 Mar;extreme dates 7 Sep–9 May) well offshore, rare but fairly regular nearcoast and in lower Chesapeake Bay. One inland record: 1, Alexandria, 28Oct 1956. Some individuals found resting on outer beaches are stainedwith oil, as was true of the first state record (Broad Bay, Virginia Beach,3 Jan 1953); some such birds are found as tideline carcasses, even afterthe winter season (e.g., one on Little Cobb Is., 3 Jun 1992). Peak counts :2716, off Virginia Beach, 30 Nov 1996; 600, off Virginia Beach, 18 Jan1998; 500 each day, off Chincoteague, 2-3 Feb 1974. Many of the 1940kittiwakes recorded off Ocean City, Maryland, 30 Jan 1983, were inVirginia waters.PiedmontOne record: 1(2) first-cycle, Kerr Res. CBC, 18 Dec 1994.

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Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1 adult ph., South Holston L., 19 Apr 2003.SOOTY TERNOnychoprion fuscatus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare fall transient offshore, though likely more regular than indicated bythe five offshore records: 110 (98 adults and 12 juveniles), about 135 mieast of the Virginia capes, 11 Sep 1979 (probably birds displaced byHurricane David ); 1 adult, 55 mi east of Wachapreague Inlet, 22 Jul 1978;1, off Virginia Beach, 16 Aug 1986; 1, off Assateague Is., 13 Jun 1987;4, off Virginia Beach, 18 Sep 2000. Most records have been associatedwith tropical disturbances. Hurricane Donna was responsible for the firststate record, an adult in Hampton on 12 Sep 1960 (this bird had beenbanded as an adult at the Dry Tortugas, Florida, 15 Jul 1960). FollowingHurricane Doria, 2 were at Fisherman Is., 28 Aug 1971. Hurricane David,which passed through the state on 5 Sep 1979, produced a large falloutof the species 5-8 Sep, with 1 inland at Arlington (6 Sep 1979) and 24found in coastal areas and at Williamsburg: 4, plus one corpse, in JamesCity; 1 at Lynnhaven Inlet; 2 at Williamsburg airport; 1 at Kingspoint(James City); 3 at Nassawadox (Northampton); 7 dead on CBBT; 2 dead atFisherman Is.; and later, single birds found dead at Chincoteague, 17Nov 1979 and 17 Feb 1980, and at Myrtle Is., 30 Dec 1979. Records haveincreased with active hurricane patterns of the past decade: HurricaneBob—1, CBBT, 19 Aug 1991; Hurricane Bertha—1, CBBT, 13 Jul 1996;3, James R. (Surry), 13 Jul 1996; 1 dead, Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel,16 Jul 1996; Hurricane Fran—6, James R. (Surry), 6 Sep 1996; 11 on 6 Sepand 6 on 7 Sep 1996, CBBT; Hurricane Bonnie—3, CBBT, 27 Aug 1998;17, CBBT, 28 Aug 1998; preceding Hurricane Dennis—1, ESVNWR, 30Aug 1999; 2, Back Bay, 2 Sep 1999; Hurricane Isabel—7, Sunset Beach(Northampton), 18 Sep 2003; 1, CBBT, 19 Sep 2003. Three onshorerecords of single adults unrelated to tropical disturbances: FishermanIs., 17 Jul 1971; Ship Shoal Is. (Accomack), 17 Jun 1985 (following twodays of strong easterly winds); Little Cobb Is., 25 Jun 1991 (followingstrong easterly winds). One found dead on Myrtle Is., 29 May 1988, wasnot obviously weather-driven.PiedmontSix records following hurricanes: Hurricane David—3(2), L. Anna, 5 Sep1979 (1 here on 6 Sep); 1 captured and rehabilitated, near Lynchburg, 6Sep 1979; 1 found dead, Amherst, 6 Sep 1979; 1 found dead, Henrico, 6 Sep

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1979 (VCU); Hurricane Hugo—4, Kerr Res., 22 Sep 1989; HurricaneFran—24(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1, South Holston L., 8-9 Sep 2004 (after the remnants ofTropical Storm Frances).BRIDLED TERNOnychoprion anaethetus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare but regular fall visitor (extreme dates 14 Aug–21 Sep) offshore, withabout 30 offshore records (all since 1977). One spring record: 1, offVirginia Beach, 29 May 1989. One summer record: 1, off Virginia Beach,7 Jun 1986. Peak count (not hurricane-related): 128, off Virginia Beach, 7Sep 2002. Numerous records from CBBT associated with hurricanes:2(2), 13 Jul 1996 (Hurricane Bertha); 5(2), 7 Sep 1996 (Hurricane Fran); 4,28-29 Aug 1998 (Hurricane Bonnie; probably 8 different birds); 1, 16 Sep1999 (Hurricane Floyd ); 130 on 19 Sep, 9 on 20 Sep, and 2 on 21 Sep2003 (Hurricane Isabel ). Records elsewhere following hurricanes: 2-3,Chincoteague, 20 Aug 1981 (during offshore passage of HurricaneDennis); 1, James R. (Surry), 6 Sep 1996 (Hurricane Fran); duringHurricane Isabel—1, Suffolk, 18 Sep 2003 (possibly the same bird founddead and ph.(1), 20 Sep 2003); 1 ph., near Cheriton (Northampton), 18 Sep2003; 3, Sunset Beach (Northampton), 18 Sep 2003; 2, Wise Point(Northampton), 20 Sep 2003. PiedmontOne record: 2(2), L. Anna, 5-6 Sep 1979 (associated with HurricaneDavid ). LEAST TERNSternula antillarum BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates16 Apr–12 Nov) on coast, in Chesapeake Bay, and on lower reaches oftidal rivers. Increasingly rare farther inland, though a few occur fairlyregularly in summer and early fall as far up the James R. as Hopewell, andalong the upper Potomac R. in Alexandria/Fairfax area; the species hasnested recently across the river in Washington, D.C. Breeding : formerly amore widespread breeder; now nesting colonies occur primarily onseaside of Eastern Shore (mostly on barrier islands). Elsewhere, colonies

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also active at Grandview Beach (Hampton) and Craney Is. most recentyears, with up to 400 adults present at a colony at New Point Comfort(Mathews), 1988-1991. On annual June surveys of barrier islands fromAssawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/survey increasedfrom 700 during the period 1975-1979 to 1017 in the 1980s beforedeclining to 446 in the 1990s and 495 during the period 2000-2005(range, 1869 in 1981 to 115 in 1997) {9}. In 1993, a survey of the entireregion found 26 colonies containing about 1171 pairs {5}. A repeatsurvey in 2003 found 23 colonies containing about 843 pairs (22 coloniesand 703 pairs on barrier islands and one colony with 140 pairs in urbanHampton Roads area); much of the recent decline results from areduction at Grandview Beach and Craney Is. {7}. Eggs, 3 May–30 Jul.Peak counts : 1868 in eight colonies, barrier islands, Jun 1981; 800,Grandview Beach (Hampton), 4 and 11 Jun 1983; 200 pairs, Craney Is.,5 Jul 1964; 400, Winter Harbor (Mathews), 27 May 1991. High counts ofpostbreeding dispersants staging upriver from the Bay include 163 atHog Is. WMA, 26 Jul 1986 and 39 at Hopewell, 3 Aug 1984.PiedmontRare summer and fall visitor, with eight records. Three summer records:4, Loudoun, 10 Jun 1978; 2, James R. (Goochland/Powhatan), 30 Jun 2003;1, Henry, 26 Jun 2004. Five fall records: 1, Albemarle, 15 Sep 1954Hurricane Edna); 2, Albemarle, 13 Aug 1955 (Hurricane Connie); 2(2), KerrRes., 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran); 1(2), L. Anna, and 2, Swift CreekRes., both 19 Sep 2003 (during Hurricane Isabel ).Mountains and ValleysThree records: 1, Lexington, 10 Aug 1961; 1, Lexington, 2 Oct 1964; 1,Augusta, 19 Sep 1975.GULL-BILLED TERNGelochelidon nilotica BreederCoastal PlainUncommon summer resident (25 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates 9 Apr–19Oct) along seaside of Eastern Shore; uncommon postbreeding foragerin agricultural fields on mainland Eastern Shore and uncommontransient in lower Chesapeake Bay, in Hampton Roads, and on coastsouth of Cape Henry. One record west of Chesapeake Bay/HamptonRoads: 1, Westmoreland, 28 Aug 1959. Declining in recent decades.Breeding : nests primarily on seaside of Eastern Shore (barrier islands andlagoon system). On annual June surveys of barrier islands fromAssawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/survey declined

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from 1402 during the period 1975-1979 to 619 in the 1980s, 290 in the1990s, and 123 during the period 2000-2005 (range, 2228 in 1975 to 42in 2001) {9}. A survey of the entire region in 1993 found 30 coloniescontaining about 606 pairs, <20% of the population in the mid-1970s.A repeat survey in 2003 found 17 colonies containing about 322 pairs (16colonies and 304 pairs on barrier islands and one colony with 18 pairs inurban Hampton Roads area). Unusual nesting record away from coast:nest with two eggs, Craney Is., 5 Jul 1964. Several pairs frequented CraneyIs. in May–Jun in the 1990s but apparently did not nest. Eggs, 8 May–23Jul. Peak count s : 2228, barrier islands, Jun 1975; 500 pairs, MetompkinIs., 19 Jun 1976; 131, foraging in mainland fields in southern Northampton,26 Jul 1991.PiedmontOne record: 1(2), Bedford, 12 May 1984.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(2), Blacksburg, 31 May 1984.CASPIAN TERNHydroprogne caspia BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient (10 Apr–5 Jun, 1 Jul–30 Oct; extreme dates 20 Mar–26 Nov) near coast and on lower tidal rivers, less numerous fartherinland; fairly rare summer resident on coast, though early southboundmigrants in late June and early July exaggerate the abundance ofsummering birds. More local inland, although sizeable flocks occur alongtidal rivers at some inland locations in spring and fall. Fiveundocumented winter records: 1, Norfolk, 6-17 Dec 1970; 1,Chincoteague, 28 Dec 1973; 1, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1978; 1, CapeCharles CBC, 30 Dec 1994; 1, Ft. Story, 12 Jan 1989. Breeding : apparentlynested on coast more commonly in 1800s than currently but absent as abreeder through most of the 20th century; a nest on Metompkin Is., 1Aug 1974, was said to be the first in the state in 60 years. Single nestingpairs were just south of Chincoteague in 1975 and 1976, and annualsurveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005) foundnesting pairs every year from 1974 to 1996 (though not since) {9}. Upto eight pairs/year have nested on seaside of Eastern Shore (on barrierislands and in tidal lagoons); nesting pairs are occasionally found onislands in upper Chesapeake Bay, in most years since the mid-1970s. Asurvey of the entire region in 1993 found five colonies containing eightpairs (four colonies with seven pairs on seaside of Eastern Shore and148

one pair on an island in the Bay) {5}. Eggs, 16 May–11 Jul; unfledgedyoung through 24 Aug. Peak counts : spring—200, Craney Is., 31 Mar 1974;fall—400, Craney Is., 1 Sep 2004; 168, Chincoteague, 18-19 Sep 1986;150, Hunting Creek, 27 Sep 1986; 101, Hog Is. WMA, 6 Oct 1974.PiedmontRare transient (extreme dates 15 Mar–10 Jun and 13 Aug–21 Oct),occurring most regularly at larger lakes. One summer record: 4, KerrRes., 26 Jun 1976. Peak counts : spring—11, Lynchburg, 24 Apr 1941;fall—21, Staunton River SP (Halifax), 25 Aug 2002.Mountains and ValleysRare transient (extreme dates 9 Apr–3 Jun and 20 Jul–13 Oct). Onesummer record: 1, L. Moomaw, 20 Jul 1985. Peak counts : spring—40,Botetourt, 29 Apr 1995; fall—9, Lyndhurst, 3 Oct 1984.BLACK TERNChlidonias niger NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to rare spring transient and common to uncommon falltransient (5 May–5 Jun, 10 Jul–25 Sep; extreme dates 16 Apr–6 Oct) oncoast, much less numerous inland and offshore; rare summer visitor.Most regularly observed on Eastern Shore, especially at Chincoteague,but numbers have declined markedly over the past three decades. Peakcounts : 1000, Chincoteague, 5-6 Aug 1967; 450, Chincoteague, 15 Sep1958 [126, Chincoteague, 11-12 Aug 1983; 23, Kiptopeke, 28 Aug 1989].PiedmontRare transient (extreme dates 17 Apr–10 Jun and 2 Aug–16 Oct), moreregular in fall. Peak counts : 25, L. Anna, 25 Aug 1988; 19, Albemarle, 3 Sep1955.Mountains and ValleysRare transient (extreme dates 4 Apr–14 Jun and 5 Jul–6 Oct). Peak counts :spring—42, Augusta, 6 Jun 1998; fall—12, Saltville, 28 Aug 1949; 12,Stuarts Draft, 27 Jul 1985.WHITE-WINGED TERNChlidonias leucopterus NonbreederCoastal PlainAt least five (possibly as many as seven) records, all at Chincoteague: 1,16 May–early Aug 1963; 1, 16 May–9 Aug 1964; 1, 8-30 May 1965; 1 ph.,7 Jul–17 Sep 1974; 1, 10 Jul–17 Aug 1975 (with 2 present 25-27 Aug

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1975); 1, 7-13 Jul 1980; 1(2), 6-9 Sep 2002. These records may representno more than five different birds.ROSEATE TERNSterna dougallii Former BreederCoastal PlainRare transient and summer visitor (extreme dates 6 Apr–1 Oct) alongcoast and in lower Chesapeake Bay. About 50 records, most of singleindividuals (five reports of 2 birds, one of 3, one of 9, and one of 10),since 1952; most occur in May and Aug/Sep. Only two reports awayfrom coast and immediate mouth of Bay: singles at Craney Is. on 4 Jul1968 and Cheatham Annex (York) on 4 May 1980. Formerly nestedirregularly on barrier islands of lower Eastern Shore (first reports ofnesting at Cape Charles, 1884), but no definite breeding record since1927. Specimen: 1, Back Bay, 14 Jun 1953 (formerly at Norfolk Museumof Arts and Sciences, now perhaps lost). Peak counts : spring—10,Fisherman Is., 25-27 May 1969; fall—3, Back Bay, 24 Aug 1988.PiedmontOne accepted record: 1(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran).Two reports associated with Hurricane Isabel, 19 Sep 2003, may havebeen valid but were not adequately documented for acceptance byVARCOM.COMMON TERNSterna hirundo BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (5 Apr–30 Oct) on coast and inChesapeake Bay, becoming increasingly less numerous upstream alongtidal rivers and farther inland. Rare early winter visitor (only two CBCrecords between 1984 and 2004), but no documented records betweenlate December and late March. Breeding : nesting colonies occur on seasideof Eastern Shore (both on barrier islands and in lagoon system), onislands and artificial breakwaters in Chesapeake Bay, and on HamptonRoads Bridge-Tunnel islands. On annual June surveys of barrier islandsfrom Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/surveydeclined steadily from 5475 during the period 1975-1979 to 3587 in the1980s, 1486 in the 1990s, and 598 during the period 2000-2005 (range,8496 in 1977 to 344 in 2000) {9}. In contrast, breeding numbersincreased on islands in the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads areasfrom the mid-1970s to 1993, when a survey of the entire region found150

40 colonies containing about 6781 pairs {5}. A repeat survey in 2003found 37 colonies containing 1891 pairs (31 colonies and 843 pairs onbarrier islands and seaside of Eastern Shore, four colonies and 248 pairson Bay islands, and two colonies with 800 pairs in urban Hampton Roadsarea) {7}; this 70% decline since 1993 resulted primarily from reducednumbers on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, where theestablishment of breeding Laughing Gulls displaced some terns. Eggs,10 May–13 Aug. Peak counts : summer—8496, barrier islands, Jun 1977;300, Little Fox Is. in upper Chesapeake Bay, 13 Jul 2001 (high count forupper Bay); fall—1075, Kiptopeke, 1 Sep 1990.PiedmontRare transient (extreme dates 28 Mar–19 May, 1 Aug–15 Oct), occurringmost regularly at larger lakes. Four summer records: 3 at Kerr Res., 10 Jun1977, 1 at L. Anna, 1 and 13 Jun 1979, and 2 at Lynchburg, 4 Jun 2005were likely late northbound migrants, whereas 1 at Green Springs(Louisa), 23 Jul 1982, was probably a postbreeding dispersant or earlysouthbound migrant. One winter record: 1, Kerr Res., 15-16 Dec 1974.Peak counts : spring—10, L. Anna, 19 May 1980; fall (not hurricane-related)—100, Staunton River SP (Halifax), 6 Oct 1991. Exceptionalnumbers were associated with Hurricane Fran (e.g., 30-35 at Kerr Res.,6-7 Sep 1996) and Hurricane Isabel (e.g., 275 at L. Anna, 45 at L.Manassas [Prince William], and 50 at Kerr Res., all 19 Sep 2003).Mountains and ValleysRare transient (extreme dates 23 Mar–27 May, 28 Jul–11 Nov). Twosummer records ( likely late northbound migrants): 1, Lexington, 11 Jun1955; 1, L. Moomaw, 10 Jun 1982. Peak counts : spring—19, L.Shenandoah (Rockingham), 23 Apr 1981; 19, Augusta, 19 May 1981; fall—200, Montgomery, 17 Sep 1945 [20, L. Frederick (Frederick), 19 Sep 2003,during Hurricane Isabel ].ARCTIC TERNSterna paradisaea NonbreederCoastal PlainRare offshore transient (extreme dates 3-31 May, 2 Sep–11 Oct, withsingle June and July records); about 11 records from pelagic waters,mostly over or near the continental slope: 3 on 20 May 1973; 2 on 26 May1974; 1 on 11 Oct 1980; 2 on 9 May 1982; 2 on 21 May 1986; 1 on 3 May1987; 1 on 12 Sep 1987; 1 on 27 May 1989; 1 on 25 May 1990; 1 on 20Jun 1992; 1 on 5 Jul 1992. Seven onshore reports: at CBBT—1 adult, 2-5 Sep 1999, during stalled tropical depression Dennis; 1 adult, 31 May

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1992; 1 adult, 6 Sep 2000; 1 adult, 8 May 2004; 1, Chincoteague, 20 Sep1980; 1 adult, Lynnhaven Inlet, 27-28 May 1978; 1 adult, Back Bay, 9May 1992.PiedmontThree records: 1(2) juvenile, Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during HurricaneFran); 1(2), Dulles Greenway Wetlands (Loudoun), 21 May 1997; 1(2) ph., L.Anna, 19 Sep 2003 (during Hurricane Isabel ).Mountains and ValleysOne report: 1, L. Frederick (Frederick), 19 Sep 2003 (during HurricaneIsabel ).FORSTER’S TERNSterna forsteri BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–20 Nov) on coast andin Chesapeake Bay; uncommon to locally common along tidal rivers,where postbreeding birds occur upstream to fall line Jul–Oct. Irregularlycommon to uncommon winter resident in the southeast, more numerousin Dec–early Jan than later; uncommon to rare in winter elsewhere oncoast. Breeding : nesting colonies occur on seaside of Eastern Shore(primarily in marshes within lagoon system between mainland andbarrier islands) and on islands in Chesapeake Bay. A survey of the entireregion in 1993 found 72 colonies containing about 2939 pairs, nearlydouble a 1977 estimate {5}. A repeat survey in 2003 found 58 coloniescontaining about 2477 pairs (51 colonies and 1521 pairs on seaside ofEastern Shore and seven colonies with 956 pairs on Bay islands andbayside of Eastern Shore) {7}. Eggs, 7 May–5 Aug. Peak counts : fall—1500, Alexandria, 14 Aug 1977; 898, Chincoteague, 25-26 Oct 1984; 750,Oyster (Northampton), 7 Oct 1989; winter—3050, Back Bay CBC, 27 Dec1969 [684, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 2001].PiedmontFairly rare transient (extreme dates 5 Apr–9 May and 22 Jul–16 Oct),occurring most regularly at larger lakes. Two summer records: 2, KerrRes., 10 Jun 1977; 1, Lynchburg, 22 Jul 1984. Two winter records fromKerr Res. CBC: 3, 3 Jan 1988 and 3, 18 Dec 1994. Peak counts : spring—7, Kerr Res., 9 May 1978; fall—23, L. Anna, 19 Sep 2003 (duringHurricane Isabel ); 20, Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran).Mountains and ValleysRare transient (extreme dates 8 Apr–24 May and 21 Jul–12 Nov). Two152

summer records: 1, Salem, 14 Jun 1976; 1, Botetourt, 25 Jun 1989. Onewinter record: 1(2), Augusta, 13 Feb 1986. Peak counts : spring—10,Fishersville, 26 Apr 2002; fall—7, Rockbridge, 21 Aug 1967; 100, L.Frederick (Frederick), 19 Sep 2003 (during Hurricane Isabel ).ROYAL TERNThalasseus maximus BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant summer resident (25 Mar–25 Nov) on coast, inChesapeake Bay, and on lower reaches of tidal rivers. Occurs fartherupriver during postbreeding dispersal from late June through September;few records approaching the fall line, though reported from HuntingCreek area along Potomac R. (e.g., 1 on 4 Sep 2005). Even rarer upriverin spring; 8 at Occoquan Bay (Prince William), 17 May 2003 and 1-2 atLeesylvania SP (Prince William), 31 Mar–15 Apr 2005, were unusually farup the Potomac R. in spring. Very rare visitor inland away from tidalwater, usually in late summer and fall, sometimes in association withtropical storms or hurricanes. A few linger in Hampton Roads area (morerarely farther inland) into December and early January in most years (e.g.,regional totals of up to 34 recorded on CBCs 13 of 21 years between1984 and 2004), but wintering occurs rarely; first spring arrivals areusually reported in early March, occasionally in late February. Breeding :nests on barrier islands and in Shanks/Cheeseman Is. complex in upperChesapeake Bay. Breeding abundance varies widely among years but hasgenerally declined on barrier islands in recent decades. On annual Junesurveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), meanabundance/survey rose from 5064 during the period 1975-1979 to 6115in the 1980s before declining to 3691 in the 1990s and 2823 during theperiod 2000-2005 (range, 9360 in 1977 to 1330 in 1976) {9}. In contrast,abundance on islands in upper Chesapeake Bay has generally increasedsince the late 1980s. A survey of the entire region in 1993 found threecolonies containing about 6250 pairs {5}. A repeat survey in 2003 foundfour colonies containing about 2858 pairs (two colonies and 2058 pairson barrier islands and two colonies with 800 pairs on Bay islands), a 54%decline since 1993 {7}. Eggs, 1 May–4 Aug. Peak counts : summer—9360,barrier islands, Jun 1977; fall—2000, Fisherman Is., 11 Sep 2002 (awayfrom colonies—633, Chincoteague, 27-28 Sep 1984; 477, Chincoteague,26-27 Oct 1981); winter—103, Little Creek CBC, 27 Dec 1973.

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PiedmontTwo spring records: 13, Lynchburg, 17 Apr 1943; 4, Albemarle, 5 May1948. Eight fall records, all associated with hurricanes: two recordsassociated with Hurricane Fran, 6 Sep 1996—40+(2), Kerr Res., and 3, L.Anna; six records associated with Hurricane Isabel, all but the last on 19Sep 2003—2(2), Mill Creek L. (Amherst ); 52(1,2), including 2 ph., L. Anna;1, Sandy River Res. (Prince Edward ); 10, Kerr Res.; 2, Swift Creek Res.; 1,Beaverdam Res. (Loudoun), 20-21 Sep.Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1, Blacksburg, 9 May 1947; 3, L. Frederick (Frederick), 19Sep 2003 (during Hurricane Isabel ). SANDWICH TERNThalasseus sandvicensis BreederCoastal PlainUncommon summer resident (25 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates 21 Apr–6Nov) on coast; uncommon postbreeding visitor in summer and fall tolower Chesapeake Bay (rare elsewhere in Chesapeake Bay and HamptonRoads), numbers usually building through Sep with influx of dispersantsfrom southern states. Breeding : small numbers have long nested on barrierislands among colonies of the much more abundant Royal Tern, thoughbreeding abundance varies widely among years. On annual June surveysof barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), meanabundance/survey was 32 during the period 1975-1979, 41 in the 1980s,21 in the 1990s, and 13 during the period 2000-2005 (range, 140 in 1983to zero in 2001); the total of 134 in 2005, all on Wreck Is., was the highestsince 1983 {9}. A survey of the entire region in 1993 found two coloniescontaining about 30 pairs {5}. A repeat survey in 2003 found twocolonies containing only seven pairs on barrier islands, though in 2004,222 chicks were banded in a single colony on Wreck Is. One bird was ina Royal Tern colony at Little Fox Is. in upper Chesapeake Bay (whererare) on 31 Jul 2003, although breeding was not confirmed there. Eggs,10 May–17 Jul. Peak counts : summer—400 pairs, Wreck Is., summer 2005;226, CBBT, 13 Jul 1996 (during Hurricane Bertha); 200, Cobb Is., summer1978; fall—200+, Back Bay, 16 Aug 1980. Two undocumented recordsof potential Cayenne Terns (T. s. eurygnathus ) with entirely yellowish-orange bills: 1, Chincoteague, 19 Jul 1984; 1, CBBT, 5 Sep 2000. Thissouthern Caribbean/South American taxon has been recorded fourtimes in coastal North Carolina. Because juvenile Sandwich Terns of theNorth American subspecies acuflavidus can show pale bills for several154

weeks (and because of potential confusion with Elegant Tern),documentation of suspected eurygnathus should be accompanied byphotographs and extensive notes.PiedmontEight fall records, all following hurricanes. Three records associated withHurricane Fran: 1-2(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996; 1(2), Briery Creek Res. (PrinceEdward ), 6 Sep 1996; 1, L. Anna, 7 Sep 1996. Five reports on 19 Sep2003 associated with Hurricane Isabel: 2, L. Anna; 1, Sandy River Res.(Prince Edward ); 1, Kerr Res.; 3, Airlie Res. (Fauquier); 2, L. Manassas(Prince William).Mountains and ValleysOne report: 1, L. Frederick (Frederick), 19 Sep 2003 (during HurricaneIsabel ). ELEGANT TERNThalasseus elegans NonbreederCoastal PlainThree records: 1(1) ph., Chincoteague, 10 Jun 1985; 1, Chincoteague, 5-16 Sep 2001; 1(1) ph., Chincoteague causeway, 4 Aug 2004. BLACK SKIMMERRynchops niger BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–15 Nov) on coast, inlower Chesapeake Bay, and in Hampton Roads, uncommon to rareelsewhere in Bay area. A few linger in Hampton Roads, often atLynnhaven Inlet, into December and early January most years (e.g.,regional totals of up to 78 recorded on CBCs 13 of 21 years between1984 and 2004), but wintering is only rarely documented. Rare upstreamalong larger tidal rivers, with three recent inland records: at HuntingCreek, 3 on 12 Oct 1985 and 1 in Jun 1989; 1, Hog Is. WMA, 17 Jun1990. Breeding : nests primarily on barrier islands, with a few on islands inupper Chesapeake Bay and on Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Onannual June surveys of barrier islands from Assawoman Is. south (1975-2005), mean abundance/survey declined steadily from 7488 during theperiod 1975-1979 to 5249 in the 1980s, 2008 in the 1990s, and 1602during the period 2000-2005 (range, 10,708 in 1977 to 1221 in 1999) {9}.In 1993, a survey of the entire region found 25 colonies containing about3098 pairs {5}. A repeat survey in 2003 found 14 colonies containingabout 1828 pairs (12 colonies and 1679 pairs on barrier islands, one

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colony with 65 pairs on Bay islands, and one colony with 84 pairs onHampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel islands), a 41% decline since 1993 {7}.Eggs, 11 May–23 Aug; unfledged young through 8 Sep. Peak counts :summer—10,708, barrier islands, Jun 1977; fall—2000, Cape Henry, Sep1986; 1200, Chincoteague, 9 Sep 2002; winter—60, Cape Henry, 25 Dec1984 [32, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 2001].PiedmontRare visitor, with nine records. One spring record: 1, Albemarle, 20 May1981. Eight fall records, all associated with hurricanes: Hurricane Belle—1, Louisa, 11-22 Aug 1976; Hurricane Fran—1(1) ph., Kerr Res., 6 Sep1996; Hurricane Isabel—4(1,2) (one ph.), L. Anna, 19 Sep 2003; 1(2), MillCreek L. (Amherst ), 19 Sep 2003; 1, Kerr Res., 19 Sep 2003; 2, L.Manassas (Prince William), 19 Sep 2003; 1, L. Athlone (Fauquier), 19 Sep2003; 1, near Marshall (Fauquier), 21-23 Sep 2003.Mountains and ValleysThree records, all associated with Hurricane Isabel on 19 Sep 2003: 1(2),Stuarts Draft (Augusta); 1(1) ph., Mt. Crawford (Rockingham); 1, Page.GREAT SKUAStercorarius skua NonbreederCoastal PlainRare but regular winter visitor (extreme dates 30 Nov–25 Mar) welloffshore. Recorded nearly annually despite the paucity of winter pelagictrips, with at least 23 reports totaling at least 41 individuals since 1974.Many of the early reports came from headboats chartered by birdinggroups from Ocean City, Maryland or from research vessels. Numbersapparently declined in offshore waters over the continental slope whenthe Exclusive Economic Zone was established 10 Mar 1983 and theforeign fishing fleet was thereby excluded from waters within 200 nmi ofthe United States. Recent high counts are of birds associating withtrawlers offshore and/or attracted to gull flocks taking “chum” fromboats chartered for pelagic birding. A report of a skua off VirginiaBeach, 22 May 1971, was treated as this species in subsequent literature.Although potentially consistent with the latest date for Great Skua offNorth Carolina, observers of this bird did not rule out South Polar Skua,which at the time was not recognized as a separate species (and whicharrives in adjacent North Carolina waters typically in late May), and thusthis record is not considered conclusive. Two inshore records: 1,Chesapeake Bay mouth, 8 Feb 1940; 1(2) off the beach at Back Bay, 29Dec 1999. Peak counts : 8, off Virginia Beach, 19 Jan 1996; 6, off Virginia156

Beach, 18 Feb 1995.SOUTH POLAR SKUAStercorarius maccormicki NonbreederCoastal PlainProbably a rare but regular visitor well offshore, spring through fall, butonly five records: 1, 75 mi east-southeast of Chincoteague, 10 Jul 1979;2(1) ph., near Norfolk Canyon, 30 May 1988; 2 ph., off Virginia Beach,30 May 1992; 2, off the Virginia capes, 13 Oct 1996; 4 off VirginiaBeach, 18 Sep 2000. Prior to the recognition of maccormicki and othersouthern hemisphere taxa as species distinct from S. skua, there werethree reports of single skuas in summer off the Virginia coast: offWachapreague, 1 Jul 1959; off Assawoman Is., 5 Jul 1975; and offChincoteague, 26 Jun 1978. Although these birds were reported as GreatSkuas (or simply as Skuas), it is likely that they were South Polar Skuas,as there are no reports of Great Skua south of New England after May.However, because no field notes are available for these reports, andbecause another species (Brown Skua, S. antarcticus) is confirmed fromthe North Atlantic, these older summer reports cannot be assigned tospecies. Great caution should be used in the identification of skuas at sea;each should be documented extensively.POMARINE JAEGERStercorarius pomarinus NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to rare transient (20 Apr–5 Jun, 1 Sep–20 Nov) offshoreand, more rarely, in ocean along coast and in lower Chesapeake Bay; mostabundant in October and November. Rare winter visitor, mostly inDecember (regional totals of 1-3 individuals recorded on CBCs six of 21years, 1984-2004), but with a few as late as mid-January, and one mid-winter report from CBBT (21 Feb 1999). The species’ protracted fallmigration, as well as records of a few apparently wintering birds, makethe dates of transience difficult to determine; 4 juveniles flying out theChesapeake Bay mouth at dawn on 26 Dec 1996 appeared to besouthbound migrants. Most sightings of this species from shore arerelatively brief, and some such reports may in fact pertain to ParasiticJaeger, which forages more regularly in littoral waters. In comparison tothe 30+ reports of the species from Virginia Beach, rather few reports(fewer than 10) exist for Chincoteague and the barrier islands. Two mid-summer records: 1, off Wachapreague, 17 Jul 1959; 1, CBBT, 13 Jul 1996

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(Hurricane Bertha). Peak counts : offshore: spring—6+, off Virginia Beachnear Norfolk Canyon, 20 May 1973; fall—20-30, off Virginia coast, 18Nov 1928; 21, off Cape Henry, 26 Sep 1979. From shore: fall—31, BackBay, 2 Nov 1985 (during a coastal storm); winter—8 (plus 12unidentified jaegers), Back Bay CBC, 30 Dec 1973.PiedmontFour records: 1(2), Beaverdam Res. (Loudoun), 18-28 Jul 1993; at Kerr Res.,1 on 25 Aug 1987, 1(2) on 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran), and 1 on27 May 2002.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) ph., Claytor L. (Pulaski), 3-9 Oct 1975.PARASITIC JAEGERStercorarius parasiticus NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to rare transient (1 May–5 Jun, 25 Aug–15 Nov) offshoreand, more rarely, in ocean along coast and in Chesapeake Bay mouth.Relatively rare winter visitor, mostly in December (regional total of 1-2individuals recorded on CBCs seven of 21 years, 1984-2004), with a fewreports into late January and one mid-winter record (1 ph., off VirginiaBeach, 11 Feb 2006). Parasitic Jaeger is often seen at CBBT during strongonshore gales. Three summer records: 1, Back Bay, 3 Aug 1939; 1, offVirginia coast, 15 Jul 1973; 1, Assawoman Is., 17 Jun 1997. One inlandrecord: 1, Alexandria, 7 Sep–20 Oct 1985. Peak counts : spring—12, offVirginia Beach, 30 May 1992; 8, off Cape Henry, 1 May 1962 and 20May 1972; 7, CBBT, 13 May 1998; fall—38, Back Bay, 2 Nov 1985(during a coastal storm); 8, CBBT, 8 Oct 1996 (after Tropical StormJosephine); winter—7, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1974.PiedmontTwo records: 1(2), Kerr Res., 6 Sep 1996 (during Hurricane Fran); 2(1,2)(one ph.), L. Anna, 19 Sep 2003 (during Hurricane Isabel ).LONG-TAILED JAEGERStercorarius longicaudus NonbreederCoastal PlainFairly rare fall transient far offshore, with 13 offshore records between17 Aug and 4 Oct (mostly off Virginia Beach). Most such records are ofsingle juveniles (exceptions noted): 26 Sep 1979; 9 Sep 1980 (2 birds); 12Sep 1980; 13 Sep 1980; 4 Oct 1980; 13 Sep 1982; 12 Sep 1987; 2 Sep158

1989; 10 Sep 1994 (2 birds); 9 Sep 1995 (3-5 birds); 17 Aug 1996; 13 Sep1998; 7 Sep 2002 (7 birds). Four fall records of single birds inshore orin Hampton Roads, all associated with tropical disturbances: CBBT, 8Oct 1996 (after Tropical Storm Josephine); CBBT, 5 Sep 1999 (HurricaneDennis); Craney Is., 18 Sep 2004 (Hurricane Ivan); Nansemond R. atTown Point (Suffolk), 19 Sep 2004 (Hurricane Ivan). Rare springtransient, with three records of single adults: Chincoteague, 22 May 1977;CBBT, 14 May 1995; off Wachapreague, 24 May 1995. One summerrecord: 1 found dead, Ship Shoal Is., 26 Jun 1975 (USNM 499381),probably a migrant from the spring. Peak count : 7, off Virginia Beach, 7Sep 2002.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) juvenile ph., Smith Mountain L., 5 Sep 1993.DOVEKIEAlle alle NonbreederCoastal PlainIrregularly rare to common winter visitor (extreme dates 11 Nov–11Mar) offshore; very rare along coast and at CBBT, with fewer than 10onshore records. Most records are in January and February, coincidingwith most winter pelagic trips. Some 27 reports totaling 1839 birds comefrom offshore waters (1940-2006); 24 reports totaling 27 birds (1889-2003) have been tallied from shore, mostly singles, some of those beingmoribund, dead, or oiled birds found on outer beaches. Six Virginiareports from 1932 were part of one the largest wrecks of the speciesrecorded in North America; many thousands were observed on thecoasts of the Canadian maritime provinces and New England statesfollowing an intense northeast storm 7-10 Nov that year, with specimensrecovered south to Florida and Cuba. Specimens, all coastal, are knownfrom Cobb Is. (7 Dec 1891; winter 1892-1893), Chincoteague (13 Dec1889; 24 Nov 1932), Smith Is. (8 Jan 1912), Wallops Is. (2 Feb 1921; 15Nov 1970), and Back Bay (5 Dec 1930; 31 Dec 1944; 22 Jan 1949). Thespecies sometimes becomes entangled in fishing nets (e.g., 2 in mackerelnets set at Chincoteague, 9 Dec 1949). One specimen being carried by aNorthern Harrier was recovered at Fisherman Is., 27 Dec 1988. Onesummer report: 1, off Virginia Beach, late Jul 1993. Peak counts : 25-50/hour off Virginia capes, 5 Feb 1940; 488, off Virginia Beach, 10 Feb1996; 309, off Virginia Beach, 1 Mar 2003; 281, off Virginia Beach, 26Feb 2005.

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COMMON MURREUria aalge NonbreederCoastal PlainAt least three documented records: 1(1) ph., 50 mi east of Cape Henry,13 Feb 1994; 1, CBBT, 15-16 Jan and 2 Feb 2005; 1(2), 45 mi east ofVirginia Beach, 11 Feb 2006. Of the many additional reports in Virginia,the best detailed are: 1 picked up alive on beach at Back Bay, 13 Feb 1973;1, 19 mi east of Hog Is. (Northampton) at 37° 20’ N, 75° 20’ W, 9 Feb1976; 1, off Kiptopeke area, 30 Dec 1984. Other reports of singleCommon Murres from CBBT, Chincoteague, Ft. Story, and offshorewaters (1971-2005) are not documented. Some such reports could referto young Razorbills. Because of the difficulty in identifying large alcids,some observers have reported murres only as unidentified Uria, e.g., atCBBT (31 Dec 1985) and offshore (29 Mar 1987, 3 Feb 1988, 7 Dec2002). Caution is urged in the reporting of this genus in Virginia, andphotographic and specimen evidence is desirable. THICK-BILLED MURREUria lomvia NonbreederCoastal PlainRare visitor, mostly Jan–Mar (extreme dates 22 Nov–23 Mar, with oneexceptional Aug specimen); 24 reports involving 33 birds (1890-2002), asmall minority of which are substantiated by specimen or photograph.Most records are from offshore waters or the immediate ocean coast. Inthe 1890s, chiefly in the very cold winter of 1896-1897, there was a largeinflux of this species inland and to many points on the Atlantic coast,stretching from the eastern Great Lakes to South Carolina; no similarflight has been observed since that time. Nineteenth-century specimensfrom coastal areas were collected at Cape Charles on 31 Dec 1890, 14Dec 1895, and 17 Dec 1896 (2 birds shot out of a flock of 8). Thesespecimens, like many of those below, were held in private collectionsand are now apparently lost. Other inshore records include: 1 founddead, False Cape, 26 Jan 1939; 1 specimen (apparently lost), Sandbridge,1 Aug 1966; 1 specimen, Back Bay, 13 Feb 1973; 1 female, Back Bay, 1Jan 1981 (USNM 598416); 1, Chincoteague, 22 Feb 1991; 1, Ft. Story, 1Mar 1995; 1, Ft. Story, 23 Mar 1997. Five records offshore: 1(1) ph.,Norfolk Canyon, 22 Feb 1992; off Virginia Beach, 4 on 15 Feb 1992 andsingles on 2 Feb 1997, 7 Dec 2002, and 11 Feb 2006(1) (ph.). Severalreports of the species (1987-1992) have not been accepted by VARCOM,owing to possible confusion with Razorbill or Common Murre. Several

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inland records: 1, Craney Is., 3 Mar 1962; 1, Occoquan Creek (Fairfax ),20 Dec 1896; five Potomac R. specimens taken at Alexandria (but mostlyseen in District of Columbia wildfowl markets) have traditionally beentreated as Virginia records—singles on 22, 27, and 28 Dec 1896, 1 Jan1897, and 22 Nov 1899 (the latter from Four Mile Run, Alexandria). RAZORBILLAlca torda NonbreederCoastal PlainIrregular winter visitor (25 Nov–25 Mar; extreme dates 15 Oct–13 May)offshore, where occasionally fairly common; usually rare along immediateocean coast and in lower Chesapeake Bay at CBBT. Very rare north ofthe Bay mouth, as at Kiptopeke (20 Feb 2005) and Cape Charles (19 Dec1991). Of some 65 published reports totaling 854 individuals throughFeb 2006, only 17 reports involve 10 or more birds, and only 16 reportsare pre-1991 (1884-1984); there are many additional Internet-postedreports of single birds and small numbers from Feb 2003, Feb 2004, andDec 2004–Feb 2005. Published sources mention specimens from CobbIs. (3 between 1884 and 1887), south of Chincoteague (2 on 19 Nov1948), Smith Is. (29 Mar 1921), Wachapreague ( Jan 1932), nearTownsend (Northampton; 29 Dec 1973), and Back Bay (30 Dec 1947; 5Dec 1964). More seawatching activity on ocean coasts in Virginia wouldprobably generate more records; the only standardized fall seawatch inVirginia, at Smith Is., recorded 5 Razorbills and 35 large alcids in Nov2003. This species’ abundance in the mid-Atlantic region seems to haveincreased dramatically in recent decades, in particular since the firstrecorded “flight year” in winter 1993-1994. The latest spring record, of1 at CBBT on 13 May 1993, is the only report of a bird in breedingplumage in Virginia. Peak counts : offshore—140, off Virginia Beach, 12Feb 2000; 111, off Virginia Beach, 11 Feb 2006; onshore—18, Ft. Story,16 Feb 2004; 5, CBBT, 2 and 8 Feb 1992; 4, Ft. Story, 18 Feb 2003. BLACK GUILLEMOT (Category 2)Cepphus grylle NonbreederCoastal PlainOne accepted record: 1(2), Back Bay, 23 Feb 1986. Single unidentifiedguillemots observed at the CBBT on 30 Nov 1985 and 26 Dec 1996 weresurely this species. A reported specimen from Cobb Is. in the late 19thcentury has not been located. This alcid favors littoral waters; all of the16 or more reports from New Jersey, Delaware, and North Carolina are

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from nearshore waters, while one in Maryland was noted on ChesapeakeBay.ATLANTIC PUFFINFratercula arctica NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon but regular winter visitor (extreme dates 30 Nov–15 May)in the pelagic zone, nearly always seaward of the 200-m isobath, withabout 31 offshore records that total 361 birds (1975-2006). Most recordsare from January and February, coinciding with most winter pelagic trips.All age classes have apparently been photographed off Virginia, butyounger birds outnumber adults. Adults in breeding plumage have notbeen recorded in Virginia waters but have been noted off Maryland inMay and North Carolina in August. Two onshore reports: 1, Back Bay,1 Jan 1955; 1, CBBT, 16 Jan 1978. Peak counts : off Virginia Beach—58on 27 Feb 1999; 52 on 24 Feb 2001 and 24 Feb 2002; 34 on 10 Feb 1996.ROCK PIGEON (Category 5)Columba livia Breeder, introducedOverviewThis introduced species is very closely associated with human activityand is thus most abundant in urban areas. It is also found in agriculturalareas where barns and similar structures provide nest sites, but it is scarcein or absent from extensive forested and rural areas. As a result, theabundance designations below pertain only to developed areas.Coastal PlainCommon to abundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 19 Feb–28Aug. Peak counts : spring—375, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1978; winter—2475, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1985; 2420, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005. PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 3 May–22 Dec. Peak counts :spring—490, Lynchburg BBC, 30 May 1987; summer—394, LynchburgBBC, 7 Jun 1980; winter—1253, Danville CBC, 17 Dec 1988. Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident (mostly in lowlands). Breeding : eggs, 9 Apr–5 Aug. Peak counts : 2147, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec2001; 1872, Roanoke CBC, 18 Dec 1976.

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EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Category 5)Streptopelia decaocto Local Breeder, introducedOverviewA recent invader from introduced, established populations to the south,this species has been reported from a number of locations since 2001,and populations are expected to increase and expand rapidly in comingyears. However, few reports have been documented, and even fewerreviewed by VARCOM. Separation from avicultural variants of AfricanCollared-Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) is still a potential identificationissue; this form has nested in Williamsburg (young in nest, 12 Mar 1972),and was recorded at a Virginia Beach feeder in Aug 1995 and at theRoanoke Sewage Treatment Plant on 17 Jul 1985.Coastal PlainRare and very local but increasing permanent resident. First recorded inCape Charles, 31 Jan–3 Feb 2001; up to 8 subsequently recorded inseveral locations in the Cape Charles/Kiptopeke/Townsend area.Reports elsewhere: 1, Chesapeake, 30 May 2002; 2(2), Colonial Beach(Westmoreland ), 12 Feb 2004; 1, Montross (Westmoreland ), 26 Jul 2004; 5–6(1,2) (one ph.), Isle of Wight, 29 Aug 2004–7 Feb 2005; 1–4, Sandbridge,May–Dec 2004, building to 27 by Dec 2005. Breeding : confirmed breedingin 2002 (nest-building on 7 May, adults with 1 juvenile on 2 Jun), east ofKiptopeke. Peak count : 27, Sandbridge, 29 Dec 2005.PiedmontThree records: 1(2) vid., Sterling (Loudoun), 4 Jun 2000; 1(2), Sterling(Loudoun), 10 Mar 2001; 1, Henrico, 10 Aug 2001.Mountains and ValleysRare and local but apparently increasing resident in the far southwestsince 2003. First recorded in Montgomery, where 2 birds were present late2003 and Feb 2004. Recorded at several locations in Pulaski: 2, Price’sFork, 27 Feb–2 Mar 2004; 11 in three locations, 6 Feb 2005; 1, Radford,10 Mar 2006; 2, Belspring (Pulaski), 1 Apr 2006 and later (reportedlynested at this location in 2005).WHITE-WINGED DOVEZenaida asiatica NonbreederCoastal PlainRare but increasing visitor, late summer through fall (extreme dates 26Jul-19 Dec), with about 13 records of single individuals during this span;eight records are from November. Nine fall/early winter records are

from southern Northampton, two are from Accomack (Chincoteague andWachapreague), and single records come from Back Bay and Suffolk.Four spring records: 1, Ft. Story, 29 May 1996; 1, Cedar Grove, east ofKiptopeke, 11-12 May 2003; 1, Norfolk, 1 May 2005; 1, Cape Charles, 10-13 May 2006. This species has nested as close to Virginia as Beaufort,North Carolina, and individuals observed in spring and summer shouldbe monitored for evidence of nesting.PiedmontOne record: 1(2), Chesterfield, 17 Nov 2002.MOURNING DOVEZenaida macroura BreederOverviewNumbers on CBCs have increased significantly throughout the statefrom the 1950s to the present.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident, often abundant in fall and winter. Breeding :recently fledged young, 6 Feb; eggs, 19 Feb–2 Sep. Peak counts : 1882, Ft.Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005; 1821, Newport News CBC, 18 Dec 2004; 1800,Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1989.PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : adult on nest, 11 Feb; eggs, 15Feb–15 Sep; nests with young through 28 Sep. Peak counts : spring—322,Lynchburg BBC, 30 May 1987; summer—436, Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun1989; winter—1356, Warren CBC, 31 Dec 1977 [904, Darlington HeightsCBC, 12 Jan 2002]. Mountains and ValleysCommon summer resident, mostly in lowlands; uncommon to locallycommon winter resident at low and middle elevations (rarer at higherelevations in winter). Breeding : eggs, 19 Feb–4 Sep; nests with youngthrough 3 Oct. Peak count : 2778, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15Dec 1990. PASSENGER PIGEONEctopistes migratorius ExtinctFormerly an abundant transient and irregular winter resident in the 17th-19th centuries {4}. Tens of thousands reported in Jamestown area inearly 1600s, many in Dismal Swamp area in early 1700s. Reportedlyabundant on coast during migration and winter. Apparently migratory,164

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with several references to large southbound flocks in fall and presencein some areas only in fall and winter. Reported throughout the state,from 1608 at least into the early 1890s; last reported by TheodoreRoosevelt in 1907 in Albemarle. The only report of breeding was of anenormous colony (with many nests and young observed) in the BlueRidge of Nelson in the spring of 1874. One specimen: 1 female, Arlington,12 Oct 1878 (USNM).COMMON GROUND-DOVEColumbina passerina NonbreederCoastal PlainRare visitor spring to mid-fall (extreme dates 29 Apr–21 Oct), mostly inthe extreme southeast; very rare early winter visitor. Only eight records(six in fall), all of single individuals, after 1974: at Back Bay—24 Aug1975, 25 Aug 1978, and 15 Oct 1979; CBBT, 13 Oct 1980; James City, 21Oct 1980; Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1983; CBBT south toll plaza, 13Jul 1996 (during Hurricane Bertha); Cape Charles, 1 Dec 2004. Formerlymore regular, but populations in the southeastern U.S. have declinedsteadily since the 1970s, for reasons unknown, and records in Virginiahave become less frequent. Specimen: 1 found dead, Back Bay, 21 Jun1956. Peak count : 10, Ft. Belvoir, 16 Sep 1947. All other records are ofsingle birds.PiedmontOne old record: 1 shot, Lynchburg, 4 Nov 1900. Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1, Mountain L. (Giles), 30 Oct 1936; 1, Stuarts Draft, 24-27 Oct 1981 (found dead on the last date, specimen preserved in VPIcollection).MONK PARAKEET (Category 5)Myiopsitta monachus Local BreederCoastal PlainAs has occurred in a number of areas throughout the United States,Monk Parakeets that have escaped, or been released, from captivity havebred and apparently become established ( locally) in Tidewater Virginia.Small numbers nested in the Kempsville area of Virginia Beach, 1973-1976, and in the vicinity of what is now the ESVNWR before 1981.Portsmouth also had a small colony in the 1970s, near Craney Is. Around1980, 3 individuals escaped from an aviary in Newport News; these birds

apparently established a small colony that had grown to 40-50 individuals(with at least six nests noted) by Mar 1991. Despite efforts byhomeowners and state agencies to remove nests of these birds, smallnumbers have persisted in the Tidewater area, with breeding in recentyears at several locations in Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.In 2005, VARCOM added this species to the state list in Category 5based on the long-term presence of breeding populations in Norfolkand Newport News. However, the size and demography of thesepopulations are unknown, and VARCOM will periodically re-evaluatethis species’ status in the state. Occurrences away from known breedingareas (e.g., occasional reports of 1-2 birds from Fairfax, Alexandria, andelsewhere, including Piedmont and Mountains and Valleys locations) arelikely of recent, local escapees or released birds rather than dispersantsfrom the Tidewater breeding population. It should be noted that not allparakeets nesting in the state are Monks; Rose-ringed Parakeets nestedsuccessfully in Hampton in 1972 and were reported there sporadicallythrough 1987.CAROLINA PARAKEET (Category 4)Conuropsis carolinensis ExtinctAccounts from the late 1500s and early 1600s suggest that this was aregular and perhaps common species in the state at the time, although nobreeding evidence is known {4}. Several accounts from the Jamestownarea in the early 1600s suggested the species was common in winter.Most subsequent reports were from the Coastal Plain during summerand fall (e.g., reported from Dismal Swamp area in early 1700s; 20 inRichmond in Jun 1774). Several were shot from a flock in northernVirginia, near Washington, D.C., as late as 1865.YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOCoccyzus americanus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout the state (and most of the species’breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (extreme dates 17 Apr–10Nov). Breeding : eggs, 5 May–11 Sep; adults feeding fledged young through5 Oct. Peak counts : spring—40, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1979;summer—78, Mason Neck, 12 Jun 2004; 35, White Stone BBS(Lancaster), 1 Jul 1973.166

PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (extreme dates 30 Apr–1 Nov).Breeding : eggs, 16 May–15 Aug; nests with young through 1 Sep. Peakcount : 103, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun 1980.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (extreme dates 14 Apr–30 Oct),mostly at lower elevations. Breeding : eggs, 10 May–1 Aug; nests withyoung through 7 Sep. Peak counts : spring—51, Peaks of Otter BSD, 10May 2003; summer—35, Route 612 BBS (Rockingham), summer 1995; 34,Fincastle (Botetourt ), 5 Jun 1982.BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOCoccyzus erythropthalmus BreederCoastal PlainRare transient and summer resident (extreme dates 19 Apr–6 Nov), mostnumerous in fall along coast; most summer records are from the north.Coastal records in July probably pertain to wandering nonbreeders, failedbreeders, or early migrants rather than breeding birds; breeding has beenconfirmed only in a few counties, none on the coast. Breeding : adultfeeding young out of nest, 31 Jul. Peak count : 10, Kiptopeke, 16 Sep 1998.PiedmontUncommon transient and rare summer resident (extreme dates 27 Apr–20 Oct). Exceptionally early date: 1 found dead after hitting window,Lynchburg, 19 Mar 1974. Breeding : eggs, 20 May; recently hatched youngin the nest as late as 23 Jul. Peak count : 11, Taylorstown BBS, 6 Jun 1970. Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and summer resident (extreme dates 26 Apr–24Oct). BBS data indicate declines throughout the region, 1966-2005.Breeding : eggs, 12 May–19 Aug. Peak count : 15, West Augusta BBS, 15 Jun1967.GROOVE-BILLED ANICrotophaga sulcirostris NonbreederCoastal PlainNo confirmed records, but an unidentified ani in Charles City, 7 Jun 1988,was probably this species.Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1 ph., Tazewell, 20 Oct–18 Nov 1979; 1, Broadway(Rockingham), 24 Oct–15 Nov 1981.

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BARN OWLTyto alba BreederCoastal PlainUncommon to rare and local permanent resident; fall migrants areregularly detected on Eastern Shore (Sep–Oct), particularly insouthernmost Northampton, where formerly more numerous. Numbershave declined in recent years throughout the region. Breeding : eggs, 15Jan–29 Oct; nests with young, 20 Mar–5 Aug. Peak count : 7,Chincoteague, 22 Jul 1959.PiedmontUncommon to rare permanent resident. Nest box programs in theNokesville area and in Orange have been successful in attracting thisspecies. In Prince William, 160 young (from 34 nests) were banded in1990, with 96-106 young/year banded in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Breeding :eggs, 28 Jan–30 Oct; nests with young, 8 May–31 Oct. Peak counts :summer—34 nests, Prince William, summer 1990; winter—23, NokesvilleCBC, 16 Dec 1990.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to rare permanent resident, particularly rare in thesouthwest. Breeding : eggs, 21 Mar–24 Jun; nests with young, 2 Jan–8 Nov.Peak count : 9, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 20 Dec 1980.EASTERN SCREECH-OWLMegascops asio BreederCoastal PlainLocally common permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 10 Mar–20 May;nests with young, 6 Apr–1 Jun. Peak counts : 60, Cape Charles CBC, 28Dec 1975 [36, Dismal Swamp CBC, 1 Jan 2001].PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 8-27 Apr; nests with young,16 Apr–16 May. Peak counts : summer—29, Lynchburg BBC, 8 Jun 1974;winter—220, Lynchburg CBC, 18 Dec 1976 (the all-time high count ona CBC in North America) [34, Lynchburg CBC, 20 Dec 1986; 30, ThePlains CBC, 16 Dec 2001].Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, mainly at lower elevations but recorded upto 4800 ft on Mt. Rogers. Breeding : eggs, 28 Mar–10 May; nests withyoung, 18 Jun–27 Jul. Peak counts : spring—20, Peaks of Otter BSD, 7

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May 1977; winter—38, Fincastle CBC, 21 Dec 1974; 38, Roanoke CBC,18 Dec 1976; 33, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 20 Dec 1997 and15 Dec 2001.GREAT HORNED OWLBubo virginianus BreederOverviewPopulations have increased dramatically following DDT-induced lowsin the 1960s and 1970s.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 8 Jan–22 Feb; nests withyoung, 11 Feb–7 May. Peak counts : 41, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1996;40, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 4 Jan 1998.PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 26 Jan–19 Feb; nests withyoung, 1 Jan–13 May. Peak count : 43, Nokesville CBC, 28 Dec 1986.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident. Breeding: eggs, 17 Jan–12 Mar; nests withyoung, 15 Jan–20 Apr. Peak count: 22, Bristol CBC, 31 Dec 1995.SNOWY OWLBubo scandiacus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and irregular winter visitor (mostly in November and December;extreme dates 7 Nov–3 Apr), with more records along coast than inland;21 records since 1980, all of single individuals.PiedmontVery rare and irregular winter visitor (extreme dates 27 Nov–Mar). Manyhistoric records (e.g., six from Lynchburg area, 1930-1977) andspecimens, but only two records since 1977: 1 ph., Kerr Res. CBC, 18Dec 1994; 1, Dulles Airport, 23 Jan–17 Mar 2006. All records are ofsingle individuals.Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular winter visitor (extreme dates 16 Nov–16 Mar). Manyhistoric records, but only nine since 1980. With the exception of a 1926specimen from Floyd, all records are from Roanoke north; all are of singleindividuals.

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BURROWING OWLAthene cunicularia NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1 came aboard a naval vessel off Cape Henry during thenight of 22 Oct 1918 and was captured 23 Oct; 1 specimen, FishermanIs., 11 Jan 1994. The 1918 bird was caught by a marine and “eagerlygulped down pieces of raw beef fed by hand” {28}. The bird was nottaken as a specimen because “the marine wished to take it ashore as apet.” The 1994 bird was observed alive at the roadside and later foundroad-killed. It was determined to be of the floridana subspecies. Whatwas likely a Burrowing Owl was at Craney Is., Portsmouth, in the lastweek of Dec 1990; it was described as a very evasive small owl that flewinto burrows, but it was never seen well. PiedmontOne record: 1 of the western subspecies hypugaea ph., Albemarle, 10 Aug–16 Oct 1983. BARRED OWLStrix varia BreederCoastal PlainLocally common permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 2 Mar–15 Apr; nestswith young through 27 Apr. Peak counts : spring—13, Williamsburg SBC,6 May 1979; winter—30, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1974; 25, Ft. BelvoirCBC, 31 Dec 2000 and 2 Jan 2005.PiedmontLocally common permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 10 Mar–1 Apr. Peakcounts : summer—5, Occoneechee SP (Mecklenburg), 11 Jun 1977;winter—22, Central Loudoun CBC, 28 Dec 2003.Mountains and ValleysUncommon permanent resident, more common in lowlands. Breeding :eggs, 23 Mar–18 Apr; nests with young through 6 Jun. Peak counts :spring—7, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3 May 1980; summer—4, Smyth, 13 Jun1980; winter—11, Calmes Neck CBC, 4 Jan 2004.LONG-EARED OWLAsio otus Casual BreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 10 Oct–28 May).Regional totals of up to 5 recorded on CBCs six of 21 years between170

1984 and 2004. Peak count : 5, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 2001.PiedmontRare transient and winter visitor (Nov–Mar). Regional totals of up to 7recorded on CBCs five of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding :three nests found in Loudoun in 1973; eggs, 4 Apr; nests with young, lateApr–26 May. Formerly rare summer resident in Loudoun, and may haveattempted nesting near Nokesville in 1983, but no records between 4Apr and 19 Oct since mid-1970s. No VAP records. Status in region(especially as a breeder) poorly known due to inconspicuousness andlack of focused efforts to detect the species. Peak counts : 7, CentralLoudoun CBC, 27 Dec 1997; 4, Nokesville, 28 Feb–4 Apr 1983.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (Nov–Mar) in most of region; very rareand local permanent resident (at least formerly) in a few areas, withsummer records from Highland (as recently as 1975), Russell, Smyth (1974),and Washington. Breeding : nests with young, 9-20 May. Two captured withbrood patches at Shenandoah River SP (Warren) in late Feb 2004 mayhave been breeding locally. Status in region (especially as a breeder)poorly known due to inconspicuousness and lack of focused efforts todetect the species. No VAP records. Peak counts : spring—4, Montgomery,9-20 May 1939; summer—4, Highland, 20 Jun 1975; winter—8, Clarke, 10Mar 1979.SHORT-EARED OWLAsio flammeus Casual BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Oct–10 Apr; extreme dates16 Aug–5 May), mostly near coast. Annual on CBCs, with regional totalssince 1984 of 1-21 birds. Formerly a rare but regular summer resident incoastal salt marshes on the Eastern shore and near Chesapeake Bay,through the 1920s, but no breeding records since that time {2}. Recentsummer records: 2, Westmoreland, 1 Apr 1982–Jan 1983; 1, Winter Harbor(Mathews), 2 Jul 1988; 1, Back Bay, 10 Jul 2000. Breeding : eggs 5-20 May(from old records). Peak counts : 31, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1965; 15,Chincoteague, 28 Dec 1974 [12, Saxis, 24 Jan 1991; 10, Nansemond R.CBC, 2 Jan 2000].PiedmontLocally uncommon to rare transient and winter resident (30 Oct–10Apr), mostly in northern half of region. Formerly much more numerous

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(at least some years) in Loudoun. Regional totals of 1-10 birds recordedon CBCs 15 of 21 years, 1984-2004. Breeding : three records—nest withfour eggs, Loudoun, 17 Apr 1950; nest with young, Dulles Airport, 5 May1972; nest with young(2), Rapidan (Culpeper), 29 May 2001. Peak counts :spring—40, Dulles Airport, 12-27 Mar 1960 [7, Louisa, 2 Mar 1980];fall—50-100, Leesburg, 20 Nov 1949; winter—65, Dulles Airport, 23Jan 1960 [30, Fauquier, 25 Feb 2005; 11, Nokesville, 17 Jan–Mar 1982;11, Louisa, 13 Jan 2001].Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 29 Oct–10 May).Regional totals of up to 53 birds recorded on CBCs 14 of 21 years, 1984-2004. Peak count : 42, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec 1990.NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLAegolius acadicus Casual BreederOverviewFormerly thought to be a rare winter visitor, but concerted bandingefforts begun in 1994 on the lower Eastern Shore, 2001 in Rockingham,and 2002 in Campbell have demonstrated the irregular occurrence of fairlylarge numbers in fall in all three regions. That so many individuals wentvirtually undetected prior to the initiation of banding efforts attests tothis species’ inconspicuousness and suggests that it is also much morewidespread and abundant during winter than is indicated by the paucityof CBC records. During the heavy East Coast flight of this species inwinter 1995-1996, many road-killed individuals were found in the state.Coastal PlainOstensibly rare transient and winter visitor (10 Oct–10 Mar; extremedates 15 Sep–13 Apr), though fall banding results on the lower EasternShore indicate that it is uncommon to locally common at least at thatlocation in fall. From 1994 through 2005, 2824 individuals were banded,with more than 100 foreign recaptures and returns recorded {29}.Banding was conducted from mid-October through mid-December;most individuals were trapped during the period 1 Nov–5 Dec. Bandingtotals varied considerably among years, ranging from a low of 52 in 1994to highs of 1007 in 1995 (an invasion year in which 40 or more werebanded on 11 different nights) and 695 in 1999. Hatch-year birdspredominated during invasion years (e.g., in 1995 and 1999, 83% and80% of individuals, respectively, were hatch-year birds), while adultsgenerally predominated during non-invasion years (e.g., only 14% of 106banded in 1996 were hatch-year birds) {30}. Despite the species’172

abundance as demonstrated by this banding operation (which uses audiolures to attract owls to mist nets), the species was recorded on CBCsonly four of 21 years between 1984 and 2004; it is undoubtedly morecommon and widespread in winter than is known. Peak counts : fall—173banded, southern Northampton, night of 7-8 Nov 1999; 124 banded,southern Northampton, 11 Nov 1995; winter—9, Cape Charles CBC, 30Dec 1995.PiedmontOstensibly rare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 25 Oct–15Mar), though fall banding results in Campbell near Lynchburg suggestthat it is merely uncommon in the region in fall. Campbell banding totals:39 in 2002, 38 in 2003, 52 in 2004, and 7 in 2005 (all individuals captured26 Oct–3 Dec, despite earlier and later banding efforts). Regional totalsof up to 11 recorded on CBCs seven of 21 years between 1984 and 2004.One at Sterling (Loudoun) until 9 Jun 1982 suggests the possibility ofbreeding, but breeding has not been confirmed in the region. Peak counts :fall—14 banded, Campbell, 9 Nov 2004 (with 13 banded the previousday); winter—11, Central Loudoun CBC, 27 Dec 1997.Mountains and ValleysOstensibly rare transient and winter visitor (30 Oct–15 Mar) in most ofregion, though fall banding results in Rockingham suggest that it isuncommon to locally common in the region in fall. Rockingham bandingtotals: 116 in 2001, 49 in 2002, 85 in 2003, 157 in 2004, and 151 in 2005(all individuals captured 23 Oct–9 Dec, with a peak the first half of Nov).Regional totals of 1-3 recorded on CBCs seven of 21 years between 1984and 2004. Rare and very local summer resident at high elevations, withsummer records from Bath, Grayson, Highland, Smyth, and Tazewell.Extreme late date (away from breeding areas): 1, Frederick, 24 May 1980.Breeding : four records (though probably more widespread at highelevations)—nest with two eggs in nest-box, Laurel Bed L. (Russell ), 29Mar 1989; nest with two eggs in nest-box(2), Laurel Fork (Highland ), 13Mar 1995; one recently fledged young, Shenandoah NP near CrescentRock overlook (Page/Madison), 2 Jun 2002; one recently fledged young,Shenandoah NP near Pinnacles overlook (Rappahannock), 10 Jun 2002.Peak counts : fall—23 banded, Rockingham, 4 Nov 2004; winter—3,Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec 2001.

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COMMON NIGHTHAWKChordeiles minor BreederOverviewNumbers have declined throughout the state (as they have throughoutmuch of eastern North America) in recent decades. Nesting on large,flat-roofed buildings in urban areas such as Norfolk and Richmond, abehavior widespread and fairly common from the 1950s through at leastthe early 1980s, has not recently been reported in the state. Abundanceincreases westward during fall migration.Coastal PlainLocally common transient and uncommon to fairly rare summer resident(30 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates 4 Apr–5 Nov). Breeding : eggs, 17 May–26Jun; downy young through 10 Jul. Though absent from former breedingareas in cities, the species is still observed in summer on some of thebarrier islands and along Chesapeake Bay, in rural areas bordered bymarshes. Peak count : 563, ESVNWR, 9 Sep 1996.PiedmontLocally common transient and uncommon to fairly rare summer resident(30 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates 10 Apr–23 Oct). Breeding : eggs, 1 Jun–1Jul; nest with young, 2 Jun. Peak count : 10,000, Clifton (Fairfax ), 29 Aug1979. Mountains and ValleysLocally common transient and uncommon summer resident (30 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates 15 Apr–25 Oct). Breeding : eggs, 21 May–5 Jul. Peakcounts : 3700, Troutville (Botetourt ), 30 Aug 1980 [1036, Rockfish Gap, 4Sep 2002].CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOWCaprimulgus carolinensis BreederCoastal PlainCommon summer resident (25 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates 11 Mar–27Sep) in the south and near the coast. Two winter records: 1, Hampton,20 Jan 1966; 1, Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1971. Breeding : eggs, 12 May–14 Jun. Peak counts : spring—32, Chincoteague area, 7 May 1966;summer—31, Accomac south to Locustville (Accomack), 17 Jun 1953;fall—5, Fisherman Is., 10 Sep 1998.PiedmontUncommon summer resident (25 Apr–10 Sep; extreme early date 5 Apr)

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in southern Piedmont. Rare north of James R., though there were singleVAP records (not breeding confirmations) north to Madison,Rappahannock, Prince William, and central Fairfax. Breeding : undoubtedlybreeds widely in southern part of region, but breeding has not beenconfirmed.Mountains and ValleysLocally uncommon to rare summer resident (25 Apr–25 Aug; extremedates 30 Mar–29 Aug), mostly in lowlands but recorded up to 3600 ft.During VAP, recorded in the extreme southwest (Lee and Scott ) and incentral part of region from Montgomery north to Augusta, though recordsexist north to Warren. Range has apparently expanded in the region sincethe mid-1970s. Breeding : one confirmed record (though undoubtedlybreeds more widely)—nest with two eggs(1) ph., Botetourt, 17-31 May 1986.Peak count : 18, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981.WHIP-POOR-WILLCaprimulgus vociferus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout most of Virginia (and much ofthe species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon to uncommon summer resident (5 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates11 Mar–21 Nov) throughout most of region. Formerly a fairly raresummer resident on most of Eastern Shore, but now observed mostlyas a migrant (most recent breeding-season record: 1, Saxis, 4 Jun 1991).Possibly declining throughout the region. Two winter records: 1 calling,Hanover, 29 Jan 1980; 1, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1983. Breeding : eggs,4 May–6 Jun. Peak counts : spring—21, Mason District (Fairfax), 10 May1975; 20, Northumberland, 25 Apr 1967; summer—15, Richmond, 27 Jun1967.PiedmontLocally common to uncommon summer resident (5 Apr–25 Sep;extreme dates 11 Mar–20 Nov); possibly declining. Breeding : eggs, 6 Apr–27 Jul; small young, 12 Apr–4 Jul. Peak counts : spring—39, Loudoun, 14May 1983; summer—39, Lynchburg BBC, 5 Jun 1976 [13, LynchburgBBC, 3 Jun 2000].Mountains and ValleysLocally common but declining summer resident (5 Apr–25 Sep; extremedates 22 Mar–29 Oct). Breeding : eggs, 8 May–9 Jul. Peak counts : spring—

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24, Peaks of Otter BSD, 7 May 1977 [17, Peaks of Otter BSD, 8 May2004]; summer—61, Craig, 16 Jun 1979.CHIMNEY SWIFTChaetura pelagica BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout most of Virginia (and much ofthe species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (5 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates23 Mar–12 Nov), often locally abundant in fall. Reports of Chaetura inVirginia have not in most cases ruled out other species; Vaux’s Swift (C.vauxi) should be considered in reports of very late (i.e., November)Chimney Swifts. Breeding : eggs, 10 May–13 Jul; nests with young through28 Jul. Peak counts : spring—117, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1978; fall—12,000, Dyke Marsh, 9 Oct 1978. PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (5 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates30 Mar–23 Oct), often locally abundant in fall. Breeding : eggs, 7 May–19Jul; nests with young through 30 Aug. Peak counts : spring—367,Lynchburg, 30 May 1987; fall—4000, Charlottesville, 14 Oct 1995; 2000,Albemarle, 15 Oct 1979; 2000, Amherst, 29 Aug 1985.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (5 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates25 Mar–24 Oct), often locally abundant in fall. Breeding : nest-building, 6May; eggs, 3 Jun–3 Jul; nests with young through 28 Jul. Peak count : 9000-10,000, Staunton, 29 Aug 1985.MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRDEugenes fulgens NonbreederMountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) adult male ph., Radford, 22-25 Oct 2003.RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDArchilochus colubris BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–25 Sep; extreme earlydate 21 Mar). There are at least nine November records and at least eightwinter records (some through the winter) of Ruby-throated176

Hummingbird or unidentified Archilochus hummingbirds, most fromVirginia Beach and Chesapeake. The presence of wintering individuals,a relatively recent phenomenon, makes the determination of early arrivaldates problematic. Breeding : eggs, 11 May–29 Jul; nests with youngthrough 15 Aug. Peak counts : spring—29, Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr 1984and 5 May 1985; fall—60, Dismal Swamp, 8 Sep 1973; 50 on one mimosatree, near Williamsburg, Aug 1987.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates27 Mar–29 Nov). Breeding : eggs, 3 May–1 Jul. Peak counts : spring—30,Goochland, 1-4 May 1965; late summer/fall—1558, visiting 444 feedersin central Virginia, 31 Jul 2005 (highs of 60 at single locations inAppomattox and Amherst ); 1102, visiting 340 feeders of 148 observers incentral Virginia (high of 60 at one location in Bedford ), 2 Aug 2003; 632,visiting feeders of 51 observers in Lynchburg and surrounding counties,17 Aug 2002.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates9 Apr–12 Nov). Breeding : eggs, 7 May–12 Aug; nests with young through6 Sep. Peak counts : spring—66, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3 May 1975; latesummer/fall—50+, White Top Mt. (Grayson), 6 Aug 1940; fall—53,Rockfish Gap, 3 Sep 2005; 49, Rockfish Gap, 30 Aug 2003.BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDArchilochus alexandri NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1(1) female or immature male ph., Virginia Beach, 6 Jan –5Feb 2002; 1 immature male ph., Cape Charles, 28 Nov–19 Dec 2004.There are two reports from Portsmouth of this species, both potentiallycorrect, but documentation was not sufficient to rule out Ruby-throateddefinitively.RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDSelasphorus rufus NonbreederOverviewThe number of records of this species has soared since the late 1980s,when only five records were listed in the 1987 checklist {1}. Recordshave increased particularly sharply since 1995, with 13 reports in 2001alone. The earliest arrivals in August often do not linger; most records

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are in October, November, and December, and some of these birdswinter. Because field separation of female and immature Rufous andAllen’s Hummingbirds is very difficult, mostly adult males and birdsexamined in the hand have been definitively identified. However, basedon the relative abundance of known-identity Selasphorus in the state, it isassumed that the vast majority of unidentified Selasphorus have beenRufous Hummingbirds. Observers should also consider the possibility ofBroad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus), which has beendetected with increasing frequency east of the Mississippi River sincethe early 1990s.Coastal PlainRare but increasing fall transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 4 Aug–24 May); most records are in Oct–Dec on the Eastern Shore or inTidewater/Hampton Roads. At least 17 records (plus 23 records ofunidentified Selasphorus). All records are of single individuals except 2 ata feeder in James City, 2001-2002. Single adult males were at Melfa(Accomack), 4 Aug–9 Sep 1986, and Williamsburg, 4-28 Jan 1983; all otherbirds have been females or immature males. An immature female Rufousbanded in James City, 21 Jan 2002 was re-captured at the same feeder on1 Dec 2002, and it returned to winter at this feeder 6 Oct 2003 and 24Sep 2004. Only three records (all of single unidentified Selasphorus) awayfrom feeders: Kiptopeke, 8 Sep 1998; Sunset Beach (Northampton), 5 Sep2002; Simpkins (Northampton), 6 Aug 2003.PiedmontRare but increasing fall transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 4 Aug–15 Apr); most records Oct–Dec. At least 13 records (plus 12 records ofunidentified Selasphorus). All records are of single individuals except 2 ata feeder in Vienna (Fairfax ), 1999-2000, and 3 ph. at a feeder in Madison,28 Dec 1995 (with at least 2 present since 1 Dec). Adult males were inLoudoun, 7 Nov 2003 and Appomattox, 23-24 Jul 2004; all other birds havebeen females or immature males. An immature female Rufous, bandedin Chesterfield on 29 Nov 2001, was recaptured near Red Lodge, Montanaon 1 Aug 2002 and recaptured again, at the same feeder in Chesterfield, on1 Dec 2002. Single birds in Lynchburg, 30 Oct 1995–15 Apr 1996 andRuckersville (Greene), 24 Oct 2005–31 Mar 2006 are the longest-stayingbirds on record in the state.Mountains and ValleysRare but increasing fall transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 2 Aug–6 Jan); most records Oct–Dec, with no birds lingering through the winteras in Coastal Plain and Piedmont. At least 11 records (plus six records178

of unidentified Selasphorus). All records are of single individuals. Oneadult male was in Russell, 26 Nov–1 Dec 2002; all other birds have beenfemales or immature males. ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRDSelasphorus sasin NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) immature male banded, ph., and vid., Cape Charles, 26Oct–30 Dec 2005.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) adult male banded, ph., and vid., Bristol, 22 Dec 1997–6 Jan 1998. BELTED KINGFISHERCeryle alcyon BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident but generally a scarce and local breeder;numbers are augmented in fall migration (Sep–Nov), especially on thecoast, and in winter. Breeding : a systematic survey of all tidal tributariesof the Chesapeake Bay of Virginia in 1995 located 299 breeding pairs,including 33 pairs on the Potomac R., 69 on the Rappahannock R., 19 onthe York R., and 30 on the James R. {31}. Eggs, 25 Apr–7 Jun. Peakcounts : spring—22, Williamsburg SBC, 15 May 1983; winter—97,Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1974 [77, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1999].PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 19-20 Apr; nests withyoung, 7 May–25 Jun. Peak counts : summer—20, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun1986; winter—34, Charlottesville CBC, 19 Dec 1999.Mountains and ValleysLocally common permanent resident, uncommon at higher elevationsand in winter. Breeding : eggs, 10 Apr–1 Jun; nests with young through 17Jun. Peak count : 82, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 18 Dec 1999.LEWIS’S WOODPECKERMelanerpes lewis NonbreederPiedmontOne record: 1(1) ph., near Lucketts (Loudoun), 2 Jan–7 May 1989.

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RED-HEADED WOODPECKERMelanerpes erythrocephalus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines in the southern part of the state (as in mostof the species’ breeding range) since the 1960s. However, BBS data alsosuggest that numbers have increased across the northern part of Virginiaduring this period. Throughout the state, numbers may vary considerablyamong years, especially in winter.Coastal PlainUncommon to locally rare (in eastern part of region) permanent resident.Breeding : fairly widespread breeder, more numerous in western part ofregion. Eggs, 25 Apr–15 Jun. Peak counts : spring—20, Williamsburg SBC,2 May 1993; fall—43, Kiptopeke, 25 Sep 1966; winter—116, BrookeCBC, 19 Dec 1963; 49, Hopewell CBC, 18 Dec 1982; 45, Ft. BelvoirCBC, 23 Dec 1989. PiedmontUncommon to rare permanent resident. Based on VAP records, rarer tothe southwest; locally common in the north (e.g., portions of PrinceWilliam, Fauquier, and Loudoun) in recent years. Breeding : eggs, 1 May–12Jun; nests with young through 5 Jul. Peak count : 100, Banister R. CBC, 17Dec 1989.Mountains and ValleysLocally uncommon to rare permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 14 May–8 Jul; nests with young through 22 Jul. Peak counts : fall—26, RockfishGap, 19 Sep 2004; winter—38, Calmes Neck CBC, 30 Dec 1995.RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERMelanerpes carolinus BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident. Breeding : common, widespread breeder,but no egg records; adults feeding fledged young through 17 Aug. Peakcounts : spring—104, Williamsburg SBC, 3 May 1987; summer—44,Branchville BBS (Southampton), 7 Jul 1966; fall—56, Kiptopeke, 4 Oct2004; winter—584, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005; 203, Hopewell CBC,17 Dec 2001.PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 6 Jul; nests with young asearly as 22 May. Peak counts : summer—104, Lynchburg BBC, 1 Jun 2002;

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winter—265, Central Loudoun CBC, 30 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, less common at higher elevations. BBSdata indicate increases in numbers in the region (as in most of thenortheastern U.S.) since the 1960s. Breeding : eggs, 1-10 May; adultsfeeding young through 24 Jul. Peak counts : spring—61, Augusta CountyBSD, 8 May 1993; summer—17, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981; winter—228, Calmes Neck CBC, 30 Dec 1995.YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERSphyrapicus varius BreederCoastal PlainCommon to uncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep–25 Apr;extreme dates 20 Sep–19 May). Peak counts : fall—50, Kiptopeke, 12 Oct2003; winter—88, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1999; 79, Hopewell CBC, 16Dec 2001.PiedmontCommon to uncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep–25 Apr;extreme dates 18 Sep–21 May). Peak counts : 100, The Plains CBC, 16 Dec2001; 83, Charlottesville CBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon to uncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep–25 Apr).Rare and local summer resident above 3500 ft. Recent summer recordsare from Amherst, Augusta, Bath, Giles, Grayson, Highland, Madison, andSmyth. Less common in summer in the Mountain L. area (Giles) thanhistorically, but possibly increasing as a breeder elsewhere, particularlyin the Mt. Rogers area. Breeding : nests with young, 4-25 Jun; recentlyfledged young through 14 Jul. Peak counts : spring—20, Peaks of OtterBSD, 30 Apr 2005; summer—18, Mullenax Run (Highland ), 27 Jun 2004;34, Highland (on Bath/Highland foray), 7-15 Jun 2003 (only one reportedin Bath); winter—100, Calmes Neck CBC, 30 Dec 2001.DOWNY WOODPECKERPicoides pubescens BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 29 Mar–31 May; nests withyoung through 7 Jun. Peak counts : spring—30, Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr1984; summer—14, Branchville BBS (Southampton), 7 Jul 1966; winter—474, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005; 185, Dismal Swamp CBC, 1 Jan 1997

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(high count in southeast).PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 8 Apr–23 May. Peak counts :summer—75, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun 1975; fall—43, Orange, 27 Oct1981; winter—236, Central Loudoun CBC, 30 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 23 Apr–25 May; nests withyoung through 12 Jun; recently fledged young through 21 Jul. Peak counts :spring—52, Peaks of Otter BSD, 5 May 1979; summer—27, FincastleBBC, 13 Jun 1981; winter—276, Calmes Neck CBC, 2 Jan 1994.HAIRY WOODPECKERPicoides villosus BreederCoastal PlainUncommon permanent resident, more numerous westward. Breeding :eggs, 14 May. Peak counts : 107, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1999; 42, DismalSwamp CBC, 2 Jan 1994 (high count in southeast).PiedmontUncommon permanent resident; in summer, more numerous northward.Breeding : eggs, 5 Apr; nest with young, 6 May; recently fledged young, 6Jun. Peak counts : spring—13, Lynchburg BBC, 30 May 1987; summer—12, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1977; winter—36, Manassas–Bull Run CBC,26 Dec 2004; 33, Danville CBC, 23 Dec 1973; 33, The Plains CBC, 16Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysUncommon permanent resident, perhaps more numerous at higherelevations. Breeding : eggs, 20 Apr–17 May; nests with young, 5 May–12Jun; recently fledged young, 30 Jun. Peak count : 55, Northern ShenandoahValley CBC, 18 Dec 1993.RED-COCKADED WOODPECKERPicoides borealis BreederOverviewFormerly bred more widely, but populations have plummeted since the1960s due to habitat loss. In 1977 a systematic survey located 43 clustersites in five counties that had been recently active. Logging reducedbreeding sites such that by 2002, the state supported only four clustersites containing two breeding pairs {32}. The state population reachedan all-time low of 12 individuals in the winter of 2000-2001 {33}. As of182

late 2005, Virginia’s population of four breeding pairs and about 40individuals, representing the northernmost population of the species,was restricted to a single county (Sussex).Coastal PlainVery rare permanent resident. Formerly bred widely south ofChesapeake Bay and the James and Appomattox rivers, but nowextirpated from former breeding areas in Norfolk, Virginia Beach,Suffolk, Chesapeake, Surry, and Southampton (and from all but one inSussex). Currently known only from Piney Grove Preserve (Sussex), whereintensive management, including installation of artificial cavities since1999 and translocation of birds from North Carolina and South Carolinasince 2001, has been undertaken. As of 2005, 40 individuals (19 residentadults, 9 nestlings, 5 birds translocated in previous years, 6 translocatedduring 2005, and 1 of unknown origin) were present here {34}; one ofthese had persisted in Southampton until it was captured and translocatedto Piney Grove Preserve in 2005. Recent extralimital records: 1, Dare(York), 1 Mar 1985–20 Oct 1986; 1(1) ph., White Stone (Lancaster), 10-22Mar 1996. Two Eastern Shore reports: 3, Cedar Is., 30 Dec 1923; 1,Chincoteague, 10 Apr 1981. Breeding : eggs, 25 Apr–27 May; nests withyoung, 5 May–25 Jun.PiedmontFormerly rare permanent resident, now apparently extirpated from theregion. Recorded in Albemarle, Chesterfield, and Dinwiddie prior to 1900,and recorded nesting in eastern Brunswick from 1972 to the late 1980s. Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1 seen and 4 others heard, Cumberland Gap (Lee), 21 Oct1973.NORTHERN FLICKERColaptes auratus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout most of Virginia (and much ofthe species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident, more numerous in fall. Breeding : eggs, 27Apr–25 Jun. Peak counts : spring—64, Williamsburg SBC, 5 May 1985;summer—35, Branchville BBS (Southampton), 7 Jul 1966; fall—3155,Kiptopeke, 25 Sep 1936; 2002 (passing over in 1.5 hours), Kiptopeke, 6Oct 1985; 385, CBBT, 28 Sep 1975; winter—434, Cape Charles CBC,

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27 Dec 1976; 392, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 1989. No reports of pure Red-shafted subspecies (cafer) in the region, but there are five records ofYellow-shafted x Red-shafted intergrades: three records from southernNorthampton and CBBT, 17 Sep–22 Oct (including one banded atKiptopeke, 12 Oct 2001); 1 banded, Newport News, 11 Nov 1974. 1found long-dead, Smith Is., 30 Dec 1995;PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 2 May–7 Jul; nests withyoung through 22 Jul; adults feeding recently fledged young through 4Aug. Peak counts : summer—72, Lynchburg BBC, 6 Jun 1992 and 3 Jun1995; winter—257, The Plains CBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, mostly in lowlands. Breeding : eggs, 27 Apr–30 Jun; nests with young through 13 Jul. Peak counts : spring—66, AugustaCounty BSD, 14 May 1983; summer—32, Churchville BBS, 9 Jul 1966;fall—171, Rockfish Gap, 14 Oct 1991; winter—303, NorthernShenandoah Valley CBC, 19 Dec 1987. One report of Red-shaftedFlicker: 1, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec 2001. Twodocumented records of intergrades: 1 found injured, Lyndhurst, 13 Jun1986 (specimen preserved in Mary Baldwin College collection); 1 founddead (specimen not preserved), Waynesboro, 24 Apr 1987.PILEATED WOODPECKERDryocopus pileatus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate increases throughout all but extreme southeastern andsouthwestern Virginia (and increases in much of the species’ continentalbreeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainLocally common permanent resident, mostly in mature hardwoods.Breeding : eggs, 11 Apr–6 May. Peak counts : spring—38, Williamsburg SBC,28 Apr 1991; winter—155, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005; 78, DismalSwamp CBC, 1 Jan 2001.PiedmontUncommon permanent resident in mature hardwoods. Breeding : eggs, 30Apr–3 May. Peak counts : summer—36, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 2005;winter—221, Central Loudoun CBC, 28 Dec 2004.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to locally common permanent resident in mature184

hardwoods. Breeding : eggs, 18 Apr–12 May; nests with young, 28 Mar–19Jul. Peak count : 85, Calmes Neck CBC, 2 Jan 1994.OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERContopus cooperi Possible BreederCoastal PlainRare but annual transient (extreme dates 3 May–5 Jun and 17 Aug–30Sep), more regular in fall. Much rarer on coast than inland (e.g., west ofChesapeake Bay). No records of more than 2 individuals.PiedmontRare but annual transient (extreme dates 2 May–7 Jun and 21 Aug–2Oct), mostly in the north and near the Blue Ridge, more regular in fall.More frequently reported in this region than in the Coastal Plain. Norecords of more than 2 individuals.Mountains and ValleysRare but annual transient (extreme dates 5 May–12 Jun and 1 Aug–2Oct). Three summer records suggest the possibility of breeding at highelevations, though breeding has not been confirmed: possibly a familygroup, Highland, 20 Jul 1938; 1, Mt. Rogers, 21 Jul 1976; 1, Paddy Knob(Bath), 6 Jul 2002. Peak count : 3, Indian Creek (Wise), 5 May 1936.WESTERN WOOD-PEWEEContopus sordidulus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) banded and ph., Little Island City Park, Virginia Beach(adjacent to Back Bay), 12 Oct 2003. The combination of measurementsand coloration, well documented by photographs, clearly established theidentity of this bird.EASTERN WOOD-PEWEEContopus virens BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout Virginia (and most of the species’breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates23 Apr–11 Nov). Several Nov reports of wood-pewees on the coast havenot included details that ruled out Western Wood-Pewee; silentindividuals of these two species are not distinguishable in the field in

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most cases. Breeding : eggs, 30 May–24 Jun; adults feeding fledged youngthrough 21 Sep. Peak counts : spring—90, Williamsburg SBC, 15 May1983; summer—24, Dismal Swamp, 1 Jun 1966; 20, Branchville BBS(Southampton), 7 Jul 1966.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates20 Apr–23 Oct). One reported at Lynchburg, 15 Dec 1973, is bestconsidered an “unidentified wood-pewee.” Breeding : eggs, 5-27 Jun; activenest as early as 17 May; adults feeding fledged young through 14 Sep.Peak count : 122, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1988.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates20 Apr–30 Oct). Exceptionally early date: 1, Daleville (Botetourt ), 8 Mar1980. Breeding : eggs, 27 May–31 Jul; nests with young through 28 Jul;adults feeding fledged young through 15 Sep. Peak counts : spring—76,Peaks of Otter BSD, 13 May 1995; summer—49, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun1981; 44, Wise BBC, 13 Jun 1981.YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHEREmpidonax flaviventris Former BreederCoastal PlainRare transient (10-30 May, 25 Aug–10 Oct; extreme dates early May–8Jun, 13 Aug–21 Oct), but sometimes relatively common along coast infall. Peak counts : spring—5, CBBT, 19 May 2001; fall—12 banded,Kiptopeke, 5 Sep 1974 (1974 fall season total of 42). Of 50 Empidonaxcounted in a fallout of Neotropical migrants at Fisherman Is., 9 Sep1998, about 15 were thought to be this species.PiedmontRare transient (10-30 May, 25 Aug–25 Sep; extreme late spring and falldates 5 Jun and 27 Sep), somewhat more numerous in fall; most recordsare from the north and near the Blue Ridge.Mountains and ValleysRare transient (10-30 May, 25 Aug–25 Sep; extreme dates away from Mt.Rogers 7 May–10 Jun, 22 Aug–27 Sep). Breeding : rare and irregularbreeder (at least formerly) above 5000 ft on Mt. Rogers, with summerrecords since 1973. Confirmed nesting there in 1977 and 1978—nestwith young, 16 Jul 1977 (2 dead young collected 27 Jul 1977); nest with3 young, 29 Jun 1978 (fledged on 8 Jul), with second brood of young inthe nest, 2-4 Aug 1978. A pair was present here 2-3 Jun 1979, and 1-2186

singing males were present in May 1980, 1983, 1984, and 1985, but thereare no summer records in the region since 1985.ACADIAN FLYCATCHEREmpidonax virescens BreederOverviewThis species is by far the most widespread and common breedingEmpidonax in Virginia. However, it is outnumbered in fall by migrantsof more northerly breeding species, particularly Least and Yellow-belliedFlycatchers.Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–15 Sep; extreme dateslate Apr–17 Oct). Breeding : eggs, 21 May–30 Jun; nests with youngthrough 28 Jul; adults feeding fledged young through 13 Aug. Peak counts :spring—72, Williamsburg SBC, 15 May 1983; summer—175, MasonNeck, 21 Jun 2003.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–20 Sep). Breeding : eggs,20 May–13 Jul. Peak count : 98, Lynchburg BBC, 8 Jun 1974.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (5 May–15 Sep; extreme dates13 Apr–30 Sep), mostly below 3500 ft. Breeding : eggs, 22 May–6 Aug.Peak counts : spring—80, Botetourt, 20 May 1982; summer—72, westernMadison, 7 Jun 1996; 42, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981.ALDER FLYCATCHEREmpidonax alnorum BreederOverviewDifficulty in the separation of silent individuals of this species from themuch more numerous and widespread Willow Flycatcher, even in thehand, confounds understanding of its true status away from breedingareas (where singing birds allow distinction of the two species).Therefore, information on migratory status below is somewhatspeculative, being based primarily on the occurrence of singing Aldersin spring and calling birds in fall.Coastal PlainProbably a rare spring migrant (mostly in the northwest) and uncommonfall transient (10-30 May, 25 Aug–25 Sep; extreme dates probably extendabout a week either side of these dates). At least six recent records (none

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reviewed by VARCOM) of singing birds between 19 and 29 May innorthern Virginia: three in eastern Prince William, two at HuntleyMeadows CP in Fairfax, and one in Arlington. Reports of calling birds,infrequently encountered in fall, suggest a peak passage in early to mid-September. One summer record: 1 singing male, Lewisetta(Northumberland ), 16 Jul 1978. PiedmontProbably a rare spring and uncommon fall transient (10-30 May, 25 Aug–25 Sep), with at least nine recent records (four accepted by VARCOMand five unreviewed) of singing males between 6 May and 6 Jun fromAmherst, Loudoun, Lynchburg (two records), Orange (two records), andFauquier (three records). Two summer records in the north suggest thepossibility of breeding: 1 singing male v.r., western Prince William, 15 Jul1989; 1(2) singing male, Dulles Greenway Wetlands (Loudoun), 7 Jul 1998.Mountains and ValleysProbably a rare spring and uncommon fall transient (10-30 May, 25 Aug–25 Sep) in most of region; fairly rare and local breeder at higherelevations. Breeding : singing birds in summer at high elevations, and intypical boggy habitat, indicate breeding by small numbers in the Mt.Rogers area (since 1974) and in Bath (Hidden Valley), Highland (StraightFork and Shenandoah Mt.), Tazewell (Beartown Mt.), and Madison (BigMeadows since at least 1995). Reports of singing birds at lower elevationsin summer in Augusta, Blacksburg, and Montgomery, and at Laurel Bed L.(Smyth), suggest that breeding is more widespread. One confirmedbreeding record—adults nest-building(1), ph., Mt. Rogers, 12-13 Jun 1980.Peak counts : about 11 pairs, above 4800 ft in Mt. Rogers area, summer1980; 11 singing males, Beartown bog (Tazewell ), 20 Jun 1986.WILLOW FLYCATCHEREmpidonax traillii BreederCoastal PlainFairly rare spring transient (mostly in the northwest) and uncommon falltransient (10-25 May, 25 Aug–25 Sep), sometimes fairly common on thecoast in fall. Rare summer resident in eastern Fairfax and more sparinglysoutheastward to the Northern Neck. One singing at Saxis Marsh, 24 Jul1991, and 1 at Craney Is., 4-18 Jun 2004, were unusual away from theextreme northwest in summer. Breeding : eggs, 4-25 Jul; nests with young,10-21 Jul. Peak counts : summer—6 singing males, Dyke Marsh, 7 Jun1976; fall—28 Willow/Alder Flycatchers banded, Kiptopeke, 6 Sep 1970.Of 50 Empidonax counted in a fallout of Neotropical migrants at188

Fisherman Is., 9 Sep 1998, at least half were thought to be Willow/Alder.PiedmontUncommon transient and local summer resident (10 May–25 Sep) in thenorth and near the Blue Ridge; rare transient elsewhere. BBS dataindicate increasing numbers in northern part of region, 1966-2005.Summering birds occur in Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William, Rappahannock,Greene, and (especially) Loudoun, and probably near the Blue Ridge inother localities farther south. One at Pocahontas SP (Chesterfield ), 20 Jun2004, was unusually far south and east for the date. Breeding : eggs, 8 Jun–10 Jul. Peak counts : 50 pairs, Dulles Airport, 3 Jul 1982; 7, Bedford, 5 Jun1974 and 12 Jun 1976.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and local summer resident (10 May–25 Sep;extreme dates 14 Apr–3 Oct). BBS data indicate increasing numbers inregion, 1966-2005. Breeding : eggs, 8 Jun–12 Jul; nests with young, 26 Jun–4 Jul. Peak counts : 41 singing males, Stuarts Draft, 16 Jun 2001; 30 singingmales, Tazewell, 21 Jun 1986; 22 singing males, Smyth, 14 Jun 1980.LEAST FLYCATCHEREmpidonax minimus BreederCoastal PlainRare to uncommon transient (25 Apr–20 May, 25 Aug–25 Sep; extremedates 12 Apr–30 May, 13 Aug–15 Oct), with most records from theextreme northwest and along the coast. Peak count : 14 banded,Kiptopeke, 1 Sep 1970. Of 40 Empidonax counted at Kiptopeke, 31 Aug1989, about half were thought to be of this species. PiedmontRare transient (25 Apr–20 May, 25 Aug–25 Sep), mostly in north andnear the Blue Ridge, possibly locally uncommon in fall. Two summerrecords: 1, Loudoun, 14-15 Jun 1978; 1, Middleburg (Loudoun), 29 Jul 2004(and again in summer 2005). Single individuals in Patrick and Franklin atelevations below 1300 ft during a VSO foray, 6-11 Jun 1995, and 1 on theLynchburg BBC, 6 Jun 1998, may have been late migrants, as the speciesis not known to breed in the region.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to rare transient and local summer resident (25 Apr–25 Sep),locally common in Mt. Rogers and Mountain L. areas and innorthwestern Highland. Most summer records are from above 2500 ft,although a few apparently breed below 1400 ft in Lee. BBS data indicate

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declines throughout the Virginia breeding range of this species, 1966-2005. Breeding : eggs, 12 May–6 Jul. Peak counts : 25, Highland, 18 Jun 1975;25, Grindstone Campground (Smyth), 6 May 1978.PACIFIC-SLOPE/CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHEREmpidonax difficilis/occidentalis NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) ph., ESVNWR, 12-29 Nov 1993. The vocalizations ofthis individual suggested that it was a Pacific-slope Flycatcher but wereinconclusive; VARCOM thus accepted this record as being of a“Western” Flycatcher (i.e., Pacific-slope or Cordilleran). An Empidonax atBack Bay, 30 Dec 1973—resembling Yellow-bellied but with callsmatching Pacific-slope Flycatcher—was studied carefully by multipleobservers, but identification was made only as “probable WesternFlycatcher” at the time.EASTERN PHOEBESayornis phoebe BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (5 Mar–10 Nov); uncommonwinter resident. Breeding : in summer, more numerous toward the west;very rare breeder on the Eastern Shore, with only one breedingconfirmation during VAP (in Accomack). Eggs, 9 Mar–19 Jun. Peak counts :spring—30, Williamsburg SBC, 28 Apr 1991; fall—14 banded,Kiptopeke, 18 Oct 1970 and 7 Oct 1971; winter—60, Cape Charles CBC,27 Dec 1998; 31, Hopewell CBC, 19 Dec 1993 and 17 Dec 1995; 29,Dismal Swamp CBC, 2 Jan 1994.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (5 Mar–30 Oct); uncommonwinter resident. Breeding : eggs, 3 Apr–9 Jul. Peak counts : summer—80,Lynchburg BBC, 6 Jun 1992; winter—59, Kerr Res. CBC, 19 Dec 1993.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (5 Mar–30 Oct); uncommonto rare winter resident. Breeding : eggs, 29 Mar–16 Jul; nests with youngthrough 1 Aug. Peak counts : spring—75, Peaks of Otter BSD, 13 May2006; summer—32, Botetourt, 13 Jun 1970; 28, Floyd, 17 Jun 1976; fall—46, Augusta, 2 Oct 2004; winter—20, Blacksburg CBC, 16 Dec 2000.

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SAY’S PHOEBESayornis saya NonbreederCoastal PlainThree records: 1 specimen, Virginia Beach, 31 Dec 1956–1 Jan 1957; 1(1)ph., near ESVNWR, 30 Sep 1989; 1, Kiptopeke, 1 Oct 1996.PiedmontOne record: 1(2), Fauquier, 17 Dec 1984.Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1(1) ph., near Hightown (Highland ), 17 Jan–10 Apr 1986; 1found dead, south of Bluegrass (Highland ), Dec 2003 (specimenexamined but apparently lost).VERMILION FLYCATCHERPyrocephalus rubinus NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1(1) ph., Nassawaddox (Northampton), 15 Jan–27 Feb 1993;1(1) ph., near Woodbridge (Prince William), 13 Dec 1994–1 Jan 1995.ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERMyiarchus cinerascens NonbreederCoastal PlainRare late fall and early winter visitor, with 14 records between 6 Nov and31 Dec: 1, Little Creek CBC, 26 Dec 1957; 1, Chincoteague, 13 Dec 1969;1 ph., Cheriton (Northampton), 27-30 Dec 1978; 1(1) ph., Kiptopeke, 30-31 Dec 1979; 1, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1986; 1, near Melfa(Accomack), 19-23 Dec 1987; 1(1) ph., Cheatham Annex (York), 17-20 Dec1989; 1, Riverview Farm (Northampton), 27 Dec 1992; 1, ESVNWR, 7Nov 1994; 1 banded and ph., Little Island City Park, Virginia Beach(adjacent to Back Bay), 4 Nov 2001; 1(1) ph., ESVNWR, 6-7 Nov 2004;1, Craney Is., 20 Nov 1994; 1(1) ph., CBBT, 28 Nov 2004; 1(1) ph.,Kiptopeke, 19-26 Nov 2005. One earlier fall record: 1, Dismal Swamp,5 Oct 1983. An early fall report (13 Sep 1986) from Chincoteague lacksdocumentation sufficient to determine the species involved. One reportof an unidentified Myiarchus (thought not to be a Great Crested) fromVirginia Beach, 31 Dec 1978, probably refers to this species.PiedmontTwo records: 1(2), Haymarket (Prince William), 19 and 21 Dec 1979; 1(1)ph., west end of Manchester Bridge (Richmond), 7 Jan–6 Mar 2006 (theonly record of wintering in the state).

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GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHERMyiarchus crinitus BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates7 Apr–9 Nov). One winter report: 1 ph., Chesapeake, 11-19 Jan 1974(photos unreviewed). It is far more likely that the Jan report refers toAsh-throated Flycatcher (or possibly Brown-crested Flycatcher, M.tyrannulus, recorded irregularly in southern Florida in winter), as there areno January records of Great Crested Flycatchers in midwinter in NorthAmerica outside of subtropical Florida. Breeding : eggs, 15 May–30 Jun.Peak counts : spring—100, Williamsburg SBC, 7 May 1989; summer—26,Chincoteague, 5 Jun 1980.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–25 Sep). Exceptionallyearly date: 1, Leesburg, 22 Mar 1969. Breeding : eggs, 13 May–20 Jun. Peakcounts : 46, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1988 and 6 Jun 1992; 21, Loudoun, 15Jun 1978.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates14 Apr–11 Nov). Breeding : eggs, 20 May–7 Jun; adults feeding fledgedyoung, 24 Jul. Peak counts : spring—158, Augusta County BSD, 14 May1983; summer—26, Frederick, 11 Jun 1994.WESTERN KINGBIRDTyrannus verticalis NonbreederCoastal PlainRare fall transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 25 Aug–7 Feb),mostly along coast (though recorded inland to Charles City, Surry, Stafford,and Fairfax); noted regularly on Eastern Shore, with up to 8 (in 2000 and2002) recorded per fall. Most records of multiple individuals are fromsouthern Northampton and the Back Bay/Sandbridge area. Two springrecords: 1, eastern Stafford, 27 May 1975; 1, Chincoteague, 24 May 1977.Four summer records: 1, Virginia Beach, 29 Jul 1972; 1, Williamsburg, 4Jun 1984; 1, Huntley Meadows CP, 16 Jun 1984; 1, Huntley MeadowsCP, 4 Aug 1990. Specimens come from Wallops Is., 19 Sep 1919, andCBBT, 9 Dec 1973. A report of Cassin’s Kingbird (T. vociferans) fromFairfax, 30 Aug 1976, is possibly correct but may refer to Western. Peakcounts : fall—5, Chesapeake, 31 Oct 1983; 4, Fisherman Is., 20 Oct 1991;winter—3, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1991.

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PiedmontSeven records: 1, Fairfax, 4 Oct 1959; 1, Leesburg, 21 Sep 1969; 1,Catherine Furnace CBC (Spotsylvania), 17 Dec 1978; 1, Kerr Res. CBC, 15Dec 1991; 1, Prospect (Prince Edward ), 18 Sep 1997; 1(2), Culpeper, 10 Oct2001; 1, Albemarle, 6 Oct 2003.Mountains and ValleysThree records: 1, Wise, 22 Aug 1969; 1, Augusta, 22 Jun 1979; 1, Roanoke,25 Aug–6 Oct 1985. One reported in Stuarts Draft, 6 Sep 1987 was likelythis species but was not accepted by VARCOM due to the possibilitythat Cassin’s Kingbird was not eliminated.EASTERN KINGBIRDTyrannus tyrannus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate significant declines in abundance of breedersthroughout the state, 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates27 Mar–21 Nov); locally abundant on Eastern Shore in fall. Breeding :eggs, 17 May–9 Jul; nests with young through 20 Aug. Peak counts :spring—176, Williamsburg SBC, 15 May 1983; fall—2618, ESVNWR, 30Aug 1991; 2570, Sunset Beach (Northampton), 31 Aug 1988; 1854, SunsetBeach (Northampton), 3 Sep 1984.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–15 Sep). Breeding : eggs,21 May–16 Jul; nests with young as early as 15 May. Peak counts : 78,Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1988; 30, Madison County foray, 7 Jun 1996.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates8 Apr–2 Oct) in lowlands. Breeding : eggs, 17 May–9 Jul; recently fledgedyoung, 30 Jul. Peak counts : spring—91, Augusta County BSD, 11 May1992; summer—25, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981; fall—17, Roanoke, 8Sep 1971.GRAY KINGBIRDTyrannus dominicensis NonbreederCoastal PlainRare fall visitor (extreme dates 19 Sep–28 Nov), with three acceptedrecords and seven unreviewed reports of single birds from the immediate

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coast (most on Eastern Shore) in fall: Chincoteague, 2 Oct 1984(2); ph.,Chincoteague, 24 Sep 1994(1); ph., near Kiptopeke, 12-14 Nov 1994(1);ph., Sandbridge, 30 Sep 1997; Eyre Hall (Northampton), 10 Oct 1998; nearLynnhaven Inlet, 19 Sep 1999; Sunset Beach (Northampton), 29 Oct 1999;near Capeville (Northampton), 10 Oct 2000; near ESVNWR, 13-25 Nov2000; Wise Point (Northampton), 9 Oct 2005; Church Neck (Northampton),5 Nov 2005. In two cases, Gray Kingbirds were noted in close associationwith a Western Kingbird. Three spring records, also from the immediatecoast: 1(1) ph., CBBT, 18 May 1978; 1, Virginia Beach, 28 Apr 1990; 1(1)ph., ESVNWR, 8 May 2004. One summer record: 1, Chincoteague, 2 Jul1977. SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHERTyrannus forficatus Casual BreederCoastal PlainRare visitor throughout the year, with about 22 records, all of singleindividuals and most of these unreviewed. Most records (at least 10) arein summer: Cape Charles, 28 Jun 1980; Nassawaddox (Northampton), 22Jul 1982; Oak Grove (Westmoreland ), 9-12 Jul 1984 (1 two mi away on 14Jun 1985 may have been the same individual); ph., Charles City, 5 Jun1988; Hog Is. WMA, 21 Jul 1994; Chincoteague, mid-Jun 1995; Back Bay,21 Jun 1996; Arlington, 29 Jun 2000; ESVNWR, 21-31 Jul 2000; ph.,Suffolk, 7 Jun 2005. Five fall records: 1 specimen, Aylett (King William),31 Aug 1895; Kiptopeke, 1 Nov 1989, 24 Sep 1996, and 20 Oct 1997;ESVNWR, 6-9 Aug 1994. Two winter records: 1 specimen, Norfolk, 2Jan 1882 (USNM); 1 ph., Back Bay, 2 Dec 1972. Five spring records: 1specimen, Capeville (Northampton), 21 Apr 1919; 1, Capeville(Northampton), 2 May 1992; 1, near Eastville (Northampton), mid-May 1999;1(1) ph., Metompkin Bay (Accomack), 8 May 2003; 1 ph., Northampton, 25Apr 2006. One was reportedly collected at Cobb Is. in the 1890s.PiedmontRare late spring and summer visitor (extreme dates 19 May–26 Aug),with at least nine records, most of these unreviewed: 1, Albemarle, 27May 1962; 1, Middleburg (Loudoun), 19-20 May 1984; 1, Bull Run RP(Fairfax ), 17 Jul 1992; 1, Nottoway, 2 Jun 1993; 1(2), Appomattox, 30 May–4 Jul 2000 (one elsewhere in Appomattox on 7 Jul 2000 may have been thesame individual); 1(2), near Pamplin (Prince Edward ), 24 Jun 2000; 1,Halifax, 11 Jul 2000; 1, near Rustburg (Campbell), 19 Jul 2001. Breeding :near Rapidan (Culpeper), a pair (ph.) was discovered building a nest 14 Jun2000; incubation began 18-19 Jun, 4 young fledged 6-7 Jul, and these194

birds were last seen 26 Aug 2000(1); 3 adults were reported here on 21 Jun2000. In 2001, a male present 4 May–1 Jul constructed a nest at this samelocation, but there was no sign of a mate.Mountains and ValleysRare summer visitor (extreme dates 28 Jun–27 Sep), with at least sixrecords: 1, Buchanan, 26 May 1979; 1, near Weyers Cave (Augusta), 29-30Jul 1980; 1, Roanoke Sewage Treatment Plant, 27 Sep 1987; 1, nearSpringhill (Augusta), 19 Jul 1992 (1(2) in Stuarts Draft, 23 Jul 1992 mayhave been the same bird); 1(1) ph., Rockingham, 28-30 Jun 2003. Breeding :a female(1) ph. at Roanoke, early Jun–24 Jul 2004, was found to have anest with five eggs on 2 Jul; the nest was found to contain two abandonedeggs on 27 Jul, after the bird had apparently departed.FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHERTyrannus savana NonbreederCoastal PlainFour records: 1(1) ph., Charles City, 3 Jun–1 Aug 1988; 1(1) ph.,Chincoteague, 17-19 May 1990; 1(1) ph., False Cape SP, 12 Oct 1991; 1,Kiptopeke, 26 Oct 1999.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) ph., Coursey Springs Fish Hatchery (Bath), 28 Sep 2002.LOGGERHEAD SHRIKELanius ludovicianus BreederOverviewStatewide CBC data show a peak in abundance in the 1940s and 1950s.Numbers declined marginally through the 1960s before beginning asharp decline around 1970; abundance dropped three-fold between 1970and 1980 and has continued to decline. Statewide CBC totals in the mid-1970s averaged about 135 shrikes per year; this number had dropped to30-40 by the mid-1990s (despite an increase in the number of CBCs), andthe statewide total has not exceeded 20 since the 1996-1997 CBC season.Coastal PlainVery rare (formerly uncommon) permanent resident at western edge ofregion, even rarer farther east. Formerly a scarce breeder on the outercoast, more numerous inland. Even through the early 1970s, fall migrantswere often detected on the coast; 4 were banded at Kiptopeke (25 Sep1966, 3 Oct 1966, 3 Oct 1969, and 27 Aug 1977), the latter record beingthe most recent coastal migrant. However, the species has not been

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reliably reported on the Eastern Shore since December 1988 and inVirginia Beach (at Sandbridge) since March 1978. Regional totals of 1 to3 recorded on CBCs, usually inland, most years until 1991, but only singleindividuals in two years (1997 and 1998 at Hopewell) since then. Breeding :formerly widespread; in recent years, breeding has been confined to oneor two pairs at Ft. Lee (Prince George), where nesting was confirmed in1997 and 1998 {35}. One near Jamaica (Middlesex), 23 Jun 2002, and 1near Waverly (Sussex ), 19 May 2006 suggest the possibility that breedingstill occurs in other areas. Eggs, 3 Apr–6 May; nests with young, 21 May–29 Aug. Peak count : 11, Hopewell CBC, 15 Dec 1974 [no countsexceeding 3 birds since 1983].PiedmontRare permanent resident at a few locations scattered throughout theregion. Somewhat more widespread in winter, most likely due to aninflux of visitors from out of state, although regional CBC totals havenot exceeded 6 birds since 1995, and only 1 was recorded on CBCs in2004-2005. Breeding : breeding has been confirmed in recent years (i.e.,since 2001) in Bedford, Culpeper, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Mecklenburg, withrecent summer records from a number of other localities. Eggs, 4 Apr–16 Jun; recently fledged young, 18 May–29 Aug. Peak counts :summer—12, Mecklenburg, 8 Jun 1977; winter—20, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan1976.Mountains and ValleysRare permanent resident, more numerous in winter. Numbers muchreduced since 1970s, but the species is still widespread in the region. Asrecently as 1987, 40 nests were found in 31 locations in Rockingham alone;this number quickly dwindled to nine pairs by 1990, and the species isnow very rare in that county. In locations where 15 pairs were found inAugusta in 1986, follow-up visits in 1996 found only one occupied site.The Jun 1992 VSO foray found 13 individuals (including a family group)at eight locations in Lee. Breeding : eggs, 16 Apr–10 Jun; nests with youngas early as 20 Apr; fledged young as early as 20 May. Peak counts : spring—8, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3 May 1975; winter—20, Augusta County CBC,21 Dec 1974 [16, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 14 Dec 1991; thepeak CBC count since the 1995-1996 season is 6, Northern ShenandoahValley CBC, 14 Dec 2002].

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NORTHERN SHRIKELanius excubitor NonbreederCoastal PlainRare winter visitor (extreme dates 1 Nov–2 Apr), with eight records ofsingle birds: specimen, near Alexandria, 1 Nov 1887; banded,Williamsburg, 5 Mar 1966; immature, Chincoteague, 6 Mar 1978;Chincoteague, 24 Nov–10 Dec 1978; Chincoteague, 16 Dec 1995; LittleIsland City Park, Virginia Beach (adjacent to Back Bay), 25 Dec 1995;banded, Chincoteague, 25 Oct 2000; second-year(1) ph., Fisherman Is., 30Dec 2004–2 Apr 2005. PiedmontRare winter visitor (extreme dates 27 Oct–10 Mar), with at least sevenrecords of single birds: Lynchburg, 26 Dec 1950; Nelson, 21 Dec 1960;Danville CBC, 15 Dec 1970; near Lucketts (Loudoun), 6 Nov 1993–15Feb 1994(2) (1(2), 5 Nov 1994–10 Mar 1995 and 1, 27 Oct 1995–30 Jan1996 at this location may have been the same individual); BeaverdamRes. (Loudoun), 2 Feb 1995(2); Brambleton (Loudoun), 16 Nov 2000;western Fairfax, 5 Dec 1999–6 Jan 2000. In addition, Murray (1952)reported “about a dozen” pre-1952 records from the national capitalarea, but no location information is provided {2}. Mountains and ValleysTwo records: 1, Big Meadows (Shenandoah NP), 20 Dec 1975; 1,Shenandoah, 18 Feb 1978.WHITE-EYED VIREOVireo griseus BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–20 Oct, extreme datesfor apparent nonwintering birds 17 Mar–10 Dec); rare to locallyuncommon winter resident in Dismal Swamp, even rarer winter visitorelsewhere. Regional totals of up to 6 birds recorded on CBCs 12 of 21years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 7 May–11 Jul. Peak counts :spring—138, Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr 1984; summer—44, Accomackforay, 5 Jun 1980; 33, Dismal Swamp, 1 Jun 1966; winter—6, DismalSwamp CBC, 2 Jan 1992.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–15 Oct; extreme earlydate 5 Apr). Four winter records: 1, Amherst, 17 Dec 1978; 1, DanvilleCBC, 27 Dec 1984 and 19 Dec 1998; 1, Chancellorsville CBC, 2 Jan 1994.

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Breeding : eggs, 13 Apr–25 Jun. Peak count : 35, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun1988.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to locally common transient and summer resident (20 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates 9 Apr–23 Oct), mostly in lowlands. Exceptionallylate date: 1, L. Moomaw, 7 Dec 1987. Breeding : eggs, 4-9 May; adultsfeeding fledged young, 29 Jun; recently fledged young through July. Peakcounts : spring—24, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3 May 1975 and 3 May 1980;summer—36, Tazewell foray, 21 Jun 1986; fall—11, near Rockfish Gap,13 Sep 1996.BELL’S VIREO (Category 2)Vireo bellii NonbreederPiedmontOne sight record: 1 singing male, Pocahontas SP (Chesterfield ), 12 Aug1962.YELLOW-THROATED VIREOVireo flavifrons BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–30 Sep; extremedates 19 Mar–20 Oct). One winter record: 1, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec1970. Breeding : breeds more commonly westward; local breeder onEastern Shore. Eggs, 29 Apr–2 May; nests with young through 22 Jun.Peak counts : spring—20, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982; summer—34,New Kent, 12 Jun 1948.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–30 Sep; extreme dates10 Apr–12 Oct). Breeding : eggs, 6 May–25 Jun; adult on nest, 2 Jul; nestswith young through 20 Jul. Peak counts : spring—14, Albemarle, 10 May1958; summer—36, Lynchburg BBC, 2 Jun 1990.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to locally common transient and summer resident (20 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates 17 Mar–28 Oct), mostly below 3000 ft. Breeding :eggs, 2 May–7 Jun; adults feeding fledged young through 1 Aug. Peakcounts : spring—35, Peaks of Otter BSD, 8 May 1993; summer—24,Putnam BBS (Buchanan), 28 Jun 1970; 19, Isom BBS (Wise), Jun 1973and 1974.

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BLUE-HEADED VIREOVireo solitarius BreederOverviewOf all the vireos in Virginia, this species is the earliest arriving, latestdeparting (with transients being rare in nonbreeding areas before mid-September), and most widespread and numerous in winter. BBS dataindicate increases in summer numbers in the Piedmont and all but theextreme southwestern part of the Mountains and Valleys region, 1966-2005.Coastal PlainUncommon to fairly rare transient (10 Apr–10 May, 25 Sep–5 Nov;extreme early fall date 18 Sep). Rare to locally uncommon winter visitor,especially in extreme southeast; numbers of wintering birds possiblyincreasing in recent years. Regional totals of up to 19 birds recorded onCBCs 13 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Most winter records arein December and early January, but small numbers regularly winter atFirst Landing SP (Virginia Beach) and Dismal Swamp, and probably atother areas in the southeast (e.g., 5, York River SP, 14 Feb 1992). Norecords between 4 Jun and early September. Peak counts : spring—4,Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1993; fall—4 banded, Kiptopeke, 12 Oct 1976and 27 Oct 1976; winter—15, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 2003; 10, DismalSwamp CBC, 3 Jan 2000.PiedmontUncommon transient (10 Apr–10 May, 25 Sep–30 Oct). Rare and localsummer resident, mostly near the Blue Ridge, with recent summerrecords from Albemarle, Bedford, Brunswick, Greensville, Henry, Mecklenburg,Patrick, and Pittsylvania. Rare winter visitor, especially in the southwest;regional totals of up to 3 birds recorded on CBCs nine of 21 yearsbetween 1984 and 2004. Numbers of wintering birds possibly increasingin recent years. Breeding : nest with young, 15 May. Peak counts : spring—20, Fairfax, 3 May 1975; summer—9, southwestern Patrick, 9 Jun 1995.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–20 Oct), mostly above2500 ft (though apparently breeding as low as 1400 ft in Lee). Rare wintervisitor; regional totals of up to 8 birds recorded on CBCs eight of 21years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 30 Apr–1 Jul. Peak counts :spring—30, Augusta County BSD, 30 Apr 2005; summer—31, WhiteTop Mt. (Grayson), 11 Jun 1980; fall—13, Staunton, 21 Oct 2004; 9,Troutville (Botetourt ), 22 Oct 1975.

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WARBLING VIREOVireo gilvus BreederCoastal PlainRare transient (extreme dates away from breeding areas 27 Apr–30 Mayand 9 Sep–20 Oct), being more numerous westward (and quite rare onthe immediate coast). Rare summer resident along Potomac R. in Fairfaxand Prince William, with other summer records from scattered locationsin the southeast (Dismal Swamp, Hampton, West Point, Back Bay, andrecently Sussex). Has occurred in summer at Henricus Park (Chesterfield )since 1997, with a high of 3 singing males on 20 Jun 2004, but breedinghas not been confirmed there. Breeding : nested at Hampton, 10 May1980(2), and every year thereafter until 1984; nested at Belle Haven picnicarea (Fairfax ), 1983 and 1984. Likely nests regularly in small numbers ineastern Fairfax (especially in the Dyke Marsh area) and, only recently, ineastern Prince William.PiedmontUncommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–30 Sep; extremedates 15 Apr–1 Oct) in the extreme north (becoming increasingly rarein summer south to Orange) and adjacent to the Blue Ridge, fairly rareelsewhere. Breeding : eggs, 18-21 May. Peak counts : spring—26, Loudoun,24 May 1982; summer—25, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1983.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–30 Sep; extremedates 3 Apr–6 Oct) in lowlands. Breeding : eggs, 15 Jun; nest with young,29 Jun. Peak counts : spring—58, Peaks of Otter BSD, 8 May 2004; 31,James R. near Arcadia (Botetourt ), 19 May 1984; summer—36,Shenandoah R. (Clarke), 8 Jun 1994; 34, near Front Royal, 9 Jun 1967. PHILADELPHIA VIREOVireo philadelphicus NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon fall and rare spring transient (5-20 May, 5 Sep–15 Oct;extreme fall dates 30 Aug–31 Oct). No November reports. One winterreport: 1, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1970 (one of only three Decemberreports of the species north of the Carolinas). Not reported annually inspring; all spring reports are of single birds. Peak count : 9 banded,Kiptopeke, 15 Sep 1974. PiedmontUncommon fall and rare spring transient (extreme dates 5-26 May, 2200

Sep–24 Oct). No fall counts exceeding 2 individuals. Not reportedannually in spring; all spring reports are of single birds.Mountains and ValleysUncommon fall and rare spring transient (extreme dates 14 Apr–20 May,17 Aug–23 Oct). Reported nearly annually in spring, but no spring countsexceeding 2 individuals. Peak count: 3, Troutville (Botetourt ), 25 Sep 1982. RED-EYED VIREOVireo olivaceus BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and summer resident, possibly decliningin recent years (15 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates 7 Apr–10 Nov). Twopeaks in fall migration, in the first and third weeks of September,apparently indicate different migratory windows for adults and first-yearbirds. Breeding : nest-building as early as 4 May; eggs, 15 May–22 Jun; nestswith young through 25 Jul; feeding fledged young exceptionally through3 Sep. Peak counts : spring—293, Williamsburg SBC, 3 May 1987;summer—166, Mason Neck, 21 Jun 2003; fall—380, Sunset Beach(Northampton), 12 Sep 2001; 300, Fisherman Is., 10 Sep 1998; 107 banded,Kiptopeke, 14 Sep 1968.PiedmontCommon to abundant transient and summer resident (20 Apr–10 Oct;extreme dates 20 Apr–13 Nov). Breeding : eggs, 16 May–16 Jun; nests withyoung through 25 Jun. Peak counts : spring—122, Loudoun, 24 May 1985;summer—167, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 2005; 130, Madison area on VSOforay, 7 Jun 1996.Mountains and ValleysCommon to abundant transient and summer resident (20 Apr–5 Oct;extreme dates 5 Apr–5 Nov). Breeding : eggs, 14 May–26 Jun; nests withyoung through 6 Aug; adults feeding fledged young through 10 Aug. Peakcounts : spring—317, Peaks of Otter BSD, 13 May 2006; summer—323,southwestern Patrick, 9 Jun 1995; 115, Buchanan, 13 Jun 1984; 110,Tazewell, 15 Jun 1972; 109, Highland, 18 Jun 1975; 107, Craig, 15 Jun 1979;fall—117, near Rockfish Gap, 5 Sep 2000.

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BLACK-WHISKERED VIREOVireo altiloquus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) banded and ph., Back Bay, 18 May 1991. This well-documented record represents the northernmost record of this WestIndian species, but several summer reports from North Carolina barrierislands provide some context for the Virginia record. BLUE JAYCyanocitta cristata BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout the Piedmont and Coastal Plain(as in most of the southeastern U.S.), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident; locally abundant during migration,especially on Eastern Shore in fall. Breeding : eggs, 2-27 May. Peak counts :spring—4000 (migrating flocks), Dyke Marsh, 25 Apr 1970; summer—90, Westmoreland SP, 8 Jun 1974; fall—8000, Kiptopeke, 6 Oct 1979and 14 Oct 1990; winter—1094, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005; 915, CapeCharles CBC, 27 Dec 1992.PiedmontCommon permanent resident; locally abundant during migrationBreeding : eggs, 11 Apr–4 Jun. Peak counts : spring—3200 (migrating flocks),Clifton (Fairfax ), 30 Apr 1971; summer—332, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun1986; fall—4014, Green Springs (Louisa), 26 Sep 1978; winter—818,Nokesville CBC, 17 Dec 1989; 788, The Plains CBC, 18 Dec 2005.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident; locally abundant during migration.Breeding : eggs, 8 Apr–4 Jun; nests with young through 25 Jun; adultsfeeding recently fledged young through 17 Aug. Peak counts : spring—2048, Peaks of Otter BSD, 6 May 1978; summer—35, Clarke, 9 Jun 1994;fall—600+, Rockfish Gap, 19 Sep 2004; 450, Troutville (Botetourt ), 15Oct 1978; winter—1450, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 16 Dec1995.BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE (Category 2)Pica hudsonia NonbreederOverviewBecause this species is occasionally kept in captivity, the provenance of202

individuals recorded in Virginia and elsewhere east of the species’ normalrange (i.e., escaped or released cage birds vs. naturally occurring vagrants)is unknown.Coastal PlainOne report: 1, Chincoteague, 29 Mar 1957. There were multiple reportsin the East (e.g., New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) in1957, suggesting that this individual was associated with a larger influxand thus potentially naturally occurring.PiedmontTwo reports: 1 specimen (whereabouts unknown), Ballsville (Powhatan),12 May 1940; 1, Fairfax, 18 Feb 1976.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1 ph. ( location of photographs unknown), Roanoke, 15Dec 1973–25 Nov 1978. The long duration of this bird’s stay issuggestive of a bird that was formerly kept in captivity rather than anaturally occurring vagrant.AMERICAN CROWCorvus brachyrhynchos BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident, often abundant in winter. Breeding : eggs,18 Mar–9 May. Peak counts : spring—223, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1978;winter—8326, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1988; 6624, Chincoteague CBC, 28Dec 1974; 6560, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1994. A winter roost ofAmerican and Fish Crows in the Dismal Swamp in the early 1960s wasestimated at 100,000 birds.PiedmontCommon to abundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 31 Mar–9 May.Peak counts : summer—491, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1988; winter—3000,Lynchburg CBC, 26 Dec 1927; 2460, Manassas–Bull Run CBC, 26 Dec1999.Mountains and ValleysCommon to abundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 13 Mar–19May; adults feeding recently fledged young through 29 Jul. Peak counts :23,000, Augusta County CBC, 31 Dec 1965 [7559, Waynesboro CBC,31 Dec 1987].

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FISH CROWCorvus ossifragus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate increases in abundance in northern and west-centralVirginia, 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon to abundant permanent resident near coast; less numerousinland, especially in winter. Breeding : eggs, 23 Apr–25 Jun. Peak counts :spring—207, Mason District (Fairfax ), 10 May 1975; 200, Dismal Swamp,27 Apr 1974; fall—1052, Cape Charles, 8 Sep 1984; winter—5228,Chincoteague CBC, 27 Dec 1975 [3220, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1990;1568, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 5 Jan 1997]. A winter roost of American andFish Crows in the Dismal Swamp in the early 1960s was estimated at100,000 birds.PiedmontUncommon permanent resident from the extreme southeast(Mecklenburg/Brunswick) north along eastern edge of region to Richmondarea (mostly along rivers), and throughout northern Piedmont fromAlbemarle and northern Louisa northward. Rare winter visitor insouth/southwestern part of region. Breeding : occupied nest, 12-21 Apr;recently fledged young, 21 Jun. Peak counts : spring—300, Charlottesville,2 Apr 1984; winter—1327, Charlottesville CBC, 19 Dec 1999.Mountains and ValleysCommon to locally abundant permanent resident from Augusta north,uncommon permanent resident in Rockbridge. Rare winter visitor southof Rockbridge to the Roanoke Valley; absent farther to the southwest.Rare spring and summer visitor to Bath (one June record) and Highland(two March records). Increasing in recent decades. Breeding : first recordedbreeding in region in Augusta, 20 Apr 1979, but has increased in numberand expanded its range northward since then. Nest-building, 20 Apr;occupied nest, 1 May; adults feeding recently fledged young, 29 May–15Jun. Peak counts : fall—496, Rockfish Gap, 15 Nov 2002; winter—2453,Waynesboro CBC, 20 Dec 1980 [1414, Waynesboro CBC, 31 Dec 1987].COMMON RAVENCorvus corax BreederCoastal PlainFormerly a rare winter visitor, but only eight records since 1948: 1, York,22 Jun 1949; 2, near Dumfries (Prince William), 14 Mar 1983; 1, Caroline,204

8 May 1987; 1, Camp Peary (York), 22 Sep 1996; 1(2), Kiptopeke, 26 Oct2002; 2, Occoquan Bay NWR (Prince William), 31 Jan 2004; 1, Caroline(at Piedmont border), 16 Feb 2004; 2, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005. Asthis species continues to become more regular in the Piedmont portionsof Fairfax and Prince William, records within the Coastal Plain portionsof these counties are expected to increase. On the Eastern Shore,Ridgway found the species on Cobb, Bone, and Mockhorn Islands in Jul1882 {2}, but there are no breeding-season records from the EasternShore since that time. Two historical records from Virginia Beach: 13Nov 1931 and 2 Jun 1942.PiedmontUncommon and local permanent resident, mostly near the Blue Ridge.Somewhat more widespread in winter, with scattered records farther east,nearly to the fall line in a few areas. Breeding : nests found in Albemarle,Appomattox, Buckingham, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Goochland, Henrico,Nelson, and Rappahannock. Easternmost nest records are from extremenortheastern Goochland, 16 Mar 1985, and Henrico, where nesting hasoccurred regularly in recent years at a quarry. This species may breedmore widely in the region, especially at quarries, than is known. Eggs,26 Feb–18 Mar; nest with young, 16 Mar. Peak counts : spring—17,Charlottesville, 15 Apr 1980; summer—10, Lynchburg BBC, 1 Jun 1985;winter—23, The Plains CBC, 18 Dec 2005; 15, Charlottesville CBC, 29Dec 1996; 15, Central Loudoun CBC, 26 Dec 2004; 13, Lynchburg CBC,9 Dec 1998.Mountains and ValleysLocally common permanent resident. BBS data indicate an increase innumbers of breeders, 1966-2005, though statewide CBC data show fairlystable winter numbers since the 1970s. Breeding : a systematic survey ofcliff faces throughout the region in 2005 detected nests at about 20 sites{21}. Eggs, 27 Feb–2 Apr; nests with young through 6 May; adultsfeeding recently fledged young through 23 Jun. Peak counts : spring—45,Rockbridge, 5 Apr 1973; summer—26, Highland, 25 Jun 1974; fall—80,Shenandoah NP, 18 Oct 1947; winter—110, Shenandoah NP CBC, 17Dec 1978 [multiple winter counts of 100+ from Highland, 1993–2001].HORNED LARKEremophila alpestris BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout all but extreme south-centralVirginia (with declines noted in much of the species’ breeding range),

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1966-2005.Coastal PlainUncommon to common transient and winter resident, uncommon tolocally common summer resident. Breeding : eggs, 9 Mar–16 May; nestwith small young, 17 Jun; fledged young, 31 Mar–25 Jun. Peak count : 381,Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1995.PiedmontUncommon to common transient and winter resident, locallyuncommon (in northern Piedmont) to fairly rare summer resident.Breeding : eggs, 17 Mar–11 Jun. Peak counts : fall—725, Loudoun, 23 Nov1980; winter—592, Nokesville CBC, 28 Dec 1996.Mountains and ValleysLocally common transient and winter resident; uncommon and localsummer resident. Breeding : eggs, 24 Feb–14 Jun; nests with young through4 Jul; recently fledged young, 5 May–18 Aug. Peak counts : summer—45,Swoope, 29 Jul 2001; winter—1090, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC,19 Dec 1981; 1000+, Stuarts Draft, 2 Feb 1994. PURPLE MARTIN Progne subis BreederOverviewDistribution and abundance in summer largely reflects the availability ofPurple Martin houses, as this species apparently nests only in nest boxesand other artificial structures in Virginia. The species is not uniformlydistributed in the state, however, and many such structures are notutilized even where available. BBS data indicate increases in breedersthroughout most of Virginia, 1966-2005. In contrast, numbers havedeclined in postbreeding staging areas in Hampton Roads, where tensof thousands occurred regularly in mid/late August in the 1980s; thesedeclines may be due to population decreases in the northeastern U.S.(north of Virginia) since the 1960s, as documented by BBS data.Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (15 Mar–15 Sep; extreme dates10 Mar–20 Oct), locally abundant (at least formerly) inAlexandria/Fairfax area in mid- to late July and in Hampton Roads inmid- to late August. Breeding : eggs, 30 Apr–5 Jun. Peak counts : spring—643, Williamsburg SBC, 4 May 1986; fall—80,000, Hampton, 22 Aug1984; 10,000, Mt. Vernon, 12 Aug 1981 [4579, Kiptopeke, 3 Sep 1992;1800, Sunset Beach (Northampton), 1 Sep 2003]. 206

PiedmontLocally common to uncommon transient and summer resident (15 Mar–10 Sep; extreme dates 3 Mar–18 Sep). Breeding : eggs, 13 May–20 Jun;adults feeding young through 23 Aug. Peak counts : spring—250, Lucketts(Loudoun), 29 Apr 1993; summer—352 pairs, Lynchburg, Jun 1977; fall—2800, western Fairfax, 26 Jul 1953 [no comparable recent counts].Mountains and ValleysLocally common to uncommon transient and summer resident (15 Mar–10 Sep; extreme dates 27 Feb–28 Sep), rare or absent at higher elevations.Breeding : nest-building, 1 Apr; eggs, 12-21 May; recently fledged young,2 Aug; Peak counts : 200, Wise, summer 1975; 90 (20 pairs feeding 50young), Fincastle (Botetourt ), 10 Jun 1978.TREE SWALLOWTachycineta bicolor BreederOverviewBreeding numbers have increased considerably throughout the state (aspart of a larger southward range expansion in the central and easternU.S.) since the mid-1980s, likely due at least in part to extensive nest boxprograms. For example, first breeding records for Fairfax, Waynesboro,and Albemarle were established as recently as 1987, 1987, and 1988,respectively, and the species is now at least locally common as a breederin these areas. The number of nesting pairs along a nesting trail inAlbemarle increased from one in 1990 to 61 in 1997 as more nest boxeswere added. Similar increases have been noted throughout much of thestate in recent years.Coastal PlainAbundant transient (20 Mar–15 May, 10 Jul–20 Nov); locally commonsummer resident on the Eastern Shore, uncommon to rare but increasingelsewhere in summer. Mid-summer staging areas in tidal freshwatermarshes along larger rivers support thousands of postbreeding birds inJuly. Irregular winter visitor/resident along coast, occasionally locallycommon in December but with numbers normally dwindling in January;recorded annually on CBCs between 1984 and 2004, with a regional highof 4416 in 1997. Breeding : eggs, 25 Apr–12 Jul; nest with young, 10 Jun.Peak counts : spring—500, near Warsaw (Richmond ), 7 Apr 1969; 427,Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr 1984; fall—750,000, Cape Charles, 25 Sep1971 [50,000, Kiptopeke, 24 Sep 2001; 50,000, southern Northampton, 7Nov 2002]; winter—2482, Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1970.

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PiedmontCommon transient; uncommon summer resident in the north, rarer andmore local (but increasing in recent years) in summer farther south (20Mar–30 Oct; extreme early date 13 Feb). Breeding : first breeding recordin recent years was of eggs hatching, Madison, 12 May 1976. Since then,numbers have increased considerably, and the species now breedsthroughout much of the central and northern Piedmont, with scatteredbreeding records as far south as Martinsville. Eggs, 13 Apr–14 Jul; nestswith young through 5 Aug. Peak counts : spring—4000, Amherst, 16 Apr1986; summer—110, Algonkian RP (Loudoun), 26 Jul 1981; fall—100,000+, Culpeper, 9 Sep 2002.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient; uncommon to fairly rare and local summer resident(25 Mar–15 Oct; extreme dates 25 Jan–25 Nov). Much more numerousas a breeder than in the Coastal Plain or Piedmont, though still fairly rarein the extreme southwest. Breeding : eggs, 8 Apr–8 Jul. Peak counts :spring—500-600, Waynesboro, 28 May 1976; fall—2500+, RiverviewPark (Radford), 13 Sep 2000; 2000, Riverview Park (Radford), 23 Sep1997; 1000, New Hope (Augusta), 28 Sep 1993.NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWStelgidopteryx serripennis BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and uncommon to locally rare summer resident (25Mar–10 Oct; extreme dates 10 Mar–25 Nov); in summer, morenumerous inland. Very scarce in outer coastal counties and cities, withnesting along the coast documented only at Mappsburg (Accomack), innortheastern Accomack, and at Cape Charles since 1981. Through the late1970s, the species was considered very rare after mid-September, butthere has been a recent increase in November reports from coastal areasthroughout the mid-Atlantic region. Two winter records, both from Ft.Belvoir CBC: 1, 4 Jan 1986; 2, 29 Dec 2002. Breeding : a systematic surveyof all of Virginia’s tidal tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay in 1995 located1081 breeding pairs, including 107 pairs on the Potomac R., 146 on theRappahannock R., 61 on the York R., and 140 on the James R. {31}.Eggs, 28 Apr–4 Jun; recently fledged young, 19 Jun. Peak counts : 1000,Fairfax, 8 May 1958; 86, Williamsburg SBC, 4 May 1986.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (25 Mar–5 Oct; extreme dates8 Mar–11 Nov) in most of region, uncommon and local in summer in208

the southeast. Breeding : eggs, 29 Apr–25 Jun; nests with young, 10-15 Jun.Peak counts : summer—150, Algonkian RP (Loudoun), 27 Jul 1991; fall—350, Loudoun, 8 Oct 1981.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (30 Mar–5 Oct; extreme dates12 Mar–27 Nov). A large fall staging roost in Elkton (Rockingham)consistently supports >1000 birds in early September. Breeding : eggs, 4Apr–19 Jun; nest with young, 17 Jun; recently fledged young through 3Jul. Peak counts : spring—167, Peaks of Otter BSD, 10 May 1997;summer—220, Shenandoah R. (Rockingham), 29 Jun 1999; fall—1480,Elkton (Rockingham), 14 Sep 1996; 500, Wythe, 16 Aug 1975.BANK SWALLOWRiparia riparia BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient (15 Apr–20 May, 10 Aug–25 Sep; extreme dates 19Mar–24 Nov); uncommon and very local summer resident. Breeding :nesting colonies are known from the James R. west of Hopewell, nearFredericksburg, and in Fairfax, King George, Lancaster, Middlesex, andWestmoreland. A systematic survey of all of Virginia’s tidal tributaries ofthe Chesapeake Bay in 1995 located only 49 breeding pairs in a singlecolony on the James R. (Chesterfield ). However, several other breedinglocations were noted within sand pits (i.e., not along natural shorelines){31}. Eggs, 6-26 May; nests with young, 30 May–28 Jul. Peak counts :summer—3000, Hopewell, 17 Jul 1983; fall—6000, Hopewell, 6 Aug1989; 3500, Henrico, 17 Aug 1958; 3000, Chincoteague, 10 Aug 1978.PiedmontUncommon to locally common transient (15 Apr–20 May, 10 Aug–25Sep; extreme early date 5 Apr); rare and very local summer resident.Breeding : recent breeding recorded only in Prince William (1985 andpossibly later). Formerly nested in Pittsylvania. Eggs, 9-23 May. Peak count :1000+, northern Loudoun, 23 Aug 1977.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (15 Apr–20 May, 10 Aug–25 Sep; extreme dates 9Apr–13 Nov); uncommon and very local summer resident. Breeding :recent breeding recorded along rivers in Augusta, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig,Giles, Grayson, Rockbridge, and Rockingham. In 1985, more than 40 pairsunsuccessfully attempted nesting in a pile of dirt at a construction sitein Augusta. Eggs, 12 Jun; nests with young, 17-28 Jun. Peak counts :

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spring—95, Peaks of Otter BSD, 13 May 1995; summer—100, Giles, 10Jun 1983; fall—110, Stuarts Draft, 8 Sep 1985.CLIFF SWALLOWPetrochelidon pyrrhonota BreederOverviewAll Virginia nest records of this species are on artificial structures, usuallybridges but also on buildings (often barns near water). Populations havebeen slowly but steadily increasing in recent decades.Coastal PlainUncommon to rare transient (25 Apr–20 May, 10 Jul–20 Sep; extremedates 17 Mar–24 Nov); very local summer resident. Breeding : historicallynested in Tidewater area. First recent nesting was on Rt. 156 (BenjaminHarrison) bridge over James R. near Hopewell, Apr–May 1979, with 12occupied nests on 23 Jun 1979 and nesting continuing to the present. Aregional survey in 1995 found 292 nests on the Rt. 156 bridge, 73 nestson the Interstate 295 bridge over the James R., 48 nests on the Rt. 10bridge over the Appomattox R. (Prince George/Chesterfield ), two nests onthe Rt. 17 bridge over Mt. Landing Creek (Essex), and four nests at LittleCreek Res. (James City) {36}. Subsequently, five nests were found on theRt. 629 bridge over the Mattaponi R. (King and Queen/King William) in2002, birds were seen flying under the Rt. 360 bridge over theRappahannock R. (Essex), on 12 Jun 2004, and nesting was recorded onthe Colonial Parkway bridge over Felgates Cr. (York) in 2005. A 2005count at the Rt. 156 bridge found 899 nests, a sharp increase over pastcounts there, making this the largest colony in the state {37}. Eggs, 29Apr–28 Jun. Peak counts : summer—899 nests, Rt. 156 bridge over JamesR. near Hopewell, 27 Jun 2005; fall—171, Kiptopeke, 7 Sep 1987.Relatively rare on the outer coast in spring; 10, Chincoteague, 21 May1992 is the highest coastal count at this season.PiedmontLocally common transient and uncommon summer resident (25 Apr–10 Sep; extreme early date 27 Mar) in Kerr Res. area and northernPiedmont, uncommon to rare transient elsewhere. Breeding : severalcolonies in Mecklenburg near Kerr Res. and Orange/Spotsylvania near L.Anna; others recently in Albemarle, Bedford, Buckingham, Chesterfield,Fauquier, Rappahanock, Loudoun, and Nelson. Eggs, 13 May–26 Jul. Peakcount : 200+ active nests, Kerr Res., 12 Jun 1977.

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Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient; uncommon and local summer resident fromRockbridge/Bath northward, rare summer visitor/resident farther south(25 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates 5 Apr–22 Sep). Breeding : eggs, 2 May–26Jul; nest with young, 27 Jul. Peak counts : summer—55 active nests,Augusta, Jun 1984; fall—250, Stuarts Draft, 8 Sep 1985.CAVE SWALLOWPetrochelidon fulva NonbreederOverviewThis species, which is rapidly expanding its range as a breeder in Texasand adjacent states, began to appear on the East Coast in small numbersin late fall in 1990. By the end of the decade, dozens per site wereoccasionally observed in coastal locations to the north of Virginia, andin fall 2005, counts of hundreds—exceptionally exceeding 750 CaveSwallows per site—came even from inland locations as far north asupstate New York. Although reasons for this rapid change in status in theMidwest and East are still unclear, observers should be alert for thespecies at all seasons, including the nesting season, and identify allPetrochelidon critically. Because Cave Swallows are often highly mobilewhen foraging and cover large distances, tallies should be reportedconservatively (e.g., noting birds observed simultaneously). Subspeciespelodoma (formerly pallida) is apparently responsible for most late autumnrecords in the East since 1990 (and verified by numerous specimens);Virginia’s single specimen, from Wise Point (Northampton), is alsoreferable to this subspecies. The nominate subspecies is also known froma specimen in the East, in Nova Scotia. However, intermediate-appearingbirds have been observed in Florida, and caution should be exercisedwhen attempting to separate these subspecies in the field.Coastal PlainRare fall and early winter visitor (extreme dates 19 Sep–2 Jan) alongcoast, primarily on southern Eastern Shore in November, since 1998 or1999. First record: 1-3(2), ESVNWR, 4-18 Nov 1999 (a report 1 Nov1998 from Fisherman Is. was not accepted but was likely valid). Sincethen, this species has been recorded on the lower Eastern Shore in falleach year except 2003, with 1(2), Cheapside (north of Kiptopeke), 20 Nov2000, at least 1 at Kiptopeke on 15 Oct 2001, and six reports totalingnearly 20 individuals, 3-24 Nov 2002 (with a high of 7 on 24 Nov). Aftera lull with no records in 2003, more than 100 occurred here in 2004: 3-6 were early at Kiptopeke (possibly related to Hurricane Ivan) on 19 Sep,

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and 11(2) were in the Kiptopeke area on 5 Nov, with a number ofsightings throughout the month building to 30-40 on 28 Nov beforedwindling to 25 on 3 Dec and 10-12 on 12 Dec. In 2005, 1-7 were seen25 Oct–2 Nov in southernmost Northampton; a roost of several birds wasfound at Wise Point, in the supports of the bridge over Fisherman Inlet,and one dead individual (pelodoma) was retrieved here (USNM 602053).Six fall/early winter records away from Northampton: 3(2), GrandviewBeach (Hampton), 18 Dec 1999; 1, First Landing SP (Virginia Beach),29 Nov 2002; 1, Huntley Meadows CP, 27 Nov 2004 (the only inlandreport in the region); 1(1) ph., Chincoteague, 4-5 Dec 2004; 2+, CraneyIs., 11 Dec 2004; 2 ph., Craney Is., 2 Jan 2006. Two spring records fromCape Charles: 2(2), 1 May 2000; 1, 5 Jun 2001. PiedmontOne report: 1, northern Loudoun, 3 Dec 2004.Mountains and ValleysOne report: 1, Stuarts Draft, 25 Oct 2005.BARN SWALLOWHirundo rustica BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout most of Virginia (and in muchof the northern part of this species’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Coastal PlainAbundant transient and common summer resident (30 Mar–10 Oct;extreme dates 1 Mar–9 Jan); rare early winter visitor, with seven or morerecords in December and early January. Breeding : eggs, 25 Apr–9 Jul. Peakcounts : spring—5000, Fairfax, 5 May 1958; 2027, Williamsburg SBC, 6May 1978; fall—10,000, Chincoteague, 10 Aug 1978; 9636, Kiptopeke,30 Aug 2003; 4000, Cobb Is., 14 Aug 1990.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (30 Mar–25 Sep; extreme earlydate 17 Mar). Two winter records: 1, Clifton (Fairfax ), 13 Feb 1971; 1,Scottsville (Albemarle), 2-3 Jan 1983. Breeding : eggs, 25 Apr–28 Jul;recently fledged young 16 Jun. Peak counts : spring—200, Lynchburg area,16 Apr 1986; summer—200, Lynchburg BBC, 5 Jun 1999; fall—20,000+,Culpeper, 9 Sep 2002.

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Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (30 Mar–25 Sep; extreme dates14 Mar–23 Oct). Breeding : eggs, 24 Apr–25 Jul; adults feeding fledgedyoung through 3 Aug. Peak counts : spring—436, Augusta County BSD, 14May 1983; summer—2000, Laurel Bed L. (Russell ), 28 Jul 1976; fall—500+, New Hope (Augusta), 30 Aug 1979.CAROLINA CHICKADEEPoecile carolinensis BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident, more numerous westward. Breeding : eggs,23 Feb–12 Jul. Peak counts : spring—133, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982;summer—41, Accomack, 6 Jun 1980; winter—1728, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 31Dec 2001; 483, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1984 (high coastal count).PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr–5 Jun. Peak counts :summer—207, Lynchburg, 6 Jun 1992; winter—789, The Plains CBC, 16Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident to the east and in lowlands, except whereBlack-capped Chickadee is resident (see discussion under that species).Breeding : nest-building, 19 Mar; eggs, 7 Apr–22 Jun; recently fledgedyoung through 10 Aug. Peak counts : spring—127, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3May 1975; summer—72, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981; winter—923,Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 20 Dec 1997.BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEEPoecile atricapillus BreederOverviewRecent genetic and morphometric analyses indicate that the contact zonebetween breeding Black-capped and Carolina Chickadees in Virginiaoccurs where the western edge of the Shenandoah Valley meets the firststeep ridge of the Appalachians {38}. At a width of 5 mi or more, thecontact zone, which contains predominantly hybrids, is fairly sharp inbiogeographic terms. West of this zone, introgression of CarolinaChickadee genes occurs well into the Black-capped Chickadee’s range,with perhaps all Virginia populations of Black-capped Chickadeesincluding some individuals with Carolina Chickadee genetic influence.Likewise, introgression of Black-capped genes extends eastward intoCarolina Chickadee populations, though possibly not as far. Because

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vocalizations by chickadees are learned, they are not as useful as oncethought in distinguishing pure individuals of these species, and someindividuals (including both hybrids and non-hybrids) sing both Carolinaand Black-capped songs. Difficulty in conclusively identifying individualBlack-capped Chickadees out of range, especially in light ofhybridization, makes determining the abundance and frequency ofoccurrence of this species away from known breeding areas exceedinglydifficult. Coastal PlainFormerly rare and irregular winter visitor (30 Oct–10 Apr) in easternFairfax, Alexandria, and Arlington (with a number of specimens from the1890s), though no records from this area since the 1980s. Only four otherrecords: 2, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1954; 1 banded, Kiptopeke, 13Oct 1978; 1 banded, Kiptopeke, 3 Oct 1983; 3 banded, Chincoteague, 8Nov 2000. Most of these records occurred during “flight years” of thespecies in the northeastern part of its range. Such events appear to havebecome much less frequent and less extensive since the 1983 flight.PiedmontFairly rare and irregular winter visitor (extreme dates 7 Nov–25 Mar) inthe extreme north and close to the Blue Ridge; even rarer south toAmherst and Louisa. The winters of 1954-1955 and 1975-1976, and fall of1983, saw significant invasions in northern Virginia, with numerousindividuals banded and many others observed, but there have been nocomparable incursions since 1983. Peak counts : 9, Charlottesville CBC, 1Jan 1984; 4, Lynchburg CBC, 17 Dec 1983; 4, Amherst, 17 Jan 1976; 4,Green Springs (Louisa), 8 Nov 1975.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident west of Shenandoah Valley from Fredericksouth to Giles. Status uncertain southwest of Giles to Tazewell and theMt. Rogers area. There are numerous breeding-season reports from theBlue Ridge, including Shenandoah NP, Peaks of Otter, and areas to thesouth. However, breeding Black-capped Chickadees are likely rare andlocal in the Blue Ridge, and further study is needed to determine thedistribution of this species (and extent of hybridization with CarolinaChickadee) in the Blue Ridge and in the Mt. Rogers area. Fairly rare toirregularly uncommon winter visitor (20 Oct–10 Apr) away frombreeding areas. Breeding : eggs, 5 May–14 Jun; nest with young, 20 Jun;recently fledged young, 2 Jun–17 Jul. Peak counts : summer—20, Highland,16 Jun 1975; winter—341, Highland County CBC, 18 Dec 1997; 311,Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 17 Dec 1977 (though identification214

of these birds as Black-capped [vs. Carolina or hybrids] is necessarilyuncertain).BOREAL CHICKADEE (Category 2)Poecile hudsonica NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1, ph. ( location of photographs unknown), Alexandria, 29Jan–29 Mar 1955.PiedmontTwo records: 1, banded, Warrenton, 2 Nov 1969; 1, Falls Church, 19-21Mar 1978. If these birds were photographed, the locations of thephotographs are unknown.TUFTED TITMOUSEBaeolophus bicolor BreederOverviewBBS data indicate increases throughout Virginia (and in much of thespecies’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident, more numerous westward. Breeding : eggs,6 Apr–27 May. Peak counts : spring—178, Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr 1984;summer—36, Tappahannock area, 5 Jun 1993; winter—1198, Ft. BelvoirCBC, 30 Dec 2001 (in southeast/near coast—286, Hopewell CBC, 30Dec 2001).PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 9 Apr–26 Jun. Peak counts :summer—219, Lynchburg BBC, 5 Jun 1999; winter—567, The PlainsCBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident except at highest elevations. Breeding : eggs,14 Apr–11 Jul. Peak counts : spring—131, Peaks of Otter BSD, 13 May2006; summer—44, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981; winter—500, CalmesNeck CBC, 30 Dec 2001.RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH Sitta canadensis BreederCoastal PlainUncommon and highly irregular transient and winter resident (5 Sep–30 Apr; extreme dates 30 Jul–31 May), much more numerous in some

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years than others. Exceptionally late date: 1, Virginia Beach, 16 Jun 2005.Peak counts : 194, Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1975; 50, Cape Charles area,23 Sep 1972 [53, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 23 Dec 1989].PiedmontUncommon to locally common and highly irregular transient and winterresident (15 Sep–5 May; extreme dates 2 Aug–24 May), much morenumerous in some years than others. Rare summer visitor, with at leastseven summer records, but no evidence of breeding. Peak counts :summer—4, Lynchburg BBC, 6 Jun 1981; winter—376, Lynchburg CBC,17 Dec 1977 [62, Charlottesville CBC, 31 Dec 1995; 56, The Plains CBC,18 Dec 2005].Mountains and ValleysLocally common transient and winter visitor (15 Sep–10 May). Locallycommon summer resident in Mt. Rogers area; locally uncommon to raresummer resident at a few other scattered locations, mostly at highelevations. Breeding : eggs, 16-21 May; nests with young, 19-22 Jun;recently fledged young 17 Jul. Peak counts : spring—45, Augusta CountyBSD, 6 May 1978; summer—15, Mt. Rogers (and 15 more on White TopMt.) during VSO foray, Jun 1974; winter—152, Roanoke CBC, 20 Dec1986.WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHSitta carolinensis BreederOverviewBBS data indicate increases throughout Virginia (and in much of thespecies’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Coastal PlainCommon to uncommon permanent resident except along coast, morenumerous northwestward. Uncommon to locally rare along immediatecoast; rare and very local in summer in Accomack and in Middle/NorthernNeck areas, apparently absent from Northampton as a breeder. An unusualcoastal “flight” of this species occurred in fall 1995, detected strongly atCape May, New Jersey, and the Cape Charles/Kiptopeke area, where thespecies is not usually seen. Breeding : pair carrying nesting material, 11Apr; pair feeding fledged young, 10 May. Peak counts : spring—23,Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1993; winter—422, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan2005 (in southeast/near coast—194, Williamsburg CBC, 16 Dec 2001).PiedmontUncommon to common permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 27 Mar–20

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May. Peak counts : summer—47, Lynchburg BBC, 6 Jun 1992; winter—218, The Plains CBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 8 Apr–24 May; nests withyoung, 6 Apr–18 May; adults feeding fledged young, 30 Jun. Peak counts :spring—34, Peaks of Otter BSD, 1 May 1971; summer—20,Cumberland Gap (Lee), 19 Jun 1992; fall—21, Skyline Drive (Augusta), 3Nov 1974; winter—277, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 15 Dec2001.BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCHSitta pusilla BreederCoastal PlainLocally common to uncommon permanent resident near coast andChesapeake Bay, and west to fall line south of Appomattox R.; rare inwestern part of region north of Appomattox R. Counts of this speciesare declining in recent years in many areas, especially where older-growthpine forests have been cut. Breeding : eggs, 14 Mar–19 May; young in nestthrough 24 Jul; fledged young, 23 May–10 Aug. Peak counts : spring—45,Williamsburg SBC, 5 May 1985; winter—215, Chincoteague CBC, 27Dec 1975 [127, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1994].PiedmontLocally uncommon permanent resident in southernmost counties, fromGreensville west to Patrick; rare and very local farther north to the centralPiedmont (i.e., southern Bedford, Lynchburg, and Richmond areas),though breeding has been confirmed as far north as the Richmond area.Extralimital records farther north: 1, Green Springs (Louisa), 23 Nov1975; 1(1) ph. and v.r., Albemarle, 1 Apr 2004; 1, Occoquan RP (Fairfax ),31 Dec 2005–16 Jan 2006. Possibly declining in recent years. Breeding :eggs, 10 May–9 Jun; nest with young, 14 Apr. Peak counts : 64, Kerr Res.CBC, 3 Jan 1976 [31, Kerr Res. CBC, 19 Dec 1993].Mountains and ValleysRare and very local permanent resident near Dublin (Pulaski ); rare visitorelsewhere, with about 10 records (spanning all seasons) from Botetourt,Montgomery, Roanoke (city and county), Rockbridge, Salem, Rockingham, andWaynesboro. One in Waynesboro was found 1 Nov 1978 and each winterthereafter (extreme dates 10 Jul–15 May) until last recorded 12 Nov 1981.

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BROWN CREEPERCerthia americana BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and winter resident (25 Sep–15 Apr, extreme datesaway from nesting areas 10 Sep–19 May); rare summer resident in easternFairfax, rare summer visitor elsewhere (e.g., a few summer records fromNewport News and Williamsburg). Breeding : recorded breeding atHuntley Meadows CP from 1984 through the early 1990s, whereobserved feeding young 10 May 1985, carrying nesting material 6 Jun1987, and carrying food for young 6 Jul 1987 and 5-12 Jun 1989; nobreeding-season records here since the 1990s. Nests near northernAccomack in Wicomico, Maryland (about 25 pairs) and should be sought inswamp forests in Accomack and Suffolk in early spring, when singingmales are conspicuous. Peak counts : fall—30, Kiptopeke, 8 Oct 1971;winter—93, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 23 Dec 1989; 79, Chincoteague CBC, 27Dec 1975.PiedmontUncommon to common transient and winter resident (25 Sep–25 Apr).Occasional summer records suggest at least former/casual breeding inthe north, but breeding has not been confirmed. Summer records: 1-2,Turkey Run area (western Fairfax ), summer 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1984,with 6 singing males here on 1 Jun 1985; VAP record in central Fauquier;1, Jeffersonton (Culpeper), 1 Jul 2004. Peak counts : spring—10, Lynchburgarea, 8 Apr 1984; winter—58, The Plains CBC, 18 Dec 2005; 46, KerrRes. CBC, 3 Jan 1976.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to common transient and winter resident (25 Sep–25 Apr);rare summer resident in the extreme north and at higher elevations as farsouth as Mt. Rogers area (though occasionally as low as 2200 ft in Bath,and with a nest found in Montgomery at 2100 ft, 15-19 Jun 1977). Breeding :eggs, 23-24 May; nests with young, 3 Jun (Mountain L.) and 27 Jul (Mt.Rogers); adults feeding fledged young, 9 Jul (Rockingham). Peak counts :summer—8, Highland, 14 Jun 1985; winter—71, Shenandoah NP CBC,21 Dec 1980; 62, Calmes Neck CBC, 2 Jan 1994.

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ROCK WRENSalpinctes obsoletus NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1(1) ph., CBBT, 29-30 Oct 1988; 1(1) ph., Craney Is., 4 Nov1990–17 Mar 1991.PiedmontOne record: 1(2), Orange, 24-28 Sep 1999.CAROLINA WRENThryothorus ludovicianus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate increases throughout most of Virginia (and much ofthe northern part of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Thisspecies, which has been expanding its range northward through the 20thcentury and into the present, is noticeably affected by harsh winters, evenat the latitude of Virginia. The hard winters of 1976-1977 and 1993-1994, as well as winter storms of 1995-1996, apparently caused heavymortality, as Carolina Wrens were noted to be comparatively scarce inVirginia in the springs of 1977 and 1996, as well as on CBCs thefollowing seasons. There is clearly some seasonal movement, if not truemigration, in this species, as it has been recorded on the CBBT islandson several occasions in early fall (e.g., 3 singing, 19 Aug 1979; 1 wornadult, 20 Sep 2002).Coastal PlainCommon to locally abundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 2 Mar–26 Aug; nests with young through 10 Sep; young fledging from neststhrough 17 Sep. Peak counts : spring—127, Williamsburg SBC, 3 May1992; summer—46, White Stone BBS (Lancaster), 1 Jul 1973; winter—834, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005 (in southeast/near coast—506, CapeCharles CBC, 27 Dec 1987).PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 21 Mar–31 Aug. Peak counts :summer—242, Lynchburg BBC, 6 Jun 1992; winter—332, Manassas–Bull Run CBC, 22 Dec 2002.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 11 Mar–3 Aug; fledgedyoung as early as 30 Apr; nests with young through 21 Sep. Peak counts :spring—118, Peaks of Otter BSD, 13 May 2006; summer—53, FincastleBBC, 13 Jun 1981; winter—290, Blacksburg CBC, 18 Dec 2004.

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BEWICK’S WRENThryomanes bewickii Former BreederOverviewA long, steady decline in numbers of this species resulted in itsdisappearance as a breeder first from the Coastal Plain and then thePiedmont; there have been no records from the Mountains and Valleyssince 1993 and only one subsequent record anywhere in the state. Thisdecline mirrors the near disappearance of the species from the easternU.S. Any record of this species in the state would now be a highlysignificant occurrence and should be carefully documented.Coastal PlainFormerly an uncommon to rare fall transient and winter visitor (extremedates 25 Sep–1 Jan) in most of the region, less numerous in summer.Nested in Norfolk area in late 1800s, and historically reported nesting inArlington. The last spring record was of one at Alexandria, 3 Apr 1954.By 1952, Murray listed the species as a “straggler about Cape Henry, withonly four Nov and Dec records in recent years” {2}. The most recentregional records are of birds banded at Kiptopeke: 6 and 26 Oct 1968,9 Oct 1972, 23 and 24 Oct 1976, and 28 Sep 1981. Away fromKiptopeke, 1 on the Cape Charles CBC, 29 Dec 1973, was the last birdrecorded on the coast. Breeding : eggs, 12-28 May ( late 1800s), along JamesR. PiedmontFormerly an uncommon permanent resident ( less numerous in winter),mostly in the north and near the Blue Ridge. In the north, likely breederswere recorded as far east as western Fairfax until 28-30 Jun 1957 and theBull Run Mountains (Fauquier/Prince William) until 21 Jul 1974. Farthersouth, recorded regularly in small numbers in the Lynchburg area until1980. The last regional records were at Danville on 2 Apr 1976, inAmherst, 19 Mar 1977, and in Bedford (2 birds), on 6 Apr 1980, until one(2)was recorded at Riverbend Park (Fairfax ), 30 Sep–14 Oct 1995. Breeding :historic nesting records from Albemarle, Cumberland, Lynchburg, andPrince William. Eggs, 12 Apr–14 Jun. Mountains and ValleysFormerly uncommon to rare but widespread permanent resident ( lessnumerous in winter). Last recorded in the Roanoke Valley area in 1975,Augusta in 1979, and Rockingham in 1984. Reported in only three counties(Dickenson, Highland, and Tazewell ) during VAP, 1985-1989. Most recentrecords: 1, Nickelsville CBC, 18 Dec 1987; occupied nest, Dickenson, 1 Jul

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1989 (the last breeding record for the state); 1, Alleghany Mt. (Highland)on West Virginia border, summer 1993. Breeding : eggs, 4 Apr–30 Jun.Peak counts : 10, Guest Mt. (Giles), 5 Jun 1975; 5, Highland, 18 Jun 1975.HOUSE WRENTroglodytes aedon BreederCoastal PlainLocally common transient and uncommon to fairly rare summer resident(10 Apr–25 Nov); apparently declining in many areas in recent decades,though high breeding densities still occur in some areas (e.g., in forestedareas along the upper edges of tidal salt marshes). Uncommon winterresident, mostly near coast, though likely only a fraction of thosereported on CBCs winter. Breeding : eggs, 25 Apr–3 Aug; nests with youngthrough 21 Aug. Peak counts : spring—22, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1978;summer—30, Parramore Is. (Accomack), 5 Jun 1981; fall—38 banded,Kiptopeke, 18 Oct 1970; winter—64, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1972; 57,Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1998.PiedmontLocally common transient and summer resident (10 Apr–30 Oct); duringsummer, most common in the north and near the Blue Ridge, becomingless numerous toward the southeast. Rare winter visitor; regional totalsof up to 11 recorded on CBCs 16 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004,though likely only a fraction of those reported on CBCs winter. Breeding :eggs, 2 Apr–18 Aug. Peak counts : summer—62, Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun1995; 35, Loudoun, 15 Jun 1978; winter—11, Kerr Res. CBC, 18 Dec1994.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–30 Oct); rare and localin summer in portions of the extreme southwest. Rare winter visitor;regional totals of up to 8 recorded on CBCs 18 of 21 years between1984 and 2004, though likely only a fraction of those reported on CBCswinter. Breeding : eggs, 12 Apr–25 Aug; nests with young through 11 Sep.Peak counts : spring—82, Augusta County BSD, 2 May 1992; summer—26, Highland, 11 Jun 1985; winter—3, Peaks of Otter CBC, 23 Dec 1986.WINTER WRENTroglodytes troglodytes BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep–20 Apr; extreme dates19 Sep–25 May). Peak counts : fall—25 banded, Kiptopeke, 21 Oct 1975

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(80 banded there 4-6 Oct that year); winter—72, Dismal Swamp CBC, 1Jan 2001; 72, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 2003; 50, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 31Dec 2000.PiedmontUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep–25 Apr; extreme earlydate 14 Sep). One summer record: 1 singing male, Little Cobbler Mt.(Fauquier), 20 Jun 1985. Peak count : 38, Lynchburg CBC, 15 Dec 1973.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep–25 Apr). Uncommonto locally common summer resident in spruce-dominated forest in Mt.Rogers area; uncommon to rare in summer in Shenandoah NP andscattered locations elsewhere, mostly at high elevations, though presentin summer at lower elevations in the extreme southwest (as low as 1500ft in Dickenson). BBS data indicate declines throughout the southern andcentral Appalachians, 1966-2005. Breeding : nest with six eggs, MountainL. (Giles), 25 May 1915; nest with five eggs, Big Stone Gap (Wise), 22May 1933; adults feeding fledged young, Mt. Rogers, 21 Jun 1974; adultsfeeding fledged young, Shenandoah Mt. (Rockingham), Jun 1984; adultcarrying food for young, Beartown Mt. (Tazewell ), 18 Jun 1986; adultswith recently fledged young, Highland, 10 Jun 2003. Peak counts :summer—29 singing males, Mt. Rogers, 13 Jun 1980; winter—50,Blacksburg CBC, 15 Dec 2001.SEDGE WRENCistothorus platensis Casual BreederCoastal PlainUncommon to locally common transient and winter resident near coast,rare west of Chesapeake Bay; annual on CBCs, with regional totals of 9-83 between 1984 and 2004 (generally more numerous than Marsh Wrenin winter). Formerly rare and local summer resident but summering hasnot been recorded since the 1980s. Breeding : small numbers wereapparently regular in summer in Virginia Beach (Back Bay/False Capeareas) and at Saxis Marsh through the mid-1970s, but only one confirmedbreeding record—fledged young, Sandbridge, Jul 1951. Also reportedbreeding near Pungo (Virginia Beach) in May 1932. Probable breedingevidence at Saxis Marsh observed in 1984, but individuals singing asthough on territory in May and early June in recent years (e.g., 17,marshes in Saxis area, night of 12-13 May 1991, with 6 there 3 Jun 1991;22, Poquoson, 22 May 1992) could not be located later in the season andapparently did not summer. Single singing birds in midsummer were at222

Chincoteague, 15 Jul 1976, and New Point Comfort (Mathews), 4 Jul 1987;later in the season, a singing male was at Rappahannock R. Valley NWR,around 10 Aug 2004 and Aug 2005. Peak counts : spring—22, Poquoson,22 May 1992; summer—10, Saxis Marsh, 11 Aug 1974; winter—88, BackBay CBC, 29 Dec 1974 [61, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1991].PiedmontRare transient (30 Apr–20 May, 30 Aug–10 Oct); even rarer winter visitor.Scattered summer records indicate rare and sporadic breeding. Breeding :small colony (at least three nests), Albemarle, 1950-1952; pair on territoryand carrying nesting material, Nokesville, 8-16 Aug 1981. A singing maleat North Fork Wetlands (Prince William), 31 Jul–24 Oct 2005, was seencarrying nesting material in early August, and a completed nest was laterfound; however, no mate was seen. Peak counts : summer—12, Albemarle,24 Aug 1949; fall—6, Albemarle, 10 Oct 1970; winter—5, Kerr Res. CBC,3 Jan 1976.Mountains and ValleysRare transient (extreme dates 2-27 May, 11 Aug–24 Oct). Rare andirregular summer visitor/resident, with two records in the 1970s (1,Bland, 20 Jul 1973; 1, Bath, 27 Jul 1975) and two recent records (seeBreeding). Breeding : two records—in 2003, four males and 3 females werein Montgomery, mid-May–Aug; a nest with seven eggs on 4 Jun had smallyoung on 9 Jun, and 2 immatures were seen near the nest site on 6 Sep.In 2004, up to 3 singing males were in Augusta, 22 Jul–31 Jul; an adult wascarrying food or nesting material to a potential nest site on 4 Aug, andadults were apparently feeding unseen young on 22 and 26 Aug. Fivebirds were at the same Augusta location on 8 Aug 2005. Four singingmales in Swoope, 16–20 Aug 2005, may also have been potentialbreeders.MARSH WRENCistothorus palustris BreederCoastal PlainLocally common to abundant transient and summer resident along coast,around Chesapeake Bay, and up tidal rivers to fall line (very common intidal freshwater marshes along these rivers); uncommon to rare transientand rare summer visitor away from these areas. Uncommon winterresident, mostly near coast (regional totals of 17-75 on CBCs between1984 and 2004). Breeding : eggs, 21 Apr–26 Jul. Peak counts : summer—137, Warsaw (Richmond), 14 Jun 1969; 120, McGuire Creek (Richmond ), 4Jun 1993; winter—129, Cape Charles CBC, 29 Dec 1973 [39, Back Bay

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CBC, 28 Dec 1987].PiedmontUncommon transient (10 Apr–15 May, 5 Sep–20 Oct). Rare summerresident locally at Kerr Res. (and formerly near Dulles Airport). Rarewinter visitor; regional totals of 1-3 recorded on CBCs seven of 21 yearsbetween 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 24 May–25 Jun. Peak count : fivepairs, Kerr Res., 7 Jun 1977. Mountains and ValleysRare transient (25 Apr–15 May, 5 Sep–20 Oct). Rare winter visitor;regional totals of 1-3 recorded on CBCs six of 21 years between 1984and 2004. Most recent summer record: 2, Wythe, Jun–Jul 1978. Breeding :one nest record at Blacksburg in 1912. Peak count : 4, Botetourt, 2 Oct 1976. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETRegulus satrapa BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (5 Oct–15 Apr; extreme dates 21Sep–19 Apr); sometimes locally abundant in fall on coast. Peak counts :fall—200, Watts Is., 28 Oct 1989; 153 banded, Kiptopeke, 27 Oct 1976;winter—446, Hopewell CBC, 15 Dec 1973; 418, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 31Dec 2000.PiedmontCommon transient and uncommon to common winter resident (5 Oct–20 Apr). Peak counts : 239, Charlottesville CBC, 2 Jan 1977; 233,Lynchburg CBC, 19 Dec 1992.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon winter resident (5 Oct–20 Apr).Locally common summer resident in conifers in Mt. Rogers area. Locallyuncommon to rare elsewhere in summer, mostly at high elevations, butapparently increasing and expanding as a breeder; BBS data indicateincreases in the southern and central Appalachians, 1966-2005. Recentsummer records from Madison (Shenandoah NP, 7-8 Jun 1996) andAugusta (Elliott Knob, 26 Jun 2004 and 1 Jul 2005), where not previouslyrecorded in summer, and notable population increases/expansion inrecent years in Rockingham, Smyth, and Highland.Numbers on VSO foraysto Highland increased from zero in 1975 to 20+ in 1985 and 40 in 2003.Breeding: two nests with young, Highland, 18 Jun 1952; adults feedingfledged young, Grayson Highlands SP (Grayson), 20 Jun 1974; adultfeeding juvenile cowbird, Highland, 21 Jun 1975; nest with young, 3500224

ft elevation on Iron Mt. (Smyth), 11 Jun 2003 (also present here in 2004);3 adults with recently fledged young, Elliott Knob (Augusta), 1 Jul 2005.Peak counts : summer—47, Mt. Rogers, 14 Jun 1980; 17, Bearwallow Run(Highland ), 9 Jun 2003; winter—266, Roanoke CBC, 20 Dec 1975; 266,Lexington CBC, 26 Dec 1990.RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETRegulus calendula NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (25 Sep–5 May; extreme dates 12Sep–19 May); sometimes locally abundant in fall on coast. One latesummer/early fall record: 1, Ft. Hunt (Fairfax), 11 Aug 1986. Peak counts :spring—65, Alexandria, 10 Apr 1978; fall—245 banded, Kiptopeke, 3Nov 1975; winter—226, Chincoteague CBC, 27 Dec 1975 [162,Hopewell CBC, 30 Dec 2001].PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (25 Sep–5 May; extreme dates 26Aug–16 May). Exceptionally late date: 1, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 2005.Peak counts : 375, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1976 [118, Kerr Res. CBC, 19 Dec1993].Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon winter resident (25 Sep–10 May;extreme dates 11 Sep–30 May). Four summer records: 1, Goshen(Rockbridge), 17 Jun 1969; 1, Locust Spring (Highland ), 19 Jun 1988; 1,Roanoke, 18 Jul 1994; 1, Shenandoah Mt. (Augusta), 29 Jul 1998. Peakcounts : spring—90, Augusta County BSD, 3 May 1975; fall—300, BigMeadows, Shenandoah NP, 11 Oct 1981; winter—263, Roanoke CBC, 20Dec 1975 [71, Shenandoah NP–Luray CBC, 16 Dec 2001].BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERPolioptila caerulea BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (30 Mar–20 Sep). Rare wintervisitor; regional totals of up to 15 recorded on CBCs 16 of 21 yearsbetween 1984 and 2004, with most winter records near the coast or atHopewell. Breeding : eggs, 30 Apr–30 May; recently fledged young through11 Aug. Peak counts : spring—200, Virginia Beach, 13 Apr 1965;summer—18, Tappahannock area on VSO foray, 5 Jun 1993; winter—5, Hopewell CBC, 15 Dec 1984.

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PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (30 Mar–20 Sep). Exceptionallylate date: 1, Wakefield Park (Fairfax), 20 Nov 2005. Rare winter visitor,with at least five Dec records and two Jan/Feb records: 1(2), Danville, 5Dec 2001–19 Feb 2002; 1, Kerr Res., 16 Jan 2006. Breeding : eggs, 5 May–20 Jun; nest with young, 16 May. Peak counts : spring—150, Bull Run(Prince William), 18 Apr 1972; summer—83, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1988;winter—11, Kerr Res. CBC, 18 Dec 1994.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (30 Mar–20 Sep), mostly below3500 ft. Two winter records: 1, Rockingham, 14 Dec 1955; 1, BlacksburgCBC, 15 Dec 2001. Breeding : eggs, 24 Apr–5 Jun; recently fledged youngthrough 16 Jul. Peak counts : spring—109, Peaks of Otter BSD, 2 May1992; summer—28, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1982.NORTHERN WHEATEAROenanthe oenanthe NonbreederCoastal PlainFour records: 1, Townsend (Northampton), 3-4 Oct 1971; 1(1) ph.,Chincoteague, 23 Mar 1978; 1, Chincoteague, 2 Oct 1982; 1(1) ph.,Kiptopeke, 15 Oct 1995.PiedmontOne record: 1, near Covesville (Albemarle), 14-16 Sep 1974.EASTERN BLUEBIRD Sialia sialis BreederOverviewStatewide CBC data indicate that winter numbers in Virginia declineddramatically in the late 1950s and remained low throughout the 1960s,then increased ten-fold from the 1970s to the present. BBS data since themid-1960s mirror this increase, which can be attributed largely to theprovision of nesting boxes, particularly the establishment of “bluebirdtrails.”Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident throughout most of region; locallyuncommon in summer in coastal areas. Numbers of birds in some areas(such as southern Northampton) appear to be augmented in late fall andwinter by migrants from the north. Flights of several hundred permorning have been observed at Kiptopeke since the raptor count there

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was extended into November in 1995. Breeding : eggs, 23 Feb–6 Sep; nestswith young through 23 Sep. Peak counts : spring—177, Williamsburg SBC,6 May 1979; fall—825, Kiptopeke area, 4 Nov 1936; 500, Kiptopeke, 6Nov 1993; winter—968, Mathews CBC, 5 Jan 2003.PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 18 Mar–18 Aug; youngfledging from nest through 4 Sep. Peak counts : summer—218, LynchburgBBC, 4 Jun 1983; winter—855, The Plains CBC, 15 Dec 2002.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 18 Mar–30 Jul; nests withyoung, 4 Apr–5 Sep; recently fledged young through 20 Sep. A total of1533 young fledged from 524 nest boxes in Augusta in 1995, exemplifyingthe role of nest box programs in this species’ resurgence. Peak counts :spring—116, Peaks of Otter BSD, 1 May 1999; summer—111, Smyth,13 Jun 1980; fall—200, Bath, 22 Nov 1986; winter—843, Calmes NeckCBC, 30 Dec 2001.MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDSialia currucoides NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) male ph., Dixon Farm, north of ESVNWR(Northampton), 27-28 Nov 2004. VEERYCatharus fuscescens BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient (25 Apr–25 May, 25 Aug–30 Sep; extreme late falldate 30 Oct); locally common in fall on coast. Rare and irregular summervisitor in Alexandria/Arlington area near the fall line and possiblybreeding there, but breeding has not been confirmed. One winter report:1, Little Creek CBC, 27 Dec 1973. Peak counts : spring—34, Alexandriaarea, 10 May 1978; fall—250, Fisherman Is., 9 Sep 1998; 200+ nocturnalmigrants over Cape Charles, 2 Sep 1998; 158 banded, Kiptopeke, 7 Sep1970.PiedmontUncommon transient (25 Apr–25 May, 25 Aug–30 Sep; extreme dates 21Apr–8 Oct). Rare and irregular summer visitor in northern Fairfax andArlington and likely breeding there, but breeding has not been confirmed;one at Prince William Forest Park (Prince William), 11 Jun 2002, may have

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been a breeder or a late northbound migrant.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient (15 Apr–25 May, 25 Aug–30 Sep; extreme dates 6Apr–19 Oct); locally common summer resident, mostly above 3000 ft(but recorded in summer as low as 1750 ft in Bath and 2000 ft in Wise).BBS data indicate an increase in the Appalachians, 1966-2005, despitedeclines in most of the rest of the species’ breeding range. Breeding : eggs,13 May–10 Jul. Peak counts : summer—105, Elk Pond Mt. (Amherst ), 14Jun 1970; 48, Madison highlands, 5-6 Jun 1996; fall—32, near RockfishGap, 22 Sep 1994.GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHCatharus minimus NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient (30 Apr–25 May, 15 Sep–20 Oct; extreme dates26 Apr–2 Jun, 13 Sep–28 Oct); locally common in fall on coast. Onewinter report: 1, Wachapreague CBC, 17 Dec 1978. Peak counts : spring—10, Williamsburg SBC, 15 May 1983; fall—170 banded, Kiptopeke, 5 Oct1970; 120, Sunset Beach (Northampton), 29 Sep 2003.PiedmontUncommon transient (30 Apr–25 May, 20 Sep–20 Oct; extreme springdates 8 Apr–2 Jun). One summer record: 1 singing male, Falls Church,16 May–12 Sep 1985. One winter report: 1, Charlottesville CBC, 17 Dec1978. Peak count : 250 nocturnal migrants per hour over Falls Church,night of 21-22 Sep 1953.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (30 Apr–25 May, 20 Sep–25 Oct; extreme dates20 Apr–26 May, 1 Sep–17 Nov), occasionally common in extremesouthwest. One winter report: 1, Wise County CBC, 26 Dec 1972. Peakcount : 2000-3500 nocturnal migrants over Rockfish Gap, night of 10-11Oct 1994.BICKNELL’S THRUSHCatharus bicknelli NonbreederOverviewThe status of this species, which was split from Gray-cheeked Thrush in1995, in Virginia is clouded by the difficulty of distinguishing it fromGray-cheeked in the field. There are several reports from all three regionsthat are not reflected in the summaries below due to the lack of

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documentation, and there are no well-documented records from theMountains and Valleys region. More data involving well-documentedindividuals are needed to determine this species’ geographic andtemporal distribution in the state. The species was first documented inVirginia in spring at Dismal Swamp, 21 May 1902, and in fall atKiptopeke, 3 Oct 1936.Coastal PlainLikely a rare but regular transient (extreme dates 6-27 May, 20 Sep–23Oct) near the coast. Migration between northeastern North Americanbreeding grounds and Greater Antillean wintering grounds appears tooccur primarily within the Coastal Plain. Most records are of birdsbanded at Kiptopeke, where captures have declined precipitously fromapproximately 100 per year in the late 1960s and early 1970s to 1-3 peryear in the 1980s and 1990s. {39}. During this time period, captures ofBicknell’s have dropped from representing 30% of the gray-cheekedcomplex to less than 5% {39}. The timing of fall passage is similar tothat of Gray-cheeked; abundance peaks in the first week in October.Most spring records are of singing birds in the Hampton Roads area(e.g., Weyanoke Sanctuary in Norfolk), with one singing bird reported inArlington, 12 May 2003. The status of this species could be furtherclarified by monitoring automated recordings of nocturnal flight-calls, asthis species’ nocturnal flight-call is higher in pitch than that of Gray-cheeked (e.g., 2-3 were heard in passage over Cape Charles during a heavythrush flight the night of 11-12 Oct 2005). Peak count : 3, WeyanokeSanctuary (Norfolk), 18 May 1995.PiedmontTwo well-documented records: 1 banded, near Warrenton (Fauquier), 29Sep 2000; 1 singing, Ashburn, 21 May 2005. Murray (1952) also lists anundated specimen from Falls Church {2}. SWAINSON’S THRUSHCatharus ustulatus Casual BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient (30 Apr–25 May, 15 Sep–20 Oct; extreme dates28 Apr–10 Jun, 9 Sep–22 Oct); sometimes locally abundant in fall oncoast. One summer report: 1, Locustville (Accomack), 18 Jun 1982. Onewinter report: 1, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1978. Peak counts : spring—50,Alexandria, 10 May 1978; fall—300 nocturnal migrants over Kiptopeke,24 Sep 1983; 155 banded, Kiptopeke, 24 Sep 1966; 120, Sunset Beach(Northampton), 29 Sep 2003.

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PiedmontCommon transient (30 Apr–25 May, 15 Sep–15 Oct; extreme dates 1Apr–6 Jun, 16 Aug–5 Nov). One summer record: 1, Charlottesville, 15Jun 1976. Peak counts : spring—112, Albemarle, 12 May 1956; fall—400nocturnal migrants per hour over Falls Church, night of 21-22 Sep 1953.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient (30 Apr–25 May, 10 Sep–15 Oct; extreme dates awayfrom breeding areas 27 Apr–2 Jun, 22 Aug–31 Oct). Rare summerresident on Mt. Rogers since 1966; 2 singing males at Beartown Mt.(Tazewell ) on 19 Jun 1986 and 1 at Mullenax Run (Highland ) on 27 Jun2004 suggest breeding at high-elevation sites elsewhere. Three Decemberreports: 1, Harrisonburg, 18 Dec 1984; 1, Staunton, 3 Dec 1988; 1, Mt.Sidney (Augusta), 5 Dec 1999. Breeding : one recently fledged young, Mt.Rogers, 17 Jul 1978; 4 (2 with some juvenal feathering), Rockbridge, 1 Aug1969 may have bred locally. Peak counts : spring—14, Peaks of Otter BSD,3 May 1975; 12, Staunton, 12 May 1983; summer—8 singing males, Mt.Rogers, summer 1983; fall—500 nocturnal migrants over Rockfish Gap,night of 10-11 Oct 1994.HERMIT THRUSHCatharus guttatus Casual BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (10 Oct–5 May; extreme dates29 Sep–10 May). Peak counts : fall—261, Kiptopeke, 17 Oct 1970;winter—352, Dismal Swamp CBC, 1 Jan 2001.PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (10 Oct–5 May; extreme datesearly Oct–7 Jun). Peak count : 69, Charlottesville CBC, 27 Dec 1998.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon winter resident (15 Oct–25 Apr;extreme dates away from breeding areas 2 Oct–13 May); rare and verylocal summer resident at high elevations. Recent summer records fromMt. Rogers area, Bath, Giles, Grayson (White Top Mt.), Highland, Page,Russell, Tazewell (Beartown Mt.), and Rockingham (Shenandoah Mt.). BBSdata indicate recent increases in western Virginia (as in most of thenortheastern U.S.); numbers on VSO forays to Highland increased from10 in 1975 to 15 in 1985 and 24 in 2003, with 5 noted in Bath in 2003 (vs.none in 1982). Breeding : at least four breeding confirmations at Mt.Rogers—fledged young, 28 Jul 1977 and 11 Aug 1978; nest with five

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eggs, 21 Aug 1979; nest with four eggs, 28 May 1980. Three Highlandbreeding records—nest with four eggs, 14 Jul 1985; nest with four eggs,13-26 May 1987; adult carrying food, 9 Jun 2002. Five at Glen Alton(Giles), 22 Jun 2004, included one carrying food; birds were presentthroughout June and July 2004 at this location, which is especially unusualgiven the low elevation (2650 ft). Peak counts : summer—12, Mt. Rogers,13 Jun 1980; 8, Mullenax Run (Highland ), 27 Jun 2004; winter—46,Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 16 Dec 1989.WOOD THRUSHHylocichla mustelina BreederOverviewBBS data indicate statewide declines (mirroring a decline over most ofthe species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–20 Oct; extreme dates9 Mar–6 Nov). Rare winter visitor, with about six reports, nonephotographically documented. Breeding : eggs, 1 May–1 Aug. Peak counts :spring—168, eastern Fairfax, 8 May 1971; 105, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May1993; summer—85, Branchville BBS (Southampton), 25 Jun 1967; fall—“hundreds,” Cape Charles, 4 Sep 2003.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–20 Oct; extreme dates18 Mar–21 Oct); a few winter reports, none verified. Breeding : eggs, 3May–22 Jun; adults feeding fledged young through 16 Aug. Peak count :127, Lynchburg BBC, 30 May 1987.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates14 Apr–30 Oct). Three winter reports: 2, Roanoke, 30 Dec 1967; 1,Radford, 16-25 Dec 1976; 1, Radford, Jan–Feb 1982. Breeding : eggs, 6May–29 Jul; recently fledged young through 23 Aug. Peak counts : spring—146, Peaks of Otter BSD, 7 May 1977; summer—107, Covington BBS,10 Jul 1966; fall—110, near Rockfish Gap, 22 Sep 1994.

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AMERICAN ROBINTurdus migratorius BreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and common summer resident; common toabundant winter resident, more numerous near the coast. Breeding : eggs,8 Apr–1 Aug. Peak counts : spring—366, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982;summer—225, Essex, 4 Jun 1993; fall—1,000,000, passing through lowerEastern Shore, 6-7 Nov 1999; 600,000, Kiptopeke, 1 Nov 1996 (and500,000+ there 10-11 Nov 1996); winter—1,000,000, Dismal Swamproost, 21 Jan 1970 [23,900, Back Bay CBC, 28 Dec 1994].PiedmontCommon to abundant transient and summer resident; uncommon toirregularly and locally common winter resident. Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr–29Jul; nests with young through 25 Aug. Peak counts : spring—600, Bath, 21Mar 2004; summer—513, Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun 1989; fall—1800,Green Spring (Louisa), 13 Nov 1978; winter—50,000, Amherst, late Dec1981–30 Jan 1982 [6357, Philpott Res. CBC, 2 Jan 1994].Mountains and ValleysCommon to abundant transient and summer resident; uncommon toirregularly and locally common winter resident. Breeding : eggs, 5 Mar–7Aug; nests with young through 15 Sep. Peak counts : spring—570, AugustaCounty BSD, 13 May 1983; summer—103, Stanley BBS, 30 Jun 1968;fall—30,000, Roanoke, 25 Oct 1982; 18,923, Rockfish Gap, 2 Nov 1986;winter—27,422, Lexington CBC, 31 Dec 1976 [8782, Lexington CBC, 26Dec 2003].VARIED THRUSHIxoreus naevius NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2), Chincoteague, 19 Oct 2003.PiedmontFour records: 1, Charlottesville, 16 Jan 1977; 1, Oakton (Fairfax), 28 Dec1981; 1, Great Falls (Fairfax ), 26 Dec 1981–26 Feb 1982; 1, Richmond,4 Feb 1983.Mountains and ValleysSix records: 1, Roanoke, 28 Feb 1977; 1 ph., Monterey (Highland ), 14Dec 1977–3 Mar 1978; 1, Blacksburg, 6 Nov 1980; 1, Shenandoah NP–Luray CBC, 20 Dec 1987; 1(2), Salem, 18 Nov 1989; 1(2), Peaks of OtterCBC, 30 Dec 1989.232

GRAY CATBIRDDumetella carolinensis BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout most of Virginia (as in much ofthe eastern part of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon transient and locally common to uncommon summer resident(20 Apr–10 Nov); in summer, generally more numerous inland, withsparse distribution in Middle/Northern Neck region. Uncommon to rarewinter resident, more numerous near coast. Breeding : eggs, 8 May–7 Aug;adults feeding fledged young through 1 Oct. Peak counts : spring—130,Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1978; 115, CBBT, 9 May 2003; summer—23,Parramore Is., 5 Jun 1980; fall—550, Sunset Beach (Northampton), 29 Sep2003; 333 banded, Kiptopeke, 4 Oct 1977; winter—152, Back Bay CBC,29 Dec 1974; 149, Dismal Swamp CBC, 1 Jan 2001.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–5 Nov); rare butregular winter visitor. Breeding : eggs, 8 May–29 Jun; nests with youngthrough 16 Aug; adults feeding fledged young through 7 Sep. Peak counts :spring—83, Pine Ridge (Fairfax ), 9 May 1964; summer—132, LynchburgBBC, 8 Jun 1974; winter—7, Kerr Res. CBC, 28 Dec 1994.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–30 Oct); rare butregular winter visitor. Breeding : eggs, 4 May–28 Jul; nests with youngthrough 8 Aug. Peak counts : spring—165, Shenandoah NP, 19 May 1975;92, Augusta County BSD, 13 May 1983; summer—68, Stuarts Draft, 16Jun 2001; 52, Mt. Rogers area, 14 Jun 1980; fall—16, Staunton, 30 Sep1986.NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRDMimus polyglottos BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 17 Apr–27 Jul; nests withyoung as early as 18 Apr. Peak counts : spring—137, Williamsburg SBC, 6May 1978; summer—70, Tappahannock area on VSO foray, 2 Jun 1993;68, Sharps BBS, 30 Jun 1969; winter—319, Newport News CBC, 21 Dec1985; 312, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 1989.PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 11 Apr–11 Aug. Peak counts :

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summer—291, Lynchburg BBC, 9 Jun 2001; 115, Great Falls BBS, 15Jun 1968; winter—335, The Plains CBC, 15 Dec 2002.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, mostly in lowlands; less common inportions of the extreme southwest, and fairly scarce at high elevations.Breeding : eggs, 14 Apr–8 Aug. Peak counts : spring—235, Augusta CountyBSD, 14 May 1983; summer—94, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981; 92, Clarke,12 Jun 1994; winter—365, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 18 Dec1988.SAGE THRASHER (Category 2)Oreoscoptes montanus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2), Chincoteague, 10 Oct 1985.PiedmontOne record: 1, banded and ph., Ashburn (Loudoun), 5 Dec 1962 ( locationof photographs unknown).BROWN THRASHERToxostoma rufum BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout most of the state (mirroringdeclines in much of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon transient and common to uncommon summer resident (15Mar–25 Oct). Uncommon winter resident; in winter, more numerousnear coast. Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr–22 Jul. Peak counts : spring—57,Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr 1990; summer—23, Tappahannock area onVSO foray, 3 Jun 1993; fall—58 banded, Kiptopeke, 2 Oct 1966;winter—56, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1993.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (15 Mar–25 Oct); fairly rare butregular winter visitor. Breeding : eggs, 20 Apr–26 Jul. Peak counts :summer—73, Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun 1978; winter—19, Banister R. CBC,19 Dec 1993.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (25 Mar–25 Oct); fairly rare butregular winter visitor. Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr–19 Jul; nests with young

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through 3 Aug. Peak counts : spring—92, Augusta County BSD, 13 May1983; summer—37, Fincastle BBC, 5 Jun 1982; winter—13, Wise CountyCBC, 27 Dec 1980.EUROPEAN STARLING (Category 5)Sturnus vulgaris Breeder, introducedOverviewIndividuals descended from starlings introduced in New York in the late1800s were first recorded in Virginia at Newport News on 4 Jan 1912,and the species was confirmed nesting in the state by 1921 (in Norfolk).Statewide abundance on CBCs increased slowly from then until the late1950s, when populations exploded. CBC numbers fluctuate considerablybased on whether or not huge flocks are recorded, but the number/partyhour has shown a definite decline since the 1960s.Coastal PlainAbundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 17 Apr–14 May; nests withyoung, 7 May–2 Jun. Peak counts : spring—476, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May1978; summer—140, Accomack area on VSO foray, Jun 1980; winter—500,000, Dismal Swamp, 28 Dec 1960 [14,520, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec1995].PiedmontAbundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr–21 Jun; nests withyoung as early as 1 Apr. Peak counts : summer—1526, Lynchburg BBC, 2Jun 1990; winter—1,134,250, Lynchburg CBC, 30 Dec 1967; 768,000,Manassas–Bull Run CBC, 20 Dec 1981 [32,970, Nokesville CBC, 22 Dec1991].Mountains and ValleysAbundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 4 Mar–5 Jun; nests withyoung through 19 Jun; adults feeding fledged young through 6 Jul. Peakcounts : spring—433, Peaks of Otter BSD, 5 May 1979; summer—233,Galax area on VSO foray, 10 Jun 1997; winter—3,375,000, Bristol CBC,28 Dec 1975; 1,507,000, Augusta County CBC, 19 Dec 1987.AMERICAN PIPITAnthus rubescens NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and winter resident (10 Oct–25 Apr; extreme dates28 Sep–31 May), often more numerous on coast. Peak counts : spring—300, Dismal Swamp, 15 Mar 1975; winter—1646, Cape Charles CBC, 30

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Dec 1993.PiedmontUncommon and irregular transient and winter visitor (10 Oct–25 Apr;extreme dates 20 Sep–31 May); in winter, more numerous in south. Peakcounts : spring—350, Albemarle, 18 Mar 1949; 250, Loudoun, 7 May 1973;fall—250, Lucketts (Loudoun), 16 Oct 1989; winter—329, Kerr Res. CBC,17 Dec 1995; 300, Nokesville, 18 Dec 1985.Mountains and ValleysUncommon and irregular transient and winter visitor (30 Sep–30 Apr;extreme dates 21 Sep–2 Jun). Peak counts : spring—275, Swoope, 11 Mar2000; fall—400, Stuarts Draft, 4 Nov 1974; winter—530, ShenandoahNP–Luray CBC, 22 Dec 1985.SPRAGUE’S PIPIT (Category 2)Anthus spragueii NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1, Chincoteague, 28 Sep 1976; 1(2), Curles Neck Farm(Henrico), 20-21 Feb 1989.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1, Clinchhaven Farms, Powell Valley (Wise), 30 Oct 1971.BOHEMIAN WAXWING (Category 2)Bombycilla garrulus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1, Alexandria, 5 Feb 1967.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1, Montgomery, 2 Mar 1975.CEDAR WAXWINGBombycilla cedrorum BreederOverviewBBS data indicate increases in most of the state (mirroring increases overmuch of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon but irregular transient and winter visitor (20 Aug–30 May);rare, but possibly increasing, summer resident. The presence of smallnumbers in summer makes extreme dates of migrants difficult toascertain. Breeding : nest-building, 3 Jun; nests with young, 19 Jun–5 Sep;

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adults feeding fledged young, 23 Aug; recently fledged young through 9Sep. Peak counts : spring—610, Williamsburg, 28 Mar 1968; summer—16,Tappahannock area on VSO foray, 3 Jun 1993; fall—915, near Hopewell,21 Nov 1982; 800, Kiptopeke, 21 Nov 1983; winter—3808, HopewellCBC, 15 Dec 2002.PiedmontUncommon to irregularly common transient and winter resident;uncommon to locally common summer resident in the north and nearthe Blue Ridge, fairly rare in summer elsewhere. Breeding : eggs, 23 May–15 Jul; nests with young through 27 Aug. Peak counts : spring—500,Farmville (Prince Edward ), 11 Mar 1985; summer—185, Lynchburg BBC,1 Jun 1996; winter—2633, The Plains CBC, 15 Dec 2002.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to irregularly common permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 2Jun–29 Aug; nests with young through 20 Aug. Peak counts : spring—300,Fishersville, 15 Apr 1980; summer—30, Frederick, 11 Jun 1994; fall—1997, Rockfish Gap, 2 Nov 1986; winter—3732, Northern ShenandoahValley CBC, 21 Dec 1985; 2830, Bristol CBC, 31 Dec 2000.BACHMAN’S WARBLERVermivora bachmanii Presumed extinctCoastal PlainTwo or three records: 1 specimen (first-year male), Aylett (King William),Aug 1892 (USNM 135001); 1 singing male, edge of Ft. Belvoir (easternFairfax ), 8 May–2 Jun 1954 (v.r.; archived at Cornell Laboratory ofOrnithology’s Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds, accessions ML#10715 and ML #10716, both recorded 15 May 1954); 1 singing male inthe same yard at the edge of Ft. Belvoir, 10-31 May 1958, may have beenthe same individual present in 1954 (though there is no record ofwhether it was present in the intervening years). The Atlantic Naturalist(volumes 6-10) notes reports by ornithologists Jay Weber and LudlowGriscom from the Dismal Swamp around 1950, though nodocumentation of any such reports is extant. This report of this specieswas from South Carolina in 1979, and it is likely extinct.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1, Augusta, 5 Jul 1937.

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BLUE-WINGED WARBLERVermivora pinus BreederOverviewBlue-winged and Golden-winged Warblers hybridize regularly. First-generation hybrids, called “Brewster’s Warblers,” exhibit dominantcharacters such as whitish underparts and a dark eyeline. Matingsbetween hybrids and either parent species produce backcrosses showinga variety of plumages. Offspring of hybrid/Golden-winged matings mayexhibit recessive traits such as more extensively yellow underparts ofBlue-winged Warbler combined with the dark auriculars and throat ofGolden-winged Warbler; such recessive backcrosses are referred to as“Lawrence’s Warblers.” Both hybrids occur in Virginia as rare transients(primarily in the Mountains and Valleys but with multiple records fromthe Coastal Plain and Piedmont, where they are not reported annually)and rare summer residents in the Mountains and Valleys. Brewster’s-typebirds are recorded far more frequently in the state than Lawrence’s-types,which have been reported only about 18 times.Coastal PlainUncommon to rare transient (20 Apr–10 May, 20 Aug–15 Sep; extremedates 27 Mar–12 May, 5 Aug–29 Sep). Breeding : two historical records ofnests with eggs, on 18 May 1902 and 17 May 1905, from unknownlocations, reportedly in the Coastal Plain. The nearest documentedbreeding location in the Coastal Plain is the Nassawango Creek Preserve(Wicomico), Maryland. Peak counts : spring—30, Dismal Swamp, 28 Apr1968; fall—10, Fisherman Is., 10 Sep 1998. “Brewster’s Warbler” hasbeen banded at Kiptopeke three times: 4 Sep 1971, 14 Sep 1981, and 6Sep 1992. Seven reports of single “Lawrence’s Warblers”: Hampton, 9May 1959; Lorton (Fairfax ), 12 May 1962; Williamsburg, 28 Apr 1982;Richmond, 20 Aug 1986; Kiptopeke (banded), 12 Oct 1989; ESVNWR,19 Aug 1993 and 19 Aug 2003.PiedmontUncommon to rare transient (20 Apr–10 May, 20 Aug–15 Sep; extremedates 16 Apr–8 Oct) in most of region; rare summer resident, mostlynear the Blue Ridge. Breeding: one record—adults feeding 1 recentlyfledged young (ph.), Loudoun, 14 Jun 1978. Peak count : 15, Loudoun, 11May 2002. Four reports of single “Lawrence’s Warblers”: Criglersville(Madison), 23 May 1942; Pine Ridge (Fairfax ), 20 May 1947 and 10 May1958; Monticello (Albemarle), 10 May 1995.

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Mountains and ValleysUncommon to rare transient (20 Apr–10 May, 20 Aug–15 Sep; extremedates 20 Apr–23 Sep) in most of region; rare and local summer residentat scattered locations, mostly in the Blue Ridge and southwest.Apparently increasing and expanding its range. Breeding : three records(though undoubtedly breeds more widely)—nest with young, Rockingham,4 Jul 1960; adults carrying food to young in nest, Highland, 22 Jun 1975;adults carrying food to apparent nest site, Sherando (Augusta), 18 Jun1981. Peak count : 13, Dickenson, 17 Jun 1984. “Brewster’s Warbler” hasbred on at least one documented occasion, 5 Jul 1975, at Pine Mt.(northwestern Botetourt ). Seven reports of single “Lawrence’s Warblers”:Lexington, 14 May 1921; Middle Mountain (Highland ), 22 Jun 1948(holding a territory, though there was no evidence that the bird wasmated or bred successfully); Guest Mt. (Wise), 25 Apr 1975 and 28 Apr–2 May 1977; near Rockfish Gap, 11 Sep 1993; Fishersville, 28 Aug 2000;Peaks of Otter BSD, 13 May 2006. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERVermivora chrysoptera BreederCoastal PlainRare transient, occasionally uncommon in spring in extreme northwestbut not reported annually in the region in fall (extreme dates 23 Apr–19May, 7 Aug–18 Oct). No records of more than one individual.PiedmontUncommon to rare transient (extreme dates 19 Apr–10 May, 18 Aug–11Oct), mostly in the north and near the Blue Ridge. One winter record:1, Danville, 23 Dec 1973. Peak count : 26, Pine Ridge (Fairfax ), 7 May1955.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient, uncommon to rare and very local summer resident(25 Apr–15 Sep; extreme dates 17 Apr–9 Oct). BBS data indicateprecipitous declines since the 1960s (in western Virginia and in most ofthe species’ breeding range), in large part due to maturation of early-successional habitat; only 10 were reported in Bath during the 2003 foray,compared to 125 during the 1982 foray. A search in Jun 2005 in Bath andHighland produced 22 Golden-winged Warblers (versus 2 Blue-wingedand 2 “Brewster’s Warblers”). Breeding : eggs, 23 May–16 Jun; nests withyoung, 5-30 Jun. Peak counts : spring—10, western Albemarle/Rockingham,4 May 1958; summer—26, Bath, 9 Jun 1982.

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TENNESSEE WARBLERVermivora peregrina NonbreederCoastal PlainFairly rare spring transient and fairly rare to uncommon fall transient (5-20 May, 30 Aug–15 Oct; extreme dates 29 Apr–20 May, 16 Aug–21 Nov).Numbers of this species have declined markedly in fall in mid-Atlanticcoastal areas since the late 1970s. Peak count : 32 banded, Kiptopeke, 1Oct 1974.PiedmontUncommon to rare spring transient and common fall transient (5-20May, 30 Aug–15 Oct; extreme dates early May–1 Jun, 23 Aug–20 Nov),most numerous in the north and near the Blue Ridge. Peak count : 26,Lynchburg, 3 Oct 1977.Mountains and ValleysUncommon spring transient and common fall transient (5-20 May, 30Aug–20 Oct; extreme dates 29 Apr–26 May, 15 Aug–25 Nov). Peakcounts : spring—15, Peaks of Otter BSD, 12 May 1984; 12, CumberlandGap NP (Lee); fall—267, Mt. Rogers, 24 Sep 1950; 250+, Guest Mt.(Wise), 11 Sep 1999.ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERVermivora celata NonbreederCoastal PlainRare to locally uncommon transient and winter resident (25 Sep–10 Apr;extreme dates 10 Sep–25 Apr); most numerous seasonally in fall andearly winter, and geographically in the southeast (very rare farther inlandin winter). Migration appears to be consistently early in spring and latein fall; 2 at Wise Point, ESVNWR, 17 Apr 1999 appeared to be newlyarrived migrants. Exceptionally late spring date: 1, Chincoteague, 30 May1976. Recorded annually on CBCs (mostly in the southeast), withregional totals of 2-29 birds between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts :spring—6, Dismal Swamp, 21 Apr 1991; winter—11, Back Bay CBC, 28Dec 1990 and 29 Dec 1999.PiedmontRare transient (extreme dates 23 Apr–13 May, 14 Sep–1 Nov), moreregular but still rare in fall. Two or three winter records: 1, Danville, 31Jan 2003; 1, Riverside Park (Loudoun), 19 Dec 2004–20 Jan 2005 (1 at thesame location, 27 Feb 2006, may have been the same individual). Peakcount : 3, western Fairfax, 2 Oct 1984.240

Mountains and ValleysRare transient and early winter visitor (extreme dates 7 Apr–17 May, 2Sep–31 Oct), more regular but still rare in fall. Two winter records: 1,Berryville (Clarke), late Dec 1981; 1, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC,18 Dec 2004. One early individual near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep 1994, waspotentially a vagrant of the yellowish western subspecies lutescens, whichmigrates earlier than the expected nominate subspecies; however,variation within the subspecies confounds identification to subspeciesin the field in many cases. Peak count : 3, Rockingham, 30 Apr 1983.NASHVILLE WARBLERVermivora ruficapilla Probable breederCoastal PlainFairly rare transient (30 Apr–15 May, 5 Sep–15 Oct; extreme early falldate 8 Aug); most numerous seasonally in fall and geographically inextreme northwest. Rare winter visitor, with about 15 records (mostlyfrom CBCs in the southeast); regional totals of 1-2 individuals recordedon CBCs five of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. One inland winterrecord: 1, Hopewell CBC, 20 Dec 1992. Peak counts : 15, Springfield(Fairfax ), 25 Sep 1984; 15, Alexandria, 28 Sep 1984; 9 banded, Kiptopeke,29 Sep 1969 and 15 Sep 1974.PiedmontUncommon transient (extreme dates 26 Apr–7 Jun, 6 Sep–2 Nov) in thenorth and near the Blue Ridge, fairly rare elsewhere; more regular in fall.One winter record: 1, Annandale (Fairfax ), most of Dec 1992. Peak count :8, Albemarle, 30 Apr 1933.Mountains and ValleysUncommon spring transient and common fall transient in the extremesouthwest, uncommon transient elsewhere (20 Apr–15 May, 5 Sep–20Oct; extreme dates 15 Apr–15 Nov). Rare and local summer visitor/resident at higher elevations, with summer records from Augusta,Highland, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren, and Mt. Rogersarea. Two winter records: 1, Montgomery, 8 Dec 1952–10 Feb 1953; 1,Waynesboro, 5-8 Dec 1978. Breeding : no confirmed breeding records, but3 adults with 1 fully-fledged juvenile on Elliott Knob (Augusta), 16 Jul1986, as well as the widespread nature of summer records at higherelevations, strongly suggest breeding. Peak counts : spring—10, NaturalChimneys (Augusta), 9 May 1971; fall—6, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep 1994.

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NORTHERN PARULAParula americana BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–20 Oct; extreme dates21 Mar–31 Oct). Rare winter visitor in the southeast, with about eightwinter records north to Northampton and west to Williamsburg,Jamestown, and Hopewell; all winter records are from December except1 (captured), Jamestown, 19 Jan 1985. Breeding : eggs, 26 Apr–7 Jun;recently fledged young through 21 Aug. Peak counts : spring—120,Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982; summer—116, Mason Neck, 21 Jun2003; fall—250+, Kiptopeke, 10 Oct 2005; 168, Sunset Beach(Northampton), 17 Sep 2003 (also 100+ there 11 Sep 2001); 85 banded,Kiptopeke, 29 Sep 1970. PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates30 Mar–16 Nov). Breeding : eggs, 15-29 May; adults feeding fledged youngthrough 13 Aug. Peak counts : 43, Pine Ridge (Fairfax ), 8 May 1965; 31,Richmond, 4 May 1983. Two records of “Sutton’s Warbler” (a hybridbetween Northern Parula and Yellow-throated Warbler): 1, Fairfax, 23Aug 1947; 1 singing male, Alexandria, 11 May 1974 (see Yellow-throatedWarbler account for an additional hybrid record).Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates9 Apr–8 Nov). Breeding : eggs, 7 May–1 Jul; nest-building through 27 Jun;adults feeding fledged young, 22 May–6 Jul. Peak counts : spring—34,Peaks of Otter BSD, 11 May 1991; 30+, Rockingham, 30 Apr 1983;summer—32, Highland, 22 Jun 1975; fall—26, Harrisonburg, 26 Sep1985.YELLOW WARBLER Dendroica petechia BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout Virginia (and in much of thesoutheastern portion of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Coastal PlainCommon transient and fairly common to rare summer resident (15 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates 29 Mar–31 Oct). Nearly absent in recent times asa breeder from many coastal areas where once widespread. Four winterrecords: 1, Alexandria, 9 Dec 1956; 1, Williamsburg CBC, 18 Dec 1994;242

1, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1999; 1 ph., Hunting Creek, Nov 2001–28Jan 2002. Breeding : eggs, 4 May–16 Jun. Peak counts : spring—45,Williamsburg SBC, 4 May 1986; summer—14, northwestern Accomack, 7Jun 1980; fall—65, Cheriton (Northampton), 15 Sep 1985.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates14 Apr–22 Oct). Two winter records: 1, Warren CBC, 30 Dec 1990; 1(2),Kerr Res., 23 Nov 2001–27 Jan 2002. Breeding : eggs, 14-25 May. Peakcounts : spring—44, Albemarle, 7 May 1960; summer—70, LynchburgBBC, 7 Jun 1975.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates2 Apr–22 Oct) in lowlands. One winter record: 1, Clifton Forge CBC, 17Dec 1978. Breeding : eggs, 2 May–19 Jun; occupied nest, 2 Jul. Peak counts :spring—174, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3 May 1975; summer—64, Washington,10 Jun 1966; 44, Giles, 8 Jun 1983.CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERDendroica pensylvanica BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient (30 Apr–15 May, 20 Aug–25 Sep; extreme dates 28Apr–28 May, mid-Aug–20 Oct) toward the northwest, fairly rare towardthe southeast (where more numerous in fall than spring). One summerrecord: 1, near Alexandria, 20 Jun 1952. One winter record: 1, DykeMarsh, 7-9 Dec 1979. Peak counts : 23, Alexandria, 28 Sep 1984; alongcoast—6 banded, Kiptopeke, 29 Sep 1970.PiedmontCommon transient (30 Apr–20 May, 20 Aug–25 Sep; extreme dates 18Apr–27 May, mid-Aug–25 Oct) in the north and near the Blue Ridge,uncommon toward the southeast. One summer record: 1, Fairfax, 26-27Jul 1982. Peak count : 60, Charlottesville, 10 May 1997.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates6 Apr–22 Oct); in summer mostly above 2500 ft along crest of BlueRidge and in mountains farther west. Breeding : eggs, 18 May–7 Jul; youngfledging from nest, 22 Jul. Peak counts : spring—253, Shenandoah NP, 12May 1956; summer—54, Amherst, 14 Jun 1970; 50, Laurel Bed L.(Russell ), 21 Jun 1974; fall—47, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep 1994.

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MAGNOLIA WARBLERDendroica magnolia BreederCoastal PlainUncommon spring transient and common fall transient (30 Apr–20 May,25 Aug–15 Oct; extreme dates 30 Apr–6 Jun, 18 Aug–21 Nov). Onewinter record: 1, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1978. Peak counts : spring—110, CBBT, 19 May 2001; fall—400, Fisherman Is., 9 Sep 1998; 360,Sunset Beach (Northampton), 23 Sep 1998; 83 banded, Kiptopeke, 29 Sep1970.PiedmontUncommon spring transient and common fall transient (30 Apr–20 May,25 Aug–15 Oct; extreme fall dates 8 Aug–18 Oct). Peak count : 16,Lynchburg, 29 Sep 1978.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient (30 Apr–20 May, 25 Aug–15 Oct; extreme dates 19Apr–10 Nov). Fairly common summer resident in northwesternHighland, uncommon summer resident on Mt. Rogers and very locallyin eastern Russell and Tazewell, rare in summer in Wise and elsewhere athigh elevations (mostly above 4000 ft). Formerly bred near Mountain L.(Giles), with multiple breeding records from 1914 through 1940, but nolonger occurs there in summer {40}. BBS data indicate increasesthroughout the central Appalachians (as in most of the species’ breedingrange) since the 1960s. Apparently expanding downslope at Mt. Rogersand increasing near Laurel Bed L. (Russell ) and High Knob (Wise,breeding since late 1990s). Numbers on VSO forays to Highland doubledbetween 1980 and 2003, and 2 at Warm Springs Mt. (Bath), Jun 2003,were the first summer records for that county. Two winter records: 1specimen, Rockbridge, 27 Dec 1947; 1, Blacksburg, 27 Dec 1972. Breeding :eggs, 1-15 Jun; nest with young, 18 Jun; adults feeding fledged youngthrough 23 Jul. Peak counts : summer—28, northwestern Highland, 9 Jun2003; fall—79, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep 1994.CAPE MAY WARBLER Dendroica tigrina NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to rare transient in spring, when more numerous toward thenorthwest, and uncommon to common fall transient (25 Apr–15 May, 30Aug–25 Oct). One late summer record: 1, Gloucester, 29 Jul 1990. Fallstragglers occasionally linger through Nov and into winter; there are

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several old winter records, and five since 1976, all of single individuals:Richmond, 23 Jan 1976; Mathews CBC, 1 Jan 1989; Jamestown, 19 Feb1992; Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 20 Dec 1997; Craney Is., 10 Dec1998. Peak counts : spring—75, Alexandria, 7 May 1980; fall—200+, BackBay, 1 Oct 1983; 110, Wreck Is., 25 Sep 1983; 24 banded, Kiptopeke, 10Sep 1971.PiedmontUncommon to fairly common transient (25 Apr–15 May, 30 Aug–20Oct), more numerous in fall. Six winter records of single individuals:Sweet Briar College (Amherst ), early Dec 1956–14 Apr 1957;Charlottesville, 25 Dec 1952; Annandale (Fairfax ), 10 Dec 1969;Manassas, 2 Jan 1993; Warren CBC, 26 Dec 1999; Lynchburg, 13 Feb2000. Peak count : 200+, Green Springs (Louisa), 29 Sep 1975.Mountains and ValleysFairly common transient (25 Apr–15 May, 30 Aug–20 Oct; extreme dates19 Apr–3 Jun, 25 Aug–8 Nov). Rare winter visitor, with nine knownrecords of single individuals: Troutville (Botetourt ), 21 Dec 1975; fiverecords at Waynesboro—10 Dec 1975, 7 Dec 1981, 19 Dec 1982–12 Feb1983, 27 Dec 1985, and 9 Mar 1988 ( latter record too early for amigrant); Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 14 Dec 1991; Roanoke, 7Dec 1995; Fishersville, 3 Jan 2006. One summer record: 1 singing male,Blacksburg, 30 Jun–4 Jul 1977. Peak counts : spring—34, Augusta CountyBSD, 9 May 1981; fall—25, Laurel Bed L. (Russell ), 30 Aug 1975.BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERDendroica caerulescens BreederCoastal PlainUncommon to common spring transient and common fall transient (25Apr–20 May, 20 Aug–20 Oct; extreme dates 15 Apr–6 Jun, mid-Aug–13Nov). Five winter records: 1, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1970, 27 Dec1981, and 30 Dec 1983; 1, Lightfoot (York), 13 Dec 1982; 1, Arlington, 31Dec 2005–late Mar 2006. Peak counts : spring—26, Williamsburg SBC, 2May 1982; fall—410, Sunset Beach (Northampton), 23 Sep 1998; 85banded, Kiptopeke, 15 Oct 1969.PiedmontCommon transient (25 Apr–20 May, 30 Aug–15 Oct; extreme dates 15Apr–2 Jun, late Aug–22 Nov). One summer record: 1, Leesburg, 22 Jun2002. Two winter records: 1, Gordonsville (Orange), 26 Nov–16 Dec1978; 1, Batesville (Albemarle), 23 Dec 1997. Peak count : 41,

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Charlottesville, 10 May 1997.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and common to uncommon and local summerresident (30 Apr–20 Oct; extreme dates 17 Apr–4 Nov); in summer,occurs locally along crest of Blue Ridge and in mountains farther west,mostly above 2500 ft but down to 2000 ft in Bath and less than 1700 ftin Wise. Two winter records: 1, Roanoke, 18 Dec 1971; 1, Glade SpringCBC, 30 Dec 1978. Breeding : eggs, 17 May–12 Jul; adults feeding fledgedyoung through 4 Jul. Peak counts : spring—86, Shenandoah NP, 12 May1956 [32, Peaks of Otter BSD, 10 May 2003]; summer—64, Giles, 11 Jun1983; fall—14, near Rockfish Gap, 29 Sep 1991.YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERDendroica coronata BreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and winter resident (30 Sep–15 May; extreme dates2 Sep–28 May). Peak counts : spring—34,000 in two hours, flying south atWise Point (Northampton), 24 Mar 2001; 500+, Alexandria, 29 Apr 1979;fall—45,000, Kiptopeke, 22 Oct 1982; winter—15,600, Back Bay CBC,29 Dec 1972; 13,533, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1998. October flightsof warblers observed at Kiptopeke in the 1990s have involved up to500,000 birds, assumed to be mostly Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers.Three records of Audubon’s Warbler (D. c. auduboni ): 1(2) adult male inbreeding plumage, Ft. Story, 31 Dec 1995–1 Jan 1996; 1(2), Cheapside(Northampton), 30 Dec 2000–5 Jan 2001; 1, Leesylvania SP (Prince William),31 Jan 2001.PiedmontCommon to abundant transient, uncommon to common winter resident(30 Sep–15 May; extreme dates 28 Sep–7 Jun). Peak count : 586,Manassas–Bull Run CBC, 27 Dec 1998. Two records of Audubon’sWarbler: 1, Bull Run RP (Loudoun), 4 May 1974; 1(2), Oatlands (Loudoun),8 Oct 1997.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon winter resident (25 Sep–15 May);rare and local (but increasing) summer resident. Prior to the early 1990s,the only summer record for the state was of one in Shenandoah NP, 14Jun 1981, and there were no records in summer during the VAP (1985-1989). In recent years, as part of a larger southward range expansion inthe East, this species has colonized a number of high-elevation areas

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(mostly above 4000 ft with spruce and fir), where it is now a fairly rareand very local but increasing/expanding summer resident. It was foundsummering in Shenandoah NP in 1992, where it has been recordedsporadically since. In Rockingham, a male and female with enlarged gonadswere collected on 13-14 Jul 1995, and numbers and summer locationsthere have increased since. In Augusta, first noted in summer on ElliottKnob in 1997 and recorded there each year thereafter, with breedingconfirmed in 2004 and 10 individuals on 1 Jul 2005. Noted in summerin Mt. Rogers area since 2001 and in northwestern Highland since 2002,and recorded on Tibbet Knob (Shenandoah ) on 19 Jun 2005. Breeding :male and female collected with enlarged gonads, near Briary Branch Gap(Rockingham), 13-14 Jul 1995; 2 agitated males carrying food for young,Shenandoah Mt. (Rockingham), 10 Jun 2001; recently fledged young,Elliott Knob (Augusta), 26 Jun 2004. Peak counts : spring—619, AugustaCounty BSD, 3 May 1975; summer—10, Elliott Knob (Augusta), 1 Jul2005; 8, Highland, 8 Jun 2003; 7, Flagpole Knob (Rockingham), 3 Jul 2004;winter—1153, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 18 Dec 1993. Oneaccepted record of Audubon’s Warbler: 1(1) adult male ph., Radford, 10Apr 1994.BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER Dendroica nigrescens NonbreederCoastal PlainSix records: 1, Ft. Belvoir, 1 Oct 1949; 1 male, Newport News, 9 Sep1973; 1 female, Newport News, 20-31 Jan 1974; 1 male, Newport News,9 Mar 1974; 1 banded and ph., Newport News, 16 Jan–13 Apr 1975; 1adult male, Fisherman Is., 13 Sep 2004.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1(1) female or immature male ph., Blandy Experimental Farmnear Boyce (Clarke), 27 Dec 2003–13 Jan 2004.BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERDendroica virens BreederCoastal PlainThe nominate subspecies is an uncommon to rare transient (20 Apr–15May, 30 Aug–25 Oct) throughout most of the region. Wayne’s Warbler(D. v. waynei ) was a formerly common, now uncommon and local,summer resident in Dismal Swamp and neighboring areas to the east.This race arrives earlier (usually by 30 Mar) than transient D. v. virens,reaches a peak in detections during the second half of April {41}, and

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is typically unrecorded after early July. Populations of waynei havedeclined considerably since the 1970s, but this subspecies still breeds insmall numbers in Dismal Swamp and possibly in the North Landing,Northwest, and Chowan R. drainages. Extreme dates (both subspeciescombined), 26 Mar–18 Nov. One winter record: 1, Nansemond R. CBC,2 Jan 2005. Breeding : nest, 4 Apr; eggs, 28 Apr; adults feeding fledgedyoung, 24 May. Peak counts : spring—32, First Landing SP (VirginiaBeach), 16 Apr 1950; summer—100, Dismal Swamp, 2 Jun 1962; fall—35, Springfield (Fairfax), 29 Sep 1984; 14 banded, Kiptopeke, 17 Oct1970.PiedmontCommon transient (20 Apr–15 May, 30 Aug–15 Oct; extreme late falldate 26 Oct), mostly in the north and near the Blue Ridge. Rare and verylocal summer resident in Albemarle; 1 at Prince William Forest Park, 9Jun 2004, was likely a late migrant. Breeding : Eggs, 18 Apr; feeding young,30 May; rare and very local breeder east of Charlottesville in Albemarle,with a 1933 nest record and more recent records of probable breedingfrom the VAP. Peak count : 24, Albemarle, 29 Apr 1961.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon to locally common summer resident(15 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates 31 Mar–12 Nov); in summer, occurs verylocally along crest of Blue Ridge and in mountains farther west, mostlyabove 2500 ft but down to 2000 ft in some areas. BBS data indicateincreases throughout the region, 1966-2005. One winter record: 1(2),Blacksburg CBC, 20 Dec 1997. Breeding : eggs, 29 Apr–22 Jun; recentlyfledged young through 29 Jul. Peak counts : spring—35, Peaks of OtterBSD, 10 May 1997; 30, Augusta County BSD, 30 Apr 2005; summer—24, northwestern Highland, 8 Jun 2003; 19, Mt. Rogers, 11 Jun 1966;fall—118, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep 1994.TOWNSEND’S WARBLER (Category 2)Dendroica townsendi NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1(2) female or immature ph., Townsend (Northampton), 30Dec 1999–12 Jan 2000; 1(2) adult male, College of William and Marycampus (Williamsburg), 8 Oct 2004. Mountains and ValleysOne report: 1, Breaks (Buchanan), 26 Sep 2004.

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BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERDendroica fusca BreederCoastal PlainFairly rare transient (30 Apr–25 May, 25 Aug–15 Oct; extreme dates 25Apr–8 Jun, 2 Aug–mid-Oct); more numerous seasonally in fall, andgeographically toward the northwest. Two winter records: 1, Chinc-oteague, 28 Dec 1973; 1, Brooke CBC, 20 Dec 1983. Peak counts : 45, Mt.Vernon (Fairfax ), 5 Sep 1984; on coast—6 banded, Kiptopeke, 20 Oct1968.PiedmontUncommon to fairly rare spring and uncommon fall transient (30 Apr–20 May, 25 Aug–10 Oct; extreme late spring date 5 Jun, late fall date 26Oct), most numerous in the north and near the Blue Ridge. Peak count :26, Charlottesville, 10 May 1997.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and uncommon to fairly rare and very localsummer resident (30 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates 6 Apr–23 Oct); insummer, occurs very locally along crest of Blue Ridge and in mountainsfarther west, mostly above 2500 ft (occasionally down to 1600 ft). BBSdata indicate declines in southern and central Appalachians since the1960s, possibly due (at least in part) to the loss of eastern hemlocks dueto infestation by the hemlock woolly adelgid. Breeding : eggs, 5 May–1 Jul.Peak counts : summer—31, Mountain L. (Giles), 18 Jun 1965; 25,northwestern Highland, 10 Jun 2003; 22, Camp Hoover (Madison), 4 Jun1996; 21, Mt. Rogers, 11 Jun 1966; fall—76, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep1994; 60, Wise, 4 Sep 1972 and 3 Sep 1975.YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERDendroica dominica BreederOverviewMost of the Yellow-throated Warblers breeding in the Coastal Plain andPiedmont are of the yellow-lored subspecies D. d. dominica, while thosein the Mountains and Valleys are D. d. albilora. Along the Potomac R.,nominate dominica breeds from about Stafford downstream, while thosefrom Prince William upstream are albilora (although there is a dominicaspecimen from Four Mile Run, Arlington, 23 Jul 1893; CAS 54428). BBSdata indicate increases throughout all but the extreme northeastern partof Virginia, 1966-2005.

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Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (20 Mar–30 Aug; extreme dates12 Mar–27 Nov). Four winter records: 1, Williamsburg, 12-16 Feb 1986;1, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 1994; 1 (albilora), Dutch Gap Conservation Area(Chesterfield ), 14 Jan 2002; 1 (albilora), L. Smith (Virginia Beach), 27 Dec2005–Feb 2006. Breeding : eggs, 28 Apr–11 May; nests with young throughmid-July. Peak counts : spring—66, Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr 1990;summer—34, upper Chickahominy R., 12 Jun 1948. A bird singing atypical song at the Harrison L. Fish Hatchery (Charles City), 12 Apr 1990,was typical of this species in plumage except that it possessed breastbands like those of a male Northern Parula; this bird may have been ahybrid between the two species, although it lacked the plumage of“Sutton’s Warbler” as that hybrid was originally described (see NorthernParula account for reports of “Sutton’s Warbler”).PiedmontLocally common to uncommon transient and summer resident (25 Mar–30 Aug; extreme dates 14 Mar–4 Oct) in the southeast, uncommon torare farther west and north (e.g., rare and very local north of Albemarleand Louisa). One winter record: 1, Scottsville (Albemarle), 10 Dec 1979–7 Jan 1980. Breeding : eggs, 21-30 Apr; adults feeding fledged young, 15Jun. Peak count : 31, Halifax, 10 Jun 1977.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–30 Aug; extremedates 30 Mar–3 Oct) in lowlands in the extreme southwest; rare transient(recorded primarily in spring) and very local summer resident elsewhere,becoming less numerous northward. This species has occurred as abreeder in the southwest only since the mid-1970s; apparently theestablishment of pine plantations has attracted breeding albilora into thispart of the region. Also increasing farther north (at least as far north asBath and Highland ), where it is closely tied to sycamores. Exceptionallylate date: 1, Burkes Garden (Tazewell ), 10 Nov 2003. One winter record:1, Mt. Crawford (Rockingham), 3 Dec–late Dec 1996. Breeding : breedingsuspected or confirmed from Highland southward, but no recentconfirmed breeding from Rockbridge/Augusta or farther north. However,may breed very locally in northern Shenandoah Valley (e.g., alongShenandoah R.). Eggs, 15-18 May; nests with young through 15 Jul. Peakcounts: spring—20, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3 May 1975; summer—12singing males, James R. (Botetourt ), 20 Jul 1980.

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PINE WARBLERDendroica pinus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate increases throughout most of the state (and most ofthe species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainAbundant transient and summer resident (5 Mar–15 Oct); irregular butusually uncommon winter resident, more numerous toward the south-east. Breeding : nest-building, 25 Mar; eggs, 11 Apr–24 May; nest withyoung, 18 Apr; adults feeding fledged young through 23 Aug. Peak counts :spring—101, Williamsburg SBC, 3 May 1987; 88, near Hopewell, 21 Mar1948; summer—44, southeastern Accomack, 6 Jun 1980; 38, King andQueen BBS, 18 Jun 2004; winter—69, Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1987;68, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1994.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (5 Mar–10 Oct), less numerousand more local toward the north; irregular winter resident, uncommonin the south and rare in the north. Breeding : eggs, 6-9 Apr; adults feedingfledged young through 26 Jun. Peak counts : summer—36, Kerr Res. area,8 Jun 1977; winter—113, Kerr Res. CBC, 19 Dec 1993.Mountains and ValleysLocally common to uncommon transient and summer resident (5 Mar–10 Oct) in mountainous areas throughout much of the region, lesscommon on Shenandoah Valley floor. Uncommon to rare and very localin summer in the extreme southwest, where it occurs primarily in pineplantations. Rare but regular winter visitor; recorded nearly annually onCBCs, with regional totals of up to 14 individuals between 1984 and2004. Breeding : nest with recently hatched young, 3 May; adults feedingfledged young, 13 May–21 Jul. Peak counts : spring—30, Peaks of OtterBSD, 2 May 1998; 28, Carvins Cove Res. (Botetourt ), 26 May 1983;summer—17, Grayson, 12 Jun 1997; 15, Highland, 12 Jun 1985; fall—11,near Rockfish Gap, 5 Sep 2000; winter—10, Northern ShenandoahValley CBC, 16 Dec 1995; 10, Waynesboro CBC, 30 Dec 1992.

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KIRTLAND’S WARBLER Dendroica kirtlandii NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1 (specimen; whereabouts unknown), Ft. Myer (Arlington),25 Sep 1887; 1, Ft. Myer (Arlington), 2 Oct 1887. PiedmontOne record: 1, Kerr Res., 1 Sep 1974.Mountains and ValleysOne accepted record: 1(1) v.r., Wise Res. (Wise), 7-9 May 1994. One ormore were reported in southwestern Virginia in May 1931, and one wasreportedly collected in Bristol sometime in the early 20th century(speciman apparently not extant). These and several otherunsubstantiated or unaccepted records from the extreme southwest maybe valid. The migration of this species almost certainly takes manyindividuals through this part of the state, but photographic docu-mentation has been elusive.PRAIRIE WARBLERDendroica discolor BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout all but southeastern Virginia (andin most of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Coastal PlainCommon spring transient and summer resident (15 Apr–20 Sep; extremeearly spring date 24 Mar, but wintering birds obscure first arrival dates);less numerous in fall. Rare but regular lingerer in late fall and early winter,mostly along coast, with 25+ winter records in December and earlyJanuary; regional totals of up to 7 individuals recorded on CBCs 11 of21 years, 1984-2004. One mid-winter record: 1, False Cape SP, 28 Jan1989. Breeding: eggs, 8 May–18 Jun. Peak counts : spring—126, DismalSwamp, 21 Apr 1991; 89, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982; 76, easternFairfax, 8 May 1971; summer—41, Greensville area, 4 Jun 1991; 23, east-central Accomack, 6 Jun 1980.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates27 Mar–28 Sep). Breeding : eggs, 10 May–7 Jun; adults feeding fledgedyoung through 10 Aug. Peak counts : spring—44, Albemarle, 7 May 1960;summer—48, Lynchburg BBC, 8 Jun 1974 and 7 Jun 1975.

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Mountains and ValleysLocally common transient and summer resident (20 Apr–20 Sep;extreme dates 29 Mar–10 Oct), mainly in lowlands. Breeding : eggs, 26Apr–15 Jun; adults feeding fledged young through 8 Aug. Peak counts :spring—42, Peaks of Otter BSD, 7 May 1977 and 3 May 1980;summer—17, Botetourt, 14 Jun 1975.PALM WARBLERDendroica palmarum NonbreederOverviewTwo subspecies occur regularly in Virginia: the duller-plumaged WesternPalm Warbler (D. p. palmarum), which breeds primarily in central andwestern Canada, and the more yellowish Yellow Palm Warbler (D. p.hypochrysea), which breeds in New England and eastern Canada. Westernsare fairly scarce in Virginia in spring (especially farther east) butoutnumber Yellows considerably in fall and, especially, in winter, whenthe Yellow subspecies is relatively rare in the state (small numbers persistinto December in mild winters along the coast). The western subspeciestends to migrate slightly later in spring but passes through coastalVirginia an average of 10 days earlier in fall than Yellow Palm Warbler{42}. Both subspecies are more numerous (often much moreso) in fallthan spring, especially along the coast.Coastal PlainUncommon to rather rare early spring transient and common, sometimesabundant, fall transient (10 Apr–5 May, 15 Sep–30 Oct; extreme dates 1Sep–27 May), mostly along coast. Uncommon to rare winter residentmost years but irregularly common to abundant on coast in early wintersome years (and can be locally common near coast in mid- and latewinter); regional CBC totals between 1984 and 2004 ranged from 34 to411 individuals. Western Palm Warbler is typically more abundant thanYellow Palm Warbler in fall; for example, 110 Yellows banded atKiptopeke in fall 1995 represented the highest banding total for thatsubspecies since 1969 but were still outnumbered by the 202 Westernsbanded there. Peak counts : fall—“thousands,” Back Bay, 23 Sep 1972;2500 (mostly Western), Fisherman Is., 9 Sep 1998; 2200, Sunset Beach(Northampton), 23 Sep 1998; winter—487, Cape Charles CBC, 28 Dec1975 [288, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1985]. Counts of warblersnumbering up to 500,000 have been made at Kiptopeke in October in the1990s; these are mostly Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers.

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PiedmontUncommon transient (15 Apr–5 May, 15 Sep–30 Oct), more numerousin fall. Rare early winter visitor, with regional totals of up to 10 recordedon CBCs 13 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Western subspeciesoutnumbers Yellow subspecies. Peak counts : spring—40, Fraser Preserve(Fairfax ), 25 Apr 1987; winter—10, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1993.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (15 Apr–5 May, 5 Sep–30 Oct; extreme dates 7Aug–28 May), more numerous (sometimes common) in fall. Rare earlywinter visitor, with regional totals of up to 22 recorded on CBCs 13 of21 years between 1984 and 2004. Western subspecies outnumbers Yellowsubspecies. Peak counts : fall—116, Swoope, 6 Oct 2000; winter—17,Bristol CBC, 28 Dec 2003.BAY-BREASTED WARBLERDendroica castanea NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient (10-20 May, 30 Aug–10 Oct; extreme dates lateApr–6 Jun, 29 Aug–4 Nov) toward the northwest, usually rare in springand uncommon in fall toward the southeast; irregularly common nearcoast in fall. Three winter reports: 1, near Brooke (Stafford ), 22 Dec 1965;1, Suffolk, 11-12 Dec 1976; 1, Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1977. Peakcounts : 27 banded, Kiptopeke, 3 Oct 1975; 25, Norfolk, 30 Sep 1953.PiedmontUncommon spring transient and uncommon to common fall transient(10-20 May, 30 Aug–10 Oct; extreme late fall date 18 Oct), less numerousfarther east. Exceptionally early spring date: 1, near Shadwell (Albemarle),18-24 Mar 1976. Peak count : 26, Albemarle, 14 Sep 1949. Mountains and ValleysUncommon to common transient (5-20 May, 30 Aug–20 Oct; extremedates 22 Apr–30 May, 22 Aug–26 Oct), more numerous in fall. Onewinter report: 2, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 16 Dec 1978. Peakcounts : spring—24, Staunton, 12 May 1978; fall—60, Wise, 6 Oct 1973.BLACKPOLL WARBLERDendroica striata NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient (30 Apr–5 Jun, 15 Sep–20 Oct; extreme dates 24Apr–7 Jul, 22 Aug–23 Nov), though irregular in fall. Birds found

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throughout June, and occasionally into early July (1 singing male, LittleHunting Creek [Fairfax], 7 Jul 2001), are likely late northbound migrants;no records of summering birds. Peak counts : spring—217, NewportNews, 15 May 1982; 90, CBBT, 19 May 2001; fall—102 banded,Kiptopeke, 2 Oct 1964.PiedmontCommon transient (5 May–5 Jun, 15 Sep–20 Oct; extreme dates 23 Apr–4 Jul, 5 Sep–30 Oct), usually less numerous in fall. Birds foundthroughout June, and occasionally into early July (1, Clifton [Fairfax], 3Jul 1976; 1, Falls Church [Fairfax], 4 Jul 2003), are likely late northboundmigrants; no records of summering birds. Peak counts : spring—59,western Richmond, 18 May 1983; fall—59, western Richmond, 9 Oct1949. Mountains and ValleysCommon spring transient and uncommon fall transient (5 May–5 Jun, 15Sep–20 Oct; extreme dates 23 Apr–15 Jun, 1 Sep–27 Oct); in fall, lessnumerous in the extreme southwest. June records likely pertain tonorthbound migrants; no records between 23 Jun (2, Skyland,Shenandoah NP, 23 Jun 1963) and 1 Sep. Peak counts : spring—35, Peaksof Otter BSD, 13 May 1995; fall—37, Rockfish Gap, 14 Oct 1995.CERULEAN WARBLERDendroica cerulea BreederCoastal PlainRare transient, more regular in spring (20 Apr–15 May); particularly rare(and not recorded annually) in fall, and rare along coast at any season.Rare, local, and irregular summer resident near the fall line, with onlytwo summer records (of single birds in Newport News, 15 Jun 1963 and19 Jun 1977) farther east. Extreme dates 18 Apr–7 Oct. No records ofmore than 2 birds. Breeding : bred (at least formerly) in the ChickahominyR. swamp (Henrico), with adults feeding fledged young on 21 Jun 1964.During the VAP, possible and probable breeding records occurred onlynear the fall line in Hanover and southeastern Fairfax. Individuals atFountains Creek Swamp in extreme southeastern Greensville on 12 Jun1988 and 5 Jun 1991 may have been breeders. PiedmontUncommon to fairly rare transient; fairly rare and very local summerresident (20 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates 14 Apr–27 Sep), most regularnear the Blue Ridge and in the north. In summer, occurs primarily near

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the Blue Ridge and near Great Falls in northwestern Fairfax. Apparentlya rare and very local summer resident at scattered locations elsewhere. Asinging male at Quantico (Prince William), 28 Jun 2004, was unusually fareast in summer but may have been a breeder. In the 1950s, foundsummering in Hanover and Henrico. Common in summer in the 1950snear Heard/Boaz Mt. (east of the Blue Ridge) in southwestern Albemarle,but status here currently unknown; there were no VAP records fromAlbemarle. Breeding : nest-building, 12 May; adults feeding fledged young,6-26 Jun. Peak counts : spring—21, Charlottesville, 10 May 1997;summer—40, Albemarle, 8 Jun 1958.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to locally common transient and summer resident (extremedates 17 Apr–14 Sep); in summer, occurs very locally along Blue Ridgeand in mountains farther west, mostly below 3500 ft. BBS data indicatedeclines in breeding populations in the region (and in much of thespecies’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Breeding : eggs, 3 May–14 Jun;recently fledged young, 30 Jun; adults carrying food for young, 16 Jul.Peak counts : spring—78, Peaks of Otter BSD, 2 May 1992; 36, nearRockfish Gap, 2 May 2001; summer—34, G. Richard Thompson WMA(Fauquier), 1 Jun 2000; 24, western Madison, 7 Jun 1996.BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERMniotilta varia BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and uncommon to fairly rare and local summerresident (5 Apr–15 Oct). Rare but fairly regular winter visitor, mostly inthe southeast; regional totals of up to 7 recorded on CBCs 12 of 21years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 30 May; adults feedingfledged young, 11 Jun. Peak counts : spring—82, Williamsburg SBC, 5 May1985; summer—13, southwestern Accomack, 2 Jun 1980; fall—1000,Fisherman Is., 10 Sep 1998; 73 banded, Kiptopeke, 8 Sep 1979; 50,Sunset Beach (Northampton), 2 Sep 2001; winter—5, Little Creek CBC, 31Dec 1984.PiedmontCommon transient and common to uncommon summer resident (5Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates 22 Mar–26 Nov); in summer, morenumerous toward the west and north. Rare early winter visitor, with atleast six December records; recorded on CBCs two of 21 years between1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 12 Apr–2 Jun; adults feeding fledgedyoung through 12 Jul. Peak counts : spring—27, Albemarle, 19 Apr 1952;256

summer—12, Bull Mt. (Patrick), 9 Jun 1995.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (5 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates3 Apr–27 Oct). Rare early winter visitor, with at least eight Decemberrecords; recorded on CBCs three of 21 years between 1984 and 2004.Breeding : eggs, 27 Apr–20 Jun; recently fledged young through 15 Jul.Peak counts : spring—56, Peaks of Otter BSD, 6 May 2000; summer—24,Tazewell, 15 Jun 1972; fall—18, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep 1994.AMERICAN REDSTARTSetophaga ruticilla BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient (occasionally abundant along the coast in fall) anduncommon and local summer resident (15 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates 1Apr–27 Nov); in summer, generally more numerous westward. Threewinter records: 1, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 23 Dec 1978 and 22 Dec 1979; 1,Hopewell CBC, 20 Dec 1998. Breeding : eggs, 9 May–3 Jun; recentlyfledged young through 4 Jul. Peak counts : spring—102, near Hopewell, 7May 1949; 85, Williamsburg SBC, 15 May 1983; summer—32, DismalSwamp, 1 Jun 1966; fall—3000, Fisherman Is., 9 Sep 1998 (with 1000there the next day); 471 banded, Kiptopeke, 8 Sep 1973.PiedmontCommon transient and common to uncommon summer resident (20Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates 19 Apr–15 Nov); in summer, more numeroustoward the west and north. One winter record: 1, L. Anna CBC, 5 Jan2001. Breeding : eggs, 5 May–17 Jun; adults feeding fledged young through25 Jul. Peak counts : spring—45, Farmville, 1 May 1972; summer—10,Halifax, 10 Jun 1977.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–5 Oct; extreme dates16 Apr–19 Nov); in summer, most common (sometimes nearlyabundant) in the Blue Ridge, less common farther west. One winterrecord: 1, Salem, 13 Dec 1975. Breeding : eggs, 6 May–17 Jun; small youngin nest, 1 Jul; adults feeding fledged young through 16 Jul. Peak counts :spring—183, Peaks of Otter BSD, 10 May 2003; summer—72, westernMadison, 4 Jun 1996; fall—109, near Rockfish Gap, 13 Sep 1996.

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PROTHONOTARY WARBLERProtonotaria citrea BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and locally common to abundant summer resident(10 Apr–15 Sep; extreme early date 27 Mar) in central and southern areas;much less numerous in the north and on Eastern Shore, both as atransient and summer resident. Transients normally encountered singly.One winter report: 1, Newport News, 26 Dec 1959. Breeding : eggs, 23Apr–15 Jul; adults feeding fledged young through 30 Jul. Peak counts :spring—187, Dismal Swamp, 21 Apr 1991; summer—133, New Kent, 12Jun 1948.PiedmontUncommon and local transient and summer resident (20 Apr–10 Sep) ineastern part of region (as far north as the Potomac R. in Loudoun) andin the south/southeast; becomes much less numerous and very localwestward (e.g., a male singing and bringing nesting material to a nest boxin Rappahannock, 5-24 May 2004, was very unusual in the northwest).Breeding : active nest, 7 May; recently fledged young, 12 Jun–19 Jul. Peakcounts : 19, Fluvanna, 11 Jun 1970; 16, Lynchburg BBC, 8 Jun 1974.Mountains and ValleysLocally uncommon to fairly rare transient and summer resident (25 Apr–5 Sep; extreme dates 12 Apr–10 Sep) along James R. and lowerShenandoah R.; rare elsewhere. Formerly relatively common along JamesR. in central Botetourt, but fewer records in recent years. Breeding : nest-building, 26 May; nest with eggs, 19 Jun (same nest had four eggs and onesmall young, 4 Jul). Peak counts : 12 singing males, Shenandoah R. (Clarke),2 Jun 1962; 10, James R. (Botetourt ), 29 May 1982.WORM-EATING WARBLERHelmitheros vermivorum BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient and uncommon to fairly rare and local summerresident (25 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates 19 Apr–14 Oct) in the north andwest, becoming much less numerous and more local (especially duringsummer) farther south and east. Breeding : eggs, 9 Jun; adults feedingfledged young through 16 Jul. Peak counts : spring—24, Dismal Swamp, 21Apr 1991; summer—4, Westmoreland, 14 Jun 1969; 4, northwesternAccomack, 4 Jun 1980.

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PiedmontUncommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–25 Sep; extremedates 29 Mar–14 Oct), more numerous along Blue Ridge and in thenorth, much less numerous (especially during summer) farther south andeast. Breeding : eggs, 11-29 May. Peak count : 25, Albemarle, 21 Jun 1951.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–25 Sep; extreme dates17 Apr–5 Oct). Breeding: eggs, 19 May–11 Jun; recently fledged youngthrough 2 Aug. Peak counts : spring—58, Peaks of Otter BSD, 8 May 2004;summer—48, western Rappahannock, 8 Jun 1996; fall—17, near RockfishGap, 11 Aug 1996. SWAINSON’S WARBLERLimnothlypis swainsonii BreederCoastal PlainLocally common summer resident (15 Apr–5 Sep; extreme dates 5 Apr–30 Sep) in Dismal Swamp and neighboring areas to the east, much lessnumerous and more local along southern border of region toward thewest. BBS data indicate declines in these areas since the 1960s. Very raretransient elsewhere, with spring and early summer records from Arlington,eastern Fairfax, Jamestown, Newport News, Tangier Is., Chincoteague,and CBBT, and fall records of single individuals from Newport News(banded, Aug 1968), Kiptopeke (banded, 12 Sep 1971), and CBBT (30Sep 1984). Most records away from breeding areas are old, with nonesince 1990. Breeding : eggs, 1 May–29 Jun; nests with young through 13 Jul.Peak count : 40 territorial males, Dismal Swamp, 18-21 May 1979. PiedmontRare and local transient and summer visitor. All records: 1, Appomattox,16 Sep 1945; 1 singing male, Albemarle, present off and on between 8May and 6 Aug, 1961-1971; at Great Falls (Fairfax ), 1 singing male waspresent late May–3 Jul 1976, 13 May 1978, and 12 May–17 Jul 1995, with1-2 birds present almost annually in June in the 1980s; 1 singing male,Henry, 25 Jul 1976; 1 found dead, Amherst, 15 May 1980. The presenceof singing males in summer suggests the possibility of breeding, butbreeding has not been confirmed in the region.Mountains and ValleysRare and local transient and summer resident (extreme dates 7 Apr–5Oct) in the southwest, from Carroll and Grayson westward to Lee andnorth to Tazewell and Bland. Most numerous at Breaks Interstate Park in

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Dickenson and Phillips Creek Recreation Area and Roaring Branch in Wise.BBS data indicate increases in southwestern Virginia (and neighboringportions of other states) since the 1960s. Very rare transient away fromthe southwest, with five records: 1 banded, Clarke, 23 May 1976; 1, nearMassanutten (Rockingham), 6 May 1977; 3 singing males, Roanoke, 1-6 Jun1980; 1, Arcadia (Botetourt ), 12 May 1982; 1 singing male, Augusta, 24May 1985. Breeding : undoubtedly a regular breeder in the southwest, butonly one confirmed record—adults with recently fledged young, RoaringBranch (Wise), 27 Jun 1996. Peak count : 16, Roaring Branch (Wise), 27Jun 1996.OVENBIRDSeiurus aurocapilla BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and common summer resident (15 Apr–15 Oct; extreme early date 31 Mar). Rare winter visitor, mostly in thesoutheast, with eight December records and one February record (1[2], Ft.Belvoir, 8 Feb 2001). Breeding : eggs, 26 Apr–18 May. Peak counts : spring—257, Dismal Swamp, 21 Apr 1991; 120, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1978;summer—55, Mason Neck, 21 Jun 2003; fall—157 banded, Kiptopeke,1 Oct 1974; 100, Fisherman Is., 10 Sep 1988.PiedmontCommon to abundant transient and common summer resident (15 Apr–10 Oct; extreme late date 11 Nov). One winter record: 1, Lucketts(Loudoun), 3 Jan 1993; 1. Breeding : eggs, 4 May–19 Jun; adults feedingfledged young through 27 Jul. Peak counts : spring—68, Albemarle, 20 May1960; summer—28, Greensville area, 5 Jun 1991.Mountains and ValleysCommon to abundant transient and common summer resident (20 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates 7 Apr–3 Nov). One winter record: 1, TazewellCBC, 16 Dec 1978. Breeding : eggs, 11 May–8 Jul; recently fledged youngthrough 24 Jul. Peak counts : spring—166, Peaks of Otter BSD, 8 May2004; summer—63, Giles, 10 Jun 1983; 49, Tazewell, 15 Jun 1972; fall—11, near Rockfish Gap, 3 Sep 1987.NORTHERN WATERTHRUSHSeiurus noveboracensis Casual BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient (25 Apr–1 Jun, 5 Aug–10 Oct; extreme dates 19

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Apr–11 Jun, 29 Jul–21 Oct), occasionally common in fall on EasternShore. Four winter records: 1, Cape Charles CBC, 29 Dec 1968 and 29Dec 1973; 1, Norfolk, 22 Dec 1975–14 Feb 1976; 1, Back Bay CBC, 28Dec 1988. An unidentified waterthrush on the Newport News CBC, 20Dec 1986, was also likely this species, which is much more likely to occurin winter than Louisiana Waterthrush (for which there are no winterreports). Peak counts : spring—20, ESVNWR, 19 May 2001; fall—150,Fisherman Is., 10 Sep 1988; 50 banded, Kiptopeke, 4 Sep 1977 (with 45banded there the next day).PiedmontUncommon transient (25 Apr–1 Jun, 10 Aug–5 Oct; extreme springdates 5 Apr–10 Jun). One winter record: 1, western Fairfax, 26 Dec 1964–30 Jan 1965. Peak count : 10, western Richmond, 13 May 1981.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (25 Apr–1 Jun, 15 Aug–5 Oct; extreme dates 24Mar–27 Oct). Rare and very local summer resident at higher elevations;in addition to the breeding record below, recorded in summer innorthwestern Highland (12 Jun 1965, 21 Jun 1975, and 12 Jun 1985), inBath (2 on 12-13 Jul 1982), and in the Mt. Rogers area (1 on 2 Jul 1972,2 present 19-22 Jun 1974, and recorded during VAP). Breeding : onerecord—pair of agitated adults with three recently fledged young, nearLocust Spring (Highland ), 3 Jul 1989. Peak count : 15, Peaks of Otter BSD,7 May 1977.LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHSeiurus motacilla BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (30 Mar–20 Sep; extreme dates18 Mar–8 Oct) in much of the region, though local in many areas. Duringsummer, more numerous toward the north and west, and rare to absentas a breeder from lower Eastern Shore and much of Northern/MiddleNeck areas. Rare on coast in fall and rarely observed anywhere in stateon fall migration, which may begin as early as late June–early July.Breeding : eggs, 1-14 May; feeding fledged young, 29 May–14 Jun. Peakcounts : spring—30, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982; summer—14,Williamsburg, 2 Jun 1990.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (30 Mar–20 Sep; extreme earlydate 21 Mar). Breeding : eggs, 8 Apr–18 Jun; nest with small young, 25 Jun.

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Peak counts : spring—19, Albemarle, 7 May 1960; summer—20, LynchburgBBC, 2 Jun 1979.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (5 Apr–15 Sep; extreme dates15 Mar–5 Oct), mostly below 3600 ft. Breeding : eggs, 22 Apr–25 Jun;recently fledged young through 24 Jul. Peak counts : spring—53, Peaks ofOtter BSD, 4 May 1996; summer—19, Washington, 9 Jun 1966; 19,Arcadia (Botetourt ), 13 Jun 1970.KENTUCKY WARBLEROporornis formosus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout Virginia (and in much of thespecies’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Coastal PlainUncommon to fairly common transient and summer resident (25 Apr–10 Sep; extreme late date 13 Oct) in much of region; uncommontransient and rare, local summer resident in extreme southeast and onEastern Shore. Breeding : eggs, 9 May–3 Jun. Peak counts : spring—24,Williamsburg SBC, 15 May 1983; summer—20, Potomac Creek area(Stafford ), 23 Jun 1990.PiedmontLocally common transient and summer resident (25 Apr–10 Sep), butdistribution sparse in much of southern part of region. Breeding : eggs, 2May–14 Jul. Peak counts : spring—24, Pine Ridge (Fairfax), 11 May 1963;summer—7, near Forksville (Mecklenburg ), 11 Jun 1977.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates23 Apr–2 Oct) in the Blue Ridge and southwest, more numerous at lowerelevations; uncommon and much more local elsewhere. Breeding : eggs,17 May–10 Jun; nests with young through 28 Jun. Peak count : 31, PutnamBBS (Buchanan), 27 Jun 1973.CONNECTICUT WARBLEROporornis agilis NonbreederCoastal PlainRare fall transient (extreme dates 10 Sep–21 Oct); almost all reports areof single birds. Two spring records: 1 banded, Williamsburg, 18 May1967; 1, Weyanoke Sanctuary (Norfolk), 17-18 May 1995. Peak counts : 10262

banded, Kiptopeke, 20 Oct 1968; 4 observed (not banded), Kiptopeke,6 Oct 1983.PiedmontRare fall transient (extreme dates 9 Sep–18 Oct). Very rare springtransient (extreme dates 3-28 May), recorded less than annually in spring.No records of more than 2 individuals.Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient (extreme dates 24 Aug–25 Oct). Very rare springtransient (extreme dates 29 Apr–29 May), recorded less than annually inspring. Peak count : 3, Staunton, 18 Oct 1979.MOURNING WARBLEROporornis philadelphia BreederCoastal PlainRare transient (extreme dates 30 Apr–7 Jun, 19 Aug–20 Oct); in spring,more regular in the extreme northwest (Fairfax) and typically a latermigrant in spring than most other warblers. More regular in fall than inspring in most of region. Peak counts : spring—4, Chincoteague, 8 Jun1997; fall—4 banded, Kiptopeke, 12 Sep 1970.PiedmontRare transient (extreme dates 12 May–11 Jun, 30 Aug–23 Oct). Generallymore regular in fall than in spring. One summer record: 1 singing male,Wakefield Park (Fairfax), 9 May–20 Jun 2004.Mountains and ValleysRare transient (15 May–5 Jun, 25 Aug–10 Oct; extreme dates 10 May–24 Oct) in most of region. Rare summer resident at high elevations(above 3000 ft) in western Highland and Bath, and more locally in westernAugusta (Elliott Knob) and at Mt. Rogers. This species was formerly(1970s–1980s) most numerous in summer in the Laurel Fork/LocustSpring area of Highland, but succession has reduced habitat availabilitythere; the 2003 VSO foray found only one in that area but found goodnumbers (10-12) in the Paddy Knob area of Bath/Highland borderingWest Virginia. Two near Galax, 22 Jul 1976, and 1 at Milam Gap inShenandoah NP (Madison), 12 Jun and 24 Jul 1977, may have beenbreeders or unseasonal transients. Exceptionally late fall date: 1,Waynesboro, 17-22 Nov 1979. Breeding : multiple breeding confirmationsin western Highland (mostly from Alleghany Mt. and Locust Spring) andBath (Paddy Knob), and single confirmations at Elliott Knob in Augusta(adults with recently fledged young, 16 Jul 1986) and at Mt. Rogers

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(recently fledged young, summer 1986). Active nest, 21 Jun; adultsfeeding fledged young, 25 Jun; recently fledged young, 16 Jul. Peak counts :spring—8, Blue Ridge Parkway (Botetourt ), 21 May 1972; summer—7singing males and 1 female, Highland, 25 Jun 1964.MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLEROporornis tolmiei NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) immature banded and ph., Kiptopeke, 8 Nov 2005. COMMON YELLOWTHROATGeothlypis trichas BreederCoastal PlainAbundant transient and summer resident (10 Apr–25 Oct). Locallycommon winter resident in extreme southeast (especially around BackBay), uncommon to rare elsewhere in winter (generally less numerousfarther north and west). Annual on CBCs, with regional totals of 9-40individuals between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 10 May–23 Jun. Peakcounts : spring—235-350, CBBT, 19 May 2001; 136, Dismal Swamp, 21Apr 1991; 130, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1978; summer—56,northeastern Accomack, 7 Jun 1980; fall—500, Fisherman Is., 10 Sep1998; 434 banded, Kiptopeke, 29 Sep 1970; winter—16, Back Bay CBC,29 Dec 1993.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–20 Oct). Fairly rarewinter resident; regional totals of up to 5 recorded on CBCs 15 of 21years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 9 May–15 Jun; adultsfeeding fledged young 31 May–18 Aug. Peak counts : summer—49,Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun 1975; 46, Albemarle, 30 Jun 1956; winter—4,Warren CBC, 2 Jan 1983; 4, Kerr Res. CBC, 16 Dec 1990.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–20 Oct). Rare earlywinter visitor; regional totals of up to 3 recorded on CBCs seven of 21years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 9 May–11 Jun; nest withlarge young, 24 Jun; adults feeding fledged young through 13 Jul. Peakcounts : spring—76, Peaks of Otter BSD, 6 May 1978; summer—35,Tazewell, 21 Jun 1986; 34, Putnam BBS (Buchanan), 28 Jun 1970; fall—44,near Rockfish Gap, 5 Sep 2000.

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HOODED WARBLERWilsonia citrina BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–15 Sep; extreme dates29 Mar–12 Oct) in much of region; in summer, uncommon and localalong coast and on Eastern Shore. Exceptionally late date: 1, Alexandria,19 Nov 1983. Breeding : eggs, 4 May–15 Jun. Peak counts : spring—89,Dismal Swamp, 21 Apr 1991; 73, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982;summer—25, Potomac Creek area (Stafford ), 24 Jun 1990.PiedmontLocally common transient and summer resident (15 Apr–15 Sep;extreme dates 28 Mar–20 Sep). Exceptionally late date: 1, Kerr Res., 27Nov 1976. Breeding : eggs, 15 May–11 Jun. Peak count : 70, Albemarle, 21 Jun1951.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (20 Apr–15 Sep; extreme dates16 Apr–24 Oct) in the Blue Ridge and in the southwest, usually below3500 ft; uncommon and more local elsewhere. Exceptionally late date: 1,Blacksburg, 21 Nov 1974. Breeding : eggs, 14 May–13 Jul; adult on nest(contents unknown), 20 Aug. Peak counts : spring—59, Peaks of OtterBSD, 6 May 1978 and 10 May 2003; summer—38, Lee, 20 Jun 1992;fall—8, near Rockfish Gap, 28 Aug 1987.WILSON’S WARBLERWilsonia pusilla NonbreederCoastal PlainFairly rare transient (5-20 May, 25 Aug–30 Sep; extreme dates 3 May–3Jun, 12 Aug–27 Nov) over most of area, sometimes uncommon in springin the extreme northwest. Small numbers regularly linger throughOctober and into November. Rare winter visitor, with about 13 winterrecords from locations throughout region; single individuals wererecorded on CBCs three of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts :spring—6, Westmoreland, 12 May 1984; fall—7 banded, Kiptopeke, 12Sep 1973.PiedmontUncommon to fairly rare transient (5-20 May, 25 Aug–30 Sep; extremedates 1-23 May, 6 Aug–21 Nov). Small numbers regularly linger throughOctober and into November. Two winter records: 1(2), Lynchburg, 1-17Jan 2001; 1(1) ph., Waterford (Loudoun), 17 Nov 2003–3 Jan 2004. Peak

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counts : spring—4, western Richmond, 11 May 1978; fall—4, GreenSprings (Louisa), 15 Sep 1975.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient (5-20 May, 25 Aug–30 Sep; extreme dates 24 Apr–29 May, 15 Aug–26 Oct). Peak count : 6, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep 1994.CANADA WARBLERWilsonia canadensis BreederCoastal PlainFairly rare transient (5-25 May, 15 Aug–20 Sep; extreme dates 3 May–8Jun, 12 Aug–15 Oct) over most of area, sometimes uncommon in theextreme northwest. Peak counts : spring—21, Richmond, 15 May 1984;fall—8 banded, Kiptopeke, 10 Sep 1969.PiedmontUncommon transient (5-25 May, 15 Aug–20 Sep; extreme dates 2 May–3 Jun, mid-Aug–7 Oct). One in Loudoun, 14 Jun 1978, was likely anextremely late northbound migrant. Peak counts : 43, Loudoun, 24 May1982; 31, Pine Ridge (Fairfax), 9 May 1964; 25, Albemarle, 12 May 1956.Mountains and ValleysUncommon to common transient and very local summer resident (10May–20 Sep; extreme dates 16 Apr–3 Oct); in summer, occurs mostlyabove 2800 ft, very locally along crest of Blue Ridge, and somewhatmore widely in mountains farther west. BBS data indicate increases in thecentral and southern Appalachians, 1966-2005, despite declines in mostof the northern part of the species’ range during the same period.Breeding : eggs, 11 May–1 Jul; fledged young, 12 Jun–4 Jul. Peak counts :spring—15, Augusta County BSD, 9 May 1981; summer—51 singingmales, Mt. Rogers area, 13 Jun 1980; fall—10, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep1994.YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT Icteria virens BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–20 Sep) over most ofregion; locally abundant in extreme southeast, uncommon on EasternShore in summer. Rare but fairly regular winter resident, mostly insoutheast and on Eastern Shore; regional totals of up to 4 recorded onCBCs 10 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 11 May–3Jun; nests with young through 19 Jun. Peak counts : spring—42,

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Williamsburg SBC, 15 May 1983; summer—36, Greensville area, 4 Jun1991.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–20 Sep). Exceptionallylate date: 1, Richmond, 23 Nov 2005. Rare winter visitor, with fourknown winter records of single individuals: Dinwiddie, 19 Dec 1951;Charlottesville CBC, 30 Dec 1984; Kerr Res., 18 Dec 1994; CentralLoudoun CBC, 28 Dec 2003. Breeding : eggs, 8 May–8 Jul; adults feedingfledged young through 4 Aug. Peak counts : 63, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun1975; 49, Amherst BBS, 18 Jun 1969.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates7 Apr–6 Nov), mostly below 3500 ft but occurring at least to 4500 ft.Breeding : eggs, 9 May–13 Jul; nest with large young through 26 Jul. Peakcounts : spring—60, Peaks of Otter BSD, 5 May 1979; summer—45, IsomBBS (Dickenson), 22 Jun 1969.SUMMER TANAGERPiranga rubra BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates12 Apr–25 Oct), becoming less numerous toward the northwest (e.g.,rare in summer in Fairfax). Breeding : eggs, 16 May–20 Jun. Peak counts :spring—93, Williamsburg SBC, 8 May 1994; summer—12,Tappahannock area, 4 Jun 1993; 11, northeastern Accomack, 4 Jun 1980.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–20 Sep; extreme dates20 Apr–5 Oct) in the south, uncommon to fairly rare and much morelocal northward (i.e., north of Albemarle and Louisa) and near the BlueRidge. One winter record: 1, Amherst, 1 Jan 1991 (and later). Breeding :eggs, 9 May–25 Jun. Peak count : 32, Greensville area, 5 Jun 1991.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–15 Sep; extremedates 13 Apr–17 Oct) in the extreme southwest, uncommon to rare andvery local elsewhere, mostly at lower elevations. One winter record: 1,Roanoke, 14-25 Dec 1982. Breeding : eggs, 22 May–10 Jul; adults feedingrecently fledged young, 23 Jul. Peak count : 15, Isom BBS (Dickenson), 28Jun 1972.

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SCARLET TANAGERPiranga olivacea BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates16 Apr–5 Nov) in the north and west; in summer, uncommon and localnear coast. Exceptionally early and late dates: 1 singing male in breedingplumage, Arlington, 8 Mar 1954; 1, Williamsburg, first week in Dec 1984.Breeding : eggs, 14 Jul; nests with young through 26 Jul. Peak counts :spring—50, Williamsburg SBC, 15 May 1983; summer—19, Westmore-land SP, 13 Jun 1969.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–10 Oct). Breeding : eggs,15 May. Peak counts : spring—34, Albemarle, 5 May 1956; summer—34,Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun 1978, 2 Jun 1990, and 4 Jun 1994; 30, Greensvillearea, 7 Jun 1996.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates16 Apr–20 Oct). Exceptionally late date: 1 specimen, Lexington, 17 Nov1967. Breeding : eggs, 14 May–31 Jul. Peak counts : spring—156, Peaks ofOtter BSD, 13 May 2006; summer—49, Wise BBC, 13 Jun 1981; fall—77 flying past, Rocky Knob (Montgomery), 11 Sep 2004 (with 69 here thenext day); 46, near Rockfish Gap, 13 Sep 1996.WESTERN TANAGERPiranga ludoviciana NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 17 Sep–1 May), with 20records of single individuals, all since 1965. Most records are in winter(most at feeders): Virginia Beach—29 Jan 1965, 29 Dec 1972 (male), 28Jan–25 Mar 1981 (ph.), 9 Jan–22 Apr 2005(1) (ph.), and 14-28 Mar 2005(ph.); Wellington (eastern Fairfax), 25 Feb–1 Apr 1967; Norfolk, 13 Jan–18 Mar 1973 (female); Gloucester Point (Gloucester), 29 Jan–16 Apr 1983(ph.); Accomack, 21 Feb–11 Mar 1988 (ph.); Redart (Mathews), 8-31 Jan2001 (ph.); Hampton, 13 Mar 2000 (vid.). Four fall records: Norfolk, 13Oct 1966, 14 Oct 1984, and 22 Oct 2001; Virginia Beach, 10 Oct 1991.Five spring records, possibly birds that had wintered locally or at leastextralimitally: Little Creek (Norfolk), 1 Apr–1 May 1968 (ph. andbanded); Newport News, 1 May 1969; Chesapeake, 10 Apr 1973; Ghent(Norfolk), first week of May 1978 (male); Surry, 18 Apr 2004(2).

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PiedmontTwo records: 1 ph., Chester (Chesterfield ), 9 Jan–22 Feb 1968; 1 adultmale, Dunn Loring (Fairfax), 30 Sep 1984.Mountains and ValleysFour records: 1, Montgomery, 3 May 1972; 1, Wise, 11-12 Sep 1974; 1(1)ph., Wytheville (Wythe), 12 Sep 1981; 1(1) ph., Staunton, 27-29 Mar 2004.GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Category 2)Pipilo chlorurus NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1 specimen (whereabouts unknown), Bower’s Hill,Chesapeake (then Norfolk), 26 Jan 1908; 1, Newport News, 26 Feb–22Apr 1953.PiedmontOne record: 1, Amelia, 7-11 Apr 1953. SPOTTED TOWHEE (Category 2)Pipilo maculatus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2) male, Barlow Pond (York/James City), 11 Feb 1995. EASTERN TOWHEEPipilo erythrophthalmus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout Virginia (as in most of the species’breeding range), 1966-2005.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident; in winter, more numerous toward thesoutheast. Breeding : eggs, 6 May–3 Jun; young in nest through 30 Aug.Peak counts : spring—125, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982; summer—36,Branchville BBS, 25 Jun 1967; winter—429, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1970[225, Dismal Swamp CBC, 1 Jan 2001].PiedmontCommon permanent resident; less numerous, especially in the north, inwinter. Breeding : eggs, 28 Apr–10 Jul. Peak counts : summer—175,Lynchburg BBC 8 Jun 1974; winter—217, Kerr Res. CBC, 1 Jan 1976[153, Kerr Res. CBC, 17 Dec 1995].

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Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (20 Mar–25 Oct); uncommonwinter resident, mostly in lowlands. Breeding : eggs, 26 Apr–24 Aug;recently fledged young, 10 May–23 Sep. Peak counts : spring—175, Peaksof Otter BSD, 3 May 1980; 172, Shenandoah NP, 10 May 1958;summer—103, Covington BBS, 10 Jul 1966; winter—76, LexingtonCBC, 26 Dec 1987.BACHMAN’S SPARROWAimophila aestivalis BreederOverviewThe range of this southeastern species expanded northward in the late1800s and early 1900s, and during this time the species was apparentlywidespread in central and southwestern Virginia, occurring in at least 16counties. Since then, secondary succession on former farmland hasreduced habitat considerably, and the species no longer breeds in theMountains and Valleys. Small populations now persist in the state onlyat a few military installations where frequent fire on artillery rangesmaintains suitable habitat, with more ephemeral occurrences in 2-3-year-old clearcuts in southern Virginia.Coastal PlainRare and very local spring and summer visitor (10 Apr–20 Aug) at Ft.A.P. Hill (Caroline) and in Sussex. Birds were first detected in Sussex in Jun1989, when a roadside survey found the species in seven clearcuts in thecounty. Since then, observations in Sussex have been sporadic due to theephemeral nature of habitat suitability in these clearcuts, and a 1996survey in Sussex, Southampton, and southeastern Greensville found thespecies in only two of 150+ clearcuts surveyed (both in Sussex) {43}.The Ft. A.P. Hill population, the northernmost extant breedingpopulation in the species’ range, was discovered in 1993; at this location,birds occupy a very small area of habitat maintained by fire from anartillery range {44}. No surveys have been allowed since the mid-1990s.Surveys in similar habitat on Quantico Marine Base were negative forthis species {45}. Formerly rare spring and summer visitor in easternFairfax but last recorded there in 1964. Three records elsewhere: 1,Henrico, 24 Apr 1949; 1, Cape Charles CBC, 28 Dec 1975; 1 ph., CBBT,12 Oct 1980. Breeding : nest with eggs, Mason Neck, May 1951. PiedmontFormerly a locally uncommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–20 Aug; extreme dates 3 Apr–3 Sep). In the late 1800s and early 1900s,270

occurred at scattered locations in much of the region, with records fromAlbemarle, Amelia, Brunswick, Campbell, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Fairfax,Henrico, and Pittsylvania, but numbers were much reduced by the mid-1900s. One in Dinwiddie, 19 Jun 1968, was the last documented summerrecord until 1986, when the species was rediscovered in Brunswick nearLawrenceville. Since then, it has been recorded in clearcuts in west-central Greensville (since 1991) and southeastern Brunswick, and on Ft.Pickett’s artillery ranges in Nottoway and Dinwiddie (where singing maleshave been recorded since 1993, peaking at 9 males in 1997). A 1996survey in Brunswick, Dinwiddie, and Piedmont portions of Greensville andSussex found the species in only two of 110+ clearcuts surveyed (oneeach in western Greensville and Brunswick) {43}. Breeding : eggs, Lynchburg,12 May 1897; several nests with eggs collected, Albemarle, 1899; adultscarrying food, Chesterfield, 21 Jun 1937; adults carrying nesting material,9 Jul 1986, and adults feeding fledged young, 10 Aug 1986, Brunswick;nest with five eggs, Ft. Pickett, 27 Jun 1997. Peak count : 8 (5 singing males,2 presumed females, and 1 juvenile), Brunswick, 4 Jun 1991.Mountains and ValleysFormerly a locally uncommon to rare transient and summer resident (10Apr–20 Aug) in lowlands, rarely up to 2500 ft, in the southwest (e.g.,Scott, Giles, Montgomery, and Craig), occurring with some regularity as farnorth as Rockbridge. Two records farther north: 1, Humpback Mt.(Augusta), 14 Apr 1933; 1, Shenandoah NP, 30 Aug 1945. Breeding : eggs,6 May–11 Jun. Although there were several reports in the region asrecently as the early 1980s, there have been no confirmed records since1948.AMERICAN TREE SPARROWSpizella arborea NonbreederCoastal PlainIrregular and fairly rare to uncommon transient and winter resident (10Nov–15 Mar; extreme dates 16 Oct–20 Mar), more regular toward thenorthwest, rare in southeast. Annual on CBCs, with regional totals ofup to 99 between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : 151, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan1967 [68, Ft. Belvoir, 31 Dec 1995]; on coast—75, Chincoteague, 19 Jan1970 [54, Wachapreague CBC, 27 Dec 1994].PiedmontIrregularly uncommon transient and winter resident (10 Nov–20 Mar;extreme late date 29 Apr), more numerous northward. Annual on CBCs,with regional totals of 2-133 between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : 430,

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Charlottesville CBC, 23 Dec 1950 [125, Central Loudoun CBC, 27 Dec1997].Mountains and ValleysIrregularly common to uncommon transient and winter resident (10Nov–25 Mar; extreme dates 23 Oct–26 Apr), more numerous northward.Annual on CBCs, with regional totals of 38-613 between 1984 and 2004.Peak counts : 234, Calmes Neck CBC, 30 Dec 1977; 200, near Fincastle, 23Feb 1963 [169, Calmes Neck CBC, 30 Dec 1995].CHIPPING SPARROW Spizella passerina BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (15 Mar–10 Nov). Irregularlyuncommon to rare winter resident on coast; usually fairly rare in winterinland. Breeding : eggs, 25 Apr–29 Jun; nest-building, 10 Jul; adults feedingfledged young through 30 Sep. Peak counts : spring—148, WilliamsburgSBC, 7 May 1989; summer—74, Sharps BBS, 2 Jun 1993; fall—974,Kiptopeke, 4 Nov 1936; winter—245, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1996.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (15 Mar–10 Nov). Fairly rare toirregularly and locally uncommon winter visitor; annual on CBCs, withregional totals of 5-196 between 1984 and 2004. Most recorded inDecember apparently do not winter. Breeding : eggs, 26 Apr–4 Aug; adultsfeeding fledged young through 27 Sep. Peak counts : summer—116,Lynchburg BBC, 5 Jun 1993; winter—194, Kerr Res. CBC, 21 Dec 1997.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (20 Mar–5 Nov). Rare wintervisitor; annual on CBCs, with regional totals of 2-38 between 1984 and2004. Most recorded in December apparently do not winter. Breeding :eggs, 22 Apr–15 Aug; recently fledged young through 31 Aug. Peak counts :spring—319, Augusta County BSD, 6 May 1978; summer—107,Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981; fall—135, Swoope, 6 Oct 2000; winter—17,Glade Spring CBC, 30 Dec 2000.CLAY-COLORED SPARROWSpizella pallida NonbreederCoastal PlainRare but regular fall transient and early winter visitor (extreme dates 2Sep–5 Jan) along coast, with 3-5 (rarely as many as 10) reported in the

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region most years. Most records are in late September and early Octoberfrom southern Northampton, CBBT, and Virginia Beach. Single individualswere recorded on CBCs six of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Sixinland records (including the only two regional spring records): 1, DykeMarsh, 13 May 1989; 1, Washington’s Birthplace CBC, 21 Dec 2002; 1,Julie Metz Wetlands, Woodbridge (Prince William), 1 Dec 2003–14 Feb2004; 1, Northumberland, 21 Mar 2004; 1(2) banded, Dutch GapConservation Area (Chesterfield ), 11 Sep 2004; 1, King William, 8 Nov2004.PiedmontFive records: 1, Kerr Res. CBC, 18 Dec 1994; 1(1) ph., Manassas, 22 Dec2001–9 Feb 2002; 1, Sky Meadows SP (Fauquier ), 8 Nov 2003; 1(1) ph.,Lynchburg, 29 Apr–3 May 2004; 1, Sky Meadows SP (Fauquier ), 6 May2006.Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient (extreme dates 10 Sep–26 Oct), with about 12 fallrecords from Wise (six records), Blacksburg, Rockingham, and Augusta.One winter record: 1, Waynesboro, 18 Dec 1979–3 Jan 1980. Threespring records: 1, Augusta, 9 May 1971; 1, Staunton, 30 Apr 1974 and 30Apr 1999. Two summer records: 1, Lyndhurst, 17 Jun 1989; 1, BigMeadows (Madison), 2 Jun 1996.FIELD SPARROWSpizella pusilla BreederOverviewStatewide CBC data indicate a steady decline in winter abundance fromthe 1950s to the present, and BBS data indicate similar declines inbreeding-season abundance throughout Virginia and most of the species’breeding range since 1966, as secondary succession on abandonedfarmland has reduced habitat availability.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident, more numerous in winter. Breeding : eggs,27 Apr–27 Jul; adults feeding fledged young through 3 Sep. Peak counts :spring—46, Williamsburg SBC, 1 May 1988; summer—49, Sharps BBS,29 Jun 1971; winter—534, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1998.PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 30 Apr–3 Aug; two-day-old young in nest, 23 Aug. Peak counts : summer—131, Lynchburg BBC,8 Jun 1974; winter—1135, Kerr Res. CBC, 26 Dec 1976 [327, Kerr Res.

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CBC, 3 Jan 1988; 363, The Plains CBC, 18 Dec 2005].Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, less numerous at high elevations. Breeding :eggs, 23 Apr–5 Sep. Peak counts : spring—138, Augusta County BSD, 14May 1983; summer—75, Fincastle BBC, 13 Jun 1981; fall—82,Lyndhurst, 14 Oct 1994; winter—510, Fincastle CBC, 19 Dec 1977 [267,Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 21 Dec 1996].VESPER SPARROWPooecetes gramineus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout most of the species’ breedingrange, including northern and western Virginia, 1966-2005. Coastal PlainUncommon transient (10 Mar–5 May, 25 Sep–5 Nov). Rare to uncom-mon winter resident, more numerous near coast; recorded annually onCBCs, with regional totals of up to 46 recorded between 1984 and 2004.Rare and local summer visitor, with recent summer records fromAccomack, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland, butno confirmed breeding (and only one VAP record from the region, inNorthumberland ). Peak counts : 70, Cape Charles CBC, 28 Dec 1975 [41,Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1989].PiedmontUncommon to common transient and uncommon to fairly rare and localsummer resident (15 Mar–5 Nov); in summer, occurs mostly in theextreme north (south to Orange) and adjacent to the Blue Ridge, butbreeding has been confirmed in the central Piedmont as far south asMecklenburg. Rare winter resident; regional totals of up to 8 recorded onCBCs 12 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 30 Apr–18Jul. Peak counts : spring—431, Albemarle, 7 Apr 1947; winter—7,Charlottesville CBC, 27 Dec 1992.Mountains and ValleysLocally common to uncommon transient and summer resident (20 Mar–30 Oct) throughout most of region, though very local in summer in theextreme southwest. Rare winter resident; regional totals of up to 4recorded on CBCs 11 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs,9 May–2 Aug. Peak counts : spring—99, Augusta, 4 Apr 1987; summer—34, Grayson, 17 Jun 1970; fall—24, Swoope, 5 Oct 1999; winter—5,Roanoke CBC, 1 Jan 1970.274

LARK SPARROWChondestes grammacus Casual/Former BreederCoastal PlainRare but regular fall transient (mostly 20 Aug–5 Oct) and winter resident,with 3-5 reported in the region in fall and winter most years. Mostrecords are from the Eastern Shore, CBBT, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake,and Craney Is. Rare inland, with fall/winter records from eastern Fairfax(two records), Hopewell, King William, eastern Prince William, andWestmoreland. Single individuals recorded on CBCs four of 21 yearsbetween 1984 and 2004. Very rare spring transient. Extreme dates 26Jul–30 May. Peak counts : 3, Craney Is., 8 Nov 1969; 3, Virginia Beach, 28Dec 1988–mid-Feb 1989.PiedmontRare visitor, with 19 records. Six fall records: 1, Fairfax, 3 Oct 1972; 1,Charlottesville, 11 Oct 1979; 1, Leesburg, 30 Oct 1982; 1, Loudoun, 11-21 Aug 1996; 1, Loudoun, 7 Nov 1998; 1, Loudoun, 27 Sep 2003. Fourwinter records: 1, Lynchburg, 6-20 Dec 1955; 1, L. Anna CBC, 22 Dec1991; 1, Ashburn (Loudoun), 23 Dec 1993; 1, Fauquier, 29 Jan 2000. Fivespring records: 1, Albemarle, May 1927, 1 May 1946, and 27 Apr 1950; 1,Loudoun, 9 May 1998; 1, Lunenburg, 26 Apr 2005. Four summer records:pair, Albemarle, summer 1925 (see Breeding ); 1 singing, Barboursville(Orange), 22-26 Jul 1985; 1, Appomattox, 2 Jun 2001; 1, Goochland, 24 Jul2005. Breeding : one record—pair nested, Albemarle, Jun 1925, fledgingyoung in July.Mountains and ValleysRare visitor, with 22 records. Ten fall records (4 Sep–20 Nov) of singleindividuals from Augusta (two records), Blacksburg, Botetourt, Floyd,Roanoke, and Rockingham (two records). One winter record: 1 was at thesame feeders in Waynesboro, 15 Dec 1979–26 Mar 1980, 9 Jan–12 Apr1982, and 19-21 Dec 1982. Seven spring records: 1, Pulaski, 28 Apr 1895;1, near Harrisonburg, 12 May 1935; 1, Wise, 7 May 1971; 1, Washington,22 Apr 1996; 1, near Dayton (Rockingham), 22-23 Apr 2000; 1, Highland,4 May 2002; 1, Monterey (Highland ), 15 Mar 2004. Four summer records:female on nest, Rockingham, 17 May 1937 (see Breeding ); 1, Front Royal,4 Jul 1948 and 4 Jul 1949; 1, near Winchester, 25 Jul 1971. Breeding : onerecord—nest with eggs, Rockingham, 17 May 1937.

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BLACK-THROATED SPARROW (Category 2)Amphispiza bilineata NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1, Norfolk, 7 Oct 1967.PiedmontTwo records: 1 ph. ( location of photographs unknown), western Fairfax,17 Jan–11 Apr 1971; 1, western Henrico, 21 Oct 1979.

LARK BUNTINGCalamospiza melanocorys NonbreederCoastal PlainFour reports of single individuals: Virginia Beach—5 Sep 1960, 24 Oct1969, and 29 Oct 1972; Back Bay, 20 Aug–8 Sep 1967. Several reportsfrom CBBT may also be correct but have not been accepted or reviewed.Mountains and ValleysOne record: 1 specimen, near Cameron’s Pond (Lexington), 11 Feb 1932(USNM 330128).SAVANNAH SPARROWPasserculus sandwichensis BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (15 Sep–10 May)along coast; less common inland in winter, especially in the northwest.Rare late spring and summer visitor on coast; no evidence of breedinghas been observed in the region. Peak counts : spring—415, Henrico, 5 Apr1947; winter—1754, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1977 [604, Cape CharlesCBC, 30 Dec 1995]. Ipswich Sparrow (P. s. princeps), a distinctivesubspecies that breeds only on Sable Is., Nova Scotia, is a locallyuncommon winter visitor (15 Nov–30 Mar; extreme dates 19 Oct–29Apr) along the dune line of the immediate coast and, rarely, the shoresof southern Chesapeake Bay. Multiple reports from Grandview Beach(Hampton) in 1970s and 1980s. Farther inland, three records fromCraney Is. and one from Ragged Is. WMA (Isle of Wight ), 29 Apr 1987.Peak counts (for princeps): 37, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1986; 27, BackBay, 9 Dec 1970; 29 (all in Virginia sector), Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 1995.PiedmontCommon transient and uncommon to fairly rare winter resident (15 Sep–

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10 May). In winter, more common southward; recorded annually onCBCs, with regional totals of 14-268 between 1984 and 2004. Raresummer resident in the extreme north (especially Loudoun andnorthwestern Fauquier ) and much more sparsely near the Blue Ridgesouth to Franklin and Patrick. Breeding : two records—pair feeding recentlyfledged young, near Stanardsville (Greene), 19 Jun 1996; adults with deadfledgling, near Lakota (Fauquier ), 8 Jun 2001 (specimen of fledgling inUSNM). Peak counts : fall—105, North Fork Wetlands (Prince William), 19Oct 2002; winter—294, Kerr Res. CBC, 2 Jan 1978 [187, CentralLoudoun CBC, 27 Dec 1998; 184, Kerr Res. CBC, 18 Dec 1994].Mountains and ValleysCommon transient (15 Mar–15 May, 15 Sep–5 Nov) over much ofregion. Fairly rare winter resident; recorded annually on CBCs, withregional totals of 6-125 between 1984 and 2004. Locally uncommon torare summer resident at scattered locations throughout region, thoughabsent in summer from much of the extreme southwest; more numerousin summer at higher elevations. Although BBS data suggest declines inwestern Virginia (as in most of the eastern part of the species’ breedingrange) since the 1960s, breeding abundance actually seems to haveincreased in many parts of the region since the 1970s based on thenumber of new areas where breeding has been confirmed. Breeding : firstrecorded breeding in the state in Highland, with young in a nest on 15Jun 1973. Since then, additional records of confirmed breeding havebeen obtained in Augusta, Bath, Clarke, Highland, Montgomery, Pulaski,Shenandoah, Tazewell, and Wise. No nests with eggs have been detected,but other breeding evidence suggests egg dates of 25 Mar–6 Jul. Nestswith young, 5 Apr–15 Jun; flightless young, 19 Jul; adults feeding recentlyfledged young through 5 Aug. Peak counts : spring—109, Swoope, 9 Apr1999; summer—13, Burke’s Garden (Tazewell ), 13 Jul 2003; fall—197,Augusta, 21 Oct 2002; winter—50, Glade Spring CBC, 2 Jan 2005.GRASSHOPPER SPARROWAmmodramus savannarum BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout Virginia (and in much of thespecies’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Coastal PlainUncommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–30 Oct); rare wintervisitor, with about seven winter records, most from December. Breeding :in appropriate habitat, breeding density averages three pairs/ha {46}.

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Eggs, 27 Apr–6 Jul; recently fledged young through 13 Aug. Peak counts :spring—45, Westmoreland, 23 May 1968; 22, Williamsburg SBC, 5 May1985; summer—38, Accomack, 4 Jun 1981; 18, Henrico, 30 Jun 1948; fall—10, CBBT, 7 Oct 1975.PiedmontUncommon to common transient and summer resident (15 Apr–15 Oct;extreme late date 5 Nov). Two winter records: 1, Green Springs (Louisa),8-10 Feb 1979; 1, Warren CBC, 2 Jan 1983. Breeding : eggs, 14 May–2 Aug;recently fledged young through 24 Aug. Peak counts : 100, Dulles Airport,3 Jul 1982; 100, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun 1986; 82, Madison, 7 Jun 1996.Mountains and ValleysLocally common transient and summer resident (20 Apr–15 Oct;extreme dates 25 Mar–3 Nov), mostly below 3000 ft; more local insummer in the extreme southwest. One winter record: 1, ShenandoahNP CBC, 18 Dec 1977. Breeding : eggs, 28 Apr–7 Aug; nests with youngthrough 12 Sep. Peak counts : spring—61, Augusta County BSD, 14 May1983; summer—62 singing males, Rockingham, 17 Jun 1984; 59, Clarke, 12Jun 1994; fall—18, Swoope, 6 Oct 2000.HENSLOW’S SPARROWAmmodramus henslowii BreederOverviewThe abandonment of farm fields in the late 1800s and early 1900sprovided abundant old-field habitat for this species throughout much ofthe state, and there are numerous records of summering birds duringthis period. Secondary succession on former farmland and changes inagricultural practices (e.g., row cropping and more frequent mowing)since then have reduced habitat considerably, resulting in thedisappearance of the species from most of its former range in the state.The disappearance of subspecies susurrans from tidal marshes in the Saxisarea and similar habitat in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey may bedue to loss of habitat to Phragmites infestation. Henslow’s Sparrow is nowa very rare, local, and sporadic breeder, but it has been recorded in thestate, either as a breeder or migrant, every year since 1971 except one(1984).Coastal PlainFormerly common, now rare, transient and summer resident (15 Apr–20Oct). In the late 1800s and early 1900s, this species bred commonly infields in the Arlington/Fairfax area, and as recently as 1952, Murray

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described it as locally common in the Virginia Beach area {2}. Numbersdeclined precipitously in the mid-1900s, and the species was last reportedin summer in Fairfax in the 1980s. Formerly a regular summer residentin Chesapeake Bay marshes in the Saxis area, but numbers dwindled untilthe last report there in 1995. Recent records elsewhere in the regionsuggest sporadic breeding by small numbers at scattered locations: singlesinging males were near Lewisetta (Northumberland ), 5 Jun 1993 andDumbrooke (Essex), 6 Jun 1993; in young clearcuts in the southwest, upto 8 singing males were in Sussex, May–Jul 1990, with 1 in May 1991 andmultiple individuals at two Sussex locations in Jun 1996; 6 singing maleswere near Emporia in southeastern Greensville, 22 Jun 1991. Formerlyreported to be a rare winter visitor, but no confirmed winter records inthe past 25+ years. Breeding : eggs, 1 May–13 Jun. Recent peak counts : 6singing males, southeastern Greensville, 22 Jun 1991; 6 singing males, SaxisMarsh, 20 Jul 1991.PiedmontFormerly common, now rare, transient and very local, sporadic summerresident. As recently as 1952, Murray described it as at least locallycommon from Petersburg, Amelia, and Richmond north to theWashington, D.C. area, with multiple colonies present in Albemarle andCampbell {2}. By the late 1970s and 1980s, the only regular summeroccurrences were in Loudoun. Numbers in Loudoun have since dwindled,and it has not summered regularly there since the late 1980s. Severalrecent summer records from Prince William: 3, L. Manassas, 1 Jul 1989(with a fledged juvenile two weeks later); 6 singing males, near Nokesville,16 Jun 1990; pair, near Manassas (Prince William), 31 May–26 Jul 2005(with 2 juveniles on the latter date)(2). In the southern part of the region,up to 15 singing males were near the Staunton R. in Halifax, 25 Jul–11Aug 1988, and small numbers were noted in Charlotte in 1990-1991,Campbell in 1988-1991, and Brunswick in 1992 and sporadically since. Onewinter record: 1, Kerr Res., 12 Jan 1975. Breeding : the presence of fledgedjuveniles with adults in Prince William in 1989 and 2005 (see above)indicate that local breeding still occurs in the region. Eggs, 12 May–3Jun. Peak count : 30 singing males, Loudoun, 23 Jul 1978.Mountains and ValleysFormerly locally common, now rare, transient and very rare and localsummer resident (15 Apr–15 Oct, extreme dates 19 Mar–8 Nov).Formerly more widespread (and locally common) in summer, mostlybelow 3000 ft; in recent years, the only summer occurrences have beenat the Radford Arsenal near Dublin (Pulaski ), where up to 10 individuals

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per year have been recorded since 1997. Breeding : nest with eggs,Massanetta Springs (Rockingham), 16 Jul 1911. LE CONTE’S SPARROWAmmodramus leconteii NonbreederCoastal PlainRare (and very secretive) fall transient and winter resident (extreme dates25 Sep–16 Feb) in extreme southeast, with about 46 records totalingnearly 70 birds through 2005. This species probably wintered regularlyin the Back Bay area at least 1988–2003; due likely to habitat changes,there have been no reports at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge since2003. There are five fall records from southern Northampton (1 banded atKiptopeke on 8 Nov 1998, and four other records from Kiptopeke andESVNWR, 21 Oct–21 Nov) and seven from the CBBT (29 Sep–24Nov). An exceptional fall record of 2 birds comes from Drummond’sField, near Jamestown, 29 Oct 1992; the only other record of multiplebirds in this region, away from Back Bay, is of 1-2, Grandview(Hampton), 23 Nov 1974. Late fall records may indicate birds attemptingto winter. Regional totals of up to 9 individuals were recorded on CBCs13 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004, almost all of these from BackBay. Post-December winter records are very few; because marsh surveyshave not been permitted at Back Bay after the late-December CBC, it isnot known whether birds located on that CBC remained into spring. Onewintering bird near Back Bay on the Whitehurst Tract, Princess AnneWMA, Virginia Beach was present 29 Dec 1999–17 Feb 2000. One atESVNWR, found 21 Nov 1999, remained at least through 3 Jan 2000.Farther inland, singles were recorded at Ft. Eustis (Newport News), 13Jan 1991; College Creek (Williamsburg) 18 Jan 1993; Washington’sBirthplace CBC, 18 Dec 2004; Occoquan Bay NWR (Prince William), 30Oct–5 Nov 2005(1); and James City, 27 Nov 2005–2 Jan 2006. Four springrecords: 1, Chincoteague, 26 Apr 1980; 1, Newport News, 2 Apr 1988;1, CBBT, 27 Apr 1989; 1, Fisherman Is., 25 Apr 1991. Peak count : 7, BackBay CBC, 29 Dec 1999.PiedmontFour fall records: 1 ph., Elm Hill WMA (Mecklenburg ), 26 Oct 1987; 1(2),Dulles Greenway Wetlands (Loudoun), 22-24 Oct 1996; 1(2), Sky MeadowsSP (Fauquier ), 20-21 Oct 2001; 1-2(2), North Fork Wetlands (PrinceWilliam), 31 Oct–1 Nov 2002. Two spring records: 1 ph., near Blackstone(Nottoway), 30 Apr 1983; 1 ph., Dulles Greenway Wetlands (Loudoun), 13Apr 1998. One winter record: 1, Elm Hill WMA (Mecklenburg ), 13 Jan280

1995.Mountains and ValleysRare fall transient (extreme dates 14 Sep–18 Nov), with nine fall recordsof single birds: Wise, 3-5 Nov 1974; Botetourt, 12-18 Nov 1976 and 19-28 Oct 1987; Staunton, 10 Oct 1979; Stuarts Draft, 23 Oct 1979 and21-22 Sep 1986; Spring Creek (Rockingham), 11 Oct 1986; Roanoke, 14Sep 1990; Hidden Valley WMA (Bath), 25-26 Oct 1998. One winterrecord: 2 (1 specimen), Abingdon (Washington), 25 Dec 1954. Two springrecords: 1, near McGaheysville (Rockingham), 16 May 1989; 1, Wise, 19Apr 1992. NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED SPARROWAmmodramus nelsoni NonbreederOverviewUntil 1995, Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow and Saltmarsh Sharp-tailedSparrow were considered conspecific, and summaries of the status ofsharp-tailed sparrows prior to that year usually did not distinguishbetween the two types. In the summary below, all records of sharp-tailedsparrows from the Piedmont and Mountains and Valleys regions prior tothe split are presumed to pertain to Nelson’s, as Saltmarsh Sharp-tailedSparrow would be an unlikely (though not impossible) vagrant in thoseregions. In the Coastal Plain, where both species may occur during thenonbreeding season, the status of these species will be clarified as moredata on critically identified individuals are compiled. Given the secretivenature of this species, it is likely much more regular inland than indicatedby the existing records. The nominate subspecies, as well as alterus ( JamesBay Sharp-tailed Sparrow) and subvirgatus (Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow),are transients and winter residents in the state, confirmed by specimen{2}. Their relative abundance is not well known, but alterus appears to befar more common than subvirgatus, and the nominate subspecies appearsto be the least common of the three taxa in the state.Coastal PlainFairly common to uncommon transient and winter resident (extremedates 1 Sep–8 Jun) in marshes along the coast and around ChesapeakeBay, rare transient inland. Regional abundance on coastal CBCs since1995 has been similar to or slightly lower than that of the SaltmarshSharp-tailed Sparrow. Peak counts : 28, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 2001;for both species combined (prior to the split)—213, Cape Charles CBC,29 Dec 1973 [152, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1987].

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PiedmontRare (and secretive) but probably regular fall transient (extreme dates 3Sep–11 Oct), with at least eight fall records. Three spring records: 1,Albemarle, 6 May 1948 and 23 Apr 1967; 1, Nokesville, 1 May 1993. Twowinter records: 1, Prince Edward, 7 Jan 1948; 1, Clarksville, 7 Dec 1952.Peak count: 3, North Fork Wetlands (Prince William), 12 Oct 2001.Mountains and ValleysRare (and secretive) but probably regular fall transient (extreme dates 25Sep–26 Nov), with at least 13 fall records. One definite spring record: 1,Blacksburg, 23 May 1908; the 3rd edition of the Checklist reported a springdate span of 17-25 May {1}, but details of those records are apparentlynot extant. Records from interior eastern North America, mostly to thenorth of Virginia, indicate that a spring migration window of mid-Mayto early June would be expected for this species.SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROWAmmodramus caudacutus BreederCoastal PlainFairly common to uncommon transient and winter resident in marshesalong coast and immediately surrounding Chesapeake Bay. Mostabundant (i.e., locally common) in marshes in northwestern Accomack(including islands in upper Chesapeake Bay), south to Hyslop Marsh. Onwestern shore of Bay, formerly nested south to Hampton (e.g., a four-egg clutch was collected at Buckroe, 16 May 1911), but recent, extensivefield work in western shore marshes revealed that nearly all individualshad migrated by 10 Jun {47}. Only one pair was found summering; thispair had a nest with four eggs in Four Points Marsh (Gloucester), 2 Jun1992 {48}. Along the coast, locally common summer resident nearChincoteague Bay/Wallops Is., but numbers decrease from Wallops Is.south to northern Northampton, with only a few summer records(including a nest with eggs collected in 1935) south to Rogue Is. and RedBank. Very few records of singing birds in June from Virginia Beach(e.g., 2 or more singing at Lynnhaven Inlet, 25 Jun 1955 and throughoutthe summer of 1960). Regional abundance on coastal CBCs since 1995has been similar to or slightly higher than that of the Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow. No confirmed records inland from immediateChesapeake Bay. Breeding : eggs, 11-31 May. Peak counts : summer—94,Saxis Marsh, 24 Jul 1991; winter—23, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 2001;for both species combined (prior to the split)—213, Cape Charles CBC,29 Dec 1973 [152, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1987]. Virginia’s breeding282

birds are of subspecies diversus; some of these apparently winter as well.Birds of the nominate subspecies occur as transients and winterresidents, and nominate birds apparently outnumber diversus in winter.Both taxa are confirmed by specimen {2}.SEASIDE SPARROWAmmodramus maritimus BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and summer resident in coastal andChesapeake Bay salt marshes, breeding in greater abundance andsomewhat farther upstream along tidal rivers than Saltmarsh Sharp-tailedSparrow. Breeds as far inland as Hollis Marsh Is. on the Potomac R.,Tappahannock on the Rappahannock R., West Point on the York R., andnear Williamsburg on the James R. Rare dispersant farther inland alongthese rivers, with three records of single individuals at Dyke Marsh: 13Aug 1977, 25 Sep 1982, and 28 May 2001. Uncommon winter residentnear and along coast. Breeding : eggs, 3 May–26 Jul. Peak counts : spring—49, Northumberland, 26 May 1968; 40, CBBT, 26 Apr 1980; summer—200pairs, Hampton, 13 Jun 1953; 161, Parkers Marsh Natural Area(Accomack), 19 Jun 2004; 127, Saxis Marsh, 24 Jul 1991; 105, Cobb Is., 6Jun 1991; fall—85, Fisherman Is., 28 Oct 1972; winter—165, CapeCharles CBC, 29 Dec 1973 [68, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1993].FOX SPARROWPasserella iliaca NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and uncommon to common winter resident (25 Oct–30 Mar; extreme late date 22 Apr); in winter, particularly common insouthern Northampton. Peak counts : 317, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1970[258, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 2002; 126, Colonial Parkway (James City),17 Feb 2003].PiedmontCommon transient and uncommon winter resident (25 Oct–30 Mar;extreme dates 14 Sep–13 May). Peak counts : 57, Chesterfield, 29 Feb 1948[27, Manassas–Bull Run CBC, 27 Dec 1998]. One report of Slate-coloredFox Sparrow (schistacea/altivagans group): 1, Herndon (Fairfax), 20 Mar1998; this western form is rarely recorded east of the Rocky Mountains.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and uncommon to fairly rare winter resident (25 Oct–

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30 Mar; extreme dates 5 Oct–10 May). One summer record: 1 singingmale, Rockingham, 10-15 Jun 1968. Peak counts : spring—74, westernAlbemarle, 10 Mar 1956; 45, Augusta, 9 Mar 1994; winter—12, LexingtonCBC, 26 Dec 1991.SONG SPARROWMelospiza melodia BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident, abundant in winter; in summer, much lessnumerous and more local in some areas (e.g., Middle Peninsula, EasternShore). Breeding : eggs, 21 Apr–29 Jul; recently fledged young, 24 May–3Sep. Peak counts : spring—80, Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr 1984; 64, CBBT,6 Mar 1989; summer—51, Tappahannock area, 4 Jun 1993; winter—1513, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 30 Dec 2001; 1472, Cape Charles CBC, 28 Dec1975; 1434, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1986.PiedmontCommon permanent resident, abundant in winter; in summer, lessnumerous and more local toward the southeast. Breeding : eggs, 19 Apr–20 Aug; recently fledged young through 4 Sep. Peak counts :summer—170, Lynchburg BBC, 2 Jun 1990; winter—1231, The PlainsCBC, 18 Dec 2005; 1044, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1976.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, less numerous at high elevations. Breeding :eggs, 1 Apr–8 Aug; large young in nest, 4 Sep; adults feeding fledgedyoung through 1 Oct. Peak counts : spring—226, Augusta County BSD, 14May 1983; summer—109, Floyd, 18 Jun 1976; fall—239, Augusta, 21 Oct2002; winter—1566, Waynesboro CBC, 28 Dec 1998.LINCOLN’S SPARROWMelospiza lincolnii NonbreederOverviewIn all regions, this species is more numerous in fall than in spring, witha small migratory peak in early to mid-May and a much larger one inearly October.Coastal PlainUncommon to fairly rare transient and rare winter resident (extremedates 14 Sep–9 Jun). In winter, occurs mostly in the southeast; regionaltotals of up to 8 individuals recorded on CBCs 17 of 21 years between1984 and 2004, though apparently few winter. Peak counts : 5, Cape

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Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1974 and 27 Dec 1998.PiedmontFairly rare transient and rare early winter visitor (extreme dates 11 Sep–21 May). Regional totals of 1-2 individuals recorded on CBCs four of 21years between 1984 and 2004, with no records of wintering. Peak count :12, Sky Meadows SP (Fauquier), 5 Oct 2003. Mountains and ValleysFairly rare spring and uncommon fall transient; rare early winter visitor(extreme dates 3 Sep–27 May). Regional totals of up to 3 individualsrecorded on CBCs eight of 21 years between 1984 and 2004, with norecords of wintering. Peak counts : fall—23, Augusta, 6 Oct 2000; winter—3, Roanoke CBC, 18 Dec 1993.SWAMP SPARROWMelospiza georgiana BreederOverviewSwamp Sparrows summering in the Coastal Plain represent thesouthernmost end of the breeding range of M. g. nigrescens (often calledCoastal Plain Swamp Sparrow), which breeds in tidal fresh and brackishmarshes north to the Hudson R. The pair that bred in Highland andsinging males found in cattail marshes in that county into June havecertainly been of the more widespread, inland-breeding nominatesubspecies. Transients and many wintering birds are probably mostly ofsubspecies ericrypta, which is confirmed by specimen {2}.Coastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (10 Oct–20 May);ostensibly rare summer visitor, though recently discovered to be locallycommon along Rappahannock R. Breeding : formerly thought to be a raresummer visitor/resident, with singing males or pairs at Dyke Marshduring five summers between 1970 and 2002, and 2 singing males east ofSaxis on 4 Jun 1981. The recent discovery of large numbers along theRappahannock R. suggests a more widespread, previously undocu-mented breeding population. Mulberry Point Marsh along theRappahannock R. (Richmond ) had 14 singing males (with 1 adult observedcarrying food) on 9 Jun 2004 and 41 singing males between 24 May and13 Jun 2005. Five nests were found here on 24 May 2005. Other singingmales along the Rappahannock R. were 1 at Otterburn Marsh (Richmond ),24 May 2005, and 5 at Island Farm Marsh (Essex), 15 Jul 2005. A bird atHuntley Meadows CP, 23 Aug 2004, was either extremely early or a local

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breeder. Peak counts : fall—202 banded, Kiptopeke, 17 Oct 1970; winter—1025, Cape Charles CBC, 28 Dec 1975 [605, Dismal Swamp CBC, 2 Jan1994].PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (10 Oct–15 May; extreme dates25 Sep–27 May); in winter, more numerous southward. One summerrecord: 1, North Fork Wetlands (Prince William), 17 Jul 2002. Peak counts :1106, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1975 [603, Kerr Res. CBC, 22 Dec 1996].Mountains and ValleysUncommon to locally common transient and uncommon to rare winterresident (10 Oct–10 May; extreme dates away from Highland, 23 Sep–21May). Rare summer resident in northwestern Highland. Breeding : onerecord—recently fledged young, Highland, 12 Jun 1965. Peak counts :spring—30, Peaks of Otter BSD, 7 May 1977; fall—110, Lyndhurst, 17Oct 1994; winter—38, Waynesboro CBC, 28 Dec 1995.WHITE-THROATED SPARROWZonotrichia albicollis NonbreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (5 Oct–10 May;extreme dates 11 Sep–12 Jun). Late migrants occasionally linger throughMay and into early June. Peak counts : spring—224, Williamsburg SBC, 2May 1982; fall—237 banded, Kiptopeke, 18 Oct 1970; winter—3547,Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1981 [2609, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005;2219, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1989].PiedmontCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (30 Sep–20 May;extreme early date 31 Aug). Late migrants occasionally linger into earlyJune, and there are at least five records between 14 Jun and 16 Jul. Peakcount : 2471, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1976.Mountains and ValleysCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (30 Sep–20 May;extreme early date 8 Sep), mostly in lowlands. Late migrants occasionallylinger into early June, and there are at least five records between 14 and24 Jun. One July record: 1, Highland, 22 Jul 2004. Peak counts : spring—538, Augusta County BSD, 3 May 1975; fall—300, Staunton, 22 Oct2002; winter—1908, Shenandoah NP CBC, 21 Dec 1975.

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HARRIS’S SPARROWZonotrichia querula NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records of up to 5 individuals, all 2003-2004. At the Julie MetzWetlands in Woodbridge (Prince William), 3(1,2) birds were present inwinter 2003-2004; at least 1 adult (ph.) was present 22 Nov 2003–6 Mar2004, with 2 adults (the second not photographed) present together atleast 23 Nov 2003–5 Jan 2004 and 1 immature (ph.) documented on 13Feb 2004. At the ESVNWR, an adult found 7 Nov 2003 and animmature found 9 Nov 2003 (both ph./vid.) were both present through17 Nov.PiedmontFour records: 2 banded and ph., Loudoun, 30 Nov 1964–late Mar 1965(location of photographs unknown); 1 banded, Fairfax, 11-21 Nov 1966;1, Mecklenburg, 8 Jan–27 Mar 1975; 1(2), near Centreville (Fairfax), 10 Dec1999–23 Jan 2000.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 21 Nov–11 May) witheight records: 1 specimen, Blacksburg, 17 Feb 1967 (VPI); 1 immature,Tazewell, 29 Dec 1972–16 Mar 1973; 1 immature, near South Holston L.,30 Dec 1972; 1, Lexington, 21 Nov–28 Dec 1974; 1, Lexington, 22 Jan1978 (and later); 1 ph., Bridgewater (Rockingham), 5-11 May 1978; 1,Blacksburg, 12-22 Dec 1987; 1 immature ph., Weyers Cave (Augusta), 10Apr–6 May 2002. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWZonotrichia leucophrys NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon and local transient and winter resident (10 Oct–10 May;extreme late date 28 May), generally more numerous inland than alongcoast. Peak counts : 57, Hopewell CBC, 18 Dec 1976; on coast—19,Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1988. Two records of Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow (Z. l. gambelii ): 1, ESVNWR, 12 Nov 1999; 1,ESVNWR, 3 Nov 2002.PiedmontUncommon to locally common transient and winter resident (10 Oct–10 May; extreme dates 2 Oct–22 May). Peak counts : 374, The Plains CBC,19 Dec 2004; 183, Warren CBC, 2 Jan 1994.

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Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and winter resident (10 Oct–10 May; extreme dates8 Sep–25 May) in most of region but much less numerous in extremesouthwest. One summer record: 1, Augusta, 28 Jun–12 Jul 1976. Peakcounts : spring—154, Augusta, 8 Mar 1999; 116, Augusta County BSD, 6May 1978; fall—175, Stuarts Draft, 27 Oct 2002; winter—1057,Shenandoah NP CBC, 21 Dec 1975. Three records of Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow: 1 specimen, Blacksburg, 16 Nov 1940; 1, Rockbridge,5 Jan 1942; 1, Rockbridge, 10 Nov 1955.DARK-EYED JUNCOJunco hyemalis BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (30 Sep–15 Apr;extreme dates 21 Sep–27 May). Two exceptionally early records: 1,Hopewell, 16 Aug 1983; 1, Huntley Meadows CP, 23 Aug 2004. Peakcounts : 3165, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005; 2128, Mathews CBC, 3 Jan1988. About 15 reports of Oregon Junco (J. h. oreganus subgroup;extreme dates 6 Oct–11 May), including 1 banded in Newport News 18Jan 1971 and retrapped there 4 Feb 1974. Many reports of this subgroup(1959-2001) have, on closer investigation, been found to refer tocismontanus (so-called “Cassiar Junco”), a population that appears to be ahybrid swarm between Oregon and Slate-colored groups. Similarindividuals have in other cases proved to be first-year female Slate-colored Juncos. Four reports of White-winged Junco (J. h. aikeni ), asubspecies not yet definitively documented in the East, almost certainlyrefer to aberrant Slate-colored Juncos (nominate or carolinensis) that showwing bars: 1 banded, Newport News, 22 Nov 1972; 1, Gloucester, 25Dec 1974 and 25 Dec 1976; 1, Dismal Swamp CBC, 3 Jan 1998. Onedocumented record of Pink-sided Junco (J. h. mearnsi ): 1(1) ph.,Kiptopeke, 10 Nov 1999–29 Jan 2000.PiedmontCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (25 Sep–20 Apr;extreme dates 14 Sep–4 Jun); rare summer visitor along the border withMountains and Valleys region. Two mid-summer records elsewhere: 1,Lynchburg, 8 Jul 1973; 1, Alexandria, 2 Jul 2004. Peak count : 2413,Banister R. CBC, 17 Dec 1989; 2406, The Plains CBC, 19 Dec 2004. Atleast four records of Oregon Junco: 1, Falls Church, Dec 1954–27 Feb1955; 1, Charlottesville, late Nov 1990–Mar 1991; 1(1) ph., Crozet(Albemarle), 25 Feb 1993; 1, Madison, winter 1993-1994 (and likely thesame individual returning in winters of 1994-1995 and 1995-1996).288

Mountains and ValleysCommon to abundant transient and winter resident (25 Sep–25 Apr),and common summer resident at higher elevations, mostly above 3000ft (but occasionally below 2500 ft), along crest of Blue Ridge and inmountains farther west. BBS data indicate increases in the central andsouthern Appalachians since the 1960s. Breeding : eggs, 15 Apr–6 Aug.Peak counts: spring—123, Augusta County BSD, 3 May 1975; summer—248, Whitetop, 13 Jun 1980; 106, Mt. Rogers, 21 Jun 1974; winter—2735,Shenandoah NP CBC, 21 Dec 1975. More than 10 sight records ofOregon Junco (extreme dates 28 Nov–25 Mar).LAPLAND LONGSPURCalcarius lapponicus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare and somewhat irregular transient and winter resident (extreme dates30 Sep–4 Apr), mostly near coast but also very locally at inland locations.Regional totals of up to 14 recorded on CBCs 13 of 21 years between1984 and 2004. Peak counts : fall—75, Chincoteague, 27 Nov 1981; 56,Craney Is., 27 Nov 1981; winter—40, Craney Is., 28 Dec 1973; 35, CurlesNeck (Henrico), 29 Jan–24 Feb 1989; spring—35, Pungo, Virginia Beach,8 Mar 1953.PiedmontRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 2 Nov–9Apr), mostly in the extreme north. Regional totals of up to 25 recordedon CBCs eight of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : winter—48, near Remington (Fauquier), 7 Dec 2002; spring—30, Dulles Airport,12 Mar 1960.Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 22 Oct–1May), mostly from Montgomery north. Regional totals of up to 3 recordedon CBCs eight of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak count : 50, StuartsDraft, 8 Dec 1998.CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURCalcarius ornatus NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(1) ph., Chincoteague, 5 Jun 1977.Mountains and ValleysOne report: 8, Roanoke, 13 Apr 1958. Although the 2nd and 3rd editions

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of the checklist considered this report acceptable {1, 49}, it is not welldocumented and should be considered hypothetical. SNOW BUNTINGPlectrophenax nivalis NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon and irregular transient and winter resident (15 Nov–10 Feb;extreme dates 24 Oct–26 Feb), mostly near coast and in Hampton Roads;fairly rare inland. Nearly annual on CBCs, with regional totals of up to160 between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : fall—220, Hampton, 15 Nov1969; winter—354, Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1966 [130, NansemondR. CBC, 5 Jan 1997].PiedmontRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 27 Oct–21Feb), mostly from L. Anna northward. Regional totals of up to 11recorded on CBCs 12 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak count : 34,Loudoun, 17 Jan 1960.Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 20 Oct–31Mar), mostly from Montgomery northward. Regional totals of up to 42recorded on CBCs seven of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak count :220-300, Middlebrook (Augusta), 5-21 Feb 1978.NORTHERN CARDINALCardinalis cardinalis BreederCoastal PlainCommon to abundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 6 Apr–7 Aug.Peak counts : spring—221, Williamsburg SBC, 5 May 1985; summer—106,Newsoms BBS, 24 Jun 1967; 49, Tappahannock area, 2 Jun 1993;winter—1430, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 2005; near coast—512, CapeCharles CBC, 27 Dec 1976.PiedmontCommon to abundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 30 Mar–16Sep; adults feeding fledged young through 6 Oct. Peak counts : summer—388, Lynchburg BBC, 9 Jun 2001; winter—1247, Central Loudoun CBC,26 Dec 2004.Mountains and ValleysCommon to abundant permanent resident, mostly at low and middleelevations. Breeding : eggs, 5 Apr–27 Aug; adults feeding fledged young290

through 18 Sep. Peak counts : spring—296, Augusta County BSD, 14 May1983; summer—58, Stickleyville BBS, 1 Jul 1977; winter—941, CalmesNeck CBC, 28 Dec 1991.ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKPheucticus ludovicianus BreederCoastal PlainUncommon transient (25 Apr–20 May, 10 Sep–10 Oct; extreme late date19 Nov), more numerous in fall, when occasionally common on thecoast. One summer record: 1, Surry, 25 Jul 1983. Two winter records: 1specimen, Alexandria, 2-3 Dec 1959; 1, Sparta (Caroline), 4 Dec 1983.Peak counts : spring—21, Richmond, 4 May 1983; fall—247, Kiptopeke,19 Sep 1996.PiedmontUncommon transient (25 Apr–20 May, 10 Sep–10 Oct; extreme earlydate 2 Apr), usually more numerous in fall. Rare summer visitor, mostlynear the Blue Ridge, but no records of confirmed breeding in the region.Three winter records: 1(1) ph., Sterling (Loudoun), 15 Feb–14 Apr 1991; 1ph., Crozet (Albemarle), 7 Feb–1 Mar 1992; 1(1) ph., Bedford, 26 Jan–9 Mar2004. Peak count : 55, Pine Ridge (Fairfax), 8 May 1965.Mountains and ValleysCommon to uncommon transient and local summer resident (25 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates 17 Apr–13 Nov); in summer mostly above 2500ft along crest of Blue Ridge and in mountains farther west. Five winterrecords: 1, Waynesboro, 5 Feb 1975; 1 banded, Harrisonburg, 15 Jan1978; 2, Harrisonburg, mid-Jan 1979; 1, Augusta, 21 Jan 1984; 1,Staunton, 14 Jan 1997. Breeding : eggs, 20 May–4 Jul; recently fledgedyoung through 21 Aug. Peak counts : spring—59, Peaks of Otter BSD, 7May 1983; summer—39, Giles, 9 Jun 1983; fall—79 nocturnal migrantsover Rockfish Gap, night of 20-21 Sep 1994; 40, near Rockfish Gap, 13Sep 1996.BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKPheucticus melanocephalus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare transient and winter visitor, with 13 records. Five fall records: 1banded and ph., Kiptopeke, 16 Oct 1971; 1 second-year male (subspeciesmaculatus) found dead on road, Chincoteague, 28 Nov 1971 (USNM565026); 1, Norfolk, 3-12 Apr 1973; 1 ph., Chincoteague, 23-24 Nov1984; 1, Beaverdam Park (Gloucester), 11 Oct 2003. Four winter records:

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1, Jamestown Farms (Williamsburg), 13-14 Jan 1984; 1, Hog Is. WMA,19 Feb 1984; 1(1) ph., Virginia Beach, 24 Jan–26 Apr 1984; 1, south ofCape Charles, 30-31 Dec 1991. Four spring records: 1, Norfolk, 3-12Apr 1973; 1 ph., Gloucester, 17-30 Mar 1981; 1, Norfolk, 4 May 1984; 1,Chisel Run (Williamsburg), Mar–4 Apr 1992. There are severaladditional, undocumented reports from the Woodland Trail (formerlyknown as the Pony Trail) and vicinity at Chincoteague in Sep–Oct (plusa male along Black Duck Trail, 13 May 2000).PiedmontFive records: 1 immature male (subspecies melanocephalus) banded, ph.,Pine Ridge (western Fairfax), 24 Dec 1960–15 Mar 1961; 1 banded,Albemarle, 29 Jan–2 Feb 1974; 2, Observatory Mt., Charlottesville, 10May 1975; 1, Richmond, 28 Jan–20 Mar 1978; 2, Amherst, 10 Sep 1978.Mountains and ValleysFive records: 1, Radford, 31 Jan–11 Apr 1971; 1, Blacksburg, 2 Feb–31Mar 1971; 1(2), Monterey (Highland ), late Oct 1982 (may have been ahybrid with Rose-breasted Grosbeak); 1 found dead, Blue Ridge Parkway(milepost 176) near Meadows of Dan, late Sep 1986; 2(1,2) (one ph.),Waynesboro, 8 May 1987. BLUE GROSBEAKPasserina caerulea BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–10 Oct; extreme dates15 Apr–31 Oct). One at Hopewell, 3 Mar 1974, may have wintered.Exceptionally late date: 1, Jamestown, 23 Nov 2003. Breeding : eggs, 20May–5 Aug; nests with young through 26 Aug; adult carrying fecal sac,9 Sep. Peak counts : spring—42, Williamsburg SBC, 3 May 1992;summer—37, Tappahannock area, 2 Jun 1993.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (30 Apr–5 Oct; extreme dates21 Apr–22 Oct). Three winter records: 1-2, Mecklenburg, 8-18 Jan 1975;1, Scottsville (Albemarle), 20-22 Dec 1981; 1, Charlottesville CBC, 19 Dec1993. Breeding : eggs, 13 May–5 Aug; recently fledged young through 21Sep. Peak counts : spring—43, Lunenburg, 30 May 1989; summer—39,Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun 1989; 38, Kerr Res. area, 8 Jun 1977.Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and summer resident (5 May–30 Sep; extremedates 12 Apr–15 Oct) in lowlands. Breeding : eggs, 21 May–27 Jul; recently292

fledged young through 23 Aug. Peak counts : spring—29, Peaks of OtterBSD, 7 May 1977; summer—8, Lee, 18 Jun 1992.LAZULI BUNTINGPasserina amoena NonbreederCoastal PlainTwo records: 1 banded and ph., Newport News, 7 Jan–25 Feb 1966; 1,Norfolk, 9 Oct 1975.INDIGO BUNTINGPasserina cyanea BreederOverviewAlthough most spring migrants do not begin to arrive in the state untillate April, there are multiple records from all regions of what areapparently very early arrivals (rather than wintering birds) in early Aprilor even early March. Coastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–25 Oct; extreme dates18 Mar–9 Nov). Four winter records: 1, Chincoteague, 28 Dec 1961; 2,Little Creek CBC, 31 Dec 1994; 1, Suffolk, 7 Jan 1998; 1, Charles City,24-28 Jan 2004. Breeding : eggs, 14 May–12 Jun; recently fledged youngthrough 2 Sep. Peak counts : spring—137, Williamsburg SBC, 15 May1983; 104, Westmoreland, 23 May 1968; summer—82, Tappahannock area,3 Jun 1993.PiedmontAbundant transient and summer resident (25 Apr–20 Oct; extreme dates4 Mar–24 Nov). Two winter records: 1, Warren CBC, 21 Dec 1980; 1,Darlington Heights CBC, 13 Dec 1992. Breeding : eggs, 13 May–24 Jun;nests with young through 15 Aug; recently fledged young through 2 Sep.Peak counts : spring—378, Loudoun, 14 May 1983; summer—307,Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun 1980.Mountains and ValleysAbundant transient and summer resident (25 Apr–15 Oct; extreme dates26 Mar–1 Nov) in lowlands, less numerous at high elevations. Threewinter records: 1, Clarke, 29 Dec 1979; 1, Waynesboro, 21 Feb–late Feb1985; 1, Blacksburg CBC, 19 Dec 1992. Breeding : eggs, 8 May–23 Aug;fledged young begging from adult, 28 Sep. Peak counts : spring—567,Peaks of Otter BSD, 7 May 1977 [332, Peaks of Otter BSD, 8 May 2004];summer—176, southwestern Patrick, 9 Jun 1995; fall—100,

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Harrisonburg, 23 Aug 1985; 87, Augusta, 2 Oct 2004; 26, Stuarts Draft,13 Oct 1990.PAINTED BUNTINGPasserina ciris NonbreederCoastal PlainRare winter and spring visitor in the extreme southeast, with 47+ recordsof 1-3 individuals. About 30 records from the extreme southeast (southof James R., from Portsmouth/Suffolk east); 11 from Newport News,James City, and York; four from the Eastern Shore; and single recordsfrom Mathews (31 Dec 1995–20 Jan 1996) and Lancaster (27 Dec 2000–4Jan 2001). Most records are from the date span Nov–early Apr. Sevenrecords from other seasons: 1, Newport News, 22 Jun 1951; 1, York, 6Jun 1952; 1 found dead, Norfolk, 13 Jul 1981; in James City, single birds10-11 Jun 1989, 5 May 1990, and 24 Apr 2004; 1, Northampton, 12 May1999; 1, Norfolk, 30 Apr 2005; 1 banded, First Landing SP, 11 May 2006.About 30 records involve bright males, while the remaining 17+ are offemales or first-year males. Possibly increasing in recent years, as abouttwo-thirds of known records have occurred since 1990. Peak counts : 3,Virginia Beach, 1 Feb–11 Mar 1998 and winter 2000-2001.PiedmontFive records: 1, Brunswick, 25 Jun 1925; 2, western Fairfax, 6 May 1972;1(2), Goochland, 18 May 1994; 1(1) ph., Charlottesville, 1 Jan–22 Mar 1998;1(1) ph., Chesterfield, 21 Sep 2002.Mountains and ValleysFive records: 1, Blacksburg, 25 May 1940 and 7 Sep 1943; 1, Salem, 12-20 Mar 1974; 1, Radford, 19 Oct 1977; 1(1) ph., Staunton, 15-23 Apr 1993.DICKCISSELSpiza americana BreederOverviewAs in most of the eastern U.S., Dickcissel populations in Virginia varyconsiderably from year to year; low levels of breeding activity in mostyears are punctuated by large incursions (in recent years, occurring every2-6 years or so), in which the species occurs much more widely and ingreater numbers. Late fall migrants may occur in all regions throughOctober and into November.Coastal PlainRare and irregular transient, mostly along the coast, and rare summer

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resident, mostly inland (25 Apr–15 Oct). Since 1980, summer recordsfrom Charles City, Essex, Henrico, King George, Northampton, Northumberland,Stafford, and Westmoreland, though few regional breeding confirmations.Rare winter visitor; regional totals of up to 5 individuals recorded onCBCs five of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : two sets of eggscollected near Richmond, 15 Jun 1870 and 31 May 1879. More recentrecords: nests with four and five eggs, near Hopewell, 28 Jun 1980; adultscarrying food, Custis Tomb (Northampton), 11 Jul 1999 (5 singing maleswere present here 26 May). Peak counts : spring—12, Curles Neck(Henrico), 19 May 1995; 8, Westmoreland, 27 May 1990; fall—5 flying over,Kiptopeke, 16 Oct 1998 (fall season total of 32 recorded here 3 Sep–17Nov 1998); winter—5, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1999.PiedmontRare and irregular transient and summer resident (25 Apr–30 Sep). Since1980, summer records from Albemarle, Amelia, Bedford, Campbell, Culpeper,Fauquier, Greene, Halifax, Loudoun, Madison, Mecklenburg, Orange, PrinceWilliam, and Rappahannock. Rare winter visitor. Breeding : nest-building,Bedford, 19 May 1962; pair feeding young, Bedford, mid-Jul 1979; femalecarrying food, Mecklenburg, 10 Jun 1977; nest-building, Nokesville, 29May 1983 and May 1984; recently fledged young, Campbell, 12 Jul 1988;pair with recently fledged young, Bristersburg (Fauquier), 9 Jul 2000. Peakcounts: 31 singing males and 2 females, Fauquier/Culpeper, 17 Jun 2000; 14singing males, Campbell, 30 Jun 1988; 14, near Rapidan (Culpeper), 24 Jun2000.Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular transient and summer resident (25 Apr–30 Sep) fromMontgomery northward, even rarer in the extreme southwest. Most recordsare from lowlands, although the species occurs in suitable habitat athigher elevations (e.g., Burkes Garden in Tazewell ) as well. Rare wintervisitor; recorded on CBCs three of 21 years between 1984 and 2004.Breeding : eggs, 10 Jun–19 Jul. Peak counts: spring—5 pairs, Augusta, 25 May1962; 10, Swoope, 26 May 2000; summer—12, New Hope (Augusta), 5Jun 2005; 10 singing males, Warren, 11 Jun 1967; 18, Augusta, summer2000; winter—4, Augusta County CBC, 18 Dec 1993.BOBOLINKDolichonyx oryzivorus BreederCoastal PlainCommon to locally abundant transient (25 Apr–25 May, 20 Aug–5 Oct;extreme late fall date 9 Nov). Occasional late spring migrants may occur

through mid-June; rare summer visitor in late June and July. Numbers attraditional roosts (as at Oyster, Northampton) apparently declining sincelate 1990s. Breeding : one record—male carrying food and a fecal sac,Custis Tomb (Northampton), 5 Jul 1999 (pair present here 4 Jun–11 Jul).Peak counts : spring—10,000, Dismal Swamp, 6 May 1980; fall—80,000,Oyster (Northampton), 10 Sep 1992.PiedmontCommon transient (25 Apr–25 May, 20 Aug–25 Sep). Rare and irregularsummer resident in western Loudoun and northwestern Fauquier since themid-1980s. Elsewhere, late spring migrants may occur through mid-June,and scattered records (including small flocks) occur in late June and mid-July, though there is no breeding evidence away from the extremenorthwest. Exceptionally late dates: 1, Manassas, 30 Oct 2003; 1,Westmoreland, 22 Nov 2003. Breeding : pair nest-building, Ashby Gap SEatlas block (near Paris, Fauquier), 27 Jun 1987; small numbers haveapparently bred near Taylorstown and Airmont (Loudoun) since the late1990s. Peak counts : spring—500, western Fairfax, 13 May 1950; summer—20-30, Sterling (Loudoun), mid-Jul 1983; 18, Campbell, 23 Jul 1988.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient (25 Apr–25 May, 20 Aug–25 Sep; extreme dates 15Apr–6 Nov). Rare summer resident at scattered locations; formerlynested only in Highland, but since the mid-1980s, summering birds havesteadily increased in number and have occurred in a number of locationsthroughout the region. Breeding : nest with eggs, Highland, 19 Jun 1975(first state breeding record); adults carrying nesting material, Pulaski, earlyJul 1984; recently fledged young, Burkes Garden (Tazewell ), 20 Jun 1986;confirmed breeding, Rural Retreat (Wythe), 29 May 1995; nests withyoung, near Groseclose (Smyth), 3 Jun 1995 and 8 Jun 1996 (with adultscarrying food here on 8 Jun 1997); adults carrying food, Swoope, 4 Jun1996 (and many young fledged here in 2000); adults feeding fledgedyoung, Churchville (Augusta), 28 Jun and 11 Jul 1998. Peak counts :spring—255, Stuarts Draft, 6 May 1988; summer—19, Burkes Garden(Tazewell ), 20 Jun 1986; fall—6000, Augusta, 9 Sep 1980.RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDAgelaius phoeniceus BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout most of Virginia (and in muchof the eastern part of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005.

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Coastal PlainAbundant permanent resident, most numerous but more local in winter.Breeding : eggs, 6 May–5 Jul. Peak counts : spring—1422, Williamsburg SBC,1 May 1988; summer—266, Chincoteague, 4 Jun 1981; winter—15,000,000, Dismal Swamp, late Dec 1961 [800,000, Cape Charles CBC,30 Dec 2004; 300,000+, Nansemond R. CBC, 3 Jan 1999].PiedmontCommon permanent resident, more numerous but also more local andirregular in nonbreeding season. Breeding : eggs, 14 Apr–28 Jul; nest withone egg and one young, 4 Aug. Peak counts : summer—486, LynchburgBBC, 8 Jun 1974; winter—250,246, Manassas–Bull Run CBC, 20 Dec1981; 173,910, Lynchburg CBC, 2 Jan 1971 [20,015, The Plains CBC, 21Dec 1999].Mountains and ValleysIn lowlands, common transient and summer resident, and local andsomewhat irregular winter resident. Less numerous at higher elevationsin summer, and mostly absent from higher elevations in winter. Breeding:eggs, 18 Apr–27 Jul. Peak counts : spring—740, Peaks of Otter BSD, 3May 1980; summer—621, Churchville BBS, 9 Jul 1966; 616, Augusta, 2Jun 2005; winter—46,603, Augusta County CBC, 29 Dec 1984 [1052,Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 21 Dec 1996].EASTERN MEADOWLARKSturnella magna BreederOverviewBBS and CBC data indicate significant statewide declines since the 1960s,both in Virginia and throughout most of the species’ breeding range.On Virginia CBCs, the number recorded per party hour peaked in thelate 1950s and early 1960s and has shown a steady, eight-fold declinesince then.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident in most of region, but uncommon to raretoward the northwest. Breeding : in appropriate habitat, this species reachesbreeding densities of nearly one pair/ha {46}. Eggs, 1 May–6 Jul; nestwith chick eight to 10 days old, Fisherman Is., 5 Sep 1982. Peak counts :spring—150, Chincoteague, 9 May 1964; 118, Williamsburg SBC, 3 May1987; summer—240, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun 1986; winter—1078, CapeCharles CBC, 27 Dec 1970 [531, Cape Charles CBC, 29 Dec 2001].

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PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 24 Apr–6 Jul. Peak counts :summer—240, Lynchburg BBC, 7 Jun 1986; 161, Broadnax BBS, 4 Jun1975; winter—1279, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1976 [269, Kerr Res. CBC, 3Jan 1993].Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 29 Apr–22 Jul; nests withyoung as early as 29 Apr. Peak counts : spring—406, Augusta County BSD,3 May 1975; summer—348, Augusta, 2 Jun 2005; winter—443,Shenandoah NP CBC, 21 Dec 1975 [241, Augusta County CBC, 23 Dec1989].YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDXanthocephalus xanthocephalus NonbreederCoastal PlainRare but annual transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 29 Aug–28May), mostly near coast and in the southeast (especially Northampton andVirginia Beach). Single individuals recorded inland to Prince William ( JulieMetz Wetlands, 19 Mar 2003), Fairfax (Accotink Cr., 1 Oct. 2005),theAlexandria/Arlington area (28 May 1979, 11-12 Jan 1980, and 10 Jan1982), and Henrico (Curles Neck Farm, 16-21 Oct 2004). Number of falland winter records about equal, with fewer spring records. Peak count : 3,Back Bay, 13 Nov 1958. PiedmontRare visitor, with 13 records. Two spring records: 1, Falls Church, 5 Mar1962; 1, Charlottesville, 14 May 2002. Five fall records: 3, Prince Edward,5 Sep 1939; 1, Manassas, 16 Aug 1983; 1, Loudoun, 19-26 Nov; 1, nearRemington (Fauquier), 13 Nov 2002; 1, Fairfax, 1 Oct 2005. Six winterrecords: 2, Bedford, 26 Feb 1954; 1, Vienna (Fairfax), 29 Dec 1976; 1,McLean (Fairfax), 26 Jan–3 Feb 1979; 1, Jeffersonton (Culpeper), 17 Dec1997; 2, Jeffersonton (Culpeper), 18 Dec 2001; 1, Orange, 20 Feb 2005.Mountains and ValleysRare visitor, with seven records. Three spring records: 1, Swoope, 11 Apr1974; 1, Rockingham, 7 May 1985; 1, Staunton, 24 Apr–9 May 1992. Threefall records: 1, Wise, 9 Sep 1969; 1, Roanoke, 2-4 Sep 1978; 1, Bath, 29 Sep1990. One winter record: 1, Harrisonburg, 17 Feb 1979.

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RUSTY BLACKBIRDEuphagus carolinus NonbreederCoastal PlainUncommon to common transient and winter visitor (15 Oct–25 Apr;extreme late date 14 May). Peak counts : spring—2000, Dismal Swamp, 20Apr 1973; 600, Huntley Meadows CP, 30 Mar 2006; winter—1100, BackBay CBC, 29 Dec 1972; [1600, Westmoreland, 6 Nov 2005; 362, Back BayCBC, 28 Dec 1998].PiedmontUncommon to locally common transient and winter visitor (15 Oct–25Apr; extreme dates 25 Sep–5 May). Peak counts : 17,450, Lynchburg CBC,30 Dec 1967 [300, Banister R. CBC, 14 Dec 2003].Mountains and ValleysUncommon transient and winter visitor (15 Oct–25 Apr; extreme dates28 Sep–3 May). Peak counts : 3050, Blacksburg CBC, 29 Dec 1970 [610,Rockingham County CBC, 30 Dec 1989]. A count of 150,000 listed forthe Bristol CBC 28 Dec 1974 is apparently a typographic error.BREWER’S BLACKBIRDEuphagus cyanocephalus NonbreederOverviewIn Virginia, careful scrutiny of large fall/winter blackbird flocks oftenreveals small numbers of this species, but the wandering tendencies (andhuge size) of these flocks makes it difficult to monitor abundance andseasonal distribution of Brewer’s Blackbirds within them. However, nearBack Bay and Nokesville, small groups have been found to frequentcertain cattle feedlots, where they may even outnumber other blackbirds.This species has been recorded in the state every year since 1971 excepttwo (1976 and 1977).Coastal PlainRare but annual fall transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 8 Oct–12Apr), rarer in spring. Recorded mostly near coast (especially Northamptonand Virginia Beach), but with several records of single individuals orsmall flocks from scattered inland locations as well. No records of morethan 5 individuals away from cattle feedlots west of Back Bay. Regionaltotals of up to 34 recorded on CBCs nine of 21 years between 1984 and2004. Peak counts : fall—50, Princess Anne Courthouse (Virginia Beach),16 Nov 1956; 20, near Back Bay, 20 Nov 1988; winter—34, Back BayCBC, 28 Dec 2002.

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PiedmontRare transient and winter resident (extreme dates 9 Nov–2 May) in thenorth, with single records south to Nelson, Orange, Louisa, and Mecklenburg(1, Kerr Res., 7 Apr 1977). Small flocks have wintered regularly at cattlefeedlots in the Nokesville area since the late 1980s; there are few recordsof more than 1-2 individuals away from that location. Regional totals ofup to 30 recorded on CBCs nine of 21 years between 1984 and 2004,mostly at Nokesville. Peak counts : fall—20, Nokesville, 26 Nov 2004; 14,Elkwood (Culpeper), 9 Nov 2002; winter—42, Nokesville, 12 Dec 1991;spring—62, Nokesville, Mar 1992.Mountains and ValleysRare transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 19 Oct–24 Apr). Recordswidespread, though no areas of regular occurrence are known. Regionaltotals of up to 4 recorded on CBCs 13 of 21 years between 1984 and2004. Peak counts : fall—3, Wise, 19 Oct 1979; winter—4, Stuarts Draft,21 Dec 1981.COMMON GRACKLEQuiscalus quiscula BreederOverviewBBS data indicate declines throughout Virginia (and in much of theeastern part of the species’ breeding range), 1966-2005. Subspecies stonei(often called Purple Grackle) is the expected breeding bird in Virginiaand is a common transient and wintering bird except in thesoutheasternmost part of the state, where it is replaced by the nominatesubspecies {52}; specimens of the nominate subspecies have been takenin Virginia Beach and Chesapeake {2}. Subspecies versicolor (often calledBronzed Grackle) is a common transient and winter resident in Virginia;it is seen in greatest numbers in midwinter, especially during very coldwinters, and is often more common inland than on the coast. Intergradesof these taxa, sometimes referred to as “Ridgway’s Grackle” (formerlycalled subspecies ridgwayi ), were identified by Murray {2} as relativelycommon breeders in the mountains of the state. It is unknown whether(or to what extent) “pure” versicolor breeds in western Virginia.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident, more numerous but also more local andirregular in nonbreeding season. Breeding : eggs, 10 Apr–29 May. Peakcounts : spring—547, Williamsburg SBC, 3 May 1987; summer—509,Sharps BBS, 29 Jun 1971; winter—12,000,000, Dismal Swamp, 26 Dec1965 [2,000,000+, Nansemond R. CBC, 3 Jan 1999; 1,500,000, Cape300

Charles CBC, 30 Dec 2004].PiedmontCommon permanent resident, more numerous but also more local andirregular in nonbreeding season. Breeding : eggs, 11 Apr–17 Jun. Peakcounts : summer—2803, Forest (Bedford), 4 Aug 1986; 1029, LynchburgBBC, 4 Jun 1994; 400, Taylorstown BBS, 6 Jun 1970; winter—454,000,Lynchburg CBC, 31 Dec 1964 [71,074, The Plains CBC, 16 Dec 2001].Mountains and ValleysIn lowlands, common transient and summer resident, and local andsomewhat irregular winter resident. Less numerous at higher elevationsin summer, and mostly absent from higher elevations in winter. Breeding :eggs, 23 Mar–21 Jun; recently fledged young through 9 Jul. Peak counts :spring—1314, Peaks of Otter BSD, 5 May 1979; 1242, Augusta CountyBSD, 3 May 1975; summer—2476, Churchville BBS, 9 Jul 1966; winter—3,375,000, Bristol CBC, 28 Dec 1974 [1,221,800, Augusta County CBC,19 Dec 1987].BOAT-TAILED GRACKLEQuiscalus major BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident near coast, possibly increasing in recentdecades, and since the mid-1990s more often frequenting heavilyurbanized environments well away from aquatic environments,particularly in Virginia Beach. Locally common on Chesapeake Bay,normally straying only a short distance up tidal rivers. However, breedinghas been recorded inland as far as central Richmond along theRappahannock R. and Lewisetta (Northumberland ) on the Potomac R.,and the species has occurred up the Potomac to Westmoreland SP. BBSdata indicate an increase in numbers since the 1960s. Breeding : eggs, 22Apr–26 Jun. Peak counts : 7384, Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1974 [1536,Chincoteague CBC, 28 Dec 1987]. SHINY COWBIRD (Category 2) Molothrus bonariensis NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(2) male, northeastern Surry, 18-27 Aug 1996.

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BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDMolothrus ater BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident, more numerous but also more local andirregular in nonbreeding season. Breeding : eggs, 18 Apr–15 Jun; recentlyfledged young being fed as late as 9 Aug. Peak counts : spring—179,Williamsburg SBC, 9 May 1981; summer—58, Greensville area, 4 Jun 1991;winter—368,000, Dismal Swamp, 28 Dec 1959 [10,019, Nansemond R.CBC, 3 Jan 1999].PiedmontCommon permanent resident, more numerous but also more local andirregular in nonbreeding season. Breeding : eggs, 15 Apr–19 Jul; recentlyfledged young being fed as late as 3 Aug. Peak counts : summer—273,Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1988; winter—250,294, Manassas–Bull Run CBC,20 Dec 1981; 127,875, Lynchburg CBC, 2 Jan 1971 [3010, CentralLoudoun CBC, 30 Dec 2001].Mountains and ValleysIn lowlands, common transient and summer resident, and local andsomewhat irregular winter resident. Less numerous at higher elevationsin summer, and mostly absent from higher elevations in winter. Breeding :eggs, 17 Apr–17 Jul; recently fledged young being fed as late as 31 Jul.Peak counts : spring—166, Peaks of Otter BSD, 6 May 1978; summer—46, Highland, 20 Jun 1975; winter—150,000, Bristol CBC, 28 Dec 1974[12,036, Shenandoah NP–Luray CBC, 21 Dec 1997].ORCHARD ORIOLEIcterus spurius BreederCoastal PlainCommon transient and summer resident (10 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates31 Mar–26 Nov). Two unverified winter reports: 1, Newport News, 26Dec 1960; 1, Mt. Vernon (Fairfax), 25-26 Nov 1983. Any winter reportsshould be documented with photograph or videotape; the species isundocumented in the mid-Atlantic states in winter, while Baltimore andBullock’s Oriole have been documented on multiple occasions duringthat season. Breeding : eggs, 16 May–16 Jun. Peak counts : spring—54,Williamsburg SBC, 3 May 1992; summer—35, southeastern Accomack, 3Jun 1981.PiedmontCommon transient and summer resident (15 Apr–10 Sep; extreme dates302

25 Mar–7 Oct). Exceptionally late date: 1 ph., Bedford, 30 Nov–2 Dec1994. Breeding : eggs, 20 May–3 Jun; nests with young through 25 Jun.Peak counts : 54, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 2005; 53, Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun2000; 43, southern Greene, 4 Jun 1996; 35, Mecklenburg, 7 Jun 1977.Mountains and ValleysCommon to uncommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–10 Sep;extreme dates 19 Apr–5 Oct) in lowlands (mostly absent above 2500 ft).Breeding : eggs, 12 May–6 Jun; recently fledged young through 4 Aug. Peakcounts : spring—79, Peaks of Otter BSD, 13 May 2006; summer—15,Augusta, 5 Jun 2005; 11, Lee, 18 Jun 1992.BULLOCK’S ORIOLEIcterus bullockii NonbreederOverviewIdentification of female Bullock’s Orioles is difficult owing to the verysimilar appearance of some drab first-year female Baltimore Orioles andto the presence of hybrids between the two species, which are relativelyfrequent. In the summaries below, individuals known to be males areindicated as such. The remaining records, for which the age/sex isunknown, should be viewed with caution in light of these identificationdifficulties. Several previously referenced records have been deleted afterreview of photographs, which indicated Baltimore rather than Bullock’sOriole.Coastal PlainThree reports: 1 adult male ph., Gloucester, 29 Dec 1972–18 Apr 1973;1, Dyke Marsh, 30 Aug 1983; 1, Chincoteague, 3 Nov 1991. A publishedreport of a Bullock’s at Gloucester Point, 16 Jan–7 Mar 1983, was laterreviewed and found to be a Baltimore Oriole.PiedmontTwo unreviewed reports and one firm record: 1, Richmond, 24 Dec1980–29 Jan 1981; 1, Sterling (Loudoun), 5 Nov 1983; 1(1) adult male ph.,Vienna (Fairfax), 16 Mar–6 Apr 2002. One reported on the Kerr Res.CBC, 18 Dec 1994, was either Bullock’s or a hybrid/backcross ofBullock’s with Baltimore. Mountains and ValleysOne report: 1 male ph., Tazewell, late Dec 1974.

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BALTIMORE ORIOLEIcterus galbula BreederCoastal PlainUncommon spring and common fall transient (20 Apr–20 May, 15 Aug–30 Sep), especially numerous in fall along coast. Rare and local summerresident in most of region (formerly more widespread), more numerousin summer in the extreme northwest. Fairly rare to locally uncommon butregular winter visitor, mostly along coast; nearly annual on CBCs, withregional totals of up to 6 individuals. Breeding : confirmed breeding inAccomack, Fairfax, King George, and Westmoreland during VAP. Peak counts :spring—14, Williamsburg SBC, 29 Apr 1984; fall—226, Kiptopeke, 31Aug 1989; 210, Sunset Beach (Northampton), 12 Sep 2001; 115, New PointComfort (Mathews), 2 Sep 1996; winter—34, Newport News, 28 Dec1963; 19, Newport News, 22 Dec 1973; 19, Williamsburg, mid-Feb 1981;13, Cape Charles, Nov 2002–Jan 2003.PiedmontCommon transient (25 Apr–20 May, 15 Aug–30 Sep); common summerresident in the north and near the Blue Ridge, uncommon to rare andlocal elsewhere in summer. Rare winter visitor (only two CBC recordsbetween 1984 and 2004). Breeding : eggs, 9 May–2 Jun; recently fledgedyoung through 25 Jun. Peak counts : summer—65, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun1988; 33, southern Greene, 4 Jun 1996; fall—50, Amherst, 10 Sep 1978.Mountains and ValleysCommon transient and summer resident (25 Apr–20 Sep) in lowlands,mostly below 3000 ft. Rare winter visitor; single individuals recorded onCBCs five of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Breeding : eggs, 15-22 May;nests with young through 19 Jun; recently fledged young through 29 Jun.Peak counts : spring—64, Peaks of Otter BSD, 10 May 2003; summer—22, Giles, 9 Jun 1983; fall—23, near Rockfish Gap, 6 Sep 1994.PINE GROSBEAKPinicola enucleator NonbreederCoastal PlainThree reports: 1 female-type, Richmond, 2 Jan 1949; 1, Alexandria, 15-18 Jan 1964; 1, Arlington, 15 Mar 1972.PiedmontFormerly rare winter visitor, recorded lingering into spring on threeoccasions (extreme dates 1 Jan–18 Apr), south to Campbell and PrinceEdward. A total of nine unreviewed reports totaling 70+ birds, with no304

reports since 1975: “flock,” Lynchburg, 18 Apr 1904; 1 female, Amherst,3 Feb 1961; 15, Amherst, 25 Mar 1964; 30, Amherst, 17 Jan 1969; 3,Darlington Heights (Prince Edward ), 6 Apr 1970; 15, near Elon (Amherst ),1 Jan 1974; 1, Madison Heights (Amherst ), 6 Jan 1974; 1, Great Falls(Fairfax), 2 Mar 1974; 4, Brookneal, (Campbell ), 9 Feb 1975 (in flock with1100 Evening Grosbeaks).Mountains and ValleysFormerly rare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 16Nov–9 May) south as far as Salem and Tazewell. Fourteen unreviewedreports totaling 65+ birds, with no reports since 1976: “several,” Salem,27 Feb 1917; 1 immature male found dead, 2 mi south of entrance toLewis Lodge on Skyline Drive, Shenandoah NP (Greene), 16 Nov 1951(subspecies leucurus, formerly eschatosus; USNM 437710); flock,Shenandoah NP, Nov 1951–Feb 1952 (peaking at 22 on the CBC there,28 Dec 1951; one adult male collected there 22 Feb 1952, subspeciesleucurus; USNM 437709); 12, Niller’s Head, one-half mi west of Skyland,Shenandoah NP, 21 Feb 1955; 4 (including 1 adult male), Clifton Forge(Alleghany), 3 Jan 1956; 1, top of Shenandoah Mt., head of Mines Run(Rockingham), 7 Dec 1957; 6, Briery Branch Gap (Rockingham), 9 Dec1961; 4, Second Mt. (Rockingham), 27 Jan 1962; 2, Bluefield (Tazewell ),11 Mar 1964; 1, Big Meadows, Shenandoah NP, 9 May 1970; 1, BigMeadows, Shenandoah NP, 20 Jan 1973; 4 (2 males, 2 female-types),Appalachian Trail one-half mi north of Big Meadows, Shenandoah NP,18 Feb 1973; 5, Blue Ridge Parkway near Waynesboro, 3 Mar 1976; 2,Shenandoah Mt. (Augusta/Highland ), 11-18 Feb 1978. PURPLE FINCHCarpodacus purpureus BreederOverviewNumbers of this species fluctuate annually in Virginia, as throughoutthe species’ range. CBC data indicate a gradual decline in the winterabundance of this species in the state.Coastal PlainCommon to very uncommon transient and winter resident (30 Sep–30Apr; extreme dates 10 Sep–10 May), usually less numerous on the coastthan inland except during late fall migration. Peak counts : 420, Little CreekCBC, 31 Dec 1974; 423, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 1983 [123, WachapreagueCBC, 17 Dec 1988].

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PiedmontCommon transient and winter resident (20 Sep–30 Apr; extreme dates 3Sep–11 May). Two summer records: 2, Pittsylvania, 11 Jun 1949; 2, Henry,6 Jun–late Jun 1995. Peak counts : spring—425, Green Springs (Louisa),30 Apr 1978; winter—687, Warren CBC, 31 Dec 1978; 567, LynchburgCBC, 17 Dec 1977 [193, Danville CBC, 17 Dec 1988].Mountains and ValleysCommon to uncommon transient and winter resident (25 Sep–5 May;extreme dates away from breeding areas 28 Aug–3 Jun). Uncommon torare summer resident at high elevations in extreme northwestern Highlandand the Mt. Rogers area. Breeding : adults feeding fledged young, WhitetopMt. (Smyth) Jun 1961; occupied nest, Highland, 20 Jun 1975. Peak counts :spring—191, Augusta County BSD, 6 May 1978; summer—10, Highland,26 Jun 1965; fall—1000, Front Royal, 13 Oct 1957; winter—472,Shenandoah NP CBC, 17 Dec 1978 [213, Northern Shenandoah ValleyCBC, 21 Dec 1985].HOUSE FINCH (Category 5)Carpodacus mexicanus Breeder, introducedOverviewHouse Finches introduced on Long Island, New York in the 1940sspread throughout the northeastern U.S. and were first recorded inVirginia on 2 Dec 1962 at Falls Church. By 1966, the species was beingreported throughout Fairfax, with up to 250 per day recorded at onelocation in winter. Breeding was first detected in the state on 14 Apr1976, when a nest with eggs was found in Staunton, and numerouscounties as far south as Smyth and Wise (and coastal cities, includingNorfolk) reported their first breeding record by 1980. Numberscontinued to increase, and the species consolidated its range throughoutmost of the state, through the early 1990s, with highest numbersoccurring in urban/suburban areas. Population declines, likely due atleast in part to mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, were noted in the mid-1990s,and in many areas current numbers are still considerably below peaknumbers of the early 1990s.Coastal PlainCommon permanent resident, more numerous toward the northwestand often less numerous in more rural areas. Since at least the early 1990s,flocks of apparent southbound migrants have been observed atKiptopeke and Wise Point from late September through early November(as at Cape May, New Jersey). Breeding : eggs, 7 Mar–3 Jul; recently fledged306

young through 10 Sep. Peak counts : spring—250, Williamsburg SBC, 8May 1994; winter—864, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2 Jan 1989; 608, Hopewell, 20Dec 1986.PiedmontCommon permanent resident in the north and near the Blue Ridge,becoming less numerous toward the southeast (especially in rural areas).Breeding : eggs, 30 Mar–7 Aug; recently fledged young through 4 Sep. Peakcounts : summer—278, Lynchburg BBC, 3 Jun 1995; winter—1486,Lynchburg CBC, 18 Dec 1993; 1000, Warren CBC, 2 Jan 1994.Mountains and ValleysCommon to locally abundant permanent resident, mostly in the lowlands(but occasionally breeding to 4000 ft or higher); less numerous in ruralareas. Breeding : eggs, 16 Mar–25 Jun; nests with young through 26 Jul.Peak counts : summer—57, Peaks of Otter BSD, 4 May 2002; 46, Frederick,9 Jun 1994; fall—500, Fishersville, 1 Nov 1982; winter—2835, NorthernShenandoah Valley CBC, 19 Dec 1987.RED CROSSBILLLoxia curvirostra BreederOverviewThis highly irruptive species is much more numerous and widespreadduring irruption years, such as occurred during the winters of 1963-1964,1969-1970, and 1975-1976; no large-scale irruptions have been noted inVirginia since 1976. This species is comprised of nine distinctpopulations in North America; however, the taxonomic identities ofthese populations have not been worked out clearly. At present, thesepopulations are referred to as Types. Virginia’s western mountains havetwo breeding Types, a larger-billed Type (Type 1) and a smaller-billedType (Type 2). Murray {2} described specimens of what he labeledsubspecies minor from Nelson (in summer) and many other locations, butit is not clear that this subspecies label was applied in a manner that isconsistent with other authorities (minor is now thought to correspond toType 3 {52}). Murray {2} also noted four specimens of sitkensis (all fromwinter in northern Virginia) and one of pusilla taken at Four Mile Run(Alexandria), 30 Nov 1919. The subspecies known historically as sitkensisis apparently one of several that corresponds to Type 3 {52}. Thesubspecies pusilla appears to correspond to Type 2 {52}. Smaller-scaleinvasions of Red Crossbills in recent years (e.g., 1997) apparentlyinvolved these and/or other Types, probably including the medium-sizedType 4 (which, along with the smaller Type 3, was voice-recorded as near

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as Maryland in the 1997 invasion). Virginia ornithologists and birdersare urged to study all Red Crossbills to determine Type. Specimensshould be retained, but voice recordings supplemented by photographsare the most useful ways to document Type. Coastal PlainRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 14 Oct–2Jun), occurring most frequently in fall and winter on Eastern Shore.Regional totals of up to 19 recorded on CBCs 12 of 21 years between1984 and 2004. Three summer/early fall records: 1, Warsaw (Richmond ),28 Jun 1976; 1, Kiptopeke, 31 Aug 1985; 1, Fisherman Is., 31 Jul 2000.Peak counts : fall—22, ESVNWR, 4 Nov 1999; winter—122,Chincoteague CBC, 29 Dec 1969; 42, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1972[19, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1990].PiedmontRare and irregular transient and winter visitor, occasionally lingering intoearly or mid-June (extreme dates 27 Sep–19 Jun). Regional totals of upto 4 recorded on CBCs four of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Twolate summer records: 1, Charlottesville, 15 Aug 1966; 1, Fairfax, 7 Aug1996. Peak counts : fall—23, Charlottesville, 19 Nov 1997; winter—100,Manassas, 1 Feb 1970; 64, Kerr Res. CBC, 3 Jan 1976.Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (20 Oct–20 May)throughout most of region. Regional totals of up to 20 recorded onCBCs 11 of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Rare, irregular, and localsummer resident at high elevations from Mt. Rogers area north toRockingham, mostly west of the Blue Ridge. Breeding : nest-building,Washington (probably Whitetop), 1 Jun 1932; nest-building, 2200 ftelevation on Shenandoah Mt. (Rockingham), 8 May 1980 (recently hatchedyoung in nest on 26 May); nest-building, Price Mt. (Montgomery), 28 Jan1984 (eggs hatched on 29 Feb); nest-building, Reddish Knob(Rockingham), 3 Apr 2003. Peak counts : summer—114, Mt. Rogers, 20 Jun1974; 50-60, Highland, 7 Jun 2002; 50, Giles, 8 Jun 1983; winter—180(with 120 White-winged Crossbills), Peaks of Otter, 2 Feb 1964.WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLLoxia leucoptera NonbreederOverviewThis highly irruptive species is absent (or extremely rare) in the statemost winters but becomes much more numerous and widespread during

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irruption years, such as occurred during the winter of 1963-1964.Smaller, more local incursions have occurred in several winters since, butthere have been no large irruptions since that winter.Coastal PlainRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 20 Oct–3May). About 30 records totaling 98 birds (1916-2001), 14 of those beingof single birds, five of 2 birds, seven of 3-8 birds, two of 12 birds, andone of 16. Six of the reports are from Jan–May 1964 and six fromwinters 1970-1973. Most of these reports are undocumented; exceptionsinclude 1 adult male ph., Capahosic (Gloucester), 28 Jan 1964, and 2 adultmales ph., Portsmouth, 18 Dec 1999–9 Mar 2000. Three recent recordsof migrants flying over observation points in southernmost Northampton:5, ESVNWR, 18 Nov 1999; 1, Kiptopeke, 28 Nov 1997; 3, Kiptopeke,23 Nov 2001. Peak counts : 16, Arlington, 30 Nov 1954; 12, StratfordLanding (Alexandria), 4 Jan–mid-Feb 1964; 12, Chincoteague, 25 Nov2001.PiedmontRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 26 Oct–28May). At least 24 records totaling about 178 birds (1918-2006), nine ofthese referring to single birds, six to groups of 2-5 (including one reportof “several”), the rest being groups of 11-50. These tallies do not includeseveral vague but likely correct reports that were made during a largeirruption of the species in Jan–Feb 1964, e.g., a “large flock” at SweetBrier College (Amherst ), 8 Jan 1964 and “a flock” at Falls Church, 11 and13 Feb 1964. Nineteen of the published Piedmont records come from1964 (with one report of 10 from Charlottesville, 28 Dec 1965). Onlythree records since 1985: 1, Warren CBC, 17 Dec 1995; 1, Loudoun, lateDec 1997; 1, Spotsylvania, 5 May 2006. Peak counts : 40-50, Pittsylvania, Jan1918; 30, Amherst, 31 Dec 1963–16 Jan 1964.Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 4 Nov–19May); extremely rare summer visitor. At least 41 records totaling about367 birds (1920-2002), 14 of those being of single birds, 10 of 2-3 birds,nine of 7-12 birds, two of 15 birds, and single records of 35, 52, and 120;this tally does not include a report of a “large flock” at Holston(Washington), 17 Feb 1964. Twelve of the published records are from1964, and three are from 1965; seven records are from winters 1970-1974. Two summer reports: 2, Rockbridge, 18-23 Jul 1966; 1 (with RedCrossbills), summit of Mt. Rogers, Jul 1981. Nine records since 1985: 9,Clifton Forge CBC, 21 Dec 1986; 1, Blandy Experimental Farm, near

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Boyce (Clarke), 13 Nov 1997; 2, n. of Stonewall (Highland ), 18 Dec 1997;1, Bluegrass Valley (Highland ), 18 Dec 1997; 1, Briery Branch (Rock-ingham), 20 Nov 1999; 1, Millwood (Clarke), 13 Dec 1999; 1, west ofDayton (Rockingham), 27 Oct 2001; 1, Stuarts Draft, 8-10 Apr 2002; 1,Staunton, 21-23 Mar 2002. Peak counts : 120 (with 180 Red Crossbills),Peaks of Otter, 2 Feb 1964; 52, Mt. Rogers, 31 Dec 1965; 35, Mt. Rogers,31 Dec 1960. COMMON REDPOLLCarduelis flammea NonbreederOverviewThis highly irruptive species is absent (or extremely rare) in the statemost winters but becomes much more numerous and widespread duringirruption years. Large irruptions in 1959-1960 and 1977-1978 involvedonly a few individuals in December, but numbers built dramatically in lateJanuary and February (especially in 1978, when the species was locallycommon in the northern Piedmont and Mountains and Valleys regions).A large irruption occurred in the Mountains and Valleys in January andFebruary 1994; a significant (but brief) coastal irruption occurred in lateDecember 2003, with smaller flights noted (especially on the EasternShore) in 1996 and 1999-2000.Coastal PlainRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 15 Nov–4Apr), mostly in the extreme northwest and along immediate coast.Regional totals of up to 94 recorded on CBCs seven of 21 years between1984 and 2004. About 50 coastal records totaling at least 225 birds (1955-2003). The 2003 “fallout” involved sightings of 128 individuals at anumber of locations along the immediate coast, 26-31 Dec 2003,followed by only 6 individuals in the region the rest of that winter. Oneoffshore record: 1 landed on Dutch fishing vessel, 20 mi off VirginiaBeach, 25 Jan 1987. Specimen: 1, Fort Runyon (Arlington), 19 Feb 1975(USNM 68645). Peak counts : fall—22, Fisherman Is., 28 Nov 1993; 21,Kiptopeke, 24 Nov 1996; winter—72, Back Bay CBC, 29 Dec 2003; 37,Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1999; 20, Alexandria, 21 Feb 1960. PiedmontRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 18 Nov–10 Apr), mostly in the north. Regional totals of up to 17 recorded onCBCs four of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : 60, Loudoun,6 Feb 1960; 33, Lynchburg, early Feb 1978; 29, Charlottesville, 26 Feb1978.310

Mountains and ValleysRare and irregular transient and winter visitor (extreme dates 17 Oct–21Mar), mostly north of Roanoke. Regional totals of up to 18 recorded onCBCs five of 21 years between 1984 and 2004. Peak counts : 75,Churchville (Augusta), 15 Feb 1972; 52, Rockingham, 11 Dec 1965; 50,Monterey (Highland ), 27 Feb 1994.HOARY REDPOLLCarduelis hornemanni NonbreederMountains and ValleysOne firm record: 1(1) ph., Monterey (Highland ), 26 Feb–15 Mar 1994.This individual, an adult of the subspecies exilipes, frequented feederswith 50 Common Redpolls during a major irruption of the latter species.Three other published reports from the state may be correct, thoughthey have not been reviewed: 1 female, Falls Church (in the Piedmont),17 Feb 1972; 1, Winchester, 27 Feb 1978; 1 ph., Middletown (Frederick),23-31 Jan 1994.PINE SISKINCarduelis pinus Casual BreederOverviewThis irruptive species is uncommon (but usually present) in the statemost winters but becomes much more numerous and widespread duringirruption years. Particularly large irruptions occurred in 1952-1953,several winters in the 1960s, and January–February 1988. So-called“green-morph” Pine Siskins have been recorded twice on the EasternShore during irruptions.Coastal PlainUsually uncommon but irregularly abundant to rare transient and winterresident (15 Oct–5 May; extreme dates 1 Oct–23 May). Peak counts:10,000, Dismal Swamp, 21 Jan 1970; 640, Back Bay, 4 Dec 1965; 375,Kiptopeke, 25 Oct 1986; 247, Cape Charles CBC, 30 Dec 1989.PiedmontUsually uncommon but irregularly common to rare transient and winterresident (15 Oct–10 May; extreme dates 10 Oct–3 Jun). Four summerrecords (including that described in Breeding below): 1, Loudoun, 15 Jun1978; 1, Campbell, 3-4 Jul 1999; 1, Campbell, 30 Jun 2001. Breeding : onerecord—1(1) unfledged young ph., Falls Church, 30 Jun 1987. Peak counts :2019, Lynchburg and surrounding counties (total from multiple

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observers), 14 Feb 1988; [412, Warren CBC, 3 Jan 1988].Mountains and ValleysUsually uncommon, but irregularly common to rare, transient and winterresident (15 Oct–15 May); more numerous at any season in this regionthan in the Piedmont or Coastal Plain. Rare summer visitor/resident,mostly at high elevations, with summer records from Augusta, Bath, Bland,Giles, Patrick, Rockingham, and the Mt. Rogers area. Breeding : two records—nest-building and apparently incubating(2), Mountain L. (Giles), 11-17 Jun1986; confirmed breeding, Montgomery, VAP. One in Augusta, 12-15 May1998, was apparently collecting nesting material, though a nest was notfound. Peak counts : spring—310, Augusta County BSD, 8 Apr 1966; fall—597, southern Shenandoah NP, 23 Oct 1965; winter—2222, Augusta andsurrounding localities (total from multiple observers), 14 Feb 1988;“thousands”, McDowell (Highland ), 6 Feb 1982; 700, Highland, 18 Feb1982.AMERICAN GOLDFINCHCarduelis tristis BreederCoastal PlainCommon permanent resident, often abundant in migration. Breeding :adults feeding fledged young as late as 17 Oct. Peak counts : spring—5000,near Hopewell, 17 Apr 1953; 602, Williamsburg SBC, 2 May 1982;winter—991, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1971; 979, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 2Jan 2005.PiedmontCommon permanent resident, often abundant in migration. Breeding :eggs, 10 Jul–28 Aug. Peak counts : spring—215, Green Springs (Louisa),17 Apr 1977; summer—151, Lynchburg BBC, 4 Jun 1994; winter—541,The Plains CBC, 16 Dec 2001.Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, often abundant in migration. Breeding :collecting nesting material, 13 Jun; active nest (contents unknown) asearly as 27 Jun; eggs, 4 Jul–15 Sep; nests with young through 26 Sep;adults feeding fledged young through 28 Oct. Peak counts : spring—724,Peaks of Otter BSD, 1 May 1982; summer—200, Botetourt, 12 Jun 1985;winter—809, Northern Shenandoah Valley CBC, 30 Dec 2001.

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EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Category 3)Carduelis carduelis NonbreederCoastal PlainOne record: 1(3a) ph., Williamsburg, 30 Aug 1999. This record wasaccepted in Category 3 by VARCOM. However, in the absence of anestablished pattern of vagrancy in the mid-Atlantic region, and given thedate (not the season when a true vagrant from Europe might occuranywhere in North America), it is likely that this individual was released,or had escaped, from captivity.EVENING GROSBEAKCoccothraustes vespertinus NonbreederOverviewThis irruptive species is uncommon to rare in the state most winters,and is completely absent in some years, but becomes much morenumerous and widespread during irruptions. Particularly large irruptionsoccurred during several winters between 1966 and 1970, 1977-1978, andto a lesser extent in November–December 1995. However, the past 10years have seen no such irruptions, and numbers on average havedeclined, in Virginia and generally across the East/Midwest, since themid-1980s.Coastal PlainUsually rare (and absent some winters) but irregularly uncommon tocommon transient and winter resident (25 Oct–15 May; extreme dates 15Sep–2 Jun). Regional totals of up to 437 recorded on CBCs 13 of 21years between 1984 and 2004. However, very few reports of this speciesexist for coastal areas since 1990; the most recent documented coastalreports are 2 on 2 Nov 2001 and 3 on 13 Nov 2001 at Kiptopeke. Peakcounts : 548, Cape Charles CBC, 27 Dec 1971 [204, Mathews CBC, 5 Jan1986].PiedmontUsually rare (and absent some winters) but irregularly uncommon tocommon transient and winter resident (25 Oct–15 May; extreme dates 13Sep–3 Jun). Regional totals of up to 218 recorded on CBCs 15 of 21years between 1984 and 2004. One summer record: 1(1) ph., Crewe(Nottoway), 1 Aug 1998. Peak counts : 1100, Campbell, 9 Feb 1975 [114,Warren CBC, 22 Jan 1985].

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Mountains and ValleysUsually uncommon to rare (and absent some winters) but irregularlycommon transient and winter resident (20 Oct–15 May; extreme dates 15Sep–28 May); far more numerous at any season in this region than in thePiedmont or Coastal Plain. Nearly annual on CBCs, with regional totalsof up to 892 recorded since 1984. Four summer records: 1, Rockbridge,15 Jul 1969; 1-2, near Mountain L. (Giles), 26-30 Jun 1973; 1, Staunton,12 Jun 1980; 1, Monterey (Highland ), 5 Jul 1988. Peak count : 656, Highland,22 Dec 1995. HOUSE SPARROW (Category 5)Passer domesticus Breeder, introducedOverviewThis introduced species was first recorded in the state at Gainesville(Prince William) in July 1887. From the winter of 1923-1924, when it wasfirst recorded on a CBC, until the mid- to late 1960s, abundance(number/party hour) on CBCs increased steadily. Since the late 1960s,abundance on both CBCs and BBS routes has steadily declined, with atwo- to three-fold decline in numbers from the late 1960s to the present.This species is most abundant in urban areas and secondarily inagricultural areas with barns and livestock feedlots; it is rare in or absentfrom very rural and extensively forested areas. As a result, the abundancedesignations below pertain only to developed areas.Coastal PlainCommon to abundant permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 1 Apr–23 Jul.Peak counts : spring—315, Williamsburg SBC, 6 May 1978; summer—222,Newsoms BBS, 22 Jun 1969; winter—1048, Ft. Belvoir CBC, 3 Jan 1988;871, Newport News CBC, 20 Dec 1986. PiedmontCommon permanent resident. Breeding : eggs, 27 Mar–20 Aug. Peak counts :summer—265, Halifax, 10 Jun 1977; winter—685, Danville CBC, 23 Dec1973 [611, Nokesville CBC, 16 Dec 1990].Mountains and ValleysCommon permanent resident, mostly in lowlands. Breeding : eggs, 6 Apr–7 Aug; recently fledged young, 18 Apr–24 Aug. Peak counts : spring—440,Augusta County BSD, 6 May 1978; summer—160, Clinchport BBS, 17Jun 1970; winter—1204, Augusta County CBC, 13 Dec 1977 [993,Rockingham County CBC, 17 Dec 1988].

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APPENDIX IThis appendix summarizes the status of species not yet accepted to theregular list of Virginia birds, but for which (a) documentation is extantand the potential for natural occurrence exists, (b) historical accountssuggest the possibility of historical occurrence in the state, or (c)documentation is extant, but it is unclear whether the individual(s) inquestion occurred in Virginia.

LABRADOR DUCKCamptorhychus labradorius Nonbreeder, ExtinctMany authors list the winter range of this species as extending south toChesapeake Bay, but there are no specimens or written descriptions toconfirm this. The last record of this species comes from Elmira, NewYork, 12 Dec 1878. The species is certainly extinct.GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENTympanuchus cupido NonbreederA specimen (formerly at USNM but now apparently lost) of the westernsubspecies pinnatus bore the label “Custis Spring, Virginia 13 March1885”; it was taken by Alexander Skinner. This location is just east ofArlington. Ridgway examined the specimen and saw no evidence ofcaptive origin {50}, but the provenance of the specimen (or of the birditself), given the unlikely location, must be considered highlyquestionable. One source notes that birds of this species were releasedin Snow Hill, Maryland {51}, but no such releases were known fornorthern Virginia. The “Heath Hen” (the nominate subspecies) isextinct, last observed 11 Feb 1932 on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.Its range once extended almost to Chesapeake Bay shores in Maryland,and some authorities suggest that its range extended into Virginia, butthere is no specimen evidence to support this assertion.ROSEATE SPOONBILLPlatalea ajaja NonbreederOne juvenile was photographed at Back Bay on 3 Jun 1996, butphotographs have not been reviewed by VARCOM. Three days later, ajuvenile spoonbill was documented on the Maryland side of Smith Is., anisland in Chesapeake Bay divided between Maryland and Virginia; thatisland also hosted Maryland’s only other report of the species, in 1979.

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IVORY GULLPagophila eburnea NonbreederA specimen of a juvenile shot along the Potomac R. around 1842 bynorthern Virginia collector Martin Johnson is still extant (USNM 2033).Modern geography would most likely place the record in Maryland or theDistrict of Columbia, as Virginia shares little of the Potomac R. withthese two jurisdictions, but the bird could have been taken in Virginia.This specimen represents the southernmost record on the Atlantic coast,and its provenance has not been questioned, but no avifaunal checklisthas included it due to the lack of specificity in the specimen’s tag data. GREAT AUK Pinguinis impennis NonbreederThe winter range of this large, flightless alcid extended south to Florida,where its presence is substantiated by bones dated to the colonial period.Several authors suggest that it wintered irregularly in small numberssouth to the Chesapeake Bay mouth, but no specimen survives toconfirm this. The last 2 individuals of this species documented were anesting pair with eggs on Eldey, off southern Iceland, 3 Jun 1844; bothwere clubbed to death by collectors. The species is certainly extinct.CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRDStellula calliope NonbreederTwo Coastal Plain records of immature males or females from the sameyard in Suffolk: 1 vid., 29-30 Dec 2000; 1 ph., 18 Dec 2004. Both recordsare well documented and are currently under review by VARCOM.IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKERCampephilus principalis Nonbreeder?In Feb 1810, Alexander Wilson collected an Ivory-billed Woodpeckersomewhere between Winchester, Virginia and Martinsburg, WestVirginia. However, if the specimen survives, it bears no proper tag, as istrue of the great majority of the 420+ or so specimens that are known.No extant specimen of this species indicates a “Virginia” provenance.Thomas Jefferson (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781-1782) reports that“White bill woodpecker” (with scientific names given as Picus principalisand Picus maximus rostro albo) was then a constituent of Virginia avifauna,but the boundaries of the state in Jefferson’s time extended to the OhioR., known to be in the range of the species. The only physical evidenceof the species in Virginia is a fossilized skeleton from Daughtery’s Cave

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(Russell ), dated to about the year 300 A.D. The regular range of thespecies in the East came at least as close to Virginia as the Holly ShelterSwamp, 12 mi north of Wilmington, North Carolina (where AlexanderWilson collected 3 in early Feb 1803), a site about 175 mi from theVirginia border. It is possible that the bottomland forests on the NorthCarolina/Virginia border (e.g., around the Dismal Swamp) held a fewIvory-billed Woodpeckers into colonial times, as excellent habitat for thespecies was contiguous through the Carolina Coastal Plain at that time.

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REFERENCES CITED IN TEXT1 Kain, T. 1987. Virginia’s birdlife: an annotated checklist. Virginia Society

of Ornithology. Virginia Avifauna No. 3. 127 pp.2 Murray, J. J. 1952. A check-list of the birds of Virginia. Virginia Society

of Ornithology. Virginia Avifauna No. 1. 113 pp.3 Johnston, D. W. 1996. Historical records of the Trumpeter Swan

in Virginia. Banisteria 7:8-10.4 Johnston, D. W. 2003. The history of ornithology in Virginia. University

of Virginia Press, Charlottesville, VA. 219 pp.5 Watts, B. D. and M. A. Byrd. 1998. Status and distribution of

colonial waterbirds in coastal Virginia. The Raven 69:20-31.6 Watts, B. D. 2000. A study of waterbirds in Shanks Creek: An

investigation on Smith Island, MD. Center for Conservation BiologyTechnical Report Series, CCBTR-00-12. College of William andMary, Williamsburg, VA. 28 pp.

7 Watts, B. D. 2004. Status and distribution of colonial waterbirds in coastalVirginia: 2003 breeding season. Center for Conservation BiologyTechnical Report Series, CCBTR-04-06. Center for ConservationBiology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 25 pp.

8 Watts, B. D. and D. S. Bradshaw. 1996. Population expansion byDouble-crested Cormorants in Virginia. The Raven 67:75-78.

9 Williams, B., B. Akers, R. Beck, and J. Via. Summary of annualJune surveys of beach-nesting and colonial waterbirds on Virginiabarrier islands from Assawoman Is. south to Fisherman Is., 1975-2005. Annual survey results published in The Raven and providedby B. Williams.

10 Watts, B. D., M. A. Byrd, and M. U. Watts. 2004. Status anddistribution of breeding Ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay: 1995-1996. Journal of Raptor Research 38:47-54.

11 Bent, A. C. 1937. Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey, PartOne. Smithsonian Institution United States National MuseumBulletin 167. 409 pp.

12 Watts, B. D. and M. A. Byrd 2005. Virginia bald eagle nest andproductivity survey: Year 2005 report. Center for Conservation BiologyTechnical Report Series, CCBTR-05-05. College of William andMary, Williamsburg, VA. 27 pp.

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13 Watts, B. D. and M. A. Byrd. 2002. Virginia Bald Eagle breedingsurvey: A twenty-five year summary (1977-2001). The Raven 73:3-9.

14 Watts, B. D. 2005. Virginia Bald Eagle conservation plan. Center forConservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-05-06.College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 52 pp.

15 Watts, B. D. and D. M. Whalen. 1997. Interactions between eagles andhumans in the James River Bald Eagle Concentration Area. Center forConservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-97-02.College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 81 pp.

16 Watts, B. D. and S. C. Rottenborn. 2002. Status of breedingNorthern Harriers in coastal Virginia. The Raven 72:153-157.

17 American Ornithologists’ Union. 2000. Forty-second supplementto the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North AmericanBirds. Auk 117:847-858.

18 Johnston, D. W. 1994. The Golden Eagle in Virginia: analysis of acentury of records. The Raven 65:19-37.

19 Watts, B. D., S. M. Padgett, M. A. Byrd, and E. C. Long. 2004.Virginia Peregrine Falcon monitoring and management program: Year 2004report. Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series,CCBTR-04-07. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.12 pp.

20 Watts, B. D., Padgett, S. M., M. A. Byrd, and E. C. Long. 2005.Virginia Peregrine Falcon monitoring and management program: Year 2005report. Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series,CCBTR-05-09. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.12 pp.

21 Watts, B. D. and S. M. Padgett. 2005. A survey of cliff-nesting birds inthe southern Appalachians: 2005 results. Preliminary report, Centerfor Conservation Biology. College of William and Mary,Williamsburg, VA. 15 pp.

22 Rives, W. C. 1890. A catalog of the birds of the Virginias. DocumentVII, Proceedings of the Newport Natural History Society, New-port, RI.

23 Paxton, B. J. and B. D. Watts. 2003. Bird surveys of Lee and HillMarshes on the Pamunkey River: Possible affects of sea-level rise on marshbird communities. Center for Conservation Biology Technical ReportSeries, CCBTR-03-02. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg,

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VA. 31 pp.24 Watts, B. D. and B. R. Truitt. 1996. Abundance of migrant shorebirds

along the Delmarva Peninsula. Unpublished Manuscript.25 Watts, B. D., D. S. Bradshaw, and R. R. Cross. 1996. Annual plover

survey of the Virginia Barrier Islands: A ten year summary. TheRaven 67:84-89.

26 Wilke, A. L., B. D. Watts, B. R. Truitt, and R. Boettcher. 2005.Breeding season status of the American Oystercatcher in Virginia,USA. Waterbirds 28:308-315.

27 Hallock. C. 1877. A sportsman’s gazetteer and general guide. The gameanimals, birds and fishes of North America: their habits and various methodsof capture. Forest and Stream Publishing Company, New York. 208pp.

28 Strong, W. D. Burrowing Owl off the Virginia Coast. Condor 24:2929 Smith, F. M., B. J. Paxton, and B. D. Watts. 2005. Autumn migration

of Northern Saw-whet Owls on the Lower Delmarva Peninsula 1994-2004:Project Report 2004. Center for Conservation Biology TechnicalReport Series, CCBTR-05-01. Center for Conservation Biology,College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 12 pp.

30 Whalen, D. M. and B. D. Watts. 2002. Annual migration densityand stopover patterns of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegoliusacadicus). Auk 119:1161-2002.

31 Watts, B. D. 2000. Distribution and abundance of bank-nesting birds inthe Chesapeake Bay. Preliminary report. Center for ConservationBiology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 30 pp.

32 Watts, B. D. and D. S. Bradshaw. 2004. Decline and protection ofthe Virginia red-cockaded woodpecker population. In R. Costaand S. J. Daniels, editors. Red-cockaded woodpecker: road to recovery.Hancock House Publishers, Blain, Washington.

33 Watts, B. D. and D. S. Bradshaw 2001. Investigation of Red-cockadedWoodpeckers in Virginia: Year 2001 report. Center for ConservationBiology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-01-12. 72 pp.

34 B. D. Watts, D. S. Bradshaw, and M. D. Wilson. 2005. Investigationof Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in Virginia: Year 2005 report. Center forConservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-06-03.College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 18 pp.

35 Watts, B. D. and E. R. Scholle. 1999. Loggerhead Shrike breeding321

on Ft. Lee Army Installation. The Raven 70:50-52.36 Watts, B. D., M. A. Byrd, and M. U. Watts. 1996. Status and

distribution of Cliff Swallows in coastal Virginia. The Raven 67:21-24.

37 Williams, B., B. D. Watts, and M. A. Byrd. A census of a CliffSwallow colony on the Benjamin Harrison Bridge. The Raven, InPress.

38 Sattler, G. D. and M. J. Braun. 2000. Morphometric variation as anindicator of genetic interactions between Black-capped andCarolina chickadees at a contact zone in the AppalachianMountains. Auk 117:427-444.

39 Wilson, M. D. and B. D. Watts. 1997. Autumn migration of Gray-cheeked and Bicknell’s Thrushes at Kiptopeke, Virginia, USA.Journal of Field Ornithology 68:519-525.

40 Johnston, D. W. 2000. Mountain Lake region and its bird life. VirginiaMuseum of Natural History, Martinsville, VA. 90 pp.

41 Watts, B. D. and B. J. Paxton. 2002. Investigating the distribution,population status, and habitat requirements of the Wayne’s Black-throatedGreen Warbler in the northern south Atlantic Coastal Plain. Center forConservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-02-08.College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 21 pp.

42 Wilson, M. D. and B. D. Watts. 1997. Differential fall passage timesin two subspecies of the Palm Warbler through the Eastern Shoreof Virginia. The Raven 68:28-31.

43 Watts, B. D., M. D. Wilson, D. S. Bradshaw, and A. S. Allen. 1998.A survey of Bachman’s Sparrows in southeastern Virginia. TheRaven 69:9-14.

44 Watts, B. D. 2000. Bachman’s Sparrow management plan: Ft. A. P. Hill,Virginia. Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series,CCBTR-00-06. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.17 pp.

45 LeClerc, J. E. and B. J. Paxton. 2004. Investigations of avian diversitywithin a large-scale active firing range on the Quantico Marine Base. Centerfor Conservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-04-15.Center for Conservation Biology, College of William and Mary,Williamsburg, VA. 42 pp.

46 Watts, B. D., M. D. Wilson, and D. S. Bradshaw. 1997. Habitat

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requirements of early successional bird communities: Management implicationsfor mid-Atlantic region. Center for Conservation Biology TechnicalReport Series, CCBTR-97-03. College of William and Mary,Williamsburg, VA. 62 pp.

47 Watts, B. D. 1992. The influence of marsh size on marsh value for birdcommunities of the lower Chesapeake Bay. Center for ConservationBiology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-92-01. College ofWilliam and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.115 pp.

48 Watts, B. D. 2004. A recent breeding record of the SaltmarshSharp-tailed Sparrow in Gloucester County Virginia. The Raven75:129-131.

49 Larner, Y. R. 1979. Virginia’s birdlife: an annotated checklist. VirginiaSociety of Ornithology. Virginia Avifauna No. 2. 117 pp.

50 Ridgway, R. 1885. Where did it come from? Forest and Stream 24:204.

51 Ridgway, R. 1885. The Washington Prairie Chicken. Forest andStream 24: 248.

52 Pyle, P. 1997. Identification guide to North American birds. Part I.Columbidae to Ploecidae. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, CA.

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324

Albatross, Black-browed : 44Albatross, Yellow-nosed : 44Anhinga : 58Ani, Groove-billed : 167Auk, Great : 317Avocet, American : 109Bittern, American : 60Bittern, Least : 60Blackbird, Brewer’s : 299Blackbird, Red-winged : 296Blackbird, Rusty : 299Blackbird, Yellow-headed : 298Bluebird, Eastern : 226Bluebird, Mountain : 227Bobolink : 295Bobwhite, Northern : 35Booby, Brown : 53Brant : 5Bufflehead : 28Bunting, Indigo : 293Bunting, Lark : 276Bunting, Lazuli : 293Bunting, Painted : 294Bunting, Snow : 290Canvasback : 20Cardinal, Northern : 290Catbird, Gray : 233Chat, Yellow-breasted : 266Chickadee, Black-capped : 213Chickadee, Boreal : 215Chickadee, Carolina : 213Chuck-will’s-widow : 174Collared-Dove, Eurasian : 163Coot, American : 101Cormorant, Double-crested : 56Cormorant, Great : 58Cormorant, Neotropic : 56Cowbird, Brown-headed : 302

Cowbird, Shiny : 301Crake, Paint-billed : 100Crane, Sandhill : 102Creeper, Brown : 218Crossbill, Red : 307Crossbill, White-winged : 308Crow, American : 203Crow, Fish : 204Cuckoo, Black-billed : 167Cuckoo, Yellow-billed : 166Curlew, Eskimo : 115Curlew, Long-billed : 117Dickcissel : 294Dove, Mourning : 164Dove, White-winged : 163Dovekie : 159Dowitcher, Long-billed : 128Dowitcher, Short-billed : 127Duck, American Black : 14Duck, Harlequin : 24Duck, Labrador : 316Duck, Long-tailed : 27Duck, Ring-necked : 21Duck, Ruddy : 31Duck, Tufted : 22Duck, Wood : 11Dunlin : 124Eagle, Bald : 79Eagle, Golden : 90Egret, Cattle : 67Egret, Great : 62Egret, Little : 63Egret, Reddish : 66Egret, Snowy : 64Eider, Common : 24Eider, King : 23Falcon, Peregrine : 93Finch, House : 306

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Index

Finch, Purple : 305Flamingo, Greater : 74Flicker, Northern : 183Flycatcher, Acadian : 187Flycatcher, Alder : 187Flycatcher, Ash-throated : 191Flycatcher, Cordilleran : 190Flycatcher, Fork-tailed : 195Flycatcher, Great Crested : 192Flycatcher, Least : 189Flycatcher, Olive-sided : 185Flycatcher, Pacific-slope : 190Flycatcher, Scissor-tailed : 194Flycatcher, Vermilion : 191Flycatcher, Willow : 188Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied : 186Frigatebird, Magnificent : 59Fulmar, Northern : 44Gadwall : 12Gallinule, Purple : 100Gannet, Northern : 54Garganey : 18Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray : 225Godwit, Bar-tailed : 118Godwit, Hudsonian : 117Godwit, Marbled : 118Golden-Plover, American : 104Goldeneye, Barrow’s : 29Goldeneye, Common : 28Goldfinch, American : 312Goldfinch, European : 313Goose, Barnacle : 6Goose, Cackling : 6Goose, Canada : 7Goose, Greater White-fronted : 2Goose, Ross’s : 4Goose, Snow : 3Goshawk, Northern : 84Grackle, Boat-tailed : 301Grackle, Common : 300Grebe, Clark’s : 43

Grebe, Eared : 42Grebe, Horned : 39Grebe, Pied-billed : 38Grebe, Red-necked : 40Grebe, Western : 42Grebes, Aechmophorus : 43Grosbeak, Black-headed : 291Grosbeak, Blue : 292Grosbeak, Evening : 313Grosbeak, Pine : 304Grosbeak, Rose-breasted : 291Ground-dove, Common : 165Grouse, Ruffed : 34Guillemot, Black : 161Gull, Black-headed : 134Gull, Black-tailed : 136Gull, Bonaparte’s : 135Gull, California : 137Gull, Franklin’s : 133Gull, Glaucous : 142Gull, Great Black-backed : 143Gull, Heermann’s : 136Gull, Herring : 138Gull, Iceland : 140Gull, Ivory : 317Gull, Laughing : 132Gull, Lesser Black-backed : 141Gull, Little : 134Gull, Mew : 136Gull, Ring-billed : 136Gull, Sabine’s : 144Gull, Thayer’s : 139Gull, Yellow-legged : 139Gyrfalcon : 92Harrier, Northern : 81Harrier, Western Marsh : 82Hawk, Broad-winged : 86Hawk, Cooper’s : 83Hawk, Ferruginous : 89Hawk, Red-shouldered : 85Hawk, Red-tailed : 88

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Hawk, Rough-legged : 89Hawk, Sharp-shinned : 82Hawk, Swainson’s : 87Heron, Great Blue : 61Heron, Green : 68Heron, Little Blue : 65Heron, Tricolored : 66Hummingbird, Allen’s : 179Hummingbird,

Black-chinned : 177Hummingbird, Calliope : 317Hummingbird, Magnificent : 176Hummingbird,

Ruby-throated : 176Hummingbird, Rufous : 177Ibis, Glossy : 71Ibis, White : 70Ibis, White-faced : 72Jaeger, Long-tailed : 158Jaeger, Parasitic : 158Jaeger, Pomarine : 157Jay, Blue : 202Junco, Dark-eyed : 288Kestrel, American : 91Killdeer : 107Kingbird, Eastern : 193Kingbird, Gray : 193Kingbird, Western : 192Kingfisher, Belted : 179Kinglet, Golden-crowned : 224Kinglet, Ruby-crowned : 225Kite, Mississippi : 78Kite, Swallow-tailed : 77Kite, White-tailed : 78Kittiwake, Black-legged : 144Knot, Red : 119Lark, Horned : 205Limpkin : 102Longspur, Chestnut-collared : 289Longspur, Lapland : 289Loon, Common : 38

Loon, Pacific : 37Loon, Red-throated : 36Magpie, Black-billed : 202Mallard : 15Martin, Purple : 206Meadowlark, Eastern : 297Merganser, Common : 30Merganser, Hooded : 29Merganser, Red-breasted : 31Merlin : 91Mockingbird, Northern : 233Moorhen, Common : 101Mountain Plover : 107Murre, Common : 160Murre, Thick-billed : 160Night-Heron, Black-crowned : 68Night-Heron,

Yellow-crowned : 69Nighthawk, Common : 174Nuthatch, Brown-headed : 217Nuthatch, Red-breasted : 215Nuthatch, White-breasted : 216Oriole, Baltimore : 304Oriole, Bullock’s : 303Oriole, Orchard : 302Osprey : 75Ovenbird : 260Owl, Barn : 168Owl, Barred : 170Owl, Burrowing : 170Owl, Great Horned : 169Owl, Long-Eared : 170Owl, Northern Saw-whet : 172Owl, Short-eared : 171Owl, Snowy : 169Oystercatcher, American : 108Parakeet, Carolina : 166Parakeet, Monk : 165Parula, Northern : 242Pelican, American White : 54Pelican, Brown : 55

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Petrel, Black-capped : 46Petrel, Fea’s : 45Petrel, Herald : 45Phalarope, Red : 131Phalarope, Red-necked : 131Phalarope, Wilson’s : 130Pheasant, Japanese Green : 33Pheasant, Ring-necked : 32Phoebe, Eastern : 190Phoebe, Say’s : 191Pigeon, Passenger : 164Pigeon, Rock : 162Pintail, Northern : 18Pintail, White-cheeked : 17Pipit, American : 235Pipit, Sprague’s : 236Plover, Black-bellied : 104Plover, Piping : 106Plover, Semipalmated : 106Plover, Snowy : 105Plover, Wilson’s : 105Prairie-Chicken, Greater : 316Puffin, Atlantic : 162Rail, Black : 95Rail, Clapper : 97Rail, King : 97Rail, Virginia : 98Rail, Yellow : 95Raven, Common : 204Razorbill : 161Redhead : 20Redpoll, Common : 310Redpoll, Hoary : 311Redstart, American : 257Robin, American : 232Ruff : 127Sanderling : 120Sandpiper, Baird’s : 123Sandpiper, Buff-breasted : 126Sandpiper, Curlew : 125Sandpiper, Least : 121

Sandpiper, Pectoral : 123Sandpiper, Purple : 124Sandpiper, Semipalmated : 120Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed : 124Sandpiper, Solitary : 111Sandpiper, Spotted : 110Sandpiper, Stilt : 125Sandpiper, Upland : 114Sandpiper, Western : 121Sandpiper, White-rumped : 122Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied : 181Scaup, Greater : 22Scaup, Lesser : 23Scoter, Black : 26Scoter, Surf : 25Scoter, White-winged : 26Screech-Owl, Eastern : 168Shearwater, Audubon’s : 49Shearwater, Cory’s : 47Shearwater, Greater : 47Shearwater, Manx : 49Shearwater, Short-tailed : 49Shearwater, Sooty : 48Shoveler, Northern : 17Shrike, Loggerhead : 195Shrike, Northern : 197Siskin, Pine : 311Skimmer, Black : 155Skua, Great : 156Skua, South Polar : 157Snipe, Wilson’s : 128Sora : 99Sparrow, American Tree : 271Sparrow, Bachman’s : 270Sparrow, Black-throated : 276Sparrow, Chipping : 272Sparrow, Clay-colored : 272Sparrow, Field : 273Sparrow, Fox : 283Sparrow, Grasshopper : 277Sparrow, Harris’s : 287

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Sparrow, Henslow’s : 278Sparrow, House : 314Sparrow, Lark : 275Sparrow, Le Conte’s : 280Sparrow, Lincoln’s : 284Sparrow,

Nelson’s Sharp-tailed : 281Sparrow,

Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed : 282Sparrow, Savannah : 276Sparrow, Seaside : 283Sparrow, Song : 284Sparrow, Swamp : 285Sparrow, Vesper : 274Sparrow, White-crowned : 287Sparrow, White-throated : 286Spoonbill, Roseate : 316Starling, European : 235Stilt, Black-necked : 108Stint, Red-necked : 121Stork, Wood : 72Storm-Petrel, Band-rumped : 52Storm-Petrel, Leach’s : 51Storm-Petrel, White-faced : 51Storm-Petrel, Wilson’s : 50Swallow, Bank : 209Swallow, Barn : 212Swallow, Cave : 211Swallow, Cliff : 210Swallow,

Northern Rough-winged : 208Swallow, Tree : 207Swan, Mute : 9Swan, Trumpeter : 10Swan, Tundra : 11Swift, Chimney : 176Tanager, Scarlet : 268Tanager, Summer : 267Tanager, Western : 268Teal, Blue-winged : 15Teal, Cinnamon : 16

Teal, Green-winged : 19Tern, Arctic : 151Tern, Black : 149Tern, Bridled : 146Tern, Caspian : 148Tern, Common : 150Tern, Elegant : 155Tern, Forster’s : 152Tern, Gull-billed : 147Tern, Least : 146Tern, Roseate : 150Tern, Royal : 153Tern, Sandwich : 154Tern, Sooty : 145Tern, White-winged : 149Thrasher, Brown : 234Thrasher, Sage : 234Thrush, Bicknell’s : 228Thrush, Gray-cheeked : 228Thrush, Hermit : 230Thrush, Swainson’s : 229Thrush, Varied : 232Thrush, Wood : 231Titmouse, Tufted : 215Towhee, Eastern : 269Towhee, Green-tailed : 269Towhee, Spotted : 269Tropicbird, White-tailed : 53Turkey, Wild : 35Turnstone, Ruddy : 118Veery : 227Vireo, Bell’s : 198Vireo, Black-whiskered : 202Vireo, Blue-headed : 199Vireo, Philadelphia : 200Vireo, Red-eyed : 201Vireo, Warbling : 200Vireo, White-eyed : 197Vireo, Yellow-throated : 198Vulture, Black : 73Vulture, Turkey : 74

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Warbler, Bachman’s : 237Warbler, Bay-breasted : 254Warbler, Black-And-white : 256Warbler,

Black-throated Blue : 245Warbler,

Black-throated Gray : 247Warbler,

Black-throated Green : 247Warbler, Blackburnian : 249Warbler, Blackpoll : 254Warbler, Blue-winged : 238Warbler, Canada : 266Warbler, Cape May : 244Warbler, Cerulean : 255Warbler, Chestnut-sided : 243Warbler, Connecticut : 262Warbler, Golden-winged : 239Warbler, Hooded : 265Warbler, Kentucky : 262Warbler, Kirtland’s : 252Warbler, Macgillivray’s : 264Warbler, Magnolia : 244Warbler, Mourning : 263Warbler, Nashville : 241Warbler, Orange-crowned : 240Warbler, Palm : 253Warbler, Pine : 251Warbler, Prairie : 252Warbler, Prothonotary : 258Warbler, Swainson’s : 259Warbler, Tennessee : 240Warbler, Townsend’s : 248Warbler, Wilson’s : 265Warbler, Worm-eating : 258Warbler, Yellow : 242Warbler, Yellow-rumped : 246Warbler, Yellow-throated : 249Waterthrush, Louisiana : 261Waterthrush, Northern : 260Waxwing, Bohemian : 236

Waxwing, Cedar : 236Wheatear, Northern : 226Whimbrel : 115, 116Whip-poor-will : 175Whistling-Duck, Black-bellied : 1Whistling-Duck, Fulvous : 2Whistling-Duck, West Indian : 1Wigeon, American : 13Wigeon, Eurasian : 13Willet : 112Wood-Pewee, Eastern : 185Wood-Pewee, Western : 185Woodcock, American : 129Woodcock, Eurasian : 129Woodpecker, Downy : 181Woodpecker, Hairy : 182Woodpecker, Ivory-billed : 317Woodpecker, Lewis’s : 179Woodpecker, Pileated : 184Woodpecker, Red-bellied : 180Woodpecker, Red-cockaded : 182Woodpecker, Red-headed : 180Wren, Bewick’s : 220Wren, Carolina : 219Wren, House : 221Wren, Marsh : 223Wren, Rock : 219Wren, Sedge : 222Wren, Winter : 221Yellowlegs, Greater : 111Yellowlegs, Lesser : 113Yellowthroat, Common : 264

330