The Birds of the Greater Rockbridge County, Virginia Area · 13 February 2013 and 2013 then relocated by Dick and Lucy Rowe on 14 February 2013. The goose was positively identified

The Birds of the Greater Rockbridge

County, Virginia Area

Richard A. Rowe

Department of Biology

Virginia Military Institute

Accidental – A bird outside of its normal range (breeding or winter) or outside of its normal

migration route

Rare – A bird that is within its normal breeding or over-wintering range or its normal migration

route, but should not be expected to be seen in the area on a yearly basis

Unusual – A bird that is within its normal breeding or over-wintering range but is not reported

on a regular basis in the county (1-5 sightings per year)

Common – A bird that is regularly seen within the area but may not be present in large numbers

or may have a restricted distribution (Locally Common)

Abundant – A bird that is found in large numbers within the county but may have a restricted

distribution (Locally Abundant)

Transient – A bird that is seen in the area during migration or as a wandering sub-adult

Year-round – A bird that is present in the area throughout the entire year and is usually a

breeder

Summer breeder – A bird that migrates into the area and breeds during the summer

Winter migrant/resident – A bird that migrates into the area and over-winters and then leaves

in the spring

Notes:

Cameron’s Pond, which was located near the current Rockbridge County High School, drained

naturally in 1936.

Womeldorf Farm ponds are located just outside of Lexington in the new, Pond’s housing

development.

Lake Robertson and Lake Merriweather were created after Murray published his account of the

Birds of Rockbridge County.

Organization: The taxonomic order and grouping of species follows the AOU 2016 checklist.

This is the 17th supplement since publication of the 7th edition of the Check-list of North

American Birds (American Ornithologists’ Union [AOU] 1998). It summarizes decisions

made between April 15, 2016, and April 15, 2017, by the AOS’s Committee on

Classification and Nomenclature - North and Middle America.

Photos – Except for a few species, all photos of species are from the Rockbridge Co.

Virginia area or from surrounding counties.

Anseriformes: Geese, Swans, Ducks (All photos: Geese, Swans, and Ducks)

Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens):

Occurrence: Transient and winter migrant

Dates: October through January

Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring

History: A single Snow Goose was located by Kerry Kilday at

McCormick’s Farm in January of 2018. The bird moved to

Willow Lake in February and was still present in March. Three

Snow Geese, one blue phase and two white phase were located

at Willow Lake on 25 November 2014. A single Snow Goose

was present at Willow Lake for several weeks in December of

2016. A lone Snow Goose was reported at the Ponds housing

development near Lexington on 11 March 2011 by Dick Rowe.

A pair of Snow geese was seen at McCormick’s Farm on 24

November 2010. A Snow Goose was reported in the county

during the winter of 2008. Dick Rowe found it at McCormick’s Farm on 18 October 2008, Paul

Cabe observed one on a farm pond in the northern portion of the county (most likely the same

bird), and John Burleson reported a Snow Goose on Big Spring about one month later (again,

probably the same individual). Snow/Blue Geese were reported on the1976, 1966, and 1958

CBCs. Murray reports white phase individuals on 18 November 1948 on Womeldorf Pond and

flying individuals 14 October 1950 and 23 September 1953. Blue phase individuals were

reported by Murray on 16 November 1948 on Womeldorf Pond and on the Maury River near

Alone Mill from mid-December 1956 to 11 May 1957.

Status: Rare and should not be expected to be seen in the county.

Photo: Ponds housing development (old Womeldorf Farm) near Lexington, VA on 11 March

2011.

For additional photos: Snow Geese

Ross’ Goose (Anser rossii)


Location: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Ponds Housing

development, Buena Vista, Old Farm Rd. pond

History: A single Ross’ Goose was located at McCormick’s

Farm on 14 November 2010 by Dick Rowe. The bird appeared

to be paired with a Ross’ Goose x Lesser Snow Goose hybrid.

Allen Larner suggested that the two geese in the photograph

were Ross’ Geese. After a discussion and review of

photographs, Allen Larner, Barry Kinzie and I have agreed on

the identification of the Ross’ Goose and the likelihood that the

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vmibiology/collections/72157625985808205/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vmibiology/sets/72157626111319418/

other bird is a hybrid. This is the first record of a Ross’ Goose in Rockbridge County. A second

Ross’ Goose was found at Willow Lake on 27 and 28 March 2011. Both sightings were

submitted to VARCOM and have been accepted as Category 1 records for the area. During the

winter of 2016-17, two Ross’ Geese were present in the county. One was at Willow Lake and

the other was near Lexington. Three Ross’ Geese were located during February 2018 at Old

Farm Rd. pond. The birds moved about in the area and were seen at several different locations

into March. Ross’ Goose has been reported once on the CBC in 2016.

Status: Rare and not expected to be seen.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 14 November 2010.

For additional photos: Ross’ Goose

Ross’ Goose x Lesser Snow Goose Hybrid


Location: McCormick’s Farm

History: On 14 March 2010, a probable Ross’ Goose x

Lesser Snow Goose hybrid was located at McCormick’s

Farm by Dick Rowe. The bird appeared to be paired

with a Ross’ Goose. In the photograph, the Ross’ Goose

is on the left and the hybrid is on the right (note the

distinct differences in head and bill shape). A good

discussion of hybrids between Ross’ and Lesser Snow

Geese can be found in: Trauger, D.L., A. Dzubin, and

J.P. Ryder. 1971. White Geese Intermediate between

Ross’ Geese and Lesser Snow Geese. Auk: 88 (4): 856-875. Hybrids are not recognized by

VARCOM, and thus, no report was submitted.

Status: Rare and not expected to be seen


For additional photos: Ross’ Goose x Lesser Snow Goose

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons):

Occurrence: Rare winter migrant and resident

Dates: Mid-February to mid-March

Location: Goshen Pass area, Ponds Housing Development,

Willow Lake

History: A single Greater White-fronted Goose was

located at Meadow Lawn Farm, which is north of Lake

Merriweather and the Boy Scout camps along Millard

Burke Rd. The goose was first located by Brian Morse on

13 February 2013 and 2013 then relocated by Dick and

Lucy Rowe on 14 February 2013. The goose was

positively identified on 16 February 2013. The goose was

mixed in with a flock of approximately 50 Canada Geese

and remained in the area until early March (the last record was 2 March 2013). This sighting is

the County record for this species. The sighting was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a



Category 1 record. A second Greater White-fronted Goose was located at the Ponds Housing

development on 22 February 2014 and again on 2 March 2014. This sighing was accepted by

VARCOM and is the second county record. A third Greater White-fronted Goose was located at

Willow Lake on 16 November 2014 by Dick Rowe. During the 2014-15 winter, three or four

Greater White-fronted Geese were present at Willow Lake

Status: Rare and not expected in the County.

Photo: Ponds Housing Development, 22 Feb 2014

For additional photos: Greater White-fronted Goose

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis):

Occurrence: Accidental

Dates: 8 March 2008 to mid April 2008

Location: Willow Lake

History: A single individual was located at Willow Lake on

8 March 2008. The goose was mixed in with a flock of

Canada Geese and it remained on Willow Lake through the

spring. The sighting was submitted to VARCOM and

accepted as a Category 3 record.

Status: Accidental and not expected in the area.

Photo: Willow Lake, 14 March 2008.

For additional photos: Barnacle Goose

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii):

Occurrence: Transient

Dates: 2-3 January 2013


History: Dick Rowe located 8 Cackling Geese on

Willow Lake on 2 January 2013. The Cackling Geese

were mixed in with a large flock (150+) of Canada

Geese. The Cackling Geese were present on the 3rd of

January but were not located on the 5th. The Cackling

Geese were most likely Richardson’s Cackling Geese

(there are four subspecies of Cackling Geese). During

January of 2015, a group of six Cackling Geese were

present at Willow Lake. Cackling Geese were

recognized as a separate species by the American Ornithologist’s Union in 2004 (45th

Supplement to the AOU Check-list of N. A. Birds: Auk(3): 985-995, 2004). Prior to that time,

they were considered as part of the Canada Goose complex.

Status: Unusual and could be found in the winter

Photo: Willow Lake, 2 January 2013

For additional photos: Cackling Goose




Canada Goose (Branta canadensis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident of the county

Dates: Year-round

Locations: Throughout the county

History: There are several resident flocks in the

county – Lexington Country Club, the Maury

River near the locks on the Chessie Trail,

McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, and Big Spring

and other individuals have been reported at Lake

Robertson, on the James River at the Blue Ridge

Parkway, Barger’s Quarry Pond and on many farm

ponds throughout the county. Canada Geese have

been reported in 32 of 92 CBC with no records

prior to 1974. Murray considered that Canada

geese were transients seen from February to April and October to December flying over the

county with a few seen on local ponds. Obviously, their status has changed from Murray’s time

to the present day.

Status: Abundant and should be seen in the county.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm Pond, 18 November 2005.

For additional photos: Canada Geese

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)


Date: 5 January 2012, 18 January 2018


History: There are three records of Mute Swans in the

county; all from the same location. On 5 January 2012, Dick

Rowe found one at Willow Lake. The swan, which appeared

to be a male, was present on and off for approximately 2

weeks. On 22 January 2012 a second individual, a female,

was seen at Willow Lake. The swans remained in the area

until late January. On 18 January 2018, Kerry Killday

reported two Mute Swans, an adult male and an immature

bird, at Willow Lake. The pair was present in early March.

Mute Swans were introduced to the United States as early as the late 1800’s as “decorative” birds

on ponds. Wild populations have been established in several parts of the county with the eastern

coastal area from Maine to South Carolina as the largest breeding area. The Chesapeake Bay

area is one of the major breeding areas. The Mute Swan is listed as a Category 5 species by

VARCOM (Category 5. Species introduced into the Commonwealth of Virginia or into other

parts of North America that are currently maintaining self-sustaining wild populations within

Virginia).

Status: Unusual and not expected in the county

Photo: Willow Lake, 5 January 2012

For additional photos: Mute Swan



Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus):


Dates: November and December

Location: Willow Lake, Big Springs, South River area

History: There are a few recent reports of Tundra Swans in

the area. On 8-9 November 2016, a large group of swans

were present at Willow Lake. They were part of a larger

waterfowl fallout that occurred over those two days. On 17

November 2011 a large flock of swans arrived at Willow

Lake to sit out a storm system over the Blue Ridge

Mountains. John Pancake counted 215 swans in the morning

and at 3:00 pm there were 115 individuals. By 5:00

pm all of the swans had taken flight in groups of 50

individuals and continued their migration. A single

individual was present at Willow Lake on the 18th of

November, 2011. On 11 November 2012, two

individuals were located on Willow Lake and on 17

November a female with a late season young was

seen at Willow Lake. In 2013, an immature swan

was located at Willow Lake and on the 26th of

January the immature swan and the female with

immature swan were seen at Willow Lake during a

cold snap. In 2013 John Burleson saw a migrating

flock flying over Big Spring on 15 November 1999, two individuals were seen on Lake

Robertson in December of 1980 and a photograph by Nell Bolen was published in the Lexington

News-Gazette (3 December 1980), and Elise Sheffield had a swan on a pond on her property

during January and February of 2006. An individual was seen by Alex Merritt on Willow Lake

on 13 November 2009, a second individual was seen by Barbara Rowe on 18 December 2004 on

a pond at West Airslie Farm, and a third individual was seen flying south of Fairfield on 27

December 1997. Tundra Swans have been reported on five CBC (2004, 1997, 1984, 1980, and

1974). Murray does not report any records of Tundra Swans.


Photo: Willow Lake, 24 March 2016 (upper), 17 November 2011 (lower)

For additional photos: Tundra Swan

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder

Dates: Can be seen year-round but are most common from

March through November/December

Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Lake

Merriweather, Maury River, Locher Tract, creeks and

ponds throughout the county


History: The earliest record for Wood Ducks is 14 February 2010 at Locher Tract. Wood Ducks

are commonly seen in March and April and are seen through the summer in the county. Bob

Paxton reports finding a hen with downy young at Cameron’s Pond on 19 May 1952.

Individuals have been reported in November and December. They have been reported in 9 of 92

CBC. Murray reports Wood Ducks as being common in the spring and summer with individuals

arriving in late March and April with young seen as early as May and remaining in the area from

late September to November.

Status: Uncommon and could be seen during the spring and summer.

Photo: Maury River, 18 March 2011.

For additional photos: Wood Duck

Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors):

Occurrence: Transient and primarily a spring migrant

Dates: March through April

Locations: Ponds Housing Development, Old Farm Rd Pond,

Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, various ponds

and streams in the county

History: There are 11, recent records from McCormick’s Farm

on 19 March 2000, 2 April 2005, 27 March 2005, 2 April 2011,

and 7-8 April 2012; on Willow Lake on 2 April 2005, 3 April

2009, 5 April 2009, 1- 2 April 2011, and 7 April 2012; on the Maury River near Alone Mill on

30 August 2006; on Big Spring Pond on 17 April 2007; on Willow Lake; and one report from the

county on 31 March (2001). Blue-winged Teal have been reported once on the CBC. Murray

considers Blue-winged Teal as transients that are more common in the spring (15 March through

13 May).

Status: Uncommon migrant.

Photo: Willow Lake, 1 April 2011

For additional photos: Blue-winged Teal

Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata):

Occurrence: Migrant and rare winter resident

Dates: December through March

Locations: Ponds Housing Development, Big Spring, Lake

Robertson, Lake Merriweather, McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake,

South River area

History: There are a number of recent records: Lake Robertson on

27 March 2003; a large group of 20 at McCormick’s Farm on 23 December 2003, at

McCormick’s Farm on 27 March 2005; on Willow Lake on 3 March 2010; on the Maury River

at Alone Mill on 20 March 2006; near Lake Merriweather on 11 February 2009; at Big Spring

Pond on 9 December 2010, 18 December 2010, 26 December 2006, 1 March 2007, 4 January

2009, and 17 April 2007; and at the Ponds housing development on 31 October 2012. A lone

female was present on OFRP for several weeks during November of 2011. Also, a group of 18

individuals was seen on Willow Lake on 17 November (due to the same storm system that

brought the Tundra Swans to Willow Lake). Shovelers have been reported on the 1972, 1985,



2006, 2007, 2008, and 2018 CBC’s. Murray notes that they are uncommon in the spring but

present from mid-February to late April. He notes one fall record.

Status: Uncommon migrant.

Photo: Ponds housing development, 31 October 2012

For additional photos: Northern Shoveler

Gadwall (Mareca strepera):

Occurrence: Winter migrant/resident

Dates: October through March

Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, the Ponds

Gadwalls have become regular visitors at McCormick’s Farm,

Willow Lake and Big Spring during the winter. They have been

reported on a regular basis during the past few years (2003 –

2011) at these three locations. The earliest report is 23 October

2004 and the latest report is 5 April 2009. A large group of

Gadwalls was present at Big Spring during the winter of 2010-

2011. Approximately 40 individuals were present beginning in

mid-December. Gadwalls have been reported in 23 of 92 CBCs.

Murray notes seven fall and winter records with individuals seen

from 27 October through 10 March.

Status: Locally common winter migrant and should be seen at

McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, or Big Spring

Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 15 February 2009.

For additional photos: Gadwall

American Wigeon (Mareca americana):

Occurrence: Transient and winter resident

Dates: November through April

Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Ponds

Housing Development, Big Spring

History: Wigeons have been sighted on at McCormick’s

Farm, on Willow Lake, at the Ponds, and at Big Spring. A

pair of wigeons was present at McCormick’s Farm on 22

November 2011, and one individual was present on

Willow Lake on 17 November 2011. Three individuals

were seen at the Ponds housing development (former

Womeldorf Farm) on 11 March 2011. Individuals were present between 20 November 2004 and

2 April 2005 on Willow Lake. A large group was in with a mixed flock of ducks on 31 October

2009. They have been reported in 17 of 92 CBC with the majority of the records between 1974 –

1984. Murray reports individuals seen from 17 September through 20 May.

Status: Uncommon winter migrant and could be seen on some lakes and ponds.

Photos: McCormick’s Farm, 5 January 2012.

For additional photos: American Wigeon




Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder

Dates: Year-round


History: Permanent and common resident of the area.

Mallards are seen throughout the area with sightings on the

Maury River, James River, Barger’s Quarry Pond, and

McCormick’s Farm. They have been reported in 73 of 92

CBC with an increase noted in the past 8 years. In 2005, 541

individuals were reported on the CBC. Although Murray

regards Mallards as winter visitors with only a few nesting

records, their status has changed and they are undoubtedly

increasing in number and are common breeders in the area.

Status: Common year-round breeder and should be seen in the county.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 1 November 2008.

For additional photos: Mallard

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes):

Occurrence: Migrant and winter resident

Dates: Late fall (November) through March

Locations: Maury River, McCormick’s Farm, Willow

Lake, Big Spring, Lake Merriweather

History: Black Ducks are present but not numerous in the

county and may be residents along with Mallards.

Individuals have been reported along the Maury River,

Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, Lake

Merriweather, and in Goshen Pass. Black Ducks have been

reported on 70 of 92 CBC. Murray reports that Black

Ducks are present from 28 August to 13 April with a few

individuals seen throughout the year.

Status: Winter migrant and is likely to be seen mixed in with groups of Mallards.

Photo: Black Duck female (foregound) with Mallard female (backgound) at McCormick’s Farm,

1 November 2008.

For additional photos: Black Duck

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta):


Dates: November through February

Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Maury River, Lake

Merriweather, Ponds Quarry, Barger’s Quarry

History: Recent records; 7 and 18 January 2004, 24 November

2009, 18 January 2010, 28 Jan 2011, 29 January 2012 at



McCormick’s Farm, 12 November 2009 and 23 November 2009 at Willow Lake, 23 February

2004 at Barger’s Quarry Pond, on Lake Merriweather on 19 February 2009, 26 December 2010

at Pond’s Quarry, and 3 February 2018 eight individuals on the Maury River along River Rd.

Pintails have been reported seven times on the CBC. Murray considers Pintails to be transients

and more common in the spring (February to April) versus the fall (October through December).

He notes there are eight records in the fall.

Status: Uncommon winter migrant.


For additional photos: Northern Pintail

Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca):


Dates: September through April

Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake, Old Farm Rd. pond,

Chessie Trail along Maury River

History: These teal are transients that are seen mainly during the

winter and spring with sightings on 17 November 2011 at Willow

Lake, 20 November 2004 at McCormick’s Farm and 2 April 2005, 18

October 2009, 12 November 2009, 3 November 2010 on Willow

Lake, on 11 March 2011 at the Ponds development, and on 24 April

2012 on Old Farm Rd. pond. As a note, two females were seen for several weeks on Old Farm

Rd Pond during September of 2010 and a group of eight individuals were at McCormick’s Farm

throughout the fall of 2010. Individuals have been seen in the Maury River along the Chessie

Trail. Green-winged Teal have been reported 32 out of 92 CBC. Murray reports them as winter

visitors that are common between September and March.

Status: Uncommon winter migrant.

Photo: Pond housing development (old Womeldorf Farm) 11 March 2011.

For additional photos: Green-winged Teal

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria):

Occurrence: Transient during migration

Dates: November through March

Locations: Willow Lake, Big Spring, Ponds Quarry, Old

Farm Rd pond

History: Recently, Canvasbacks have been reported on

Willow Lake on 12 November 2005, 12 November 2009,

and 9 January 2009, two individuals at Big Springs on 1

March 2007, and one individual on a farm pond on 17 Feb

2008. During the winter of 2013-14, there was a large

influx of Canvasbacks into the state and the Shenandoah

Valley. Two groups of Canvasbacks were present in the

area during January and early February. A group of 9

individuals were present on the quarry at the Ponds and an addition 4-5 individuals were present



on Old Farm Rd Pond. During the winter of 2017-18, a few individuals were seen around the

county: Ponds quarry, Barger’s Quarry, and Willow lake. In 1978 one individual was reported

on the CBC. Murray reports four records: 24 March 1933 and 3 April 1935 on Cameron’s Pond,

28 March 1948 on the Maury River at Furr’s Mill, and on 30 January 1955 on Womeldorf Pond.

Status: Rare and not expected to be seen in the county.

Photo: Quarry at the Ponds, 1 Feb 2014.

For additional photos: Canvasback

Redhead (Aythya americana):

Occurrence: Transient and winter Resident

Dates: December through January and during spring migration in

March and April

Locations: Ponds Quarry, McCormick’s Farm, Willow Lake

History: Redheads have become more common over the past few

winters and have been regularly reported since 2013. During the

winters of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, 2013-14 Redheads were

found on the Pond’s quarry (the old Womeldorf Farm). Two

individuals were found by Laura Neale on a farm pond on Borden

Grant Rd. The pair remained at the pond for several weeks during

November of 2011. A group of eight individuals were present in

2009-2010 and two individuals were present in 2010-2011. Redheads were reported on the

1999, 2008, 2010, and 2014 CBCs. Individuals were found on 8 January 09, 17 December 2009,

7 December 2010, and 8 December 2010 at Willow Lake and on 18 January 2010 at

McCormick’s Farm. A single individual was present on Old Farm Rd. pond on 4 March 2012.

One Redhead was reported in 1975 on the CBC. Murray reports five records: 20 March to 6

April 1929 on the Maury River near Lexington, 2 May 1932 on Cameron’s Pond, 19 March

1951, 23 to 25 October 1953 and15 January to 19 March 1956 on Womeldorf Pond.

Status: Uncommon and often seen during the winter

Photo: Quarry at the Ponds, 1 Feb 2014.

For additional photos: Redhead

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris):

Occurrence: Winter migrant and resident

Dates: October through March

Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Lake Robertson, Lake

Merriweather, Old Farm Rd Pond, Ponds Housing development, Big

Spring

History: Ring-necks are commonly seen on Willow Lake and

McCormick’s Farm pond and less often on Lake Robertson, Big

Spring, Lake Merriweather, and Barger’s Quarry pond. Many of the

sightings at a particular location are most likely the same birds

remaining in residence on the lake or pond over the winter. The

earliest arrival date is 18 October 2009 at Willow Lake and the latest departure date is 20 April



2010 at Willow Lake. Ring-necked Ducks have been reported in 22 of 92 CBC with 23

individuals counted in 2004 and 21 individuals counted in 2001. Murray considers them

common in the spring and notes five records in the fall between 31 October and 12 December.

Status: Locally common winter migrant that could be seen in the county


For additional photos: Ring-necked Duck

Greater Scaup (Aythya marila):



Locations: Willow Lake

History: Recently, Greater Scuap have been reported at

Willow Lake during November (2017), February (2014), and

March (2013) Greater Scaup have been reported on four CBC’s

(2005, 1997, 1984, 1980) and at Willow Lake on 8 March 2008,

14 November 2009, and 18 March 2011. Murray reports two

records 4 April 1951 on Womeldorf Pond and 23 March 1953

on Cameron’s Pond.

Status: Unusual and not expected in the county

Photo: Willow Lake, 1 February 2014.

For additional photos: Greater Scaup

Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and winter

resident


Locations: Willow Lake. McCormick’s Farm

History: There are several recent sightings of Lesser

Scaup on 22 January 2012, 13 March 2013, April 2013, 4

November through 15 November 2010, 23 March through

5 April 2009, 12 November 2005, 2 April 2005, 23

October 2005, and 24 March 2012 at Willow Lake with

large groups of scaup seen on 13 November 2009 (200+)

and 26 March 2010 (50+), 9 March 2003 at McCormick’s

Farm, 1 April 2010 on Big Spring, and 24 February 2004 on the James River near the

Appalachian Trail Foot Bridge. A single scaup was seen on a farm pond on Borden Grant Rd. by

Lucy and Dick Rowe on 26 December 2011 (the pond is outside of the Lexington CBC circle).

Lesser Scaup have been reported in 10 of 92 CBC. Murray considered the Lesser Scaup to be

the most common spring duck up until 1940 with numerous sighting records from around the

county. He notes that after 1940 the duck became uncommon.

Status: Sporadically common on ponds and lakes and could be seen.


For additional photos: Lesser Scaup




Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)


Dates: 29 – 31 October


History: On 29 October, John Pancake and Ann Olson located two

Surf Scoters on Willow Lake. The timing of their appearance coincided

with the passing of Hurricane Sandy. The two individuals, most likely

females, remained at Willow Lake through 31 October. The record was

submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 1 record.

Status: Accidental migrant and not expected to be seen

Photo: Willow Lake, 29 October 2012

For additional photos: Surf Scoter

White-winged Scoter (Melanitta fusca)


Dates:


History: There are three records for White-winged Scoters in

the county. All three individuals were seen on from Willow

Lake during February and March of 2014 (two individuals)

and 16 January to 18 January 2018. The initial records from

2014 were accepted by VARCOM.

Status: Rare or accidental migrant and not expected to be

seen.

Photo: Willow Lake, 9 February 2014

For additional photos: White-winged Scoter

Long-tailed Duck (Oldsquaw) (Clangula hyemalis):


Dates: November through March


History: There are six recent records. One individual was

seen on 1 February 2004 on the James River at the Blue

Ridge Parkway, four individuals were seen on 11 November

2009 at Willow Lake, and on 17 November 2009 six

individuals were still present on Willow Lake. During the

winter of 2013-2014, three different Long-tailed Ducks were

present on Willow Lake. One individual was seen in

December, a second individual was present during February

and March of 2014, and a third individual appeared in

March. Oldsquaw have not been reported on any CBC’s. Murray notes three records in 29

November 1948 (Cameron’s Pond), 25 December 1933 and 14-15 April 1929 (Cameron’s Pond).


https://www.flickr.com/photos/vmibiology/sets/72157640746184303/

Status: Rare winter migrant and not expected in the county.

Photo: Willow Lake, 8 February 2014

For additional photos: Long-tailed Duck

Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola):

Occurrence: Winter migrant and resident


Locations: Willow Lake, Ponds Quarry, Maury River,

Lake Merriweather

History: There are a number of recent records of

Buffleheads in the area. Buffleheads have been reported at

Barger’s Quarry Pond 13 February 2003, 11 February 2004

and 23 February 2004; on the Maury River in Goshen Pass 13 April 2003; on Lake Merriweather

on 24 February 2009, on the Maury River along the Chessie Trail 13 February 2003 and 25

January 2005; on Willow Lake on 23 November 2011, from 18 November to 1 December 2010,

on 7 November 2010, 3 March 2010, from 31 October to 14 November 2009, 4 November 2007,

23 November 2009, 3 February 2009, 14 February 2009, and 1 April 2011; at the Ponds housing

development on 22 November 2011, 27 March 2011 and 1 April 2011; and on the James River at

the Appalachian Trail Foot Bridge 24 February 2004. Buffleheads have been reported in 12 of

92 CBC. Murray notes 12 spring records between 8 March and 21 April and seven records for

November and December.

Status: Uncommon winter migrant and could be seen in the county.

Photo: Willow Lake; right photo, male; left photo, female, 14 Feb 2009.

For additional photos: Bufflehead

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula):


Dates: December through April

Locations: Old Farm Rd pond, Willow Lake, Big Spring,

Ponds Housing development

History: There is one record on 1 February 2004 on the James

River at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Three individuals were

seen on 27 March 2011. Two females were located at Willow

Lake and one female was located on the ponds at the Ponds

Housing development. None of the birds were found located

on 28 March. A female Goldeneye was located at Big Spring

on the 2013 CBC by Lucy and Dick Rowe. Five Common

Goldeneyes were present on Old Farm Rd. pond during

February, 2014. Goldeneyes have been reported in 10 of 92 CBC with six of the records

between 1988 and 1976 and one record in 2014. Murray reports 10 spring records between 17

February and 29 April and 4 winter records from December through January.

Status: Rare winter migrant and not expected in the county.

Photo: Photo taken at Old Farm Rd Pond, 15 February 2014

For additional photos: Common Goldeneye




Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus):


Dates: November through mid-April

Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, Lake

Merriweather, Ponds Quarry

History: There are numerous recent records of birds on the

Maury River in Goshen Pass and along the Chessie Trail, on the

James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway, and at McCormick’s

Farm, Willow Lake, Big Spring, and Barger’s Quarry Pond.

These sightings range from 2 November (2007) through 21 April

2012. Hooded Mergansers have been reported on 32 of the 92

CBC with a peak number of 262 seen in 2017. Murray considers

Hooded Mergansers to be common in March and April with records from November through

March.

Status: Locally common winter migrant and likely to be seen.

Photo: Buffalo Creek, 14 Jan 2011.

For additional photos: Hooded Merganser

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and breeding

Dates: December to April

Locations: Lake Merriweather, Maury River, Buffalo Creek,

Kerrs Creek, Willow Lake

History: There are numerous recent reports of Common

Merganser’s in the county during the winter and early spring.

In addition, during 2015, 2016 and 2017, females with young

were seen in the Goshen Pass area (reported and

photographed by John Pancake and Ann Olson on 21 June

2015) and along South River near its confluence with the

Maury River (reported by Elise Sheffield reported on 3 July

2015). During the winter, Common Mergansers have been consistently reported on the Maury

River between Buena Vista (Glen Maury Park) and Balcony Downs. A group of approximately

20 was located on the Maury River off of River Rd on 2 March. Individuals were seen in the

Maury River in Goshen Pass on several different occasions. A group of Common Mergansers

was present on Lake Merriweather from 11 February through 30 March 2009, and a group of 11

individuals was seen on the 2011 CBC. A group of four individuals (one male and three

females) were seen on the Maury River near the old Furrs Mill from 19 through 26 April. 2010, a

single female was seen at this spot on 13 November 2011, and a lone female was seen on the

Maury east of RT 11 on the CBC in 2011 (perhaps the same individual). Two individuals were

seen in the Maury River in Goshen Pass on 19 April 2009. A lone female was seen on Willow

Lake on 26 February 2008. Elise Sheffield reported three males and two females on South River

on 11 March 2011. Three individuals were seen at Willow Lake on 1 April 2011 and five

individuals were seen on the quarry at the Ponds Housing development on 8 April 2011. There

are ten reports on the CBC with individuals seen on nine of the past ten years. In 2017, John


Pancake and Ann Olson counted 172 Common Mergansers at Lake Merriweather on count day.

Murray reports Common Mergansers as being fairly common on the rivers of the county in

winter and spring.

Status: Becoming more common especially along the Maury River and at Lake Merriweather.

Photo: Maury River along River Rd, 3 March 2013.

For additional photos: Common Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator):




History: There are five recent reports of Red-breasted

Mergansers in the county. A single female was seen on

Willow Lake on 18 November 2011, and four individuals were

seen on Willow Lake on 11 March 2011. A flock of 18

individuals was seen on Willow Lake on 25 March 2010, two

individuals were seen on Willow Lake on 5 April 2009, four

individuals were seen on Willow Lake on 12 November 2009

and one individual was reported on the CBC in 1976. Murray

reports five records from the Maury River in Rockbridge Baths 13 December 1934, near

Lexington 15 December 1937, and at Furr’s Mill in December 1937; at Big Springs 28 May

1938; and at Cameron’s Pond 3 April 1935.

Status: Rare winter migrant and not expected to be seen in the county.

Photo: Lake Shenandoah in Harrisonburg, VA, 2 March 2014.

For additional photos: Red-breasted Merganser

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis):



Locations: Willow Lake, Ponds Quarry, Old Farm Rd

pond,

History: Ruddy Ducks have been reported on Willow

Lake: a group of five on 30 November (2003), about 30

individuals on 20 November (2004), 30-40 individuals on

12 November (2005), 5 individuals on 23 October (2005),

a small group on 22 October (2006), from 27 October

through 17 December 2009, 5 March through 27 March

2010, 23 October through 8 December 2010, 40

individuals on 8 March 2009, and two individuals were seen on 5 April 2011. Also, four

individuals were seen at McCormick’s Farm on 4 November 2007, one individual was seen on

the Old Farm Road Pond on 18 November 2010 and a single individual was seen here on 23

November 2011, a single individual was seen on Barger’s Quarry Pond for the CBC in 2005, and

a single individual on the Pond’s quarry on 24 December 2010. Ruddy Ducks have been

reported in 11 of 92 CBC’s with Ruddys seen five of the past ten years. Murray notes 23 records



with most of the sightings in October and November with some individuals seen in April and

December.

Status: Locally common winter migrant/resident that should be seen in the county.

Photo: Willow Lake, 9 December 2012.

For additional photos: Ruddy Duck

Galliformes: Quail, Pheasant, Grouse, and Turkey (All photos: Quail, Pheasant, Grouse, and Turkey)

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder in the area with spotty distribution.

Dates: Year-round resident

Locations: Fields and fence rows in the county

History: There has been a decrease in the quail population over the past 40 years. Formerly,

quail were common along fence rows and edges of woods. The decline in numbers is likely

associated with habitat destruction. There are only a few recent records, but Bobwhite’s are

probably more common than these few records indicate. During the summer of 2010, a male

Bobwhite was seen and frequently heard on the Kendall property. Overall, Bobwhite’s are more

likely to be heard than seen. Bobwhites are a managed species by DGIF. There are a number of

initiatives to increase population numbers or to re-introduce individuals to area within their

former range. Hunting season is from early November through January. Bobwhites have been

reported in 52 CBC’s but have only been recorded in six years since 1984. Murray considers

them to be common and a permanent resident.

Status: Uncommon permanent resident in the county and not expected to be seen.

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus):

Occurrence: Introduced species and local sightings

probably represent escapees

Dates: Year round

Locations: BRP 1, BRP 2

History: There are two, recent reports along the Blue

Ridge Parkway (2003 and 2009). There is one pheasant

reported from the CBC in 1976. Murray notes that

pheasants were introduced into the county about 1930.

Status: Introduced and rare, and not expected to be seen

in the county.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 51, 8 June

2009.

For additional photos: Ring-necked Pheasant




Ruffed Grouse (Bonsa umbellus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder and a managed game

species


Locations: Higher elevations within the county

History: Grouse can be found in the wildlife management area at

Goshen Pass and North Mountain and along the Blue Ridge

Parkway. These birds can be found/flushed while hiking and are

occasionally seen driving along the Parkway. Grouse hunting

season is from late October to mid-February. Ruffed Grouse have

been reported in 38 of 84 CBC. Ruffed Grouse have not been

reported on the CBC since 2006. Murray considers grouse a

permanent resident primarily of the rougher areas.

Status: Common resident in the area and could be seen in the

county.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 25 April 2008.

For additional photos: Ruffed Grouse

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder of the county and

a managed game species



History: Turkeys can be found throughout the county with

sightings ranging from roads just outside of Lexington to the

Blue Ridge Parkway to the wildlife area at Goshen Pass and

North Mountain. Turkey hunting season in the fall is from

late October to early November and from early December to

1 January and in the spring from early April through mid-

May. Turkeys have been noted in 36 of the 92 CBC with a

high count of 44 in 2016 and have been reported every year since 1993. But, Turkeys were

rarely reported on the CBC before the mid-1970’s. Murray reports turkeys as being common.

Status: Common resident in the area and could be seen in the county.

Photo: Near Lexington, 23 September 2012

For additional photos: Wild Turkey



Podicipediformes: Grebes (All photos: Grebes)

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps):

Occurrence: Common winter migrant during late fall, winter, and spring

Dates: Earliest arrival – 1 October

Departure – 24 April

Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Big Spring, Lake

Robertson, Lake Merriweather, Old Farm Rd pond, Barger’s Quarry,

Maury River

History: Pied-billed Grebes have been reported on Willow Lake, Lake

Robertson, the Maury River along the Chessie Trail, Lake Merriweather,

Barger’s Quarry pond, McCormick’s Farm, and Big Spring. In 2012 a

breeding pair was present on Old Farm Road Pond (6th breeding record

for the Mountains-Valley region of Virginia). The pair with four young were discovered on 16

June. One to two individuals remained on the pond through the fall. There are numerous recent

records of Pied-billed Grebes on Willow Lake with individuals arriving as early as 16 October

and being seen on the lake as late as 24 April.

Their presence during the winter is affected

by the lake freezing over, as it did during the

winter of 2010-2011. Birds have been

reported on 30 November 2003 and 23

December 2003 on Willow Lake, 23

February 2004 on the Maury River, March

2010 on Big Springs, and 26 December 2009

at Lake Robertson (8 individuals). Pied-

billed Grebes have been reported in 32 of 84

CBC with a high count of 14 individuals seen

in 1998. Murray reports individuals seen from 30 August through 18 May.

Status: Uncommon during the winter and scarce when ponds and lakes freeze-over.

Photo: upper photo: Willow Lake, 5 April 2011; lower photo: Old Farm Rd Pond, 16 June 2012

For additional photos: Pied-billed Grebe

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus):


Dates: November into May

Locations: Lake Merriweather, Willow Lake, Barger’s Quarry

History: There are twelve recent records of Horned Grebes in the area. An

individual was observed on 13 February and 11 March 2003 at Barger’s

Quarry Pond and on 5 April 2005 on the James River near the AT Foot

Bridge. An individual was present on Lake Merriweather on 11 February

https://www.flickr.com/photos/vmibiology/collections/72157626122635956/


2009, 18 March 2009, and on 30 March 2009. There are a number

of reports of Horned Grebes on Willow Lake; 23 March 2009, 13

and 14 November 2009, 14 December 2010, one to four individuals

were present from mid March through early April 2011, and an

individual present between 7-9 May 2013. Horned Grebes have

been reported in 11 of 84 CBC. Murray reports 13 records from 5

October through 1 May with individuals seen in the Maury River,

Lexington Reservoir, Woods Creek, and Cameron’s and Womeldorf

Pond.

Status: Uncommon and not expected in the county.

Photo: Upper photo, Willow Lake 9 May 2013; lower photo, Lake Merriweather, 19 March

2009

For additional photos: Horned Grebe

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)


Dates: 18 March 2009

Location: Lake Merriweather, Maury River

History: Only two individuals have been reported in the county. Alex

Merritt one individual on Lake Merriweather on 18 March 2009. Mike

Stinson located one on the Maury River near Buena Vista.

Status: Rare and not be expected in the county.

Photo: Lake Merriweather, 19 March 2009.

For additional photos: Red-necked Grebe

Columbiformes: Pigeons and Doves (All photos: Pigeons, Doves, and Cuckoos)

Rock Pigeon (Columbia livia):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder

Dates: Year-round

Location: Throughout Rockbridge County

History: Year-round residents of the county and can be found in

most areas except forests. Rock Pigeons have been reported every

year on the CBC since 1974 excepting 2003. A high count of 657

individuals was recorded in 2005. Prior to 1974, it appears that

they were not included rather than being absent from the county.

Status: Abundant/common species in the area and should be seen

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 17 March 2011.

For additional photos: Rock Pigeon





White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)


Date: 7 August 2015

Location: Near Brownsburg

History: There is only one record of a White-winged Dove in the county. Jerry

Jackson reported a White-winged Dove at his bird feeders on 7 August 2015.

Status: Accidental and not expected to be seen in the county.

Photo: Brownsburg, 7 August 2015 (photo courtesy of Jerry Jackson)

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura):


Dates: Year-round


History: Common residents that are seen throughout the county. Mourning

Doves are often found in medium to large flocks in the fall and winter.

Mourning Doves have been reported in 81 of 92 CBC. Murray reports eggs

found from late March until September. Mourning Doves are a game species

with a three-part hunting season from early September to early January.

Status: Abundant/common species in the area and should be seen.

Photo: Willow Lake, 4 August 2009.

For additional photos: Mourning Dove

Cuculiformes: Cuckoos (All photos: Pigeons, Doves, and Cuckoos)

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus):

Occurrence: Summer breeder

Dates: 25 April through 21 October


History: There are numerous recent records of Yellow-billed Cuckoos from

the county with the earliest record of 29 April 2000 with most birds in the

area by mid-May. The latest departure record is 18 September 2010.

Cuckoos can be found in wooded areas of the county including Lexington,

Goshen Pass, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Murray considers Yellow-

billed Cuckoos to be common summer residents arriving about 25 April and

departing about 21 October. Nests with eggs have been found from 13 May through 1 August.

Status: Common summer breeder and could be seen in the county.

Photo: Goshen Pass, 7 May 2011

For additional photos: Yellow-billed Cuckoo




Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalamus):

Occurrence: Summer breeder in the area

Dates: May through September


History: There are sporadic reports of Black-billed Cuckoos in the area.

During the spring of 2013 one or two Black-billed Cuckoos were located at

the Old Natural Bridge Golf Course by Wes Teets. Dick Rowe located one

individual along Hyde Rd. near its intersection with RT 252. Individual

birds were reported during 2012 in the Kerrs Creek area and at Sky Farm

near Lexington. One individual was found near Old Farm Rd pond by Dick

Rowe on 2 May 2017. Considered to be a summer resident but uncommon

by Murray, he notes that they are found between 3 May and 23 September

above 1500 feet. He reports nests in May near Lexington and Goshen Pass.

Status: Uncommon summer breeder that could be seen.

Photo: Hyde Rd, 26 May 2013

For additional photos: Black-billed Cuckoo

Caprimulgiformes: Nighthawks and Whip-poor-wills (All photos: Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills, Swifts, and Hummingbirds)

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor):

Occurrence: Formerly a summer resident/breeder but now may only be a migrant

Dates: Arrival 10 April through 18 May

Locations: Rockbridge County

History: Formerly, Nighthawks were considered to be summer residents and were commonly

seen over the parade ground at VMI and Lexington. Currently, there is no evidence of breeding

in the area, and Nighthawks are seen only during migration. The earliest arrival date is 10 April

1996. Murray notes arrivals between 23 April and 18 May and nests located in June and July.

Status: Uncommon migrant and seen during migration

Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferous):

Occurrence: Summer residents/breeders

Dates: Early arrival date of 22 March 1948 with birds

seen and heard through July

Locations: Rockbridge County, Blue Ridge Parkway,

Goshen Pass

History: There are several recent records from the

county: 17 April 2009, 18 April to 10 May 2009 near

Rockbridge Baths, 20 April to 4 May 2010 near

Rockbridge Baths, 28 April 2007, 2 May 2007, and 18



July 2006. Paul Moosman located a nest with two eggs on 16 June 2011 in the Kerrs Creek area.

Whip-poor-wills can be seen early morning (pre-dawn) in certain areas along the Blue Ridge

Parkway in June. Murray notes that Whip-poor-wills are locally common and notes an early

arrival date of 22 March 1948. Formerly, Whip-poor-wills were wide-spread throughout the

county, but recently they are only heard or seen in the forested areas especially along North

Mountain and Goshen Pass.

Status: Locally uncommon summer resident and breeder and could be found in the area

Photo: Kerrs Creek area, 27June 2011

For additional photos: Whip-poor-will

Apodiformes: Swifts and Hummingbirds (All photos: Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills, Swifts, and Hummingbirds )

Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica):


Dates: Arrival (5 April 1952 and 17 April 2004) and departure (10 October 2010

and 24 October

Location: Rockbridge County

History: Chimney Swifts are common in the area. They can be seen on a

regular basis beginning in the third week of April (the earliest arrival date is 17

April 2004) until early October (late date of 9 October 2010). Swifts are seen

throughout the area with individuals being observed at the top of Apple Orchard

Mountain (4000 feet) down to the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway (670

feet). Murray reports arrival dates for Swifts ranging from 5 April (1952) to 17

April and nest building beginning in May. Murray reports that swifts have been seen as late as

24 October.

Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Old Farm Rd pond, 10 September 2011

For additional photos: Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris):


Dates: Early arrival date of 19 April in 1957 and 2005 and late departure date

of 2 October 2006 and 12 November 1956.


History: Hummingbirds can be found throughout the area. Individuals have

been seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway with a nest found at Yankee Horse

Ridge pull-off (26 May 2009), in Lexington, Goshen Pass, Willow Lake, and

farms in the area. These birds arrive in late April to early May with

individuals regularly reported during the third week of April. During

September of 2010, a large number (10+) of hummingbirds cab be seen along




Marl Creek at McCormick’s Farm. Murray. The earliest arrival date of 19 April (1957 and

2005) and Murray reports a departure date of 28 September (1950) and I have seen a

hummingbird on 2 October (2006). He observed one individual on 12 November 1956.

Murray reports that nests were found in May in the area.


Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 11 September 2010.

For additional photos: Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus):

Occurrence: Accidental migrant

Dates: 25 September 2011

Location: Near Lexington

History: A single individual was present at a

hummingbird feeder near Lexington for one day

during September, 2011. Melinda Robinson

photographed the bird, and the photographs

provided sufficient detail on tail feather

morphology to conclude it was a Rufous

Hummingbird (reference: Peter Pyle,

Identification Guide to North American Birds,

1997, Slate Creek Press, Bolinas CA.). During

the fall of 2012, a female Rufous Hummingbird

was present at Betty Besal’s house in the county

from 15 October through 15 November. In addition another individual was

seen near Lexington at Kerry Hill Farm.

Status: Rare and not expected in the county.

Photo: Left photo, Jacob’s Ladder Rd, 25 September 2011 by Melinda Robinson; Right photo,

Shake Rag Rd, 9 November 2013.

Additional photos: Rufous Hummingbird

Gruiformes: Rails, Gallinules, Moorhens, and Coots (All photos: Rails, Gallinules, Coots, and Cranes)

Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis):

Occurrence: There have been no recent sightings

Dates: Murray reports two sightings, one in 1937 and one in 1954. He considers Yellow Rails to

be rare in the area.

Location: Lexington area

History: Both reports were from wet/marshy areas near Lexington





Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans):


Dates: 9 November


History: Murray reports finding a dead Clapper Rail on 9 November 1928. There is no

indication that this species normally occurs in the area, and Murray suspected that the bird may

have been shot along the coast and disposed of in the county.


King Rail (Rallus elegans):


Dates: 15 May

Location: southern Rockbridge County

History: Murray reports one sighting on 15 May 1940 on South Buffalo Creek. A second,

unconfirmed sighting was reported from Big Spring in August of 1929. There have been no

recent sightings.


Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola):

Occurrence: There are two reports of a Virginia Rail in the county (1932 and 1953).

Dates: 26 September and 17 November

Location: Big Spring, James River in Glasgow

History: Murray reports seeing a Virginia Rail at Big Spring on 26 September 1932. Bob

Paxton found a Virginia Rail in Glasgow on 17 November 1953. There have been no recent

sightings.


Sora (Porzana carolina):


Dates: 13 April to 27 May and 12 August to 5 November

Locations: Cameron’s Pond, Big Spring, James River in Glasgow, Old

Farm Rd pond

History: A juvenile Sora was located at Old Farm Road Rd pond 14

August 2011 by Lucy Rowe, Dick Rowe, and Kerry Kilday. On 1

September 2012, an adult Sora was located at Old Farm Rd. pond by

Dick Rowe. Murray reports that Soras were common in the spring (13

April to 27 May) and fall (29 August to 5 November) between 1928 to

1932 on Cameron’s Pond. Between 1932 and 1948 he notes that it was

less common at Cameron’s Pond. Soras were also seen at Big Spring

until 1932. Bob Paxton reported a sighting on 17 November 1953 in

Glasgow. The draining of Cameron’s Pond undoubtedly has had an impact on the movement of

Soras through the area.

Status: Uncommon and not expected to be seen in the county.

Photo: Old Farm Rd. pond, 1 September 2012.

For additional photos: Sora

Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus):

Occurrence: One sighting in 1940.

Dates: 16 May 1940

Location: Southern Rockbridge County

History: Murray reports one sighting on South Buffalo Creek on 16 May 1940. There have been

no recent sightings.


Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata):

Occurrence: There are three reports from the late 1920’s and

early 1930’s and one report in August 2016.

Dates: April and May

Locations: Big Spring, Lexington, Willow Lake

History: Murray reports three records; 1 May 1927 near

Lexington, 19-25 April 1929 at Big Spring, 3 May 1932 at

Big Spring. Dick Rowe located a Common Gallinule at

Willow Lake on 25 August 2016. The Gallinule remained at

Willow Lake for several days.


Photo: Willow Lake, 25 August 2016

For additional photos: Common Gallinule

American Coot (Fulica americana):

Occurrence: Migrant and frequently seen in the winter

Dates: October (earliest sighting 22 October at Willow

Lake) through March (latest sighting 27 March at Willow

Lake)

Locations: Willow Lake, Lake Robertson, Lake

Merriweather, Old Farm Rd pond, Barger Quarry pond, the

Ponds

History: There are numerous sightings of Coots in the

county (Willow Lake, Lake Robertson, Lake Merriweather,

and Barger Quarry Pond) with 22 October 2006 as the

earliest fall date and 27 March 2005 as the latest spring date. A flock of 20+ Coots has been

reported on Willow Lake during the winters of 2003-04, 2004-05, and in 2006. On 1 November

2009 a group of 15 Coots was seen at Willow Lake. Single individuals were reported during the



late fall of 2010 on Big Spring, Pond’s quarry, and Willow Lake. November seems to be the

most common month to see Coots, especially at Willow Lake. Twenty reports of Coots are listed

in the CBC with most of the reports from the early and mid-1980s, but Coots have been reported

on seven of the past ten CBC. Murray considers Coots to be transients and seen in the spring

between 20 March and 15 May and in the fall between 23 September and 13 December.

Status: Fall and spring migrant and not expected in the area.

Photo: Willow Lake, 21 April 2012.

For additional photos: American Coot

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis):

Occurrence: There is a single, confirmed record of a Sandhill Crane in the county

Dates: 5 September 2012

Locations: Old Farm Road pond

History: On 5 September 2012 Dick Rowe located a single Sandhill Crane at Old

Farm Rd. Pond. The crane was mixed in with a group of Canada Geese. The bird

remained at the pond for approximately 10 minutes. The crane represents a

county record. A report was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category

1 record.

Status: Rare migrant and not expected in the area.

Photo: Old Farm Rd Pond, 5 September 2012

Additional photos: Sandhill Crane

Charadriiformes: Plovers, Killdeer, Sandpipers, Snipe, Woodcock, Phalaropes,

Gulls, and Terns (All photos: Plovers, Killdeer, Sandpipers, Snipe, Woodcocks,

Phalaropes, Gulls, and Terns)

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana):

Occurrence: Spring and fall migrant

Dates: 6 May 1967 and 12 – 16 September 2012, 15 October 2014

Location: Ponds Housing Development (former Womeldorf Farm), Old

Farm Road Pond

History: Joshua Womeldorf located six Avocets on his farm on 6 May

1967. The identification was verified by JJ Murray. A report of this

sighting was published in the Raven (v: 38:36). On 12 September 2012,

Dick Rowe located an Avocet on a pond at the Ponds housing

development (the former Womeldorf Farm). The bird remained in the area

until 22 September 2012. The sighting was submitted to VARCOM and

accepted as a Category 1 record. John Pancake located an Avocet at Old

Farm Rd pond on 15 October 2014. The bird was only seen on the 15th.






Photo: Ponds housing development, 12 September 2012

For additional photos: American Avocet

Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola):

Occurrence: Transient during migration, but there have been no recent sightings

Dates: May and August through September

Locations: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm)

History: There are four sightings near Lexington with three of the sightings at the pond at

Womeldorf farm (18 August 1955, 28 August 1949, and 7 September 1953). The sighting in

1949 was associated with a costal hurricane that may have affected the migration of these birds.

The other sighting was from north of Lexington on 25 May 1935.

Status: Accidental and should not be expected to be seen in the area.

Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration

Dates: May and August and September

Locations: Old Farm Rd Pond, Cameron’s Pond and Womeldorf

Farm

History: Two individuals were located on Old Farm Road pond

on 27 August 2011 by Dick Rowe. The birds were not present

the next day, suggesting that they were passing through during

migration. On 26-27 August 2012, an individual was located at

Old Farm Rd. pond. On 7 May 2013 and individual was located

at the Ponds Housing development. Murray reports

Semipalmated Plovers as transients that are seen between 2 to 27

May and 6 August to 23 September. He notes that most of the records were from Cameron’s

Pond, but a flock of 25+ was seen on 20 May 1954 on Womeldorf Pond.

Status: Rare migrant and not be expected in the area.

Photo: Old Farm Rd. pond, 27 August 2011

For additional photos: Semipalmated Plover

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident

Dates: Throughout the year with higher population numbers during

the spring and summer


History: Killdeer are permanent residents of the county with

individuals seen all year. There are numerous recent records of

Killdeer in the area. Many of the sightings are in March and April

and may represent migrants passing through the area. Killdeer are

commonly seen around Willow Lake. Killdeer have been noted in



67 of 85 CBC with as many as 42 individuals seen in 1979. Murray reports several nests of

Killdeer in the county.

Status: Common, year-round resident and should be seen in the area.


For additional photos: Killdeer

Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda):

Occurrence: Transient and potential breeder, but there have been no recent sightings.

Dates: 22 March through 18 October


History: Murray reports that Upland Plovers are fairly common as transients and uncommon as

summer residents. He notes their presence from 22 March through 18 October and that nests

with you were located in 1930 (3 June) and 1935 (27 May).

Status: Rare and not expected in the area.

Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa):

Occurrence: One county record

Dates: 29-30 July 2014


History: Dick Rowe located a Marbled Godwit at Willow Lake on

29 July 2014. The bird was seen by several other individuals and

remained at Willow Lake for two days.

Status: Rare and not expected to be seen in the area

Photo: Willow Lake, 29 July 2014

For additional photos: Marbled Godwit

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres):

Occurrence: Two records for the county.

Dates: 28 August 1949 and 20 May 1954 Location: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm)

History: Murray notes two records (28 August 1949 and 20 May 1954) from Womeldorf Pond.


Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus):

Occurrence: Transient during fall migration.

Dates: September through mid-October

Location: LEX (Cameron’s Pond), McCormick’s Farm

History: There are only three records for Stilt Sandpipers in the

area. Dick Rowe located a Stilt Sandpiper on the back pond at

McCormick’s Farm on 1 September 2012. (As a note, the back

pond at McCormick’s Farm is not in Rockbridge County, but it is in



Augusta Co. The county line passes through the front pond at McCormick’s Farm.) Murray

reports two records from Cameron’s Pond, 13 October 1947 and 22-30 September 1949.


Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 1 September 2012

For additional photos: Stilt Sandpiper

Sanderling (Calidris alba):

Occurrence: One record from 1950 and one record from 2011.

Dates: 20 August 1950 and 12 August 2011

Location: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm), Old Farm Rd pond

History: A single Sanderling was located by Dick Rowe on Old Farm Rd.

pond on 12 August 2011. The bird was not located the following day.

Murray reports one Sanderling at Womeldorf Pond on 20 August 1950.


Photo: Old Farm Rd. pond, 12 August 2011

For additional photos: Sanderling

Dunlin (Calidris alpina):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration.

Dates: 21 and 29 May and 22- 27 September and 30 October, 2-10

November

Location: RC

History: Dick Rowe located a Dunlin at Old Farm Rd pond on 2

November 2013. The bird remained at the pond for eight days.

Murray reports four records: 29 May 1950, 21 May 1954, 22-27

September 1952, and 30 October 1957.


Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 2 November 2013

For additional photos: Dunlin

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla):

Occurrence: Transients during spring and fall migration

Dates: April through mid-June and August through mid-

October

Locations: Old Farm Rd pond, Ponds Housing

development

History: Several individuals were spotted on the pond on

Old Farm Rd. on 5 September 2010 and were present until

30 September 2010. In 2011, three individuals were

located on OFRP on 12 August. Individuals were located

during the fall of 2012 at Old Farm Rd pond and in the

spring of 2013 at the Ponds Housing development, Old




Farm Rd. pond, and at Henry Hills subdivision. Murray reports that Least Sandpipers are

common transients occurring between 2 April and 13 June and 8 August to 10 October. He

provides no specific dates or locations.

Status: Common migrants and should be seen during migration periods.

Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 12 August 2011

For additional photos: Least Sandpiper

White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis):

Occurrence: Transients during spring and fall migration, but there have been no recent

sightings.

Dates: 21 and 31 May 30 and 30 September to 1 October 1940 and 5-6 November 1953

Locations: LEX, BS

History: Murray considers White-rumped Sandpipers to be transients through the area. He

reports seven spring records occurring between 21 and 31 May. In addition, he reports two fall

records: 30 September to 1 October 1940 near Lexington and 5-6 November 1953 at Big Spring.


Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos):


Dates: 3 to 8 April 1931 and 26 May 1950 and 2 September 2006

Locations: OFRP, BS

History: There have been several recent sightings. One individual was seen

2 September 2006 at Big Spring and there have been several sightings on

Old Farm Rd Pond between 14 September and 18 September 2010 and 5

September 2012. Murray reports two spring records: 3 to 8 April 1931 and

26 May 1950. He considers them to be uncommon in the fall with an

occurrence between 23 July and 12 November.

Status: Uncommon migrant but should be found during migration.

Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 5 September 2012.

For additional photos: Pectoral Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla):

Occurrence: Transients during spring and fall migration


Location: Old Farm Rd pond, Ponds Housing development

History: There three recent records of Semipalmated Sandpipers in

the county. Two records are from the Old Farm Road Pond. Alex

Merritt found an individual on 15 September 2010, and Dick Rowe

found an individual on 3 September 2011. For both sightings, the bird

only remained in the area for one day. On 19 May 2013 a single

individual was located at the Ponds Housing development by Dick

Rowe. Murray reports that Semipalmated Sandpipers are fairly common transients in the spring



occurring between 3 and 31 May and that they are uncommon in the fall occurring between 8

August and 22 September.

Status: Transient and only expected during migration.

Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 3 September 2011.

For additional photos: Semipalmated Sandpiper

Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri):

Occurrence: One record from 1951 and one, probable record from 2012

Dates: 9 July 1951 and 25 August 2012

Location: LEX (Cameron’s Pond), OFRP

History: Barry Kinzie, John Pancake, Mike Stinson, and Kent Davis located a single Western

Sandpiper at Old Farm Rd pond on 25 August 2012. Murray reports one record from Cameron’s

Pond on 9 July 1951.


Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus):


Dates: 20 May and 17 September

Location: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm), Old Farm Road Pond

History: On 11 May 2014, Dick Rowe located a Short-billed Dowitcher

at Old Farm Rd. Pond. The bird was only seen on the 11th of May.

Murray reports two records from Womeldorf Pond, 20 May 1954 and 17

September 1957.


Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 11 May 2014

For additional photos: Short-billed Dowitcher

American Woodcock (Scolopax minor):

Occurrence: Transients during spring and summer migration and breed in the area.

Dates: Mid-March to mid-April and November through December


History: There are a number recent records for the area. The earliest record for the county is 3

March 2010 and an additional early record is from the Pedlar Reservoir nearby in Amherst

County on 12 March 2000. An individual was seen on Apple Orchard Mountain on 20 May

2006. Alex Merritt reports a number of sightings in March and April of 2009 and 2010 from a

farm near Rockbridge Baths. He reports display flights from this location. The latest record

(excluding the CBC) is 14 November (2005). Peenting grounds have been reported along

Borden Grant Rd and Fredricksburg Rd. Woodcocks have only been reported 8 of 84 years on

the CBC. Murray considers Woodcocks transients and notes that they have been seen in every

month excepting October, January, and February. The wide-spread occurrence of Woodcocks

suggests that they may breed in the area. There are reports of peenting grounds and breeding in

nearby counties.



Status: Uncommon species seen mainly during spring migration and not expected to be seen in

the area but can be heard and seen during courtship.

Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata):

Occurrence: Migrant and occasional winter resident

Dates: September through May

Locations: Old Farm Rd pond, Rockbridge County,

Kerrs Creek, Lexington

History: There have been a number of recent records for

Snipe on 29 April 2000 and 29 May 1996 from the James

River at the Blue Ridge Parkway, on 19 March 2007 near

Rockbridge Baths, on 9 April 2010 at Willow Lake and

at Big Spring, on 26 September 2010 on Old Farm Road

Pond, and on 8 March 2010 and 18 December 2010 near

Brownsburg. In addition, Snipe have been observed on

the CBC 61 of the 92 years. Murray notes Snipe are seen

in the spring between 20 February and 14 May and in the fall and winter from 9 September

through January.

Status: Uncommon winter species and migrant that could be seen in the area.

Photo: Kerrs Creek area, 14 January 2011.

For additional photos: Wilson's Snipe

Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius):

Occurrence: Spring and fall migrant with previous records of

breeding in the area.

Dates: April and May and August and September

Locations: South River, Old Farm Rd pond, Big Springs,

Locher Tract, Willow Lake,

History: There are a number of recent records: 11 April 2001,

26 April 2007, 24 April 2010, 24 April 2011, 25 April 2008, 28

April 2010, 5 May 2010, 10 May 2010, 12 May 2009, 13 May

2009, 16 May 2009, 17 May 2003, 30 July 2009, 12 August

2006, 21 August 2011, 8 September 2009, 17 September 2009,

and 13 November 2009 of Spotted Sandpipers in the area.

Murray reports that Spotted Sandpipers are a common, summer

resident with sightings between 16 April and 24 September. He notes that downy young were

found in May. There are no recent records of breeding in the area.

Status: Seen during migration especially in the fall.

Photo: Old Farm Rd. pond, 17 April 2011.

For additional photos: Spotted Sandpiper



Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria):

Occurrence: Spring and fall migrant

Dates: Late March through May and July and September

Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Old Farm Rd pond. Locher Tract,

South River

History: Solitary Sandpipers are seen nearly every year. They are

commonly seen at Old Farm Rd pond and McCormick’s Farm during

migration. Two individuals were seen at McCormick’s Farm on 30

July 2006 and one individual on 22 August 2009. A single individual

was seen along South River near the confluence with the Maury River

on 28 April 2010. Two individuals were seen on 24 April 2011 with

one at Willow Lake and the other along the South River near the

Chessie Trail. A group of six individuals were present on the Old Farm Rd. Pond in from 10

September to 18 September 2010. Murray considered Solitary Sandpipers to be very common in

the spring occurring between 29 March and 28 May. He reports two sightings in July (6 July and

9 July 1951).

Status: Common migrant and should be seen during migration

Photo: Old Farm Pond, 18 April 2015.

For additional photos: Solitary Sandpiper

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes):

Occurrence: Migrants through the area

Dates: Late March through late May and July through November

Locations: Old Farm Rd Pond, Willow Lake

History: There are several, recent records for Lesser Yellowlegs, and

most are from Old Farm Road pond. A Lesser Yellowlegs was located

by Dick Rowe on 19 August 2011 and on 17 August 2013, and Alex

Merritt Located one on 26 September 2010. Lesser Yellowlegs were

considered by Murray to be common transients in the spring between

27 March to 23 May but uncommon in the fall occurring between 21

July to 14 November.

Status: Uncommon migrant and could be seen in the area.

Photo: Old Farm Road pond, 17 August 2013

For additional photos: Lesser Yellowlegs

Willet (Tringa semipalmata):

Occurrence: Single county record

Dates: 9 August 2014

Locations: Old Farm Rd pond

History: Dick Rowe located a Willet at Old Farm Road pond on 9 August

2014. The Willet remained at the pond for approximately 30 minutes and



then flew. The record was submitted to and accepted by VARCOM as a category 1 record.

Status: Rare and not expected to be seen in the area

Photo: Old Farm Rd pond, 9 August 2014

For additional photos: Willet

Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca):

Occurrence: Migrants through the area

Dates: March through June and late August through late

November

Locations: Willow Lake, Lexington (Womeldorf Farm), Old

Farm Rd pond

History: There are three recent sightings on 12 and 13 November

2009 by Alex Merritt at Willow Lake (probably the same bird).

This is the same time frame that a large number of unusual ducks

were forced down onto Willow Lake by a passing hurricane.

Also, one individual was located at the Old Farm Road Pond on 13

September 2010, and one individual was found on 11 April 2011 by Dick and Lucy Rowe. One

individual was present at Willow Lake for several days during November of 2013. Murray

reports that Greater Yellowlegs are uncommon transients occurring in the area between 28

March to 1 June and between 28 August and 18 November. He notes that a flock of about 75

birds was present on Womeldorf Pond on 17 September 1957.

Status: Uncommon migrant and could be seen in the area.

Photo: Willow Lake, 9 November 2013.

For additional photos: Greater Yellowlegs

Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and there is one recent

Dates: 30 September and 1 October, 8 May 2013

Location: Lexington (Cameron’s Pond and Womeldorf Farm), Henry

Hills subdivision

History: Murray reports two records from the area. An individual was

seen at Cameron’s Pond on 30 September 1940 and one at Womeldorf

Pond on 1 October 1957. On 8 May 2013, Dick Rowe located an

individual at a pond next to the Henry Hills subdivision. Between 6

and 9 May of 2013 there was a spectacular fall-out of phalaropes

around the State. The fall-out was due to a major low pressure system

off the East coast. This weather system brought a number of unusual birds to the Shenandoah

Valley (see Caspian Tern and Cattle Egret)


Photo: Henry Hills subdivision, 8 May 2013

For additional photos: Red Phalarope




Bonaparte’s Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration.

Dates: Late March through April and October through early December.


History: There have been a number of recent sightings of 10-12

individuals at Willow Lake on 2 April 2005, two individuals at Willow

Lake on 13 December 2010, four individuals at Willow Lake on 1 April

2011, nine individuals at Willow Lake on 5 April 2011, a single adult

on 24 April 2011, a single adult on 4 November 2012, and a single adult

on 21 April 2015. Bonaparte’s Gulls have been reported once (1978)

on the CBC when a flock of 15 was sighted. Murray reports 11 spring

records between 28 March and 29 April, 2 fall records between 8 – 31

October 1951, and 2 winter records on 4 December 1955 and 8 January 1932.

Status: Uncommon migrant and not expected in the area.


For additional photos: Bonaparte’s Gull

Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla):

Occurrence: Transient and there are no recent sightings

Dates: 11 March

Location: Lexington (Womeldorf Farm)

History: Murray reports one record on 11 March 1952 on Womeldorf Pond.


Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis):

Occurrence: Transient that could be seen anytime of the year but most

commonly seen during the spring

Dates: March through April and late September to November.

Locations: Willow Lake, Big Spring, Lake Merriweather, Barger’s

Quarry

History: There have been a number of recent sightings of Ring-billed

Gulls in the area. A flock of 32 gulls was seen at Lake Merriweather

on 26 December 2011 during the CBC. Individuals were seen at

Willow Lake on 2 April 2005, a flock of about 60 individuals was

observed on 6 December 2008, a single individual on 2 November

2009, a flock of 15 on 12 November 2009, a single individual on 9

December 2009, a single individual on 18 November 2010, 8

individuals on 7 December 2010, and a large flock of 139 individuals

on 13 December 2010. A flock of about 20 individuals flying over

Lexington on 12 March 2005, two individuals at Barger’s Quarry Pond

on 30 March 2004, two individuals were seen at Big Spring on 29

March 2010, and three individuals were seen in the Wal-Mart parking


lot on 18 April 2010. On 28 February 2016, Dick Rowe located a very large group of Ring-bills

along RT 501 near Balcony Downs just north of Glasgow. There were approximately 1,500

gulls in the field. Ring-billed Gulls have been reported on 10 of 84 CBC with a flock of 57

observed in 2001. Murray notes that Ring-billed Gulls are fairly common in the spring occurring

between 1 February to 6 June with a flock of 11 individuals seen at VMI on 4 April 1954, and

uncommon in the fall occurring between 24 September to 1 November. He reports one winter

record on 6 December 1937.

Status: Uncommon transient and could be seen in the area.

Photo: Upper photograph – Big Spring, 29 March 2010; lower photograph – Willow Lake, 6

December 2008.

For additional photos: Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration and as

wandering individuals.

Dates: March and December

Locations: Willow Lake, Rockbridge County

History: There is one recent report of a Herring Gull at Willow Lake.

Dick Rowe found an immature individual on 3 November 2012. An

immature Herring Gull was seen on 4 November and is likely the same

individual. There is one report on the CBC (1976). Murray notes only

five records of Herring Gulls: 1 February, 4 March, and 19 March 1951;

18 March 1955; and 14 December 1956.

Status: Accidental transient and not expected in the area.

Photo: Willow Lake, 3 November 2012

For additional photos: Herring Gull

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia):

Occurrence: Accidental with two records in the area (1947 and 2013).

Dates: 13 October 1947 and 8 May 2013

Location: LEX (Womeldorf Farm), WL

History: Murray reports one record on 13 October 1947 at Womeldorf Pond.

He notes that the bird was in poor health. On 8 May 2013 Dick Rowe located

a Caspian Tern at Willow Lake. The tern was seen flying and feeding over the

lake. The presence of the Caspian Tern coincided with a large low pressure

system off the East coast that brought a number of unusual species to the area.


Photo: Willow Lake, 8 May 2013

For additional photos: Caspian Tern




Black Tern (Chlidonias niger):

Occurrence: Accidental during spring and fall migration.

Dates: 10-26 May and 23 July to 6 October

Location: Willow Lake, Rockbridge County

History: Murray reports that Black Terns are transients and uncommon in

the area. He has 13 records occurring between 10 – 26 May and 23 July to

6 October. On 8 May 2013, Fenton Day located at Black Tern at Willow

Lake. The Black Tern was brought in by a large low-pressure system off

the East coast of Virginia. On 6 May 2017, Kerry Kilday found a Black

Tern at Willow Lake.


Photo: Willow Lake, 6 May 2017 (courtesy of Kerry Kilday)

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo):

Occurrence: Transient during migration.

Dates: 20 May 1952 and 11 June 1955, 16 and 18 October 2009, 9

October 2016

Location: Willow Lake, Womeldorf Farm

History: Alex Merritt reported two individuals at Willow Lake on 16

October 2010 and one individual at Willow Lake on 18 October 2010.

Dick Rowe located a Common Tern at Willow Lake on 9 October 2016.

Murray reports two confirmed records on 11 June 1955 at Womeldorf

Pond and on 20 May 1952 near Lexington.



Additional photos: Common Tern

Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri):


Date: 16 – 24 April 2011, 18 October 2009 and 8 September 2010

Location: Willow Lake, Locher Tract

History: Alex Merritt found one individual at Willow Lake on 18

October 2009 and one individual on a pond on R.E. Lee road (near

Locher Tract) on 8 September 2010. An individual was seen at

Willow Lake on several occasions between 16 April and 24 April

2011. A single individual was seen at Willow Lake on 30 October

2012. Two Forster’s Terns were present at Willow Lake on 8 April

2014.

Status: Uncommon and not expected in the area.


For additional photos: Forster’s Tern



Gaviiformes: Loons (All photos: Loons)

Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during migration

Dates: 12 November 2009


History: There is only one, confirmed record of a Red-

throated Loon in Rockbridge County. Alex Merritt found

this individual at Willow Lake. The bird was subsequently

photographed by Lucy Rowe. The loon arrived following a

strong low pressure system that moved through the area.

This system brought in a number of unusual species to Willow Lake.

Status: Rare and not expected in the county

Photo: Red-throated Loon (left) with Common Loon (right) at Willow Lake, 12 Nov 2009.

For additional photos: Red-throated Loon

Common Loon (Gavia immer):


Dates: November through May

Locations: Willow Lake, Lake Robertson, Lake Merriweather,

Maury River

History: There have been several recent sightings of loons in

the area. On 7-8 May 2013, up to six Common Loons were

present on Willow Lake. These loons were part of a fall-out of

birds associated with a large, low-pressure system off the East

Coast. Dick Rowe saw one individual on the James River near

the Appalachian Trail Foot Bridge on 31 March 2001 and

Kieran Kilday saw one on the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway on 17 April 2009. John

Burleson sighted a loon on Big Spring Pond on 17 April 2007. Single individuals have been

seen at Willow Lake by Dick Rowe on 22 May 2009, on 29 October 2011, and on 22 December

2011. A single bird was seen along the James River near the Locher Tract on 10 April 2011.

Alex Merritt reported a flock of 24 individuals on Willow Lake on 12 November 2009 and nine

individuals were seen on Willow Lake on 13 November 2009 by Lucy Rowe. Alex Merritt

reported a single bird at Lake Robertson on 7 November 2010. These birds were associated with

the passing of the remnants of tropical storm Ida through the area. One Common Loon was

reported during CBC count week in 1933. Murray notes five records: on the Maury River in

1890, 8 May 1921, and 1923; and Woods Creek on 13 December 1932 and 7 January 1937.


Photo: Willow Lake, 8 May 2013.

For additional photos: Common Loon




Ciconiiformes: Storks

Wood Stork (Mycteria americana): Occurrence: Accidental

Dates: 25 July 1979 to 29 August 1979

Location: Kerrs Creek

History: A flock of seven to 19 birds was spotted on Kerr’s Creek from late July through late

August of 1979. A photograph showing 2 storks taken by Nell Bolen was published in the 8

August 1979 edition of the Lexington News-Gazette.

Status: Accidental and not expected.

Suliformes: Cormorants (All photos: Cormorants)

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus):

Occurrence: Spring and fall transient on lakes and the Maury River

but does not breed in the area.

Dates: Earliest arrival – 16 March 2011

Latest departure – 26 December 2008

Locations: Willow Lake, Maury River, Lake Merriweather, James

River, Big Sping

History: Cormorants can be seen along the James River (commonly

seen along the James River from AT Foot Bridge to the Blue Ridge

Parkway), portions of the Maury River, Willow Lake, Lake

Merriweather, and Big Springs. The earliest record is 16 March 2011

with four individuals located on the Maury River south of Buena Vista.

On 20 March 2011, 11 individuals were seen in the same location.

Individuals are regularly seen from the last week of March until the fall with one late sighting of

12 November (2005). One individual was reported in 2001 and 2008 for CBC. Murray reports

two individuals in 1924 and 1939 in Lexington.

Status: Common on the James River but less common on lakes and rivers in the county.

Photo: Willow Lake, 19 September 2008.

For additional photos: Double-crested Cormorant



Pelicaniformes: Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, and Ibis (For all photos: Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, and Ibis)

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus):


Dates: 8 April 2002, mid-April through mid-May and November

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway at the James River, Popular Hill area of the County

History: One individual was seen on 8 April 2002 along the James River at the Blue Ridge

Parkway. From mid-April to mid-May 2003 an individual was in the Poplar Hill area near

Lexington. Murray reports eight records in late March through mid-May, 4 November 1937 and

2 December 1954. One individual was reported in 1987 on the CBC

Status: Rare and not expected in the county.

Least Bittern ( Ixobrychus exilis): Occurrence: Transient

Dates: 16 May 2011 and 4 – 6 September 1948

Locations: Locher Tract and Cameron’s Pond, which no longer exists.

History: There are only two confirmed reports in the area. Kieran Kilday located a Least Bittern

at Locher Tract on 16 May 2011, and Murray reports one individual present from 4 to 6

September in 1948 on Cameron’s Pond.


Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias):

Occurrence: Common, year-round resident in the area. Nesting

rare.

Dates: Year-round

Locations: Along creeks, rivers, and ponds throughout the

County

History: Great Blue Herons are reported year-round in the area.

They are seen along many of the creeks, rivers, and ponds in the

area (reports from Woods Creek, the Maury River along the

Chessie Trail, McCormick’s Farm, Goshen Pass and the James

River). In 2002, Paul Cabe located the first recorded nest along

South River near Nature Camp. The nesting tree appears to have

been up-rooted by a flood. Great Blue Herons have been reported

in 63 of 92 CBC and seen every year since 1979. Murray reports

individuals seen throughout the year but no breeding records.

Status: Common and should be seen

Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 24 July 2011.

For additional photos: Great Blue Heron



Great Egret (Ardea alba):

Occurrence: Summer resident and transient

Dates: May through October

Locations: Willow Lake, South River, ponds scattered

throughout the County

History: One individual seen flying along the James River at the

Blue Ridge Parkway on 4 May 2002 and two individuals were

seen along the James River in 2006 (8 July at the James River and

Blue Ridge Parkway and 6 August near the AT Foot Bridge).

One individual was seen at Willow Lake 14 June 2008, another

individual was reported on South River near the Maury on 25

July 2009, and a third individual was reported along Buffalo

Creek on 2 October 2006. There is no record of Great Egrets

nesting in the county and many of the sightings may represent

post-nesting dispersal into our area.

Status: Unusual but may be seen along creeks and rivers or lakes during the summer.

Photo: South River near confluence with the Maury River, 25 July 2009.

For additional photos: Great Egret

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea):


Dates: June through September

Locations: Cameron’s Pond, which no longer exists

History: Murray reports that Little Blue Herons are “fairly common” in the area. Individuals are

reported from 17 June to 8 September, and a flock of 20 was noted. Bob Paxton reports that

most of the Little Blue Herons seen in the area are likely to be juveniles that are moving away

from summer nesting areas before migrating south for the winter. There have been no recent

records for the area.

Status: Rare with no reports since 1992. Not expected in the area.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis):


Dates: 7-8 May

Location: Buena Vista area, Willow Lake

History: A single Cattle Egret was located in the Wheatlan subdivision

outside of Buena Vista by Anne and John Alerding. The bird was part

of the fallout of birds in the area due to a strong low pressure system off

the East coast. The bird remained in the area for 2 days. Paul Cabe

located a single Cattle Egret at Willow Lake on 27 April 2017.

Status: Accidental and not expected in the area

Photo: Wheatlan subdivision, 7 May 2013

For additional photos: Cattle Egret



Green Heron (Butorides virescens):


Dates: Earliest arrival – 12 April

Latest Departure – 2 October

Mid April through July

Locations: Throughout Rockbridge County along creeks, rivers, and ponds

History: Green Herons are seen locally along creeks and rivers as well as

ponds and lakes. The earliest record is 12 April 2004, and individuals are seen

commonly beginning in the first week of May. Individuals are reported

throughout the summer and into August, September, and October (2 October

2006). One individual was reported for the 1971 CBC. Murray reports

individuals seen from March through October.

Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm ponds, 19 July 2009.

For additional photos: Green Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax):


Dates: Early April through mid-May and August -

September

Location: Willow and Old Farm Rd pond

History: There are four recent records for the county. All

records are for juveniles found with three at Willow Lake

and one located at Old Farm Rd pond. One individual was

located on 12 September 2010, another individual was

present from 1 Aug 2011 until 14 August 2011. The third

record is for a single individual present at Willow Lake on

12 and September 2012. A single individual was located at

Old Farm Rd pond during September 2017. Murray reports

eight records from five different locations in the area, but no

specific dates or location were provided. One was reported in 1984 on the CBC.


Photo: Willow Lake, 1 Aug 2011.

For additional photos: Black-crowned Night Heron

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea):


Dates: May through August

Location: South River and Willow Lake

History: An adult was present along South River from mid-August through

mid-September, 2010. An adult was seen in the same area on 23 July of 2011

and again in late July and early August of 2012. An immature Yellow-crown



Night Heron was present at Willow Lake between 3 and 10 August 2013. Two sightings were

reported by Murray. One individual on 26 July 1950 near Lexington and one by Robert Paxton

and Royster Lyle on 3 May 1953 on Cameron’s Pond.


Photo: South River, 1 August 2012.

For additional photos: Yellow-crowned Night Heron

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus):


Dates: 13 – 26 July, 2011

Location: South River and Buffalo Creek

History: A single juvenile was located on Buffalo

Creek on 13 July 2011. The individual remained in the

area for two days. This bird represents the first record

of White Ibises in the county. On 21 July 2011, three

juveniles were located on South River near the Maury

River. The individuals were present through 26 July

2011. Reports were submitted to VARCOM on both

sightings and were accepted as confirmed records. A

single individual was reported at a private pond during

2017. It should be noted that White Ibis were reported

in some of the surrounding counties during the late summer of 2011.

Status: Transient and not expected

Photo: South River, 26 July 2011

For additional photos: White Ibis

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus):

Occurrence: Accidental, three County Records

Dates: late 1970s, August and April 2014 and 2016

Location: Lexington and Mackey’s Pond near Fairfield

History: A small group of Glossy Ibis’ was found in a temporary pond

along RT 39 across from the current Virginia Horse Center. A single

Glossy Ibis was located by Laura Neale at Mackey’s Pond on 10 August

2014 and a pair of birds was located at the pond by Laura on 24 April

2016.


Photo: Mackey’s Pond, 24 April 2016

For additional photos: Glossy Ibis




Cathartiformes: Vultures (For all photos: Vultures, Kites, Eagles, and Hawks)

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus):

Occurrence: Common, year-round resident of the county

Dates: Year-round

Location: Throughout the county

History: Individuals can be seen throughout the county. There are several

large groupings with one near/in Lexington and one near Glasgow. Murray

considered Black Vultures to be common and year-round residents. They

have been reported in 78 of 92 CBC.

Status: Stable and large population and should be seen.

Photo: Kendal, 26 December 2008.

For additional photos: Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura):

Occurrence: Common, year-round resident of the county.

Dates: Year-round


History: Individuals are seen throughout the year in the county and have

been reported in 90 of 92 CBC. There is a large roost near/in Lexington.

Murray considered Turkey Vultures to be year-round residents

Status: Stable and large population and should be seen on a regular basis.

Photos: Near Vesuvius, 22 December 2008.

For additional photos: Turkey Vulture

Accipitriformes: Kites, Eagles, and Hawks (For all photos: Vultures, Kites, Eagles, and Hawks )

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration along rivers and creeks and larger ponds

Dates: April and May and September through October

Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Maury River, South River, Buffalo Creek, Kerrs

Creek





History: Osprey are reported along the rivers and large

creeks in the county and on the larger ponds/lakes during

the spring and again in the fall. In the spring they are seen

from the first week in April through mid-May (eleven

records between 4 April (2002) and 12 May (2003)). In the

fall Osprey are seen from the end of August through

December (eight records between 31 August (2006) and 20

December (1998)). Most of these sightings are along the

Maury River near or in Goshen Pass or Alone Mill and

along Kerr’s Creek and Buffalo Creek. In addition,

individuals have been reported at Willow Lake and

McCormick’s Farm and there is one record is from the

South River near Nature Camp. There is one, unusual

summer record of an Osprey on the Maury River at the Ben

Salem Wayside on 30 July 2009. There are no records of Osprey on the CBC during the 92 years

of counting. Murray reports 14 fall records ranging from early August to November and from 1

April to 15 May along the Maury River. Osprey are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains

during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 145 individuals per

year with the peak migration occurring from mid to late September).

Status: Common migrants/transients during the spring and fall, unlikely to be seen during other

times of the year.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 23 August 2009.

For additional photos: Osprey

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus):

Occurrence: Accidental (two records for the county)

Dates: Summer; 10 – 31 Aug.

Location: South Buffalo, Oxford Church areas

History: Four Swallow-tailed Kites were located in the Oxford Presbyterian

Church area during August of 2012 (10 August through 31 August). The

kites were seen circling and feeding over the fields in that area. A report on

the four kites was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a category 1

record. The previous record, cited by Murray, reports that two kites were

seen in the Brushy Hill area during the summer of 1890.


Photo: North Buffalo Rd and Blue Grass Trail, 22 August 2012.

For additional photos: Swallow-tailed Kite

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis):

Occurrence: Accidental (two records for the county)

Dates: 21 May and 19 September.

Location: Maury River, South Buffalo area

History: On 19 September 2012, Vic Laubach and Peter Nebel located a Mississippi Kite with

the Swallow-tailed Kites seen in the Oxford Church area. Their sighting has been submitted to



VARCOM. Murray reports seeing a Mississippi Kite along the Maury River near the Lime Kiln

Bridge on 21 May 1951.


Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident with the likelihood of one or two

breeding pairs in the county

Dates: Year-round with most of the sightings in the fall and winter

Locations: Lake Merriweather, Maury River

History: There have been a number of recent records of Bald Eagles in

the area. There were two sightings along the James River at the

Appalachian Trail Foot Bridge on 27 December 2003 and 11 February

2004 and at the Blue Ridge Parkway on 11 February 2004 (undoubtedly

the same individual seen on that day at the AT bridge) and on 5 April

2005. Two individuals were reported along the Maury River near Alone

Mill on 19 March 2006, a single individual was seen at the same location

on 5 September 2006 and 1 October 2006. I photographed two, immature

birds at Lake Merriweather on 23 January 2009, a pair of adults at Willow

Lake on 9 January 2009, a single individual at the confluence of South

River and the Maury River on 24 December 2010, and two adults in

Rockbridge Baths and one adult and a juvenile at Lake Merriweather on 8

January 2011. Bald Eagles have been seen several times at Willow Lake

and in the Fairfield area. In addition, two adult and one juvenile Bald

Eagle were reported on the 2010 CBC and were seen again on 8 January

in the Goshen Pass and Lake Merriweather area. During the spring of

2011, a nest was located along the Maury River near Rockbridge Baths.

One eaglet was present in the nest in May, and it fledged later in the

summer. This is the first confirmed nesting record of Bald Eagles in the

county. More recently, a pair has nested along the Maury River south of

Buena Vista, and it is likely that there are two to three nesting pairs in the

county. Other eagles have been reported near Fairfield on 13 June 2004 and flying over the top

of Apple Orchard Mountain on 23 April 2005. Bald Eagles have been reported on 20 of 92

CBC. Most of the sightings have occurred in the past 20 years: 1992-1996, 2000, and 2003-

2017. In 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2010 three individuals were reported in the CBC. On the 2017

CBC, John Pancake and Ann Olson counted 15 Bald Eagles at Lake Merriweather. There was a

mixture of immatures/sub-adults and adults. Murray reports 10 records from various parts of the

county between 1929 and 1950. Bald Eagles are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains

during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 38 individuals per

year).

Status: Uncommon year-round resident and could be seen at Lake Merriweather, Willow Lake,

or flying along the Maury River.

Photos: Upper photograph at Willow Lake, 9 January 2009 (by Lucy Rowe); and lower

photograph at South River, 24 December 2010.

For additional photos: Bald Eagle


Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius):



Location: Throughout the county, open fields

History: There have been a few recent sightings in addition to the CBC

sightings. Individuals were reported in the county on 9 and 10 March 2007,

on 20 and 25 September 2010, and 22 October 2010 near Rockbridge Baths,

on 31 January 2002 along the Chessie Trail, at Willow Lake on 22

December 2008, and several individuals were seen around the county during

the late fall of 2010 with two of these individuals seen in the Brownsburg

area. Harriers have been reported on 26 CBC with individuals reported most

years from 2003 – 2017. Murray reports one sighting in May of 1945.

Harriers are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk

migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 40 individuals per year with the

peak migration occurring from late September to mid-October).

Status: Uncommon winter migrant and is unlikely to be seen in the area.

Photo: Ridge Rd. near Raphine, 24 February 2013.

For additional photos: Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident

Dates: Year-round


History: Sharp-shinned Hawks are residents of the county although they are

not present in large numbers. Sharp-shinned Hawks are seen more often in the

winter and this may be due to northern migrants entering the area. Sharp-

shinned Hawks are reported in 58 of the 92 CBC and have been reported every

year since 1990. Murray considers them to be common and notes two nests

found. Large numbers are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during

fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 989

individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from early to mid-

October).

Status: Year-round resident and breeder, not numerous and more commonly

seen during the winter months

Photo: Lexington, 14 February 2009.

For additional photos: Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii):


Dates: Year-round with a majority of the sightings during the winter




History: Cooper’s Hawks are residents of the county that are not present in large

numbers. There are many recent records primarily from the Lexington area. A pair

could be found on the back parts of Washington and Lee’s campus during the

1990’s, but no nest was located. More recently, a pair has been seen around the

Kendal Retirement Community. Cooper’s Hawks have been reported in 40 of 92

CBC. Murray considers Cooper’s Hawks to be fairly common and reports one

nest found. Cooper’s Hawks are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during

fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 162

individuals per year with the peak migration occurring in October and early

November).

Status: Year-round resident and breeder but not numerous and could be seen in the

county.

Photo: Harrisonburg, VA, 24 December 2011.

For additional photos: Cooper's Hawk

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis):


Date: 5 November 2008

History: Alex Merritt found a Goshawk near Rockbridge Baths on 5 November 2008. This is

the first record of this species in the county.


Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus):


Dates: Year-round


History: There are many recent records of Red-shouldered Hawks in the

area. A pair has been reported on a regular basis at Goshen Pass where the

pair is likely nesting in the area west of the Swinging Bridge. During the

winter of 2003-04 an individual was seen several times along Woods

Creek and on the Kendal property in Lexington. An adult or pair can be

seen around Kendal throughout the year and is likely nesting in the area.

During the fall and winter of 2010, one juvenile and two adult Red-

shouldered Hawks were seen in the Kendal area. Red-shouldered Hawks

are reported on 49 or 92 CBC’s with six individuals seen in 2001 and

seven seen in 2007. Murray notes 40 records and one nest located in the

county (near the present day Kendal development). Red-shouldered

Hawks are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk

migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 31 individuals

per year with the peak migration occurring in early November).

Status: Year-round resident and breeder but not numerous and could be

seen in the county.


For additional photos: Red-shouldered Hawk



Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus):


Dates: April through September (earliest arrival 9 April 2009)

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, North Mountain, Kerrs

Creek

History: These are hawks of the forest and are often seen along forest

roads. There are numerous recent records of Broad-winged Hawks in

the area. They arrive early in April and are expected by the third week

of April. They remain in the area until at least mid September (the latest

record is 24 September 2009). A nest was located in the Kerrs Creek

area during 2015 and the young hawks were seen in the area for several

months after the end of the nesting season. Murray notes that Broad-

winged Hawks are seen between April and November and are transients

with a few summer residents. Large numbers are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains

during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 7,716 individuals

per year with the peak migration occurring from mid to late September. Although in 2010, an

extraordinarily large Broad-winged migration occurred with 32,490 individuals counted and

most passing by on three different days).

Status: Common summer resident and breeder and could be seen in the forests in the county.

Photo: Kerrs Creek, 2 August 2015.

For additional photos: Broad-winged Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis):


Dates: Year-round


History: This is the most common hawk in the area and is a permanent resident.

There are numerous recent records from around the county with sightings in every

month. During the winter, the number of Red-tailed Hawks in the area increases

due to an influx of individuals from northern areas. Red-tailed Hawks have been

reported in 75 of the 92 CBCs with a high count of 46 individuals seen in 2011 and

2004. Since 1999, an average of 28 Red-tails has been reported on the CBC.

Murray notes that these hawks are common and nest in the area. He notes three

nests found. Large numbers are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during

fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 1,077

individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from late October to early

November).

Status: Common year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in the

county.

Photo: Left photo, Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 28, 16 October 2010; right

photo, near Lexington, 1 November 2009.

For additional photos: Red-tailed Hawk



Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus):

Occurrence: Winter transient and migrant


Locations: Lake Robertson, northern Rockbridge County

History: This is a rare hawk in the area with one record 7 January 1999 and

January 2015 in the Brownburg area. There are five reports of Rough-legged

Hawks on the CBC (2011, 2008, 1993, 1980, and 1976). During the winters

of 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012, a Rough-legged Hawk was seen

on a regular basis near Stuart’s Draft. Murray reports one record on 6

December 1948 near Lexington.


Photo: Near Stuart’s Draft, 5 January 2012.

For additional photos: Rough-legged Hawk

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos):

Occurrence: Winter migrant but transients/juveniles could be seen any time

Dates: December through February with one record in June

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Buffalo Creek

History: There are several recent sightings of Golden Eagles in the area. One or two Golden

Eagles were present in the vicinity of Meadow Lawn Farm north of Lake Merriweather during

the winter of 2012-2013. Paul Cabe and Leigh Ann Beavers saw a juvenile above Nature Camp

(Vesuvius area) on 3 February 2002. Dick Rowe saw an immature bird on 31 January 2004 and

2 February 2004 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mile Post 45, and one individual near Mile

Post 28 (Nature Camp area) on 21 June 2005. Three reports of Golden Eagles are noted in the

CBC with the most recent in 2004. Murray notes three sightings in the county in 1934 and 1945.

A few Golden Eagles are reported along the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall hawk migration

(Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 6 individuals per year).

Status: Rare and not be expected in the county.

Strigiformes: Owls (All photos: Owls)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba): Occurrence: Year-round residents and breeders in the area with some

migratory individuals

Dates: Year-round


History: Barn Owls are likely distributed throughout the county. Recently, a

pair has been nesting in a silo west of town and two barns have had pellets but

no owls in residence. During 2017, a nest at this location successfully reared



one owlet. Barn Owls have been reported on three CBC (2017, 2005, 1949) and during the count

week in 2006. Murray considers Barn Owls to be common and notes two nests near Lexington.

Historical records suggest that there has been a decline in the Barn Owl population in the area.

Status: Unusual year-round resident of the county and not be expected to be seen.

Photo: Rockbridge County, 3 December 2017

For additional photos: Barn Owl

Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio):

Occurrence: Year-round residents and breeders in the area.

Dates: Year-round

Locations: Throughout Rockbridge County

History: There are numerous recent records of

Screech-Owls in the area. Screech-Owls are

common throughout the county and often can

be heard calling in the winter and early spring.

Several young were seen in Lexington during a

rain storm in 1996. Both the red-phase and

gray-phase color morphs are present. The red-

phase morph is more common. Screech-Owls

have been reported every year since 1972 on the

CBC and overall are noted in 58 of 92 years. A

record high count of 20 individuals was reported in

2001. Most of the Screech-Owls are red phase. Murray reports a number of sightings and

nesting attempts.

Status: Common, year-round resident of the area and could be seen or heard.

Photos: Left photo – Lexington, VA, 8 October 2012; Right photo – Rockbridge Co., 25 October

2012.

For additional photos: Eastern Screech-Owl

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder in the area

Dates: Year-round


History: Great Horned Owls can be found in wood lots throughout the county, but they are not

present in large numbers. There are only a few recent reports of Great Horned Owls in the area.

Two individuals were heard calling on 26 February 2011 in Lexington, one individual was heard

along Woods Creek in Lexington on 1 May 2010, one was heard calling on 24 December 2010 in

Lexington, a record of an owl along the Maury River on 11 October 2009, one record from

Goshen Pass (Hunter Access Road) on 24 February 2009, and one record of a DOR individual on

1 October 1995. Great Horned Owls have been reported on 27 CBC and every year from 1992

to 2007. Murray notes that they are a permanent resident and common in large timber.

Status: Uncommon, year-round resident that could be seen or heard in the area.



Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus):

Occurrence: Two, possible records from 1890 and 1920

Dates: None available, but the sightings would have been during the winter


History: Murray notes two reports in 1890 and 1920 of probable Snowy Owls in the area.


Barred Owl (Strix varia):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and breeder in the area.

Dates: Year-round

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Brushy Hill

History: There are numerous recent records of Barred Owls primarily

from forested areas along the Blue Ridge and Goshen Pass. Barred

Owls can be heard calling during the day. Barred Owls have been

reported in 14 of 84 CBC. Murray considers them to be fairly common

and permanent residents.

Status: Unusual, permanent resident of the county and could be seen or

heard in forested areas.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 4 June 2011.

For additional photos: Barred Owl

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus):

Occurrence: Transient with two records for the area

Dates: December 1951 and in 1929


History: One Long-eared Owl has been reported on the CBC in 1951. There is one unconfirmed

sighting of a Long-eared Owl on House Mountain in November of 2008. Murray notes several

were seen in 1929 near Lexington and one on 26 December 1951 (CBC date).

Status: Accidental and perhaps a migrant but not expected in the area.

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus):

Occurrence: Transient/winter migrant.


Location: Brownsburg

History: A Short-eared Owl was located by Fenton Day and Allen Larner near Brownsburg on

26 December 2012. The same individual was seen in the area over the subsequent few weeks.

One Short-eared Owl has been reported on the CBC in 1949. Murray notes six records; fall of

1922, 11 and 12 March 1929, the fall of 1934, 28 December 1949 and 2 January of 1950, and

January 1953. It is worth noting that Short-eared Owls are reported on a yearly basis in an area

just north of Staunton.

Status: Rare winter migrant and not expected in the area.


Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus):

Occurrence: Migrant through the area

Dates: 20 December and 22-25 February

Locations: South River, Rockbridge County

History: There are two recent reports of Saw-whet Owls in the area. On 20 December 2008 a

Saw-whet along South River Road near Nature Camp, and on 2 June through 5 June 1998 a Saw-

whet Owl was present at the Burleson’s house along Kerrs Creek. Murray reports one Saw-whet

from 22 to 25 February in 1937 on the Washington and Lee Campus. There is a long-term Saw-

whet banding program that is organized by Dr. Clair Mellinger of Eastern Mennonite University.

He bands a large number of owls each fall and it is likely that Saw-whet Owls continue their

migration through our area.

Status: Rare migrant through the area and not expected to be seen.

Coraciiformes: Kingfishers (All photos: Kingfishers)

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon):


Dates: Year-round

Locations: Maury River, creeks, streams and ponds in

Rockbridge County

History: Kingfishers are year-round residents in the area

and are found along creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes.

Sighting records occur in every month and individuals are

seen throughout the county. They have been reported on 87

of 92 CBC and have been reported every year since 1946.

Murray notes that nests were found in mid-March and

young in May.

Status: Common year-round resident/breed and should be

seen in the area.

Photo: Willow Lake, 1 August 2011.

For additional photos: Belted Kingfisher



Piciformes: Woodpeckers (All photos: Woodpeckers)

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus):

Occurrence: Uncommon summer resident/breeder with some individuals

migrating into the area during the winter

Dates: May through January, perhaps year-round in specific locations

Locations: Locher Tract, Hyde Rd, New Providence Rd, South Buffalo

History: Red-headed Woodpeckers are uncommon in the area. Since

2014, a pair has nested at Locher Tract and has successfully produced

offspring. The male may over-winter there. Paul Cabe located a Red-

headed Woodpecker along New Providence Rd. in the northern part of the

county in November of 2011. A second bird was found in the area during

the spring of 2012. Dick Rowe located two immature birds on Hyde Rd

on 16 August 2012. There is one report of an individual near Kyger’s Hill

on 31 March 2006, and another individual was seen along Buffalo Creek

near Blue Grass Trail (Kyger’s Hill area) on 16-18 January of 2010. Alex

Merritt reported an individual near Rockbridge Baths on 28 September

2009. Red-headed Woodpeckers have been reported in 24 of 92 CBC with

two individuals seen in 2014 and one individual seen in 1998, 1993, and

1992 and then not seen until the late 1970s. Murray considers Red-headed

Woodpeckers as uncommon summer residents. Bob Paxton notes that a

pair was seen for several years near Big Spring. He noted nests on 24 May 1929, 8 June 1931, 4

July 1930, and 10 September 1929.

Status: Red-headed Woodpeckers are not expected to be seen unless specific locations are

visited.

Photo: Both photos from Locher Tract; upper photo, 26 May 2014; lower photo, 3 August 2015

For additional photos: Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus):


Dates: Year-round


History: Red-bellied Woodpeckers are a common, year-round resident of the

area and can be found in residential areas, farms and fence rows, as well as

forests. Individuals have been reported during every month. They have been

recorded on 78 of 84 CBC with a high count of 42 in 2002 and have been

reported every year since 1942. Murray reported finding nests in early May.

Status: Abundant, year-round resident and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Lexington, 19 December 2009 by Lucy Rowe.

For additional photos: Red-bellied Woodpecker




Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius):

Occurrence: Winter resident

Dates: Earliest arrival date of 19 September 2004 and late departure

date of 10 April 2001 and 2 May (Murray)


History: Sapsuckers are common winter residents and can be found

throughout the area. The earliest arrival date is 19 September 2004

and a late departure date of 10 April 2001 has been recorded with

most reports occurring from late December through the first week of

April. Sapsuckers have been reported in 77 of 92 CBC and every

year since 1988. The record count for sapsuckers was 65 individuals

reported in 1977. Murray reports an early arrival of 29 October 1942

and a departure date of 2 May. He reports individuals during the

summer in adjoining Amherst Co.

Status: Common winter resident in the area and should be seen.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 20 March 2008.

For additional photos: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens):


Dates: Year-round


History: Downy Woodpeckers are a common, year-round resident found

throughout the area. They have been reported on all 92 CBCs for the

Lexington area. They were one of twenty-one species recorded on the first

CBC in Lexington in 1922. Murray notes nests and young in May and June.



For additional photos: Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus):


Dates: Year-round


History: Hairy Woodpeckers are year-round residents of the area and are

typically found in more wooded areas than Downy Woodpeckers. They

have been reported in 74 of 92 CBCs and continuously since 1968.

Murray notes nests in May and June.

Status: Common, year-round resident and should be seen in forested areas

of the county.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 30 December 2009.

For additional photos: Hairy Woodpecker




Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus):


Dates: Year-round


History: Flickers are common, year-round residents of the area and can be found

in residential, farmland, or forested areas of the county. They have been reported

in 79 of 92 CBCs with a high count of 39 individuals in 2007. Murray reports that

nesting begins in late March with nestlings in mid-June. They were formerly

called Yellow-shafted Flickers but have been re-named as Northern Flickers

Status: Common, year-round resident and should be seen in the area.


For additional photos: Northern Flicker

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus):


Dates: Year-round


History: Pileated Woodpeckers are common, year-round residents of the area.

They can be found in residential and wooded areas of the county. Pileated

Woodpeckers have been reported in 87 of 92 CBCs with a high count of 48

individuals reported in 2017.

Status: Common year-round resident and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Locher Tract, 12 March 2012.

For additional photos: Pileated Woodpecker

Falconiformes: Kestrels, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons (For all photos: Falcons)

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius):

Occurrence: Common, year-round resident/breeder

Dates: Year-round


History: Kestrels are open field birds and are most often seen on wires and

fence posts along the open farm roads of the county. There are numerous

recent records from around the county mainly in the late winter and spring

(February through April). Kestrels have been reported in most months of

the years and are likely breeding in the area. There is an obvious influx of

birds in the winter months indicating that the area is a wintering area for

northern birds. Kestrels have been reported in 83 CBCs with a peak of 21

individuals seen in 2001. Murray notes seven nesting records and




considers Kestrels to be a common resident. Kestrels are reported along the Blue Ridge

Mountains during fall hawk migration (Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 122

individuals per year with the peak migration occurring from late September to mid-October).

Historical records suggest that Kestrels are now less common.

Status: Common year-round resident and breeder with winter migrants and should be seen in the

county.

Photo: Near Stuart’s Draft, 22 December 2010 (by Lucy Rowe).

For additional photos: American Kestrel

Merlin (Falco columbarius):




History: Alex Merritt saw a Merlin on 14 October 2010 in the

Jonestown area of the county. Dick and Lucy Rowe located a Merlin at

Willow Lake on 1 May 2011. During the winter of 2017-2018, a Merlin

was seen in several locations near Lexington: the Ponds, Borden Grant,

and Mount Vista. In addition, there are four records from the CBC

(2017, 2013, 2009, 1991). Murray reports five records: 13-14 April

(1933), 3 May (1948), 22 September (1941) and 13 September (1948).

The Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 16 individuals per

year migrating along the Blue Ridge Mountains with the peak migration

occurring from mid to late October. It is likely that individuals could be

seen migrating south along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall.

Status: Rare migrant through the area and not be expected to be seen.

Photo: Ponds Housing development, 13 January 2018.

For additional photos: Merlin

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus):

Occurrence: Transient and migrant through the area

Dates: Fall migration (September through February)

Locations: McCormick’s Farm and northern Rockbridge County

History: There are three recent sightings. One by Paul Cabe in the Raphine area on 13 February

2007, one by Kieran Kilday on 8 September 2010 at McCormick’s Farm, and one by Alex

Merritt and Kieran Kilday on 18 November 2010 at McCormick’s Farm. In addition, DGIF

reports a successful breeding in the county during 2011 (two nestlings were fledged). Two

reports of Peregrine Falcons have been noted in the CBC in 1958 and 1951. Murray reports that

a nesting pair was in the county (a nest found by Bob Paxton near the entrance to Goshen Pass in

1975) but gives no date or location and notes that he had seen individuals between April and

September. The Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch reports an average of 24 individuals per year

migrating along the Blue Ridge Mountains with the peak migration occurring in late September.

The Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch observation station would be the best location for seeing a

Peregrine Falcon during the fall.

Status: Uncommon and often seen as migrant through the area and not be expected to be seen.



Passeriformes: Tyrannidae Flycatchers (For all photos: Flycatchers)

Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi):

Occurrence: Transient or fall migrant

Dates: May and August and September

Locations: Rockbridge County, Natural Bridge, Rockbridge Baths, Maury River at Lime Kiln

Bridge

History: There are few records of Olive-sided Flycatchers in or near the county. George Tolley

reported one in the Rockbridge Baths area on 3 October 2012. Wes Teets reported a single

individual present between 17 and 20 May 2013 on the Old Natural Bridge Golf Course. Murray

notes that an individual was seen on 7 September 1942 near Lime Kiln Bridge over the Maury

River and an individual was seen on 1 August 1937 in Montebello in Nelson County.

Status: Unusual migrant and not expected in the area.

Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens):


Dates: Early arrival date is 3 May and late departure date is 28

August


History: Pewees are common summer residents of the forests in the

county especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway but they are found

at Boxerwood, McCormick’s Farm, along the Chessie Trail, and

woodlots behind VMI and W&L. They are seen and heard regularly

beginning in the third week of May. The earliest arrival date is 3

May 2010, and the latest departure date is 1 October 2010. Murray

reports that Pewees are found from 28 April to 13 October with eggs

present by late May.

Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in forested areas.

Photo: Apple Orchard Mtn, 14 September 2013.

For additional photos: Eastern Wood-Pewee

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris):

Occurrence: Transient, perhaps a migrant through the area.

Dates: May and August

Locations: LT, RC

History: One individual was reported from Locher Tract on 14 September 2010. Murray notes

three records; 18 to 26 May 1928, 18 May 1940, and 31 August 1935.

Status: Unusual and not expected in the area.



Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens):

Occurrence: Migrant and summer resident/breeder

Dates: Early arrival date is 3 May and a late departure date of 14 September.


History: These flycatchers are often found along small streams in the forest.

The recent records for Acadian Flycatchers indicate 15 May 2004 as the

earliest arrival date. Murray considers Acadian Flycatchers to be common

summer residents arriving 3 May and departing 14 September. Nests have

been reported in late May and early June.

Status: Common summer resident and breeder and could be seen in the area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 45, 20 May 2015

For additional photos: Acadian Flycatcher

Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii):

Occurrence: Transient and summer breeder


Location: Sky Farm, Hyde Rd.

History: There are several records of Willow Flycatchers in the

county. Dick Rowe located one at from Sky Farm in 2015, 2013, and

2013 during May. Breeding pairs were located along Raphine Rd

during the VSO Foray in 2015. A second individual was located along

Hyde Rd. near Brownsburg on 18 July 2012. The individual on Hyde

Rd. was present for several days.

Status: Locally common and breeding in the county

Photo: Sky Farm, 6 June 2014

For additional photos: Willow Flycatcher

Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus):

Occurrence: Transient and scarce summer breeder.


Locations: BRP AO

History: Least Flycatchers have been found near the top of Apple Orchard

Mountain, 30 May 2010 and 17 May 2012, at Locher Tract on 21 September

2010, and along other edges in the mountains. The presence of the

photographed bird in late May suggests the possibility of breeding in the

area. Murray considers Least Flycatchers to be uncommon transients and

scarce residents. He reports their occurrence in the area from 14 May to 22

September.

Status: Unusual and not expected to be seen in the area.

Photo: Apple Orchard Mtn, 17 May 2012.

For additional photos: Least Flycatcher




Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe):

Occurrence: Year-round resident although scarce in the

winter. Common breeder during the summer.

Dates: Year-round, but migrants arrive by mid-March


History: Phoebes are common summer residents, and a few

individuals over winter in the area. Phoebes have been

reported during every month of the year. Typically, birds

arrive by mid-March with sightings increasing during the first

week of March. Phoebes are commonly seen on the CBC,

occurring in 69of 92 years. A high CBC count of 15 birds was

recorded in 1986. Murray notes eggs in nests as early as 30

March in 1945.

Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen during this time of year.

Uncommon winter resident and could be seen during the winter.


For additional photos: Eastern Phoebe

Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus):


Dates: Late April through September

Location: RC

History: Great Crested Flycatchers are a common summer resident in the

area and are often heard singing from the tops of trees. They arrive in the

area during the fourth week of April. The earliest, recent arrival date is 25

April 2000. Murray reports that Great Crested Flycatchers arrive 19 April

and depart 25 September with young in nests on 15 June 1931.

Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the

area.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 16 June 2012.

For additional photos: Great-crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/ breeder

Dates: Mid-April through August and September


History: Kingbirds are commonly seen along fences and pastures in the

county. The earliest arrival date is 11 April (2001) along the Blue Ridge

Parkway near Mile Post 62 and 17 April (2002) near Goshen Pass. The late

occurrence date is 1 September 2010. Murray reports birds present from 20

April to 14 September with nesting 13 May and eggs on 9 July.




Photo: Rockbridge County, 14 August 2011 by Lucy Rowe.

For additional photos: Eastern Kingbird

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana):


Dates: 12 November 2007

Location: Bethany Church Road near Turkey Hill

History: A single individual was found in the Turkey Hill region of the county and was present

for two days during November of 2007. The report was submitted to VARCOM


Passeriformes: Laniidae Shrikes

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus):

Occurrence: Uncommon winter migrant/resident with evidence of summer residence

Dates: Typically seen in the winter but no arrival or departure dates are available

Locations: RB, SR, RC

History: Loggerhead Shrikes have been reported in small numbers (less than 10 individuals) on

the CBC with reports from 65 of 84 CBC. They were reported every year between 1942 and

1986 with nine individuals reported in 1954 and 1975. Recently, they have only been reported in

three of the past 10 CBC’s. Clearly, there has been a change in their winter distribution since the

mid-1980’s. Shrikes are most often seen along fence rows and on wires in the county.

Loggerhead Shrikes have been reported during the summer in the area with a potential nesting

pair in the north eastern part of the county in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. There is one

report of a bird that was present for several weeks around the 18th of July in 2006. Murray

reports shrikes as migrants through the area although he notes that he saw young being fed in

early July but gives no location for this observation.

Status: Uncommon winter migrant/resident and not expected in the area.

Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis)

Occurrence: Rare winter migrant/resident

Dates:

Location: Brownsburg area of Rockbridge County

History: A Northern Shrike was seen outside of Brownsburg during the

winter of 2011-2012. On 26 Dec 2012, Jerry Jackson located a Northern

Shrike at his home outside of Brownsburg. The bird remained at his home

for the day and was seen again on 27 January 2013. A report of the bird

was submitted to VARCOM and accepted as a Category 1 record.

Status: Rare and not expected in the area

Photo: Brownsburg, 26 December 2012 by Jerry Jackson.


Passeriformes: Vireonidae Vireos (All photos: Vireos, Jays, Crows, and Ravens)

White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus):


Dates: Mid-April through September

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Natural Bridge, McCormick’s

Farm

History: There are a number of recent records from Lexington, Goshen Pass,

and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The earliest arrival date is 17 April 2009,

and the latest recent record is 4 August 2009. Nesting pairs were found near

Natural Bridge on the new State Park property. Murray reports that White-eyed

Vireos are present from 19 April to 20 September. He notes that there are 30

sighting records and very few were seen prior to 1937.

Status: uncommon summer resident and breeder and could be seen in the area

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 20 April 2014.

For additional photos: White-eyed Vireo

Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons):



Locations: Chessie Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass,

Boxerwood

History: There are a number recent records with the majority of the

sightings along the Blue Ridge Parkway north of mile post 45, along

the Chessie Trail, at Locher Tract, and there are a few sightings at

Goshen Pass. The earliest arrival date is 20 April 2009 along the

Parkway and a late sighting of 22 September 2010 near Irish Gap on

the Parkway has been reported. Murray considers these to be fairly

common summer residents present from 19 April to 12 October. He

reports breeding activity in late May.


Photo: Sky Farm, 22 May 2013.

For additional photos: Yellow-throated Vireo




Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius):


Dates: Late March though October

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, throughout the

County

History: Blue-headed Vireos are a common inhabitant of the forests

in the area. Blue-headed Vireos arrive in late March with an early

arrival date of 24 March 2004 near Mile Post 44 on the Blue Ridge

Parkway. Blue-headed Vireos are frequently seen beginning in early

to mid April and are found throughout the forests of the county.

Blue-headed Vireos have been reported as late as 24 October in 2004

and in 2009. Murray notes that Blue-headed Vireos (Solitary Vireos)

are fairly common with 4 April as an arrival date. He reports a nest

near the top of Apple Orchard Mountain on 6 June 1949.


Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway at Yankee Horse Ridge, 26 Apr 2009.

For additional photos: Blue-headed Vireo

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus):

Occurrence: Transient mainly during the fall

Dates: County records are from September

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Willow Lake, Goshen Pass,

Rockbridge Baths

History: Alex Merritt reported Philadelphia Vireo’s along the Blue

Ridge Parkway on 12 and 14 September 2010 and in Goshen Pass

(Hunter’s Access Road) on 1 October 2009. Dick Rowe located one

at Willow Lake on 12 Sept 2012. George Tolley reported a

Philadelphia Vireo near RT 39 on 31 August 2010. Murray reports

two records on 8 September 1952 and 4 September 1956.

Status: Uncommon migrant and could be seen during migration.

Photo: Willow Lake, 12 September 2012

For additional photos: Philadelphia Vireo

Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus):



Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Big Spring, McCormick’s Farm, Maury

River

History: There are eighteen recent records from the Blue Ridge Parkway,

at the James River, along the Maury River in several locations, Locher

Tract, near South River, McCormick’s Farm, and from Big Spring.

Breeding pairs have been located at Big Spring and McCormick’s Farm.



The earliest arrival date is 20 April 2004 and the late departure date is 14 September 2010.

Murray considers Warbling Vireos to be a locally common summer resident arriving 23 April

and departing 4 October. Nests were reported on 18 May 1933 and 29 June 1931.

Status: Locally common summer resident and breeder and could be seen in the area.


For additional photos: Warbling Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus):


Dates: Mid-April through mid-October

Locations: Throughout Rockbridge County

History: Red-eyed Vireos are very common in the forests of

the county especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the

Goshen Pass and North Mountain areas. The early arrival date

is 12 April 2008 near Arcadia (Botetourt Co.). Birds are

commonly seen beginning in the third week of April. The

latest sighting is 19 October 2006. Murray reports birds

present from 21 April to 17 October with eggs present on 24

May.

Status: Abundant summer resident and should be seen in the area.

Photos: Goshen Pass, 1 May 2016.

For additional photos: Red-eyed Vireo

Passeriformes: Corvidae Jays, Crows, and Ravens (All photos: Vireos, Jays, Crows, and Ravens)

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata):


Dates: Year-round

Location: RC

History: Blue Jays are permanent residents of the area and can

be found throughout the county. They have been reported in 79

of 84 CBC with an average of 93 birds seen per year. Murray

reports a peak of 131 birds on the CBC in 1954. The recent

peak counts were 430 in 1979, 310 in 2005, and 403 in 2007.

Status: Common year-round resident/breeder and should be

seen in the area.

Photo: Lexington, 19 December 2009 (by Lucy Rowe).

For additional photos: Blue Jay





American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos):


Dates: Year-round

Location: RC

History: Crows are a common species found throughout the county. During the

fall and winter, it is common to see large flocks of crows. One flock seen near

McCormick’s Farm in November of 2010 had 100+ individuals. Crows have

been reported on 66 of 84 CBC and continuously since 1947. The peak count

was 3800 in 1967 and a recent high count of 1859 birds in 1999. The average

number of crows seen on the CBC is 481.

Status: Common year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Sunrise Stables, 12 December 2009.

For additional photos: American Crow

Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and perhaps a breeder in the area.

Dates: Year-round

Locations: Rockbridge County, Lexington

History: Fish Crows can be found throughout the county, but they are more

commonly heard and seen around Lexington, the Maury River, and some

ponds. While Fish Crows are more common east of the Blue Ridge, they

are found in increasing numbers throughout the county. Fish Crows have

been reported on 29 of 92 CBC and always in small numbers, although 181

individuals were reported in 2013. Murray considers Fish Crows to be

residents but uncommon.

Status: Uncommon year-round resident and could be heard in the area.

Photo: Lexington, 18 June 2012

For additional photos: Fish Crow

Common Raven (Corvus corax):


Dates: Year round

Locations: Throughout Rockbridge County, common at higher elevations

History: Ravens are a permanent resident of the area and are often

heard and seen at higher elevations although several reports of

Ravens flying over Lexington have been noted. Ravens are

commonly seen and heard along the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile

posts 44-45, in the Goshen Pass area, North Mountain, and Old

Farm Rd pond (suggesting they may nest around Barger’s Quarry).

They have been reported in 67 of 92 CBC. Murray gives

information on several nests that were used yearly in the county.



Status: Common year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the

area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway at Sunset Fields, 22 May 2008 (upper

photo), Blue Ridge Parkway, 9 February 2007 (lower photo).

For additional photos: Common Raven

Passeriformes: Alaudidae Larks (All photos: Larks, Martins, and Swallows)

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder with some winter migrants.

Dates: Year-round


History: There are thirteen records of Horned Larks in the area. There is, most

likely, a resident breeding population with some migrants coming to the area during

the winter. Horned Larks are most likely to be seen when there is snow on the

ground and the birds congregate at open areas within pastures. During the winter of

2009-10 that had a significant snow fall and snow remained on the ground for several

weeks, a flock of 40-50 birds was seen outside of Fairfield. During the 2010 CBC,

35 individuals were located in pastures near Sunrise Stables. Horned Larks have

been reported on 48 of 84 CBC, and their numbers are sporadic suggesting periodic

influxes. Murray reports nests from 12 March (1935) to 14 May (1934).

Status: Uncommon resident and could be seen in the area especially during the winter.

Photo: Sunrise Stables, 26 December 2009.

For additional photos: Horned Lark

Passeriformes: Hirundinidae Martins and Swallows

Purple Martin (Progne subis):

Occurrence: Summer breeder and transient in the area.

Dates: May and August

Locations: Willow Lake, Fairfield

History: There have been a number of recent sightings of Purple

Martins in the area. There are several, small colonies in the

Fairfield, VA, area at a homes with martin houses. Most of the

recent records are from Willow Lake. On 9 June 2009 a flock of

about 20 birds was seen on the lake, on 4 August 2009 two

individuals were found, and during August 2011 individuals were




regularly seen at the lake. Both of these sightings probably represent post-nesting dispersal and

early migration. Alex Merritt reports finding six Purple Martins along South River near

Cornwall on 16 May 2009, one individual near Fairfield on 12 May 2010, and one individual

near Rockbridge Baths on 22 August 2009. Murray reports Purple Martins as rare. He notes that

three breeding colonies were present in the county up until 1935 and that after 1940 only three

sightings were reported.

Status: Locally common breeder and transient.

Photo: Willow Lake, 9 July 2012.

For additional photos: Purple Martin

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor):


Dates: Early March through late October


History: Tree Swallows are, now, a common summer resident. Tree

Swallows arrive in early March (the earliest arrival date of 1 March 2007 at

the Blue Ridge Parkway and the James River and 23 March 2004 at Balcony

Falls). Breeding pairs are seen commonly throughout the county especially at

Bluebird boxes. A flock of tree swallows were seen on 23 October 2004 at

Willow Lake. The late record is from Willow Lake on 29 October 2011.

Murray considers Tree Swallows as transients with 24 March to 15 May

migration dates and 5 August to 19 October fall migration dates. Clearly,

their status has changed since Murray’s book was published.

Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area


For additional photos: Tree Swallow

Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis):



Locations: Along waterways within the county

History: Rough-winged Swallows are locally common in the

area. There has been a colony under the Guy’s Run bridge on

Rt. 39 west of Goshen Pass, a group on South River near its

confluence with the Maury, in Glasgow along the Maury near

its confluence with the James River, and on Willow Lake. The

earliest arrival date in the county is 20 March 2009 at Big

Spring. Murray considers Rough-winged Swallows to be

common summer residents arriving 24 March (1952) and

departing 9 September. Nests were located in 1931, 1941, and

1953.


Photo: Willow Lake, 13 June 2011 by Lucy Rowe.

For additional photos: Northern Rough-winged Swallow




Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia):


Dates: April through September


History: An uncommon summer resident that is locally abundant. Bank Swallows are

occasionally seen at Willow Lake during migration. Bank Swallows arrive in early to mid April

with the earliest arrival date 9 April 2000 along the Chessie Trail near Lexington. In the 1990’s

there were several pairs at VMI near the football stadium. Murray reports only two spring

records, 29 April 1948 at Cameron’s Pond and 20 May 1952 at Womeldorf Pond. He notes five

fall records 14-15 September 1935, 28 August and 2 September 1936 and 9 September 1940.

Status: Uncommon summer resident that could be seen in the area.

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota):


Dates: Late March through October

Locations: Glasgow, Rockbridge Bath, Kerrs Creek,

McCormick’s Farm

History: There is a large colony of Cliff Swallows under the

Blue Ridge Parkway Bridge over the James River. A colony has

been recently established on the bridge over the Maury River

outside of Glasgow. There were approximately 25 nests during

the summer of 2011. In addition, a colony has been present at

the bridge over Hays Creek along Hays Creek Rd. north of

Rockbridge Baths, VA for about 10 years. A large flock was

seen at Willow Lake on 5 September 2009. Cliff Swallows have been reported along the Maury

River near Turkey Hill on 19 April 2009 and near Rockbridge Baths on 5 May 2010. The

earliest arrival for Cliff Swallows is 29 March 2003 with early to mid April as a more common

arrival time. The latest occurrence is 10 October 2010 (two individuals seen at Willow Lake).

Murray considers Cliff Swallows to be localized summer residents and uncommon. He notes

residence between 20 April and 21 September. Murray notes records of several breeding

colonies in the area and several previous colony sites. None of these breeding sites have been

confirmed as being active.

Status: Locally common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 26 May 2013.

For additional photos: Cliff Swallow

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica):


Dates: Early April through September


History: Barn Swallows are common throughout the county and

are seen frequently beginning in the second week of April.


Large colonies have been found at a barn on Route 39 near Rockbridge Baths and at the

Interstate 64 bridge on North Mountain. Barn Swallows are found frequently in smaller breeding

groups throughout the county especially at farms, along creeks, and near ponds. The earliest

recent arrival date for Barn Swallows is 30 March 2010 at Big Spring. Murray reports an early

arrival date of 14 March 1946 and nests with eggs by 27 April.

Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Sunrise Stables, 19 May 2010.

For additional photos: Barn Swallow

Passeriformes: Paridae Chickadees and Titmice (All photos: Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, Creepers, Wrens,

Gnatcatchers, and Kinglets )

Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis):


Dates: Year-round

Location: Throughout Rockbridge Co.

History: Carolina Chickadees can be found at all elevations in the county

and are widespread. They have been reported in 83 of 92 CBC with an

average of 64 individuals seen each count. The highest, recent count was

118 individuals reported in 2002. Murray reports nests with eggs present

from 24 April through 29 May.

Status: Common, year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the

area.


For additional photos: Carolina Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder at higher elevations and in

the western portion of the county.

Dates: Year-round

Locations: There are a number of recent records of Black-capped

Chickadees. Most of the records are from the Blue Ridge Parkway and

the Goshen Pass area, but in 2010 there was either an expansion of

their range or a large winter migration. Typically, Black-caps are more

common on the western edge of the county. Portions of Rockbridge

County represent a hybrid zone between Black-capped and Carolina

Chickadees. During 2010, Black-capped Chickadees were seen in large numbers throughout the

area. The 2010 CBC recorded the second highest count, 62, for this species. Black-capped

Chickadees have been reported on 68 of 92 CBC with an average of 14 individuals seen each

count. Murray considered Black-capped Chickadees to be winter visitors to the area.





Status: Locally common (western portions of the county) year-round resident and breeder and

should be seen in the area.

Photo: Goshen Pass, 23 January 2009.

For additional photos: Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor):


Dates: Year-round


History: A common, year-round resident of the area. The Tufted Titmouse

has been reported on 90 of 92 CBC with an average of 64 individuals seen

each count. The highest, recent count was 176 individuals reported in 2006.

Murray reports nests in early May.


area.

Photo: Lexington, 19 March 2008.

For additional photos: Tufted Titmouse

Passeriformes: Sittidae Nuthatches

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis):


Dates: Early October through early April

Locations: Throughout the county but often found at higher

elevations

History: There are a number of recent records of Red-

breasted Nuthatches. Red-breasted Nuthatches are most

often seen in November and December which coincides

with fall migration. They have been reported as early as 5

September 2009 along the Parkway and as late as 5 April

2006. They are found, commonly, along the Blue Ridge

Parkway north of milepost 45 during late fall and winter. It

is not uncommon to see them at lower elevations and

visiting bird feeders. Red-breasted Nuthatches have been

reported on 38 of 92 CBC with 23 individuals seen in 2001,

but none were seen in 2008 or 2009. Their presence in the

area is highly cyclical. Murray notes them as winter

visitors present in the mountains from 12 September to 30 April.

Status: Unusual winter resident and migrant and could be seen in the area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near Whetstone Ridge, 3 January 2009.

For additional photos: Red-breasted Nuthatch




White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis):


Dates: Year-round


History: White-breasted Nuthatches are a common, year-round resident in the

area. They can be found throughout the county in forested and residential areas.

White-breasted Nuthatches have been reported on 89 of 92 CBC. They have

been reported on the CBC every year since 1962. Murray reports nest as early as

3 May in 1928.

Status: Common, year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 44, 3 January 2009.

For additional photos: White-breasted Nuthatch

Passeriformes: Certhiidae Creepers

Brown Creeper (Certhia americana):


Dates: Mid-November through early April

Locations: CT, BS, LEX, LR, GP, RC

History: Brown Creepers are common winter residents of the area. The earliest

arrival date is 7 October 2010 and the birds are commonly seen beginning in the

third week of November. They remain in the area as late as 10 April (2011).

Brown Creepers have been reported on 68 of 92 CBC. Murray reports that

Creepers are present in the area between 2 October and 26 April.

Status: Common winter resident and migrant and could be seen in the area.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 17 October 2012.

For additional photos: Brown Creeper

Passeriformes: Troglodytidae Wrens (All photos: Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, Creepers, Wrens,

Gnatcatchers, and Kinglets )

House Wren (Troglodytes aedon): Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder Dates: Early April through September


History: House Wrens are a common, summer resident in the area. House

Wrens are commonly seen beginning by the third week of April (earliest





arrival 8 April 2002) and can be found throughout the county and at all elevation. House Wrens

have been reported six times on the CBC with the last record in 1994. Murray reports an arrival

date of 4 April and a departure date of 18 October. He notes that eggs have been found as early

as 2 May and I have a record of young in the nest as late as 26 July 2007. Murray also notes two

winter records, 23 December 1952 and 28 December 1952 to 3 January 1953.


Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 21 September 2013.

For additional photos: House Wren

Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes):

Occurrence: Winter resident and transient

Dates: Mid-October through May


History: There are a number of recent records of Winter Wrens in the

area. The earliest record is 18 October 2003 in Lexington and the latest

occurrence is 31 May 1996 at the top of Apple Orchard Mountain.

Typically, Winter Wrens arrive in the first week of December and

remain in the area through mid-March. They are commonly seen and

heard along the Maury River/Chessie Trail. Winter Wrens have been

reported in 78 of 92 CBC with an average of 3 individuals seen each

year. Murray reports a range of occurrence from 21 September to 4

May.

Status: Uncommon winter resident and migrant and could be seen in the area.

Photo: Locher Tract, 3 January 2012

For additional photos: Winter Wren

Sedge Wren (Short-billed Marsh Wren) (Cistothorus platensis):

Occurrence: Accidental or transient

Dates: May and October

Location: Lexington (Cameron’s Pond)

History: Murray reports two records of Sedge Wrens at Cameron’s Pond from 2 May to 27 May

1935 and on 14 October 1935. Wes Teets reported a Sedge Wren at the Old Natural Bridge Gold

Course on 19 May 2013.

Status: Accidental and not expected to be seen in the area.

Marsh Wren (Long-billed Marsh Wren) (Cistothorus palustris):

Occurrence: Transient primarily during fall migration

Dates: May and late August through November

Location: Old Farm Rd pond, Natural Bridge State Park

History: Murray reports this bird as being a transient in the fall and

uncommon. He notes occurrence dates of 25 August to 26 November. He

provides no locality data or years for the sightings. Wes Teets reported a



Marsh Wren at the Old Natural Bridge Golf Course on 17 May 2013. Dick Rowe located one at

Old Farm Rd pond on 15 October 2016.

Status: Rare and should not be expected in the area.

Photo: Old Farm Road pond, 15 October 2016

For additional photos: Marsh Wren

Carolina Wren (Thyothorus ludovicianus):


Dates: Year-round


History: Carolina Wrens are a common, permanent resident in the area.

They can be found throughout the county and at all elevations. Carolina

Wrens are commonly seen on CBC being reported in 91 of 92 counts

with an average of 38 individuals seen each year. Murray reports eggs by

29 March. He notes that the “wren is not often seen above 2000 feet…”,

although I have numerous records (11) of individuals above 2000 feet in

elevation.

Status: Common, year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in

the area.

Photo: Goshen Pass, 1 June 2008.

For additional photos: Carolina Wren

Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii):

Occurrence: Formerly summer resident/breeder but no longer found in the Appalachian or

Allegany mountains

Dates: Location: Formerly Lexington, Goshen Pass

History: Bewick’s Wrens were common in the Appalachian region through the mid-1950s. By

1980, only a few restricted breeding populations were found along the Appalachian Mountain

chain. Bewick’s Wrens are no longer found in the area. Murray reports that Bewick’s Wren is a

fairly common summer resident with nests found in an area west of Lexington.

Status: No longer present.

Passeriformes: Polioptilidae Gnatcatchers

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea):


Dates: Early April through mid-August to September




History: Blue-gray Gnatchatchers are one of the early spring arrivals. They are commonly seen

beginning in the first week of April and are reported through mid-August and into September.

The earliest recent arrival date is 3 April 2003 and the latest recent record is 9 October 2009 near

Rockbridge Baths. Murray reports arrival date of 1 April and a departure date of 19 September.

Nesting occurs in early May.


Photo: South River, 20 May 2010.

For additional photos: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Passeriformes: Regulidae Kinglets

Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant

Dates: Mid-October through early April


History: Golden-crowned Kinglets are a common, winter resident in

the area. They are often found in mixed feeding flocks with

chickadees, titmice, and juncos. They are frequently seen along the

Chessie Trail, at Willow Lake, at McCormick’s Farm, at Locher

Tract, and Boxerwoood. The earliest arrival date 13 October 2008 and

the latest departure date is 15 April 2009. Golden-crowned Kinglets

have been reported in 86 of 92 CBC with a yearly average of 40

individuals peak number of 266 reported in 1990. Murray reports occurrence dates of 4 October

to 2 May for the area.

Status: Common winter resident


For additional photos: Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula):

Occurrence: Common winter resident and transient

Dates: October through late April


History: Ruby-crowned Kinglets are a common, winter resident in the area and

are seen and heard more often in the spring, but they are not present in the area in

large numbers. The earliest arrival date is 29 September 2010 along the Parkway

near Irish Gap and the latest departure date is 30 April 2009 near Rockbridge

Baths. They can be seen from mid-October through late April. Ruby-crowned

Kinglets have been reported in 58 of 92 CBC with an average of 4 to 5

individuals seen each year. Murray considers Ruby-crowned Kinglets to be transients rather than

residents of the area. He notes a fall occurrence between 19 September and 29 November and a



spring occurrence between 3 March and 8 May. My records indicate that kinglets are in the area

from October through April, but there is a peak in sightings from late March through mid-April.

Status: Uncommon though regular winter resident and migrant through the area and should be

seen in the area.


For additional photos: Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Passeriformes: Turdidae Bluebirds, Thrushes, and Robins (All photos: Thrushes, Robins, Catbirds, Thrashers, Mockingbirds,

Starlings, Waxwings, House Sparrow, and Pipits)

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis):


Dates: Year round


History: Bluebirds are a permanent resident of the area and have increased

in number over the past 25 years primarily due to conservation efforts.

Bluebirds have been reported in 82 of 92 CBC with a noticeable increase in

reporting beginning in 1978. A high CBC count of 281 was reported in

2011. Murray notes a decline in bluebirds in the 1950s. He reports nests as

early as 25 March in the area.


area.

Photo: Lexington, 26 December 2008.

For additional photos: Eastern Bluebird

Veery (Catharus fuscescens):


Dates: Early May through September

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway (Yankee Horse Ridge and Apple Orchard

Mountain)

History: Veerys are a common, summer resident of the higher elevations

in the area. They are unusual below 3000 ft. They are heard and seen

regularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Yankee Horse Ridge pull off

(MP 35) and along the gravel road leading to the top of Apple Orchard

Mountain. The earliest arrival date is 4 May 2002 on Apple Orchard

Mountain, and they are regularly seen by the third week in May. The latest

departure date is 13 September 2010 at the Yankee Horse Ridge pulloff on

the Parkway. Murray reports that Veerys are found in two areas of the

county, Thunder Ridge (Apple Orchard Mountain area) and Rocky

Mountain along the Blue Ridge. He reports nests in mid to late June.





Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder.

Photo: Apple Orchard Mtn near mile post 76, 17 May 2012

For additional photos: Veery

Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus):


Dates: May and September

Location: Goshen Pass, Locher Tract, Blue Ridge Parkway

History: Dick Rowe located one Gray-cheeked Thrush along the

Blue Ridge Parkway on 16 September 2012. Alex Merritt reports

finding two Gray-cheeked Thrushes in Goshen Pass (Hunter

Access Road) on 1 October 2009 and another individual at Locher

Tract on 21 September 2010. Murray considered them to be a

transient and rare in the area. He notes occurrences between 13

and 25 May and 18 and 25 September.

Status: Uncommon migrant through the area and not expected.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 16 September 2012

Additional photos: Gray-cheeked Thrush

Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and rare winter resident


Locations: Chessie Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass

History: Swainson’s Thrushes are migrants through the area with a few

individuals remaining in the area throughout the winter. A group of about

20 individuals was located along the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 45

by Dick Rowe on 16 September 2012. A single individual was found at

McCormick’s Farm on 10 September 2011 by Dick Rowe. During the fall

of 2010, a large group of 25-30 birds was found near Yankee Horse Ridge

pull off (mp 35) along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have six records; 12

February 2001 along the Chessie Trail, 13 February 2000 in Goshen Pass,

4 March 2002 in Lexington, 7 April 2000 along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 4

May 2002 and 23 May 1996 on Apple Orchard Mountain. Swainson’s Thrush has been reported

once on the CBC (1931). Murray notes that they are fairly common in the spring with migration

between 29 April and 26 May.

Status: Migrant and possible winter resident in the area and not expected.


Additional photos: Swainson’s Thrush




Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus):


Dates: October through May

Locations: Throughout the county, Goshen Pass, Locher Tract

History: Hermit Thrushes are often seen during the winter in the

area and during migration. In the fall, migrants pass through the area

beginning in early October. There are 13 records from December,

January and February. There are a few records during the late spring

and summer (17 May 2000 and 19 May 2000 along the Blue Ridge

Parkway and 28 June 2005 at Goshen Pass). They have been

reported in 66 of 92 CBC with high counts 36 individuals seen in

2009 and 39 individuals seen in 2000. Murray reports Hermit

Thrushes as transients that are present between 12 October and 27

April.

Status: Common winter resident and migrant through the area and should be seen during the

winter.

Photo: Goshen Pass, 23 January 2009.

For additional photos: Hermit Thrush

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina):


Dates: Late April through mid-October

Locations: Forest throughout the county, Blue Ridge Parkway

History: Wood Thrushes are heard and seen in the deeper woods of

the area especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wood Thrushes

arrive in the area in third week of April (earliest record 20 April

2009) and are regularly seen by the fourth week of April. Wood

Thrushes have been reported as late as 10 October (2006). Murray

reports a 19 April arrival date and a departure date of 9 October in

1953. He notes nests with eggs were found on 15 May.

Status: Common summer resident and breeder and should be seen in

the area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 May 2015

For additional photos: Wood Thrush

American Robin (Turdus migratorius):


Dates: Year-round with migrants entering the area during the

winter.


History: Robins can be found in all areas of the county

throughout the year. It is likely that some individuals are



permanent residents and that others migrate to the area to overwinter or breed. During the winter

of 2003-04 a large flock of about 1000 birds could be found along the Chessie Trail. Large

numbers of overwintering birds were reported for the CBC in 2000 (3,775 individuals), 2003

(8,782 individuals), and 2008 (2,233 individuals). On the 1976 CBC, 27,422 individuals were

counted with most of these recorded by George Tolley in the Brushy Hill area. Robins have

been noted in 74 of 92 CBC with an average 914 birds per year. Murray reports nests with eggs

as early as 4 April.

Status: Abundant, year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in the area 27422

Photo: Lexington, 12 January 2010.

For additional photos: American Robin

Passeriformes: Mimidae Catbirds, Mockingbirds, and Thrashers (All photos: Thrushes, Robins, Catbirds, Thrashers, Mockingbirds,


Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder with a few

individuals overwintering in the area

Dates: Early April through early October


History: Catbirds are common summer residents in the

area and can be found throughout the county and at all

elevations. An early arrival date of 6 April (1996) has

been recorded and they are commonly seen by the fourth

week in April. Catbirds are commonly seen through

September and into October (late date of 6 October 2010).

I have a record of a Catbird at Kendal on 12 January 2010. Catbirds were recorded five times on

the CBC in 2017, 2008, 2005 and twice the 1970s. Murray reports an early arrival date of 17

April 1948 and a departure date of 15 October. He notes one winter record on 26 December

1942. Nests with eggs were found on 13 May.



For additional photos: Gray Catbird

Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum):


Dates: Late March through September


History: Brown Thrashers arrive in the area in late March or early

April (earliest arrival date 28 March 2007) and are regularly seen

by the second week of April. They are present throughout most of





the lower elevations in the county and especially along fence rows and thickets. One individual

was reported along the Chessie Trail near South River on 17 November 2009. During a snow

storm on 21 February 2015, a Brown Thrasher was present at a bird feeder in Lexington.

Thrashers have been reported on 14 of 92 CBC. Murray notes a 20 March to 7 October (1950)

occurrence range. Murray reports that nests with eggs have been found on 13 May.


Photo: Lexington, 15 May 2008.

For additional photos: Brown Thrasher

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos):


Dates: Year-round


History: Mockingbirds are a common throughout the county

and can be found in open habitats including yards, fencerows,

and edges of fields and pastures. While they are present, they

are not common higher in the mountains where forest

predominates. They have been recorded in 81 of 84 CBCs

with an average of 41 birds seen per year. In 1956, 209

individuals were counted. The high count in the past 20 years

was 88 individuals in 2004. Murray notes nests with eggs as

early as 20 April.

Status: Common, year-round resident and breeder and should be seen in the area

Photo: Kerrs Creek area, 28 January 2012.

For additional photos: Northern Mockingbird

Passeriformes: Sturnidae Starlings

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris):


Dates: Year-round


History: Starlings are a common, year-round resident in the area.

Large flocks can be found in the fall and winter. Murray notes that

the first recorded nest in the area was found in 1919 by C.O. Handley,

Sr. (Starlings were introduced to the United States in New York City

in 1890). Starlings have been found on all 92 CBC with an average of

1,678 individuals seen each year. The record high count was 10,079 individuals seen in 1993.

Status: Abundant year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area

Photo: Lexington, 4 August 2009.

For additional photos: European Starling




Passeriformes: Bombycillidae Waxwings (All photos: Thrushes, Robins, Catbirds, Thrashers, Mockingbirds,


Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum):


Dates: Year-round


History: Cedar Waxwings are a year-round resident of the area and are

commonly seen in small flocks during the winter and spring. These birds

have a large distribution within the county and they have been seen on top

of Apple Orchard Mountain as well as at lower elevations such as

Lexington. A recently fledged juvenile was photographed on 18 September

2010 suggesting either late nesting or a second nesting attempt that year.

They have been reported on 55 of 92 CBC with an average of 59

individuals seen each year. Murray reports nests on 22 June 1931 and 12

June 1944

Status: Common year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Near Whetstone Ridge, 25 January 2009.

For additional photos: Cedar Waxwing

Passeriformes: Passeridae House Sparrow

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus):


Dates: Year-round

Location: RC

History: House Sparrows are a permanent resident of the

area. They have been reported on 76 of 84 CBC with an

average of 98 birds reported each year. Murray reports

nesting as early as 1 February 1943 with eggs present on 7

April.

Status: Abundant year-round resident and should be seen in

the area.

Photo: Lexington, 20 April 2006.

For additional photos: House Sparrow





Passeriformes: Motacillidae Pipits

American Pipit (Anthus rubescens):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and winter resident

Dates: December through January or later

Locations: Farm field throughout the county

History: American Pipits are not commonly seen in the area. They

are birds of open fields that can be seen “running” across the ground.

They are often seen with other birds such as White-crowned Sparrows

and Song Sparrows. American Pipits have been reported on four

CBC’s (2010, 2009, 1995, and 1958). Eighteen individuals were

reported from four locations in 2010, nine individuals were reported

from two locations on the 2009 and two individuals were seen in

1995. Four individuals were found in the Collierstown area on 18

December 2010.

Status: Rare migrant or winter resident in the area and not expected.

Photo: Collierstown area, 18 December 2010.

For additional photos: American Pipit

Passeriformes: Fringillidae Finches (All photos: Finches, Siskins, Goldfinches, and Snow Buntings)

Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus)



Where to find it: Murray reports flocks of varying sizes that remained in the area during the

winters of 1943-44, 1945-46, 1950, 1951-52, 1954-55, and 1956. Evening Grosbeaks are

normally found farther north during the winter and their movement into our area is sporadic.

They have been reported on 26 CBC’s, but the last sighting was in 1993. Between 1968 and

1987, Evening Grosbeaks were reported almost every year with a high count total of 246 in

1975.

Status: Rare winter resident/migrant and not expected to be seen in the area.



House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus):


Dates: Year-round


History: House Finches have become a common,

permanent resident of the area. They can be found

throughout most of the areas in the county and at all

elevations. House Finches are a western species

that was introduced in 1940 in Long Island. Since

that time, they have spread throughout most of the

eastern United States. Data from the CBC suggest

that House Finches arrived in Lexington in 1974,

and they have been continuously reported since 1977. The average number of individuals

reported each year is 65, and the highest count total is 472 individuals reported in 1986.

Status: Abundant year-round resident and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Lexington: left (male) 23 January 2011, right (female) 20 March 2008.

For additional photos: House Finch

Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant through the area

Dates: Mid October through late April


History: Purple Finches are seen most

winters but their numbers vary

dramatically from year to year. They

can be uncommon in some years and

abundant in others. The earliest

arrival date is 9 October 2010 and the

latest departure date is 21 April 2009.

During the winter of 2003-04 Purple

Finches were abundant in the area.

We had 20 – 25 individuals at our

feeders for most of the winter. George

Tolley reported 200+ individuals at

his feeders during the 2003-04 winter. Purple Finches have been reported on 78

of 92 CBC with an average of 48 individuals reported each year. Murray reports

an occurrence range of 10 October 1957 through 5 May.

Status: Common to sporadically abundant winter resident and should be seen in

the area

Photo: Lexington; left photo, male; right photo, female; both photos, 19 December 2008.

For additional photos: Purple Finch



Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)


Dates: 29 January 1978, 19 February 1978

Location: LEX

History: Redpolls were seen at two, different feeders in Lexington during the winter of 1978.

There was an explosion of Redpolls into Virginia that year.


Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)

Occurrence: Transient during the winter

Dates: Late December and early January

Locations: BRP 1, LR

History: There are three, recent reports of Red Crossbills in the area. A single individual was

located in Fairfield by Barry Kinzie and Kent Davis on 18 November 2012. A group of eight

individuals was seen at Lake Robertson on the 2007 CBC (26 December 2007). A group of five

individuals was seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 44 on 3 January 2005.

Murray reports three records, two of which were in April, 1941, and May, 1955, and no dates

were given for the third record.

Status: Rare winter species and not expected to be seen.

White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)

Occurrence: Rare winter resident

Date: 17 November 2012

Location: Natural Bridge

History: Wes Teets located a single White-winged Crossbill in the parking lot at the Natural

Bridge Visitor’s Center. White-winged Crossbills were reported in small numbers throughout

the State in November of 2012. A number of different northern finch species were reported in

November of 2012 with large numbers of Pine Siskins being reported.

Status: Single record and not expected in the area.

Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus):

Occurrence: Winter resident and migrant into the area

Dates: October through February

Locations: RC

History: Pine Siskins are a winter resident or migrant into the area. Their

numbers vary greatly from year to year, but they rarely are present in large

numbers. Recent records are on 29 December 2004 in Lexington, 5

February 2004 in the Kerrs Creek area (Coalter), 19 December 2008 in

Lexington, 7 February 2009, and 24 December 2010 in Lexington.

During the winter of 2012-2013, large numbers of Pine Siskins were

reported in the area. Individuals were reported as late as 9 May 2013 at Willow Lake and 16

May in southern Rockbridge Co. Siskins have been reported on 17 of 84 CBC. They have been

reported on four of the last ten counts, but in 2008 Siskins were common in the area and 88

individuals were reported. Murray reports that Siskins are a scarce winter visitor with flocks

reported on 2 November 1919, 10 December 1933, 22 January 1947 and 11 April 1949.

Status: Uncommon winter migrant/resident and not expected.

Photo: Lexington, 24 October 2012.

For additional photos: Pine Siskin

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis):


Dates: Year-round

Location: RC

History: Goldfinches are a permanent

resident of the area. They are found in

flocks until late spring. Goldfinches have

been reported on 76 of 84 CBC with an

average of 68 individuals seen each year.

The highest count total is 297 individuals

reported in 2008. Murray reports nests

with eggs by 18 July.

Status: Abundant year-round resident/breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: left photo, Lexington, male in breeding plumage, 2 June 2010; right photo, McCormick’s

Farm, winter coloration, 6 November 2010.

For additional photos: American Goldfinch

Passeriformes: Calcariidae Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Occurrence: Transient during fall migration

Dates: 11 November – 18 November


History: A single individual was found at Willow Lake on 11

November 2010 by Dick and Lucy Rowe. It appears that this

bird remained in the area for only one day. On 17 November

2012, Allen Larner and Fenton Day found a Snow Bunting in

the same area of Willow Lake. A previous record of Snow

Buntings was reported by George Tolley in the Brownsburg

area during the mid-1980’s. Laura Neale reported a Snow

Bunting from Spy Rock in Nelson County on 7 November

2005.



Status: Rare migrant and not expected.

Photo: upper photo, Willow Lake, 11 November 2010 by Lucy Rowe; lower photo, Willow

Lake 17 November 2012 by Dick Rowe.

For additional photos: Snow Bunting

Passeriformes: Passerellidae Towhees, Sparrows, and Juncos (All photos: Towhees, Sparrows, and Juncos )

Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder with migrants through the area

and a few over-wintering individuals

Dates: April through October, although individuals can be found year-

round


History: Towhees are found throughout the county and at all

elevations. It is not uncommon to find individuals throughout the

winter (winter of 2009-10 and 2002-03 in Lexington). Towhees have

been reported on 37 of 84 CBC. Murray reports that Towhees occur

from 22 February to 24 October with six winter (December and

January) records. He reports nests with eggs between 22 May and 7

July.

Status: Abundant during spring and summer and uncommon during

the winter, but should be seen in the area

Photo: McCormick’s Farm; upper photo, male, 22 March 2015;

Kiawah Island, SC, lower photo, female, 25 December 2012,

For additional photos: Eastern Towhee

Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis)

Occurrence: Former breeder in the area but no longer present.

Dates: 14 and 24 April


History: Murray reports three sightings of Bachman’s Sparrow in the area: 14 April 1939, 24

April 1948, and a third sighting with no date. The 24 April date coincided with a VSO meeting.

A number of VSO members saw and heard the bird. There are no recent reports.

Status: Accidental (absent) and not expected.




American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea):

Occurrence: Winter resident/migrant in the area

Dates: December through February

Locations: Lexington, Goshen Pass, Chessie Trail, Brownburg

History: Tree Sparrows are winter residents that are seen most

winters (64 of 92 CBC) but their numbers vary. The average number

seen on the CBC is 2.1 birds with 25 seen in 1995 and 200 noted in

1962. They were almost always reported on the CBC prior to 1979,

but recently there have been very few sightings on the CBC. Recent

records are on 13 February 2000 in Lexington and Goshen Pass, on 6

February 2010 in the northern part of the county, 9 -10 February 2010

near Fairfield, 15 February 2010 in the southern part of the county, 10

March 2010 near Rockbridge Baths, and 4January through 24 March,

2013 at Old Farm Rd. Pond. Murray notes that Tree Sparrows are

common between 9 November and 9 April.

Status: Uncommon winter resident that could be seen.

Photo: Old Farm Rd Pond, 5 January 2013

For additional photos: American Tree Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder with a few individuals seen

during the winter months

Dates: March through October


History: Chipping Sparrows can be found in open areas

throughout the county and at all elevations. The earliest record is

11 February 2010 at our feeders in Lexington. Chipping Sparrows

have been reported on six CBC (2016, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2003, and

1992). While individuals have been found in December and

February, the average arrival time is mid to late March. Murray

considers Chipping Sparrows to be an abundant summer resident

present from 14 March until 4 November. He reports nests on 24 April 1948 and 25 July 1845.

Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Lexington, 13 June 2009.

For additional photos: Chipping Sparrow



Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)


Dates: Late April – early May


History: A single individual was found by Alex Merritt on 28 April

2011 at Willow Lake and represents the first record for this species in

the County. The sparrow was in a mixed flock of Chipping Sparrows

and Palm Warblers when it was first located. The sparrow was still

present on 1 May 2011 and was in a mixed flock of Goldfinches,

House Finches, and Chipping Sparrows that were feeding on

dandelion seeds. This sighting was accepted as a Category 1 record

by VARCOM, and it represents the first record for the Mountains and

Valley region of Virginia.

Status: Accidental species and not expected in the county.

Photos: Willow Lake, 1 May 2011

For additional photos: Clay-colored Sparrow

Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla):


Dates: Year-round


History: Field Sparrows can be found throughout the area and at all

elevations. During the late fall and winter, Field Sparrows tend to form

small flocks. I have records of Field Sparrows in December and

January through March and April. They have been reported on 77 of 92

CBC with an average of 30 individuals seen each year. The highest,

recent count was 171 individuals seen in 2004. Murray reports nests

with eggs as early as 7 May and as late as 5 September.

Status: Abundant year-round resident and should be seen in the area


For additional photos: Field Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)


Dates: Mid-March through mid-November


History: There been several recent sightings of Vesper Sparrows in the area. One individual

was seen near Rockbridge Baths on 11 April 2009, three individuals were seen at Willow Lake



on 29 March 2010, one individual was found at Sky Farm on 1 April 2012

and one individual was found near Bustleburg on Hyde Road on 11 July

2012. An individual was found at McCormick’s Farm on 29 May 2014.

Murray reports that Vesper Sparrows are a common summer resident and

breeder. He reports nests with eggs or young found in May. Murray also

notes that Vesper Sparrows are abundant as transients through the area. The

status of this species in the area is unclear. Recent sightings suggest that

breeding individuals may be present.

Status: Uncommon summer resident and could be seen.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 29 March 2014

For additional photos: Vesper Sparrow

Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys)


Dates: 11 February 1932


History: Specimen collected by Murray at Cameron’s Pond on 11 February 1932


Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sanwichensis):

Occurrence: Transient during spring and fall migration, summer

breeder

Dates: February through October with a few found year-round


History: Savannah Sparrows have been reported along the Blue

Ridge Parkway at the James River (11 April 2001), at Old Farm Pond

(9 October 2010), and on five CBCs (2015, 2013, 2012, 2009 and

1977). Murray considers Savannah Sparrows as an abundant

transient passing through the area between 21 February and 20 May

and 8 September and 14 November.

Status: Common transient through the area and should not be

expected to be seen.

Photo: Old Farm Road Pond, 27 January 2017.

For additional photos: Savannah Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum):


Dates: Mid April through October


History: Grasshopper Sparrows are found in the pastures and

grassy areas of the county. The earliest arrival date is 20 April



2002 near Brownsburg. Murray reports that Grasshopper Sparrows are a common summer

resident with an occurrence range of 12 April to 20 October.

Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area

Photo: Sky Farm near Lexington, 8 June 2014.

For additional photos: Grasshopper Sparrow

**Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta)

Occurrence: Accidental, No longer recognized as this species. It is either a Nelson’s Sparrow

or a Saltmarsh Sparrow

Dates: 17 October 1928


History: One individual was observed at Cameron’s Pond on 17 October 1928 by Murray.


Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca):

Occurrence: Transients through the area during spring and fall migration and in small numbers

during the winter.

Dates: November to early April

Locations: Lexington, Locher Tract, Blue Ridge Parkway,

throughout the county

History: Fox Sparrows migrate through the area and are

commonly seen in the early spring. The earliest arrival date is 2

November 2010 along the Chessie Trail near South River and

the late departure date of 9 April 2009 in Lexington. Sightings

of Fox Sparrows are more common in late February and March.

Fox Sparrows have been reported on 46 of 92 CBC. Murray

reports that they are transients passing through the area between

22 February and 6 April.

Status: Common during migration especially in the spring and


Photo: Locher Tract, 12 March 2012.

For additional photos: Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia):


Dates: Year-round


History: Song Sparrows can be found throughout the area and at all

elevations. They have been reported on 81 of 84 CBC with an average

of 51 individuals seen each year. The highest, recent count was 157

individuals reported in 2004. Song Sparrows were one of 21 species

recorded in the first Lexington area CBC in 1922. Murray notes that



nests with eggs have been found on 30 April and reports a nest with large young on 4 September

1948.


Photo: Hyde Road near Brownsburg, 6 January 2010.

For additional photos: Song Sparrow

Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)


Dates: September through November

Locations: There are a few recent records of a Lincoln’s Sparrow in the

area with a number of sightings in October, 2012. One individual was

seen at a bird feeder in southern parts of the county on 14 May 2005, 3

April 2007, and between 12 and 14 May in 2010. One individual was

seen near Rockbridge Baths on 13 October 2009, another individual

was seen along the Chessie Trail near South River on 15 October 2010.

In 2012, individuals were reported in Brownsburg, 7 October 2012;

near Lexington, 13 October 2012; and at McCormick’s Farm, 13

October 2012. An individual was found along the Blue Ridge Parkway

near Whetstone Ridge on 15 October 2016. Murray reports individuals were seen on 18 October

1933, 21 and 29 September 1933, 28 September 1936, 22 November 1936, and 18 May 1936.

Status: Seen as a migrant mainly during October

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near Whetstone Ridge, 15 October 2016

For additional photos: Lincoln’s Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)

Occurrence: Migrant through the area and winter resident

Dates: March to May and September to December

Locations: Goshen Pass, Old Farm Rd Pond, McCormick’s Farm,

Locher Tract

History: Swamp Sparrows have been located at Goshen Pass (19

March 2009), near Lexington at Old Farm Pond (9 October 2010),

at McCormick’s Farm, and at Willow Lake. They have been

reported on 36 of 92 CBC with a highest count total of 89 in 1974.

Recently, the highest count total is 11 individuals reported in

2012.

Status: Common transient during migration and could be seen in

the area.


For additional photos: Swamp Sparrow




White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis):


Dates: Early October through late April


History: White-throated Sparrows are a winter resident and can be

found in all areas of the county during the winter. The earliest arrival

date is 5 October 2010 and late departure dates are 28 April 1996 in

Lexington and 29 April 2000 at the Blue Ridge Parkway and the

James River. White-throated Sparrows have been reported on 91 of

92 CBC. The yearly average is 200 individuals, but for the last ten

counts the average is 411 individuals. The maximum number of

individuals reported was 1,008 in 1979. Murray notes a 28 September

to 25 May occurrence range.

Status: Abundant winter resident and should be seen in the area.


For additional photos: White-throated Sparrow

Harris’ Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula)

Occurrence: Accidental winter migrant

Dates: 1974 and 2009-10

Locations: Brownsburg

History: This species has only been reported twice in the county.

During the winter of 2009-10 an individual was located mixed in with

a flock of White-crowned Sparrows on Hyde Rd near Brownsburg.

The winter of 2009-10 had heavy snow and the Harris’ Sparrow

remained in the area for several months.


Photo: Hyde Rd, January 2010 (Courtesy of Brenda Tekin)

For additional photos: Harris' Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys):


Dates: October through early May


History: White-crowned Sparrows are often found in around farms

and hedge rows during the winter throughout the county. The recent

earliest arrival date is 5 October 2010 near Fairfield the latest

departure date is 1 May 2011. They have been reported on 73 of 92

CBC with an average number seen of 29. The highest count was 164

individuals reported in 1964. Recently, the highest count is 85

individuals reported in 2003. Murray reports that White-crowned

Sparrows arrive on 2 October 1950 and depart as late as 15 May 1945.



Status: Common winter resident and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Brownsburg, 2 December 2017.

For additional photos: White-crowned Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis):

Occurrence: Year-round resident and migrant into the area

Dates: Year-round with migrants arriving in early November and

departing in late April


History: Juncos are considered to be a winter resident in the area,

but breeding individuals can be found at higher elevations in the

county. It is possible that there is a small, permanent population

in the area that moves up into the mountains during the spring to

breed. The earliest arrival date for the winter residents is 4

November 1999 along the Chessie Trail. The winter residents

depart in mid to late April (latest date in Lexington is 17 April

2000). Juncos are often seen at higher elevations (above 3000

feet) throughout the summer. Courtship and mating have been

observed on 23 April 2004 on Apple Orchard Mountain and other

sightings from that and other locations have been made in June and July. Juncos have been

reported on 83 of 84 CBC with a yearly average of 316 individuals reported. The highest

recorded count was 1,158 individuals in 1979. Murray reports that winter residents arrive 8

October and depart 1 May. He notes that breeding birds can be found above 2800 feet and

reports a nest in Amherst County on 6 July 1933.

Status: Abundant winter resident and common summer resident/breeder above 3000 feet in

elevation and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Lexington, 16 January 16

For additional photos: Dark-eyed Junco

Passeriformes: Icteridae Bobolinks, Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, and Orioles (All photos: Chats, Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, Orioles, Blackbirds,

Cowbirds, and Grackles )

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens):



Locations: Goshen Pass, Sky Farm, Willow Lake

History: Yellow-breasted Chats have been reported in the At Sky Farm

outside of Lexington during the summers of 2012 and 2013, at Old Natural

Bridge Golf Course in 2013, Goshen Pass area (10 May 2010, 14 May

2005, 15 May 2004, 9 August 2006), near Rockbridge Baths (30 April





through 10 June 2009 and 27 April through 10 May 2010), in Lexington (May 2010), and in the

Arcadia area (1 May 2006). Murray reports that Chats are an abundant, summer resident of the

area. He reports nests with eggs between 16 May and 17 June.

Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and could be seen in the area.

Photo: Sky Farm near Lexington, 20 May 2016

For additional photos: Yellow-breasted Chat

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)


Dates: Early May and September

Where to find it: Bobolinks have been reported mainly during spring

migration in the area. Records for Bobolinks are from the first, two weeks

in May. This date is consistent with migration through the state. Two

recent reports are from the Turkey Hill area (2011 and 2007). In 2012, Dick

Rowe located a Bobolink at the Ponds housing development on 12

September. During the spring of 2013, Bobolinks were reported at Old Farm

Rd. pond and at Willow Lake. During early May of 2015, a large group of

Bobolinks was located by Laura Neale along Borden Grant Rd. Murray

reports that Bobolinks are common in the spring with dates ranging from 25

April to 27 May and are uncommon in the fall with dates ranging from 21

August to 23 September. He does not give location data for his sightings.

Status: Rare spring migrant and not expected.

Photo: upper photo, Willow Lake, 9 May 2013; lower photo, Ponds housing

development 12 September 2012

For additional photos: Bobolink

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna):

Occurrence: Year-round resident/breeder with many individuals

leaving the area during the winter

Dates: Year-round with increased sightings from April through

November


History: Meadowlarks are found in fields and pastures at lower

elevations throughout the county. They are common in the spring and

summer and tend to form small flocks in the winter. It is likely that

many individuals leave the area during the winter. Meadowlarks have been reported on 68 of 92

CBC with an average of 16 individuals reported each year. The record high count is 136

individuals reported in 1975. More recently, the high count for the past ten years is 51

individuals in 2005. Murray reports nest on 14 May 1934 and 25 June 1944.

Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen during the summer. Meadowlarks

are an uncommon winter resident that could be seen in the area.


For additional photos: Eastern Meadowlark




Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurious):


Dates: Late April through July


History: Orchard Orioles can be found along waterways

in the county. Recently, individuals have been reported

from 23 April 2004 to 27 July 2004. Murray reports an

occurrence range from 26 April to 19 September with a

nest with eggs on 20 May.

Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and

could be seen in the area

Photo: left, male. Low Bridge Ln, 7 May 2013; right

photo, female, 6 May 2010.

For additional photos: Orchard Oriole

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula):




History: Baltimore Orioles can be found throughout the lower elevations

of the county. The earliest arrival date is 20 April 2004 at the Blue Ridge

Parkway and the James River. They are commonly seen and heard by

early May. The recent late departure date is 28 September 2009 near

Rockbridge Baths. During early February of 2010, an individual was seen

for several days at a bird feeder near Lexington. Murray reports an

occurrence range of 22 April to 12 September with nests on 13 May and

26 May.



For additional photos: Baltimore Oriole

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus):


Dates: Late February through September with a few individuals in the area

through December


History: Red-winged Blackbirds are found in the lower elevations in the

county especially in marshy or wet areas, although some individuals can be

found in upland locations. The earliest arrival date is 17 February 2008 at

Kendal. By mid-April they are abundant. Red-winged Blackbirds have

been reported on 26 of 84 CBC with a peak number of 30 seen in 1998.

Murray reports them as being abundant summer residents with an



occasional individual overwintering. He reports them as occurring in every month except

January with a normal occurrence range of 22 February to 13 December. He reports nests with

eggs between 24 April and 27 July.

Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. During the winter they

are uncommon and not expected.

Photo: Willow Lake, 9 June 2010.

For additional photos: Red-winged Blackbird

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area with a

few individuals remaining throughout the winter

Dates: Early March through November with individuals reported in

December, January, and February


History: Cowbirds can be found throughout the area and at all elevation.

Individuals have been reported on 27 January 2004, 16 February 2003, and 5

March 2005, but the average arrival date is between 8-10 April. Cowbirds

have been reported on 21 of 84 CBC with a peak number of 452 individuals

seen in 2000. Murray reports an occurrence range of 5 March to 25

November.


During the winter, they are uncommon and not expected.

Photo: Lexington, 18 May 2017.

For additional photos: Brown-headed Cowbird

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus):

Occurrence: Transient during fall and spring migration

Dates: October through April

Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Goshen Pass, Lexington

History: Rusty Blackbirds are migrants through the area although some

individuals may overwinter. Individuals have been reported at Locher

Tract on 25 March 2010, 7 April 2010, and 10 November 2010; at

Willow Lake on 29 March 2010 and 27 October 2012, and along the

Chessie Trail near South River on 29 April 2010; in Lexington on 27

January 2004; in Goshen Pass on 10 April 2004; and at McCormick’s

Farm on 15 March 2011, 6 November 2011, 11 November 2010, 17

October and 31 October 2012. Rusty Blackbirds have been reported on 22 CBC with 34

individuals reported in 2000. Murray considers them to be transients with an occurrence range

of 30 September through 25 April.

Status: Uncommon transient in the spring and scarce in the fall and not expected.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 31 October 2012.

For additional photos: Rusty Blackbird




Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the

area

Dates: Late February through mid October


History: Grackles are found throughout the area during the

summer. They are one of the early arrivals in the spring with an

earliest arrival date of 23 February 2004. During the late

summer, fall, and into early winter, Grackles form flocks that

move through the county. Grackles have been reported on 22

CBC with and average of 19 individuals seen each year. The

highest count is 750 individuals seen in 2006. In 2009, 727

individuals were reported. Murray notes an occurrence range of

13 February 1949 to 12 November. Murray reports nests with eggs by 19 April.

Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area. During the winter

they are uncommon and not expected.


For additional photos: Common Grackle

Passeriformes: Parulidae Warblers (All photos: Warblers )

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area.

Dates: Mid-April through mid-October

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Mtn, Goshen Pass,

North Mtn

History: Ovenbirds are a common, summer resident of the forests in the

area, especially at higher elevations. The earliest recent record is 13

April 2010 near Big Hill with a late departure date of 8 October 2006.

Murray reports that Ovenbirds are abundant at all elevations with an

arrival date of 20 April and a departure date of 15 October. He reports

nests on 27 May 1931, 17 June 1935, and 20 June 1933.

Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be seen.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 77, 5 May 2013.

For additional photos: Ovenbird




Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area

Dates: Mid-April through August.

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, North Mtn, Locher Tract

History: Worm-eating Warblers are a summer resident of the area and are

often found along creek beds in dense vegetation. The earliest recent

record is 17 April 2002 in Goshen Pass and the latest recent record is 24

September 2009 at Locher Tract. Murray reports an occurrence range of

24 April to 22 September.


Photo: Goshen Pass, 27 April 2017.

For additional photos: Worm-eating Warbler

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla):


Dates: April through mid-September

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Locher Tract, Kerrs Creek, Goshen

Pass

History: These are common, summer residents in the area and are

found along creeks and rivers. They are one of the early arriving

warblers with an arrival date of 28 March 2009 and sightings are

common by 15 April. An individual was seen on 18 March 2010 just

outside of the county along the James River on the Appalachian

Trail. Murray notes an early arrival date of 2 April 1848 and a departure date of 21 September.

He reports nests on 26 May 1934, 17 June 1935, and 18 May 1944.


Photo: Locher Tract, 3 April 2016.

For additional photos: Louisiana Waterthrush

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during spring and fall migration.

Dates: Mid April through mid May and late August through October

Locations: Locher Tract, McCormick’s Farm

History: Recently, Northern Waterthrushes were reported along the James River at Locher Tract

on 14 September and 18 September 2010 and one at McCormick’s Farm on 11 October 2010.

Murray reports that Northern Waterthrushes are uncommon transients through the area. He

reports a spring migration between 16 April and 20 May and a fall migration between 24 August

and 27 October.




Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera):



Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass

History: The recent records for Golden-winged Warblers are from Goshen Pass west of the

swinging bridge along RT 39 and from the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile post 27 (this is just

outside of the county). Golden-winged Warblers have fairly specific habitat requirements (low,

scrubby trees often found in disturbed areas), and as a result their distribution changes with

maturing habitats. The area along RT 39 has had Golden-winged Warblers for the past several

years. The Blue Ridge Parkway site had Golden-winged Warblers from 2004-2006, but none

have been found at that site for the past few years. Murray notes three records; 30 July 1940 near

House Mountain, 18 August 1952 west of Lexington, and 23 August in Goshen Pass.

Status: Unusual in the area but can be locally common. This is a species that could be seen in

the proper habitats.

Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and could breed in the area.

Dates: April through May and September

Locations: Goshen Pass, Natural Bridge State Park

History: There a number recent records of Blue-winged Warblers in

the area. Wes Teets located four singing males at the Natural Bridge

State Park during the spring of 2013. Three are from the Goshen Pass

area (near the swinging bridge on 29 May 2006 and 30 April 2011 and

from the Wind River housing development on RT 39 on 29 May 2006.

The other sighting was on 29 April 2000 along the Blue Ridge

Parkway at the James River. In addition, a singing male was reported

by Alex Merritt from 26 April to 10 June 2009 near Rockbridge Baths.

Murray reports three sightings: 3 May 1948 west of Lexington and 7 September 1949.

Status: Rare migrant and perhaps breeder and not expected.

Photo: Old Natural Bridge Golf Course, 5 May 2013

For additional photos: Blue-winged Warbler

Brewster’s Warbler (Blue-winged Warbler x Golden-winged Warbler hybrid):

Occurrence: Migrant or perhaps a breeder in the area

Dates: April and early May

Locations: Goshen Pass

History: A single male was found by Dick Rowe along the Goshen

Pass Hunter’s Access road on 30 April 2011. The male was singing

along the road near a recently clear-cut area.

Status: Unusual migrant or breeder and not expected

Photo: Goshen Pass, 30 April 2011

For additional photos: Brewster’s Warbler



Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia):


area.

Dates: Early April through October

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Boxerwood, Lexington,

Goshen Pass

History: Black-and-white Warblers are a common, summer

resident in the area. The earliest recent arrival date is 7 April

2000, and birds are commonly seen and heard by 15 April. The

latest departure date is 1 Oct 2006. During breeding season,

Black-and-whites are commonly found along the Blue Ridge

Parkway and the mountains of Goshen Pass. Post breeding

season, Black-and-white Warblers can be found throughout the

county. Murray reports a 5 April arrival date and a 21 October departure date. He reports nests

with eggs on 30 May 1932.


Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 44, 19 April 2008.

For additional photos: Black-and-white Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea):

Occurrence: Transient during migration and perhaps a summer resident

Dates: Three records on 30 April 2005, 1 May 2006, and June 2010

Locations: South River, Blue Ridge Parkway at James River, Arcadia

History: There is one record for Prothonotary Warblers in the county. A male was singing in a

swampy area along South River near its confluence with the Maury during June of 2010. The

other, two sightings were at Solitude Swamp near Arcadia (1 May 2006), which is outside of the

county, and from the James River at the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Status: Rare and unlikely to be seen in the county.

Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina):



Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Locher Tract, Willow Lake, Goshen

Pass

History: Tennessee Warblers pass through the area during September

and into early October. The recent records are primarily from the

Parkway between Whetstone Ridge and Route 60. A few reports are

from Locher Tract. Alex Merritt has 17 sightings of Tennessee

Warblers along the Parkway ranging from 4 September 2010 to 29 September 20009 and 2010.

There are six recent records for Tennessee Warblers. Murray reported six records during May,

but noted that they were abundant during fall migration (records from 28 August through 17

October).


Status: Unusual and occurs only as a transient and appears to be more common during fall

migration.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 3 October 2014

For additional photos: Tennessee Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata):


Dates: Early May


History: Paul Cabe located an Orange-crowned Warbler in northern

Rockbridge County on 5 May 2011. This is the first record of this species

in the county. A likely Orange-crowned Warbler was seen at Natural

Bridge Park on 4 May 2014.

Status: Unusual and occurs as a transient during migration and not

expected to be seen in the area.

Photo: Kiawah Island, SC, 28 December 2016

For additional photos from Kiawah Island: Orange-crowned Warbler

Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla):


Dates: April to early May and September

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, McCormick’s Farm, Locher

Tract, Brownsburg

History: Nashville Warblers migrate through the area in May and

September. Recent reports indicate that birds move along the

Blue Ridge Parkway in September between 11 September 2010

and 29 September 2009 (along the Parkway and Locher Tract). A

few individuals are reported in other portions of the county; near

Brownsburg in early 1 September 2010, near Rockbridge Baths on 5 May 2010, and at

McCormick’s Farm on 16 October 2011. Murray notes six records; 30 April 1947, 1 May 1950,

2 May 1949, 3 September, 9 September 1929, and 4 October but gives no location data.

Status: Unusual and occurs as a transient during migration. This species could be seen during

migration but not at other times of the year.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 16 October 2011

For additional photos: Nashville Warbler

Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis):


Dates: May and late August through early October

Locations: South River

History: There is one, recent sighting of an individual on 6 October 2010 at the confluence of

South River and the Maury River. Murray reports sightings in the fall: 29 August 1955, 31




August 1939, 11 September 1936, 27 September 1952, 6 October 1945, and one spring sighting

on 17 May 1937.

Status: Rare migrant through the area and not expected.

Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during spring and fall

migration

Dates: May and late August through September

Locations: Rockbridge Baths, McCormick’s Farm

History: There are two recent sightings of Mourning Warblers in

the county. Dick Rowe located one at McCormick’s Farm on 25

August 2011, and Alex Merritt located one near Rockbridge

Baths on 7 September 2009. Murray reports three sight records:

27 May 1940, 28 September 1939, and 29 September 1933. He

also reports to specimens collected on 23 August 1954 and on 25

September 1933.

Status: Rare migrant through the area and not expected.

Photo: McCormick’s Farm, 25 August 2011

For additional photos: Mourning Warbler

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during migration with some

evidence of breeding in the area


Locations: McCormick’s Farm, Rockbridge Baths, Natural Bridge

State Park

History: There are several recent reports of a Kentucky Warblers in the

area. Wes Teets reported several individuals at the Natural Bridge

State Park between 17 and 22 May 2013. Kieran Kilday found an

individual at McCormick’s Farm on 8 September 2010. Alex Merritt

reports an individual near Rockbridge Baths on 13 May and 16 May

2009 and 4 May 2010 and at Lake Robertson on 6 May 2010. Bob

Paxton reports finding individuals along the Maury River near the present-day Horse Center on

10 May 1998 and 11 May 1979. Murray notes that Kentucky Warblers are a rare summer

resident. He reports three sightings; on Apple Orchard Mountain, in Goshen Pass and at Brushy

Hill. These sightings occurred in May and June.

Status: Rare transient and perhaps a breeder in the area and not expected.

Photo: Natural Bridge State Park, 4 May 2014

For additional photos: Kentucky Warbler



Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas):



Locations: Rockbridge County, McCormick’s Farm, Locher Tract, Goshen

Pass

History: Common Yellowthroats are a common, summer resident in the area.

The recent earliest sighting is 25 April 2004 along the Blue Ridge Parkway

and the latest departure date is 9 October 2009 near Rockbridge Baths.

Murray reports an occurrence range of 18 April to 21 October with nests on 7

June 1943 and 22 June 1943.


Photo: Goshen Pass, 5 July 2014

For additional photos: Common Yellowthroat

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina):


Dates: Mid-April through mid-September

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Mtn, Goshen Pass,

History: Hooded Warblers are a common, summer resident of the area

and are often found in laurel and rhododendron thickets at all elevations.

The earliest arrival date is 17 April 2002 in Goshen Pass, and a male in

breeding plumage was seen on 22 September 2010 along the Blue Ridge

Parkway. Murray reports an occurrence range of 22 April to 2 September

and nests occurring on 20 June 1930, 22 June 1931, and 27 June 1938.

Status: Common summer resident/ breeder and should be seen in the area.


For additional photos: Hooded Warbler

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla):




History: Redstarts are an abundant, summer resident in the mountains. They

can be found in the trees at most pulloffs along the Blue Ridge Parkway

between RT 60 and RT 56. The earliest recent arrival record is 20 April 2008

and a late departure date of 26 September 2010. Murray reports a range of

occurrence of 16 April to 7 October with nests found on 30 May 1932and 30

June 1930.

Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway; upper photo, male, 21 May 2009; lower photo,

female, 12 July 2008.

For additional photos: American Redstart




Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina):

Occurrence: Transient more common during fall migration than spring

Dates: Late April through mid-May and September through October

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Willow Lake, Locher Tract

History: There have been a number of recent sightings of Cape May

Warblers in the area. The majority of the sightings were in September along

the Blue Ridge Parkway between Whetstone Ridge and RT 60. Other

individuals have been found along the James River at the Locher Tract area,

Goshen Pass, along South River, and off of RT 39 near Rockbridge Baths.

Murray reports them as common migrants in the spring passing through

between 29 April and 18 May and in the fall between 26 August and 1 November. He notes that

he has seen as many as 30 in one day at his home in Lexington.

Status: Common during migration and could be seen in the area but rare at other times of the

year.


Additional photos: Cape May Warbler

Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea):


area

Dates: Early May through September

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Apple Orchard Mtn

History: Cerulean Warblers are commonly found in the forests

along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many of the recent records are

from the area between RT 60 and RT 56. The earliest recent

record is 29 April 2010 at Yankee Horse Ridge on the Parkway.

Bob Paxton notes that Cerulean Warblers were formerly found at

lower elevations in the county especially along the Maury River.

Murray considers Cerulean Warblers to be a summer resident

arriving on 18 April and departing on 28 August. Murray notes

that Ceruleans are found below 1500 feet and remarks on an unusual sighting at 3400 feet on

Apple Orchard Mountain. All of my records (29) between May of 2000 and the present are from

elevation above 1500 feet and I have commonly found them near the top of Apple Orchard

Mountain. Recently, Ceruleans have become a targeted species due to declines in breeding

populations. One possible explanation for the difference in sighting areas between Murray’s

work and recent records is habitat loss at lower elevation. Murray reports that nesting occurred

west of Lexington in May of 1948.

Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the proper habitats.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway Yankee Horse Ridge pull off, 20 May 2015.

For additional photos: Cerulean Warbler



Northern Parula (Setophaga americana):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and transient during migration


Locations: Goshen Pass, Blue Ridge Parkway, Chessie Trail, Maury River

History: Northern Parula Warblers can be seen from mid-April (earliest

arrival 7 April 2010 along the Blue Ridge Parkway near the James River)

through September. Parulas are commonly seen along the rivers of the

county (around Goshen Pass and South River), along the Parkway from the

James River past RT 60, and at Cave Mountain Lake. Murray considers

them to be summer residents and notes an arrival date of 8 April 1946 and a

departure date of 5 October. He reports nests on 22 May 1938 and young

present on 16 July 1943.


Photo: Goshen Pass: 25 May 2014

For additional photos: Northern Parula

Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia):


Dates: Late April through mid-May and September through mid-October

Locations: Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm, Lexington, Blue Ridge

Parkway, Goshen Pass, Locher Tract

History: There are a number of spring and fall sightings in the area.

Magnolia Warblers have been reported on 8 May 2004 and 13 May 2003

in Lexington and on 11 and 13 May 2009 near Rockbridge Baths. They

are more common in the fall and a number of individuals were seen along

the Blue Ridge Parkway between 2 and 22 September 2010. In addition,

individuals were seen during September near Rockbridge Baths and at

Locher Tract. Murray notes that Magnolia Warblers are common

migrants in the spring between 27 April and 25 May and in the fall

between 2 September and 20 October. He lists three sightings 4 June

1945, 10 November 1936, and 27 December 1947.

Status: Unusual spring and more common as a fall migrant and could be

seen in the area

Photo: Upper photo, Goshen Pass 1 May 2016; Lower photo, Blue Ridge

Parkway, 16 September 2012

For additional photos: Magnolia Warbler

Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during spring and fall migration

Dates: May and September through mid-October

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Locher Tract, Rockbridge

Baths


History: Recently, Bay-breasted Warblers have been reported along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 11

and 12 September 2010 and 23 September 2012; Goshen Pass, 10 May 2010 and 1 October

2009; along the James River near Arnold’s Valley, 29 September 2009; and near Rockbridge

Baths, 9 October 2009. Murray reports that Bay-breasted Warblers are migrants through the area

between 5 May and 24 May and 28 August to 15 October, but he does not list any specific

sighting records.

Status: Uncommon migrant through the area and could be seen.


Additional photos: Bay-breasted Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca):



Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway

History: Blackburnians are commonly found along the Blue Ridge

Parkway at higher elevations. Recently, individuals/pairs have been

found consistently around the Yankee Horse Ridge pulloff (mile post 35).

Individuals were singing on 24 April 2010 at Yankee Horse Ridge pulloff.

Individuals have been reported elsewhere in the county especially during

fall migration. Murray notes that spring migration occurs between 24

April and 22 May and that fall migration occurs between 27 August and 8

October. He reports nesting in Goshen Pass on 16 June 1933 and 12 June

1931 and 16 June 1930 on Thunder Hill (Apple Orchard Mountain).

Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder that should be seen in the area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway at Yankee Horse Ridge, 2 May 2017.

For additional photos: Blackburnian Warbler

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia):



Locations: Willow Lake, Big Spring, Sky Farm, Maury River

History: Yellow Warblers are summer residents in the area. They have been

reported at Willow Lake, Big Springs, along the James River near the Blue Ridge

Parkway, and in Arcadia. Murray notes a 13 April early arrival date and that a

nest with eggs was located on 19 May. He also notes sightings on 8 September

1952 and 3 October 1953.

Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and should be seen in the

area.

Photo: Sky Farm, 26 April 2017

For additional photos: Yellow Warbler

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vmibiology/8017313829/in/set-72157631607026669/



Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica):




History: Chestnut-sided Warblers are a common summer resident in the

higher elevations (around 3000 feet and above). The earliest arrival date

is 26 April 2009 along the Blue Ridge Parkway and birds have been

reported in mid to late September during migration. Murray reports a 24

April 1948 early arrival date. He reports nesting on 18 May 1953.

Status: Common summer resident/breeder and should be seen at higher

elevations in the area

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 26 May 2008.

For additional photos: Chestnut-sided Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata):

Occurrence: Transient through the area during spring and fall migration

Dates: Mid to late May and September

Locations: Lexington, Blue Ridge Parkway, Willow Lake

History: Blackpoll Warblers are a common migrant through the area in

the spring. The majority of spring sightings occur between 12 May 2003

and 29 May 1996. During fall migration, Blackpolls do not come through

the area in large numbers. Fall sightings are in September along the Blue

Ridge Parkway (5 September to 22 September), at Locher Tract, near

Rockbridge Baths, and Goshen Pass. Murray notes a spring migration

between 4 May and 2 June and a fall migration between 6 September and

25 October.

Status: Common migrant in the spring and less common in the fall and should be seen during its

spring migration in the area.

Photo: Willow Lake, 12 May 2014.

For additional photos: Blackpoll Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens):


Dates: Late April to mid-October

Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Goshen Pass, Apple Orchard Mtn

History: Black-throated Blue Warblers are a common summer resident

above 2000 feet. The early arrival date is 26 April 2009 near Rockbridge

Baths and the late departure date is 14 October 2009 in Goshen Pass

(Hunter’s Access Road). Individuals were seen on 18 September 2010

along the BRP. Murray notes that migrant pass through the area between

29 April and 17 May in the spring and 11 September and 20 October in the



fall. He notes nests with eggs on 16 June on Elliott’s Knob in Augusta County.

Status: Common species and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway, 3 October 2014.

For additional photos: Black-throated Blue Warbler

Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum):


Dates: Mid-April through early May and September to early November

Locations: Willow Lake, Blue Ridge Parkway

History: Palm Warblers have been reported along the Blue Ridge Parkway

near Sunset Fields, near Rockbridge Baths, along the Appalachian Trail near

Bluff Mountain, and along the Appalachian Trail north of the James River.

The earliest recent record is 7 April 2010 and late record is 14 November

2009. A Palm Warbler was reported on the CBC in 1958. Murray notes that

Palm Warblers are an uncommon transient moving through the area between

25 April and 8 May in the spring and 9 September to 2 November in the fall.

He reports 13 records and no nesting activity.

Status: Uncommon migrant and could be seen during migration.

Photo: Upper photo -Willow Lake, 28 April 2011, by Lucy Rowe; Lower

photo – Willow Lake, 20 October 2012 by Dick Rowe

For additional photos: Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant

Dates: Early March through mid-October with a few individuals

found throughout the winter


History: Pine Warblers are the earliest warbler to arrive in the area

and can be found consistently along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The

earliest arrival date is 4 March 2002 and the late departure date is 13

October 2008. During the winter of 2000-01 an individual showed

up at our feeder in Lexington during a snow storm on 17 February

2001. Pine Warblers have been reported twice on the CBC in 1961

and 1960. Murray reports numerous sightings of singing males and

notes nesting on 13 May 1938 on Rocky Row and 24 May 1938 near Rockbridge Baths.



For additional photos: Pine Warbler




Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata):


Dates: Late October to early May

Locations: Chessie Trail, Boxerwood, Willow Lake, McCormick’s Farm

History: Yellow-rumps are a very common winter resident in the area.

They can be found throughout most of the areas of the county. The

recent earliest arrival date is 20 September 2010 along South River and

latest departure date is 12 May 2010 along the James River near Natural Bridge

Station. Yellow-rumped Warblers have been reported on 68 of 84 CBC’s with

an average of 72 individuals seen per year. On the CBC, the recent high count

of 557 birds was recorded in 1999. Murray reports individuals present from 23

September to 15 May.

Status: Common winter resident and should be seen in the area.

Photo: Upper photo near Whetstone Ridge, 3 January 2009; lower photo at

Barger’s Quarry in Lexington, 22 November 2008.

For additional photos: Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler (Setophaga dominica):

Occurrence: Primarily a migrant with evidence of summer residents

Dates: Late March through mid May

Locations: Maury River, Chessie Trail, James River, Goshen Pass, Kerrs

Creek

History: There are numerous recent sighting primarily along the James

River between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Glasgow, along the Maury

River on River Rd, and along the Chessie Trail near South RIver. The

sightings during migration range from 28 March in 2007 to 19 May

2000. In addition there are recent sightings from along Kerrs Creek and

in Goshen Pass. A late individual was seen along South River on 20

September 2010.

Status: Locally common migrant and could be seen in the area

Photo: Maury River along River Rd, 9 April 2017.

For additional photos: Yellow-throated Warbler

Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant

Dates: Late April through mid-November

Locations: Goshen Pass, McCormick’s Farm

History: Prairie Warblers are common inhabitants of scrub

(logged areas) and over-grown pastures in the county. For the

past few years, they have been found along the hunter access

road in Goshen Pass in clear-cut areas. The earliest recent

arrival date is 18 April 2008 and the late departure date is 12



November 2006 at McCormick’s Farm. Murray considers Prairie Warblers to be a common

resident present in the area from 17 April to 12 September. He reports a nest on 10 May 1937.


Photo: Goshen Pass, Hunter Access Road, 26 April 2014.

For additional photos: Prairie Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder and migrant through the area.

Dates: Early April through mid-October


History: Black-throated Green Warblers are a summer resident in the area

nesting in the mountains. The earliest arrival date is 5 April 2000 with

sightings by 15 April during most years. The latest recent departure date is 14

October 2009 in Goshen Pass. Murray notes a 14 April arrival date with

transients leaving by 15 May. He notes that fall migration occurs between 13

August and 16 October. Murray reports nesting on 16 June 1930 and young

present on 29 May 1933.


Photo, McCormick’s Farm, 3 October 2012.

For additional photos: Black-throated Green Warbler

Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis):




History: Canada Warblers are a summer resident of the higher elevations in

the area that are often found along streams or in wet areas. The earliest record

is 2 May 2001 on Apple Orchard Mountain with birds commonly seen or

heard by mid-May. The recent latest departure date is 28 September 2010.

Murray reports an occurrence range of 6 May to 22 September.

Status: Locally common summer resident/breeder and should be seen.

Photo: Yankee Horse Ridge mile post 34 Blue Ridge Parkway, 2 May 2017.

For additional photos: Canada Warbler

Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla):


Dates: May and September and October

Locations: Locher Tract, Rockbridge County

History: Recent sightings have been along the Blue Ridge Parkway and along the James River

near Glasgow (8 September 2010) and at the Old Natural Bridge Golf Course on 17 May 2013

by Wes Teets. Maury reports 12 sightings; five in May, six in September, and two in October.





Passeriformes: Cardinalidae Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Buntings (All photos: Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks, and Indigo Buntings )

Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra):

Occurrence: Summer resident/breeder although there have been no recent sightings


Locations: RC

History: Bob Paxton reports seeing Summer Tanagers on North Mountain during the 1980’s, but

there have been no sightings since that time. Murray reports that Summer Tanagers are found

below 1400 feet in elevation and are locally common. He reports nests on 11 May 1953, 23 May

1847, 6 June 1931, 19 June 1934, 2 July 1932, and 10 July 1928. Murray notes that Summer

Tanagers occur between 24 April and 27 September.

Status: Rare summer resident/breeder and not expected.

Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea):


Dates: Mid April through September

Locations: Throughout the county, especially along the Blue Ridge

Parkway and Goshen Pass

History: Scarlet Tanagers are a common summer resident of the area.

They are most commonly found in the forests along the Blue Ridge

Parkway and the Goshen Pass area. The earliest arrival date is 20

April at Brushy Hill outside of Lexington in 2003 and in the southern

part of the county in 2009. By late April they are commonly heard

along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The recent latest departure date is 1

October 2006 along the Appalachian Trail. Murray reports a range of

occurrence between 21 April and 6 October with nesting occurring

between 15 May 1931 and 30 June 1930.



For additional photos: Scarlet Tanager

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis):


Dates: Year-round


History: Cardinals can be found throughout the county and at all elevations. Cardinals have

been reported on 91 of 92 CBC with a yearly average of 124 individuals reported. The highest

recorded count was 406 individuals in 1979 and the highest recent count was 331 individuals in



2004. Murray reports nests as early as 16 and 21

April. Additionally, he notes that Cardinals are found

up to 2500 feet in elevation. I have found Cardinals

on Apple Orchard Mountain on 2 May 2001 and 9

June 2000.

Status: Abundant year-round resident/breeder that


Photo: left photo, Lexington, female, 20 March 2008;

right photo, male, Lexington, 19 December 2008.

For additional photos: Northern Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus):


Dates: Mid April to early October

Locations: Higher elevations in the

county, Blue Ridge Parkway and Goshen

Pass

History: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks breed

at the higher elevations in the county. The

earliest arrival date is 15 April 2005 in

Goshen Pass with a late departure date of

2 October 2006. Murray reports that they

are fairly common above 2500 feet with

early arrival dates of 10 May 1949, 12

May 1928, and 13 May 1929.

Status: Common summer resident/breeder

and should be seen in the area

Photo: Left photo: male; right photo: female; both photos along the Blue Ridge Parkway near

milepost 78, 15 May 2013.

For additional photos: Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea):



Locations: Throughout the county, fields and pastures

History: Blue Grosbeaks are found in shrubby-open field areas in the

county. Breeding pairs have been reported along Jacobs Ladder Rd

(2010-2017) outside of Lexington, along the South River near its

confluence with the Maury River (July and August of 2009), a pair

with fledglings at the Ponds Housing development (July 2011), at Sky

Farm outside of Lexington (2016-2017) and a pair along Hyde Rd. near

Brownsburg in 2012. A single or pair of Blue Grosbeaks were found

near Fairfield on 26 August, 30 August, and 26 September 2010.



Murray considers that Blue Grosbeaks are an unusual summer resident in the area. He reports

six records of Blue Grosbeaks in the county and nests found on 21 May and on 15 July 1948. It

appears that Blue Grosbeaks are becoming more common in the area.


Photo: Sky Farm, 13 May 2017.

For additional photos: Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea):


Dates: Late April through early October


History: Indigo Buntings are most often found along edges of woods and can be

found throughout the county. The earliest arrival date is 24 April 2007 and the

latest departure date is 9 October 2010. Murray reports an early arrival date of 18

April and a departure date of 14 October. Nests are found between 25 May and 2

August.

Status: Abundant summer resident/breeder and should be found in the area.

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway; upper photo, male, 15 June 2008; lower photo,

female, 15 May 2010.

For additional photos: Indigo Bunting

Dickcissel (Spiza americana):

Occurrence: Summer

Dates: 24 June through July

Locations: Brownsburg, Jacob’s Ladder, Sky Farm

History: There are five records of Dickcissels in the county. A male was

seen on 18 July to the end of the month in 2011 near Fairfield. In 2012,

male was seen near Brownsburg on 24 June and a male was seen at Sky

Farm near Lexington on 26 June. Subsequently, eight males, a female, and

an immature male were found along Hyde Rd. near Brownsburg from 29

June through August. During 2017, Kerry Kilday had a pair of Dickcissels

on his property. They appeared to be nesting, although no nest was

located. The timing of the presence of Dickcissels in the area suggests the

possibility of breeding individuals, there are no records to confirm this.

Status: Uncommon summer resident/visitor.

Photo: Jacob’s Ladder near Lexington, 26 June 2017

For additional photos: Dickcissel




Documents

The Birds of the Greater Rockbridge County, Virginia Area · 13 February 2013 and 2013 then relocated by Dick and Lucy Rowe on 14 February 2013. The goose was positively identified