Chincoteague NWR and Great Dismal Swamp NWR

On May 28th, Alex, Amy and I headed for Chincotegue NWR, a few hours to the north of us. In general the birding was slow, but we still managed to pick up a few good birds. There were many shorebirds around, in addition to gull-billed and Forster's terns.

black-bellied plover

brown-headed nuthatch

glossy ibis

black-necked stilt

On May 29th, Alex and I got up very early to go to Great Dismal Swamp NWR, which is across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Our target was Swainson's warbler, which we missed last time we went. We found a variety of warblers, and saw at least 15 different yellow-billed cuckoos around the refuge trails. Even though it was hot and humid, the mospquitos weren't as bad as they were when we went in April.

yellow-billed cuckoo

Swainson's warbler

Carolina satyr

hooded warbler

Back at Box Tree and surrounding areas, we continued our Whimbrel Watch, and watched the last of the local whimbrel filter out of Box Tree Marsh.  The clapper rails have been exceptionally active lately, and were visible at least 20 different times, runnind around chasing eachother and bathing.

clapper rails at Box Tree marsh