On this very balmy and sunny January, we birded two more of Virginia's State Parks.
In the morning we visited York River State Park in James City County. Fog lifted to reveal sunny skies and temps in the 60's. The park not only features a beautiful view of the York River, it also has a beautiful pond called Woodstock. The bayberry myrtle ringing the pond held dozens and dozes of Yellow-rumped Warblers, a dozen Mallards, Great Blue Heron, and one Double-crested Cormorant.
The trail from the visitor center to Fossil Beach had the musical notes of a male Eastern Towhee.
A Fox Sparrow perched conspicuously near the dam separating the pond from the river.
On the wooded trail to Fossil Beach, Ruby-crowned Kinglets flocked with Yellow-rumped Warblers and Carolina Chickadees.
A Brown Thrasher poked the leaf litter.
Red-headed Woodpeckers chattered from the trees
Eastern Bluebird posses alertly near the visitor center:
In the afternoon, we drove to Gloucester County and to Machipocomoco State Park on the northern shore of the York River. The open and wooded landscape and marshy creeks are great habitats for winter birds.
Three Bald Eagles fished the creek bank. One enjoyed his catch on the muddy bank.
Northern Mockingbird flew from tree to tree in a mad flutter.
A Great Blue Heron flew low over the creek.
We saw lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers, Dark-eyed Junco, American Gold Finch, two American Kestrels, and one Air Force Two.
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