January 7th & 8th - Cleaning Up

After a successful trip for the Brewer's Sparrow on Friday morning, I was left with the weekend to "clean-up" on the rest of the rarities being seen around Virginia.  My wife and I had made plans in December to travel to Norfolk on Saturday.  This provided the perfect opportunity to pick up the Western Tanager that has been frequenting the Williams' household in Williamsburg since early December. 

(Western Tanager at the Williams' residence)

I arrived at 154 Lakewood Drive around 9:30 AM and headed around the back to get a clear view of the feeder.  As I approached the end of the driveway, Mrs. Williams greeted me and informed me that the bird had been seen about an hour ago.  Good news.  After 40 minutes had passed the Western Tanager appeared and remained around the feeder for about 2 minutes.   

Sunday morning my alarm sounded at 5:30 AM.  I wanted to sleep in, but you never know how long these birds are going to hang around.  The Lark Sparrow had been reported again on Saturday, and I was on the way to Stuart's Draft in an attempt to go 3/3 on the weekend.   I turned onto Brennaman's Road around 7:30 AM as the sun was just beginning to drift above the mountains, shedding light on the surrounding fields. 

(Sunrise along Brennaman's Rd, Stuart's Draft, VA)

 The birds around the pond were already very active.  Song Sparrow.  Song Sparrow. Savannah Sparrow.  LARK SPARROW!  There he was, perched atop a patch of brambles bordering the pond, just about 20 feet from the road. 

 

 

 

(Lark Sparrow along Brennaman's Rd, Stuart's Draft, VA)

The Lark Sparrow made its way around the pond and took up a few different perches, even singing on a few of them.  Pretty cool to hear this bird singing in the state of Virginia.

Thanks again to the Williams' family for your hospitality and also to Penny Warren for the detailed directions to the Lark Sparrow!