Early in October I noticed swallows of various species flocking up in preparation for their migration to warmer climes.  Now in winter, we miss the barn swallows in particular which rested in Shirley’s old barn and enchanted the summer observer with their aerial displays.  Also making their departures were the twinkling chimney swifts, the birds Roger Tory Peterson appropriately called “ a cigar with wings.”  The dynamic little swifts were heading for distant wintering grounds in Peru.

When we bid good-bye to the swallows and swifts and many other summer residents, we extended a fond welcome to other species which are spending the winter with us. On the 10th of October I saw my first ruby-crowned kinglet of the season in a tree near Shirley’s old stables. During the winter both the ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglets are usually discovered in the gardens about the estate. In the same habitat I look forward to seeing both the white-throated and white-crowned sparrows. Shirley is a usually reliable spot to find the latter species.

A permanent resident here which is often observed in winter is the bald eagle.  What a splendid creature is our national bird! Look for the majestic eagle perched in glory in trees not far from the James River. This dazzling bird will warm your heart and lift your spirits in the cold days of winter.

Spring 2007

On a cold and quite blustery St. Patrick’s Day, eleven intrepid souls from the Williamsburg Bird Club visited Shirley Plantation. In spite of the winds and low temperatures, the stalwart birders were pleased with their sightings.

White-crowned sparrows were highly anticipated, and several of these handsomely-hatted creatures posed proudly for the group in the formal gardens. White-throated sparrows likewise strutted their stuff.

Less cooperative was the pair of Baltimore orioles, often seen in the gardens here during February. It is fairly uncommon to have Baltimore orioles spending the winter in Virginia. Perhaps the very mild winter was enticing. The gorgeous couple made a quick appearance at the top of one of the hedge bushes, and then dropped low in the greenery where they remained hidden and out of the wind.

Easier seen were the several varieties of ducks in the marshes on our walk near the impoundments. A scope provided by Shirley Devon, the club’s newsletter editor, greatly enhanced our views. Among the ducks observed were lesser scup, gadwall, bufflehead, green-winged teal, American widgeon, and Northern shoveled. In addition, American coots were seen in great number. Ducks and coots, undaunted by the cold, were in their element.

The good sightings and camaraderie fired the blood of the club members, who discovered that Shirley is always an exciting place for birding. The club greatly appreciates the kindness and hospitality of the Carter family in extending permission to the members to enjoy a morning of great birding at this historic site.

Summer 2007

What a fashion statement! What a stunning bird! It’s Fred Astaire in evening clothes! But wait - the outfit is on backwards! It matters not a whit. The male bobolink is as elegant and dapper as he can be. Fashion designers, look up this bird!

I was thrilled to observe a flock of natty bobolinks at Shirley on the 30th of April and the 1st of May. These migrants settled down in the grassy fields near the James River and on the Great House’s riverside lawn. The gorgeous males took center stage, while their plainly clad ladies blended in with the tall grasses. As I watched on the 1st of May, one male poured forth his rambling song from a tree near the mansion.

The bobolinks were moving through, but other migrating species will spend the summer with us. Indigo buntings and blue grosbeaks are back. Look for these handsome birds as they fly up from the edges of the entrance roads while you are driving on the Shirley property. Also, keep an eye peeled for the lordly kingbird, the regal flycatcher that perches on the fences by the house pastures.

Ramble down to the ancient barn, and you’ll find barn swallows. They come back every summer. Cast your eyes upward and you may see the chimney swifts, those twittering “cigars with wings.” Perhaps you’ll spy an osprey or a bald eagle. They say an osprey makes an “M” when he flies. The mighty eagle is wont to soar.

The winds of summer bring avian diversity to Shirley plantation. From goldfinches by the entrance drives, to colorful orchard orioles in the formal gardens and stately great blue herons by the river, the glorious countryside dazzles the watchful birder with beauty and delight.

Fall 2007

Fall is a good season to sharpen your birding skills. Fewer birds are calling or singing, and those species which are vocalizing are often easy to observe.

When I hear blue jays calling everywhere, I always  say to myself, “I know it’s fall.” The saucy rascals, known for their fondness for the farmer’s corn, boldly announce their pilfering proclivities by crying, “Thief! Thief!” They are handsome birds, yet brazen.

A bird known for his fall musical performance here at Shirley is the mockingbird. He is a great mimic of the songs of other birds. His scientific name, Mimus plyglotten,  means “mimic of many tongues.”

Another species whose loud and cheerful song is sure to catch your notice on an autumn day is the Carolina wren. This merry little bird, bobbing like a cork and bubbling with energy, sets a harvest mood with his repetitive “tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea,” or “sugar beet, sugar beet, sugar beet, sugar beet.” These are only two of the chants in his varied repertoire.

As the Carolina wren sings to us of food and drink, the towhee clearly advises us on what to imbibe. “Drink your teeeeee,” he sagely reminds us.

On your bird walks, remember to watch and listen.  Before long, you’ll know some of our feathered friends by their songs alone.

Thomas B. McCary