The careful and conscientious birder begins a new year with a clean sheet in his notebook, and he dreams of surpassing the number of birds seen in the year just past. Oh, how nice it would be if a few rarities could spice up the notes this time! Among the resolutions for the conscientious birder is one to take part in more trips and outings, especially during the peak spring migration in late April and early May.

Such dreams aside, every day for the serious or casual birder is an Easter egg hunt. This observer of our feathered friends began his January walk at Shirley by seeing our handsome bald eagle perched in his usual tree by the river. A natty white-crowned sparrow, somewhat uncommon in this part of Virginia, perched high on some grasses on the slope to the James. A cardinal, our state bird, appeared. Farther along the bank, among the fallen limbs and tangles, many other species came into view. These birds included the blue jay, red-bellied woodpecker, mockingbird, Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, and that charming and flighty elf, the ruby-crowned kinglet.

As I reflect on my walk, I consider that many of the above-mentioned are garden-variety birds. They may be familiar, but they never cease to bring joy and delight. The majestic eagle and the dapper white-crowned sparrow are choice birds for me, but I take pleasure in every bird I see. Each and every species will add a little spice to my notebook this year!


March 2005

On Valentine’s Day I heard meadowlarks whistling in the Shirley fields across from the parking lot. These handsome birds are permanent residents here, and on occasion one will hear their whistle on a winter’s day as spring approaches, their plaintive song will be heard often. Finally I spotted a meadowlark in flight as I walked by the edge of the pasture. A nice Valentine’s treat!

Another favorite bird seen recently at Shirley is the Eastern bluebird. The population of this lovely species has increased here and elsewhere in the country in recent years as more and more people have been putting up bluebird boxes in suitable habitat. Like their cousins the robins, bluebirds are friendly and allow close approach. The other day I observed three birds in all their glory in trees near the James River not far from our famous willow oak tree.

A smaller and less noticeable feathered friend you may encounter on the estate is the yellow-rumped warbler, our common wintering warbler species. Listen for the “check!” call he gives as he flies about the plantation grounds. I have seen this flighty little creature near the big house and the kitchen building. Smaller than a sparrow and dainty in build, he gives himself away when he displays his bright yellow rump.

As you seek the busy yellow-rumped warbler, keep an eye out for this other wintering species you are likely to encounter near the big house: the junco and the white-crowned sparrow. Juncos or “snowbirds” are often seen here in small flocks as they feed on the side of the entrance road or near the various dependencies. An excellent place to discover the white-crowned sparrow is the area of the formal gardens. The paths provide a place to forage, and the bushes suitable locations for cover.


April 2005

On the evening of March 14th I was thrilled to observe a flock of tundra swans in V-formation flight over the plantation grounds. The wonder of the sight was enhanced by the rather eerie, high-pitched calls of the magnificent all-white birds as they moved overhead. The very next afternoon Randy Carter and I enjoyed seeing a flock on the pond beyond the horse pasture. These splendid creatures winter with us, but they are now preparing to move to the far northern tundra where they will breed.

Not only do the swans’ sense spring in the air, but also our more familiar yard birds are responding to the advent of the season. Flocks of common grackles and American robins are now appearing on the grounds. The cardinals are delighting us with their cheery whistle. Meadowlarks and killdeer are calling from the Shirley fields.

Although spring has indeed arrived, some of our winter residents will remain a while. Snowbirds still are foraging on the lawn. Large groups of ring-billed gulls still are visiting the open pastures. An occasional wintering duck is spotted.

Now is a wonderful time of transition. The earth is returning to life. Our winged creatures are responding to the miracles of spring.


May 2005

I’ve heard it said that the last week in April and the first ten days of May are the peak periods for migrating birds returning to Virginia. Some of those migrants will only briefly visit us and then move on to our northern states or Canada to breed; others will spend the warm months here with us in Virginia.

Recently I saw several such species, who will nest in our state, flying over Shirley. Cleaving the bright morning sky with their aerial displays were two types of swallows: the barn swallow with the true “swallow-tail” and the handsome tree swallow. Barn swallows last year nested in the venerable Shirley stables.

Keeping company in the air with the swallows were chimney swifts, those birds with the crescentic wing pattern described by ornithologists often as “cigars with wings.” Peterson refers to them in this way in his guide. Watch for them in the evenings to descend down the chimneys of the Shirley dependencies where they will roost.

Also observed this morning was a pair of handsome orchard orioles. I watched them play tag over and over again about the Shirley formal gardens. Me thinks romance was indeed in the air.


June 2005

The unseasonably cool weather during May has made getting outside and watching our feathered friends all the more pleasant and delightful. Spring migration reaches its peak in May. Many species are merely taking a breather as they pass through Virginia, perhaps on their way to New England or Canada to breed. The majority of the winter visitors here have long since departed, though one may occasionally spy a straggler. Our own resident birds are nesting, and some species already have little ones to care for. What a glorious time it is!

Last Sunday the 22nd the lawn at Shirley near the James River was turning with bird life. In the distance near the pond at the end of the polo field I could observe Canada geese with a number of “adolescent” gooslings. Near them in the pose of a sentry stood a stately great blue heron. Over the actual yard of the estate red-winged blackbirds were flying, their scarlet epaulets flashing in the sun. Orchard orioles were all over the place; I believe they will probably nest here. An elegant study in black and white, the handsome Eastern kingbird was observed in a tree near the fence which separates the yard from the polo area. This “king” of the flycatchers may also nest with us at Shirley this summer. Our open fields and country setting provide perfect spots for kingbirds to sit on wires and fences and thus survey the ambient air for insects.

Another thrill that same day was the spotting of two warbler species in a large holly tree near the slope to the James River. A natty male redstart, usually so flighty, actually sat at rest on a branch and allowed close contemplation. His red, black, and white garb makes him one of the handsomest warblers. Not far from the restart was a blackpoll warbler, so named for his dark cap. Birders say that when the black polls move through, spring migration is nearing its end. No wonder they wear black and white for Mother Nature’s spring events! They know it is always fashionable to be a little late.

I like to think the glories of the yard that Sunday in May were presaged by the appearance of a wild turkey near the dirt entrance road to Shirley early that morning. What a pleasure for Jane Burhop and me to observe that most marvelous of our gallinaceous birds!


September 2005

Birds tend to be rather quiet in August. The end of the nesting season draws near, although one will continue to see the parent birds feeding the little ones for some time. Even a robin which looks almost fully grown loves to beg a treat from his indulgent parents.

Some birds on occasion during these warm summer days will call or burst into song. On the 10th of August, a brilliant indigo bunting was pouring forth his pleasant warble near one of the horse pastures at Shirley. Typical of his species, the handsome fellow was perched out in the open for all to see. On the same day I heard bobwhites calling here and there about the property.

As the summer wanes another species to watch for here is the colorful and charming goldfinch. This late nester enjoys the weedy fields and the variety of seeds which they have to offer. In flight, the American goldfinch emits a distinctive call, which some birders say resembles “potato chip.”

The squeaky notes and the thin call of the delightful ruby-throated hummingbird rarely alert one to the tiny jewel’s presence; rather it is the characteristic buzzing of the little elf which pricks the birder’s ear. No summer in Virginia would be complete without several encounters with these marvelous creatures. The beautiful flowers in the Shirley formal gardens behind the gift shop provide temptations too strong to resist for the glorious hummers.

Remember especially in August to watch for the birds early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Wear a hat and light clothing. Take some water and a snack and keep your strolls short. Then when Mother Nature surprises you with her treasures, you’ll not only be delighted, but you’ll feel better too.


October 2005

Several of my colleagues at Shirley have asked me recently about the large black birds often seen perched in the bare tree by the James River —the same tree that tends to host eagles in the winter and ospreys in the summer. Those large black birds are black vultures, one of two vulture species we have in Virginia. Both species—the black vulture and the turkey vulture — are often called by the colloquial term “buzzard."

Although the turkey vulture is the more common species in North America, both turkey and black vultures are prevalent at Shirley. Indeed the Southern states are the domain of the black vulture. Turkey and black vultures are both common in Virginia.

To distinguish between the species it is important to learn the flight patterns. The turkey vulture, the larger of the two species, holds its wings in a characteristic V. This V pattern is often referred to as a dihedral. The bird watcher will observe the turkey vulture tilting back and forth with the winds. On the other hand, the black vulture keeps its wings fairly flat, usually flapping them several times between periods of soaring. In flight the ends of the black vulture’s wings show white, a diagnostic field mark.

Both species are scavengers. On the country roads near Shirley one will often encounter the birds feeding on carrion. The close observer will note the naked red head of the larger, browner turkey vulture, and the naked gray head of the black vulture. Immature turkey vultures also have gray heads. Although their diet may seem ghastly and gruesome, the vultures perform a necessary task in the maintenance of our natural world.

Thomas B. McCary