Field Trip Report: Annual Meeting 2022

Photos, from left to right: Swainson’s Warbler - David Clark, Birders at Washington Ditch -Laura Mae, Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Nest- Laura Mae

The field trips for the VSO 2022 Annual Meeting began early on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, with groups of eager VSO birders gathered at the three main entry portals on the west side of Great Dismal Swamp NWR in Suffolk VA for an exciting morning of birdwatching.  The weather was excellent if a bit cool all three days.  Pairs of guides coordinated the walks and provided effective leadership for each group. Special thanks go to those guides: David Clark, Peggy Rommen, Tracy Tate, Ken Markley, Laura Mae, Saundra Winstead, Tom St. Andre, Bob Ake, Judy Hinch, Dianne Hinch, Terri Cuthriell, Steve Myers, Elisa Flanders, Brandon Holland, Dave Youker, and Dave Brown.

Over the three days the groups recorded a total of 100 bird species. A spreadsheet with those species and the numbers can be found HERE.

Many great looks with photos were had of Swainson’s Warblers, perhaps the most sought-after species of the weekend.  A total of 20 species of warblers were listed many of which are breeding species in the swamp.  A rarity highlight was a Swallow-tailed Kite along Railroad Ditch that performed for a few lucky observers. 

The damage from the tornado which ripped a 4-mile, hundred yards wide swath two years ago across Railroad and Washington Ditches produced an increase in some species like Blue Grosbeak not normally associated with the interior of the swamp.  With more tree stubs, the woodpeckers of the swamp put on a good show including many great views of Red-headed Woodpeckers.

A pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at a nest over Washington Ditch and a pair of Prothonotary Warblers building a nest in a dirt cavity in the base of upturned tree roots were nesting highlights.