The weather has changed and so have the birds! The Eastern Shore is full of yellow-rumped warblers and white-throated sparrows right now, with just a trickle of migrating hawks moving through. Time to think about the Christmas Bird Counts! As a reminder, the dates and compiler contact information for volunteering for a local Christmas Bird Count are below. Please contact the compiler as soon as possible to volunteer! Beginners are welcome.
Saturday, 12/14/24 – Wachapreague CBC – Victor Klein, vklein3254@aol.com
Saturday, 12/21/24 – Nassawadox CBC – Joette Borzik, vabirdmom@gmail.com
Sunday, 12/29/24-Chincoteague NWR CBC – Kevin Holcomb, kevin_holcomb@fws.gov
Monday, 12/30/24-Cape Charles area – Ellison Orcutt, Mr.ellyo@gmail.com
We have a couple of spots left for a unique late afternoonn field trip on December 11 at 3:00 pm, at the Hills Farm in Greenbush, VA. This private property is protected by a conservation easement with the Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust and includes waterfowl impoundments and various other habitats. Pre-registration is required, as spaces are limited; please contact Joanne Laskowski at 410-253-9141.
In conservation news, Aylett Lipford has the following important announcement regarding the opportunity for the birding public to voice support for the ongoing effort to create a stand-alone island for the seabird nesting colony at Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.
Hello birding community!
Tomorrow, Nov. 14th the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will be hosting a public meeting about finding a permanent solution to the seabird colony that was displaced from the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). If you are unfamiliar with this project, you can read more about it on DWR’s website HERE.
Long story short, the seabird colony was going to be displaced during the start of the HRBT expansion project but due to the hard work and advocacy of many individuals and organizations, the seabird colony was temporarily moved to Fort Wool. Now, DWR is trying to work with the Army Corps to build a permanent island for the birds.
Public advocacy and public comments have been immensely impactful in supporting the seabird colony so please consider attending the meeting and/or submitting a public comment. I will be attending the meeting and if anyone wants to carpool from the shore, feel free to reach out to me.
Information on the meeting and project: https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/About/Projects/HR-Beneficial-Use-of-Dredged-Material/
Information about where to submit comments below:
The Corps will have an open public comment period from November 13 – December 13, 2024. Comments (email, phone, or at the meeting) are welcomed, as are letters of support from the public and stakeholders. Comments and letters should be directed to:
Gina Dotolo
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District
Planning and Policy Branch
803 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Email Gina at: gina.m.dotolo@usace.army.mil
Call Gina at: 757.201.7862
If you are unsure about what to write in a comment, you can just express your support in finding a permanent solution for the seabird colony (such as building an island). If you have any questions feel free to reach out! Roberta has also been very involved in this project so I’m sure you can reach out to her with questions as well.
Best,
Aylett Lipford
(804) 380-2211
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