november birding at boxerwood

Seven birders enjoyed a clear crisp morning at Boxerwood. The Red Breasted Nuthatches which have been seen for several months now, were first heard and then spotted almost as soon as we gathered at the Parking area. Others were later seen down by the Lodge. Highlight of the morning was an excellent views of a single Fox Sparrow patiently waiting on a branch for all binoculars to spot it surrounded by a huge flock of White Throated Sparrows, the high count bird of the day. Also, a circling Sharp-Shinned Hawk was spotted in the field, giving a nice opportunity to check out the key ID features. 
Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden, Rockbridge, Virginia, US
Dec 3, 2016 7:45 AM - 9:35 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments:     Clear but cold (36)
25 species

Black Vulture  2
Turkey Vulture  25
Sharp-shinned Hawk  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  2
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  6
Carolina Chickadee  10
Tufted Titmouse  10
Red-breasted Nuthatch  6     RBNU's have been present here for several months. Clear views of at several separate locations while hearing birds calling at other locations. Six birds is a conservative posting.
White-breasted Nuthatch  8
Carolina Wren  5
Eastern Bluebird  6
American Robin  6
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  14
Fox Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  50
Song Sparrow  4
Eastern Towhee  2
Northern Cardinal  15
American Goldfinch  10

The 2017 Season begins on Saturday, January 7th. But don't forget the Rockbridge Christmas Bird Count on December 17th in two weeks. Check in with Dick Rowe for an assignment. KK