Seeing things: Birds we think we see, but don’t

By Thelma Dalmas
Published: April 8, 2008

In spite of the weather conditions that ushered in the much-needed rain, the migrants are returning for the nesting season.

The hummingbirds are back just to the east of us, and I heard my first Louisiana waterthrush of the season by the creek behind our house on Sunday. For those of you who are just beginning to develop an interest in birds, and for some who have had a long-term “casual acquaintance” with their feathered friends, spring is the perfect time to learn more about the birds here in Central Virginia.

There are a number of misconceptions about bird distribution, and even those who are fairly attentive to the visitors at the feeders sometimes become confused about our more common species. For instance, I often hear remarks similar to these (although my response is usually a bit more diplomatic than that given below).

“I see many black-capped chickadees in my yard.”
No, you don’t. Since 1927, we have had only one report of black-capped chickadees on the Lynchburg winter bird census, but Carolina chickadees are quite common.

“Purple finches nest in my hanging pots during the summer.”

We have never had a breeding record of purple finches in Central Virginia, but since the late 1960s, house finches have become plentiful.

“The bluebirds have returned, so spring must be near.”
Bluebirds do not migrate in our area and, in fact, we count higher numbers during the winter than any other time of year. The birds don’t actually become more abundant in cold weather, but they form flocks then and are easier to find.

If you would like to become more knowledgeable about the birdlife in our region, I suggest that you obtain a copy of “The Birds of Lynchburg.” Since this publication has no pictures, it is not useful for identification. However, if you see an indigo bunting and think that you might have found something rare, it would be helpful to know that we counted 307 individuals on the 1980 June census.

Probably the single most helpful tool in becoming familiar with birds is an understanding of which species are likely to be found in a given area. If you have little or no idea of what might be present, your learning curve will be very slow. I am always reminded of this painful fact whenever I travel outside of the United States and have to struggle through an unfamiliar field guide.

You may purchase a copy of “The Birds of Lynchburg” by contacting the treasurer of the bird club at 853 Russell Woods Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24503. The price is $13, which includes postage.

News and Notes
The Lynchburg Bird Club will sponsor a field trip along the country roads in Appomattox and Campbell counties this Saturday. Meet at 8 a.m. at Fairview Square Shopping Center (at the intersection of Florida and Campbell avenues). Bring a beverage and snack. We will finish by noon. For more information, call (434) 298-7773.