Powerlines

Two powerline corridors deliver electrical power from Surry Power Plant to Richmond, VA, etc. Both cross the Carlisle Tract (interior) portion of Hog Island WMA = a great space of open brush/shrubbery for birding.

These shots from the recent BirdingPI.com ‘road trip.’ First up, lovely Indigo Bunting, both male and female:

Indigo Bunging (m)
Indigo Bunting – takeoff
Indigo Bunting (f)

Lucky to see this beautiful Yellow-breasted Chat:


More male & female Indigo Bunting:


Flurry of activity w/ multiple species. Here, Carolina Wren (left), Blue Grosbeak (female – middle), Indigo Bunting (female – right):

+ Yellow-breasted Chat (bottom right):

Carolina Wren (right) + Yellow-breasted Chat (left):


Carolina Wren

Male Blue Grosbeak made a quick appearance:

More Indigo Bunting (m):


Yellow-breasted Chat

ID tip: Male Blue Grosbeak = chestnut wingbars + larger bill; male Indigo Bunting = black accents + smaller bill.

Location note: these shots taken at the designated parking area here (blue circle/arrow). Accessing this location does not require security check-in.