Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Field Trip February 18, 2012
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| Harlequin Ducks at the CBBT – photo by John Ennis |
The Carolina Bird Club is offering a chance to bird one of the more interesting sites along the mid-Atlantic coast, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The complex's four manmade rocky islands act as a magnet for sea ducks, gulls, and other birds. With luck we should be able to leisurely study each of America's three scoter species, (birds more often than not seen in distant, fast-moving lines), enjoy the spectacularly plumaged male Long-tailed Duck, search for shorebirds (including Purple Sandpiper) on the rocks, compare the various plumages of Great and Double-crested Cormorants, and hope for a rarity or two like Common Eider, Common Goldeneye, King Eider, or one of the uncommon gulls.
After spending the morning birding the islands we will continue to the Eastern Shore of Virginia to search for wintering passerines, shorebirds, and whatever else we can find.
- Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012
- Cost: $30
- Limit: 14 participants — registration is now waiting-list only
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| Long-tailed Duck at the CBBT – photo by John Ennis |
Logistics: The trip will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the south toll terminal at the CBBT in Virginia Beach, VA. The $30 registration fee covers the police escort on the CBBT and guided birding throughout the day. Not included are lodging, meals, tolls, or fuel expenses. Participants will likely wish to spend Friday night in Virginia Beach. At this time of year hotel rooms are plentiful and inexpensive. We will combine to as few vehicles as possible Saturday morning for the trip to the bridge islands. There is a toll of $12 to cross the bridge, and $5 to return. Participants will be required to provide government-issued photo ID at the CBBT if requested.
To Sign Up: E-mail Steve Shultz for a registration form or if you have questions. You can also call 919-779-2826. The form and trip fee must be sent to the CBC HQ Secretary no later than 4 weeks prior to the trip in order to provide the Bridge Tunnel Authority with a listing of participants.
The CBBT can be a great place to bird! If you've never been, it is a rewarding experience. Even if the birding is slow (which is usually not the case) the possibility of wintering seals, seagoing ships, and spectacular scenery make the trip worthwhile. Participation is limited to CBC members (but you can join at the same time as you register for the trip!)
Please let Steve know of any questions and look forward to seeing you there!
Bonus Field Trips are open only to CBC members in good standing (i.e., your dues must be paid up). Would you like to go on a field trip but aren't a CBC member? It is perfectly OK to join the CBC at the same time you register for a field trip. Information on joining the CBC can be found on our membership page.
