Date: 8/31/26 5:46 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Common Nighthawks
We had 52 nighthawks this evening. Had a report of hundreds over Brush Creek Falls Rd & 273 in Athens, both locations in Mercer County. We are glad folks are getting to see them! Jim & Judy Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 8/31/26 4:10 am From: Jack OConnell <jack...> Subject: Nighthawks - Greenbrier Co.
I'm not getting the numbers that Jim and others have reported, but observations have been at a relatively regular pace and all are heading South. Saw 11 between 7:00 and 7:50 PM yesterday.
Jack
Date: 8/30/26 6:01 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Common Nighthawks
We saw 22 nighthawks this evening. Also heard a barred owl & a great horned owl. Had a report of 100 nighthawks over Princeton, Mercer County. We have a skunk that roams around our yard while we are watching for nighthawks. Jim & Judy Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 8/29/26 3:50 am From: Jack OConnell <jack...> Subject: Nighthawks - Greenbrier Co.
After seeing Jim's posts about his nighthawks I decided that I'd better go out and take a look last evening. Bingo! I saw 12 between 7:00 PM and 7:50 PM.
Jack
Date: 8/23/26 6:42 am From: MFowler <monty...> Subject: Hummer update
We have two pairs of Rubythroated hummers who visit the feeder regularly, the males less than the females. I would characterize this as a normal level activity for us, although it started about a month later than we're used to.
Date: 8/20/26 7:59 am From: Bruni Haydl <bruni...> Subject: Little things add up
There is nowhere near the usual bird activity in the yard except for the hummingbirds who are very busy fattening up for their migration.
One of them was sipping from the ant cup, something I hadn't seen before. That was a good reminder to clean them as well when you replenish the nectar.
A few times I've glimpsed a Blue-gray gnatcatcher in the trees out front. The other day I was on my patio and got to see one darting in and out of the quince shrub. They are sooo tiny. What a treat!
The Carolina wrens that nested in my hanging basket have fledged. It was fun to have them right outside the front door.
When I cut grass, I'm sometimes followed by a Flycatcher. The mowing stirs up insects. They often perch so close on a limb or garden wire that I can almost touch them.
A young female Towhee has been coming to the birdbath. Still getting an occasional Baltimore Oriole and some Robins.
With the increase in butterflies, moths and their cool caterpillars things are never boring. Discoveries around every corner.
Date: 8/8/26 6:44 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Common Nighthawk
Today, at 8:30 p.m., I saw a common nighthawk fly past our house. I watched for 20 minutes but didn't see anymore. Jim Phillips Summers County Pipestem, WV
Date: 8/3/26 4:28 pm From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 3, 2026
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Mon, Aug 3, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 3, 2026
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Summers, West Virginia, US
Aug 3, 2026 2:58 PM - 3:53 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.75 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 81 degrees
14 species
Canada Goose 53
Mallard 6
Great Egret 3
Great Blue Heron 7
Black Vulture 1
Turkey Vulture 5
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 4 2 adults, 2 juveniles
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
American Crow 3
Carolina Wren 1
American Goldfinch 3
Date: 8/2/26 7:49 am From: James Phillips <jimandjudyphillips...> Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 1, 2026
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From: <do-not-reply...>
Date: Sun, Aug 2, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Aug 1, 2026
To: <jimandjudyphillips...>
Bluestone SP--Mouth of the Bluestone, Summers, West Virginia, US
Aug 1, 2026 1:35 PM - 2:13 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.75 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: 82 degrees, cloudy
14 species
Canada Goose 2
Great Egret 1
Great Blue Heron 3
Black Vulture 3
Turkey Vulture 14
Osprey 2
Bald Eagle 6 1 adult, 1 sub-adult and 4 immatures.
We were surprised as well. We watched the birds for about 20 minutes. They
were circling, talon tagging and chasing each other in open sky with turkey
& black vultures, common ravens & an osprey for comparison. There are two
active nests within a mile and a half of this location. All six were in
view at the same time.
Earlier in the day, we saw another adult along New River about 10 miles
from this location.
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Kingbird 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 3
Common Raven 4
American Robin 4
Indigo Bunting 1
Date: 8/2/26 6:06 am From: Bruni Haydl <bruni...> Subject: Dynamic duo
Yesterday's bird activity in the backyard was pretty slow. Lots of young Titmice and the usual assortment of Chickadees, Gray Catbirds, Chipping sparrows and woodpeckers.
About 4:00 PM I decided to take my book out to the patio just in case something different showed up. I was happy to see the female Towhee but when a male Tanager landed in the pedestal bath I couldn't believe my luck. AND he brought his mate along. Managed to get some cell phone shots, good enough to record the event. Sure made my day.
