Nature Done Wright

   Rob Fanning, who probably birds at the CF more than almost anybody else, was kind enough to share his Celery Farm highlights.

   Rob is not only hawk-eyed and encyclopedic about bird identifications, he is also incredibly willing to share that knowledge. He is never ruffled or grouse.

 The clay-colored sparrow was officially the 250th bird species seen at the Celery Farm — a result of Rob and other excellent birders frequenting this 109-acre jewel.

   Rob writes:

  Here is what I would say are the top 10 birds that I personally saw at the CF this year.

   1. Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow–9/21–first CF record; extremely unusual away from the coast
   

2. Clay-colored Sparrow–9/30–first CF record

   3. Blue Grosbeak–fem. or Im. 9/30--my first ever at CF–about the 4th or 5th overall CF record

  4. RT Loon (2 flyovers) w/ J. Workman. My first ever at CF–only the 3rd report/record for CF.
  5. Snow Goose–6/3–first June record for CF
  6. Gray-cheeked Thrush–6/1–1st June record for CF
  7. Pine Siskins–30+ on 11/13

  8. Connecticut Warbler–Im. on 9/16
  9. Orange-crowned Warbler–10/15
  10. Olive-sided Flycatcher–8/27
  Honorable
Mention: Bald Eagle (Ims on 9/16 & 10/9); YB Sapsucker (Ims on 9/24
& 10/31); Moorhen (Im. on multiple dates starting 10/15); Mourning
Warbler; multiple sightings of Va Rails; Buffleheads, Am. Bitterns, and
Am Woodcocks.