Forster's Tern

One of several medium-sized terns that are similar in appearance, the Forster's Tern breeds primarily in marshes and winters along the coasts. The comma-shaped black ear patch in winter plumage is distinctive, but some other plumages are very confusing. Forster's Tern is the only tern restricted almost entirely to North America throughout the year.

"Three Forster's visited Burkes Garden on September 25, 2015 when a high pressure in New England and a low pressure on South Carolina's Atlantic Coast produced eastward prevailing winds with 40 MPH gusts that was aimed directly at southwest Virginia. The terns were able to ride the winds to Burkes Garden. A rare occurrence".

American Golden-Plover

A large shorebird of pastures, open ground, and mudflats, the American Golden-Plover makes one of the longest migratory journeys of any shorebird. It breeds on the high Arctic tundra of Alaska and Canada and winters in the grasslands of central and southern South America. The bird's migratory routes includes of over 25,000 miles. Of this, 2,400 miles are over open ocean where it cannot stop to feed or drink.
"This Golden-Plover was seen in Burkes Garden on September 21, 2015. A very rare occurrence."