Blue Ridge Parkway 4/15/10


The first week of May last year at Hickory Springs Overlook (elevation 2940) on the Blue Ridge Parkway was great for warblers, so I decided to go up there this morning to look for early migrants. At that elevation, the trees were just starting to open, and all I saw were Eastern Towhees and Dark-eyed Juncos. I did see an unusual Junco with a white throat bar - any idea if this is a sub-species or just a leucistic mark?


Dark-eyed Junco

Last year in almost the same spot I photographed a DEJ with white wing bars, but this one is not of that type.


Dark-eyed Junco with white wing bars

At 2800 feet, I also saw Titmice and Robins. Went to Pioneer Farm at even lower elevation to look for American Woodcocks, but it was already 9:30 and I didn't know where to look for them once I got there. Did see Phoebes and Chipping Sparrows there.

My best guess is that it will be another two weeks before birding at 3,000 feet will be worthwhile, and mid-May before I try up on Wintergreen mountain at 3900 feet.



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