Cooper's Hawk
I took the long way around up to Wintergreen Mountain mid-morning to see what might be along the north end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The dense foliage made it difficult to see any birds. I stopped at both the cirque between mile markers 7 and 8, and at Hickory Springs overlook near mile marker 12. I heard American Redstarts, Pewees, Goldfinches, Indigo Buntings, Ravens, and Mourning Doves, but the only birds I could see were a few Turkey Vultures, a Cooper's Hawk, and an Eastern Towhee. Less than 100 feet north of the Hickory Springs pull-off, I heard a couple of Cerulean Warblers, but could not see them. This species has been in the same area every time I have been there this year since April 25.
Cooper's Hawk
On Wintergreen Mountain, I stopped at the Raven's Roost overlook (not the same as Raven's Roost overlook on the parkway). I heard a few Goldfinches, Towhees, and Juncos. Although I have not been a lot birds from this site for the past year or so, it's high elevation (3300 feet) often produces some interesting views of high flying birds near the western edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A couple of Chimney Swifts were flying about, and a lone Turkey Vulture came by. And then I was treated to an eye level view of a soaring Broad-winged Hawk. It did not come closer than about 150 feet, and photographic image quality suffered a bit from the hazy, hot, and humid air.
Chimney Swift
Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk