With continuing hot and humid weather in the valley, I did some late morning birding up on the Blue Ridge Parkway where the tempeature was in the upper 70s. I did most of my birding at the Hickory Springs Overlook (mm. 12) where American Redstarts and Cerulean Warblers nest. It was a challenge to "dig" out the birds from the dense tree and ground vegetation, but I did manage to see at least 13 avian species at that overlook.
American Redstart
Cerulean Warbler
I saw a very young Cerulean Warbler, or possibly two of them. These photos show a red throat on the warbler(s) - most likely a bare spot where feathers have not yet grown in. I am not sure if all of the Cerulean Warbler photos below are the same bird or two of them.
Immature Cerulean Warbler
Immature Cerulean Warbler
Immature Cerulean Warbler
Immature Cerulean Warbler
Immature Cerulean Warbler
Immature Cerulean Warbler
A juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk did a fly over, and other birds were staying in the shade of the trees.
Red-shouldered Hawk
Yellow-throated Vireo
Wood Thrush
Eastern Towhee
American Goldfinch
Butterflies were easier photo targets.
Swallowtails