Tennessee Warbler
With the continuing summer-like temperatures and humidity, I opted for cooler and drier birding at higher elevations. I hadn't been to Mint Springs Park in Crozet for a few months, so I went there and hiked the long and steep Fire Trail, and then part way along where it leveled off. I was really disappointed - only seven common woodland species, and only a few of them as well. I then decided to try my usual autumn route on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a short way on adjacent and parallel Route 610. I arrived there at 11:00 a.m., and didn't see much on the first seven miles of the parkway/610 - just a few woodland birds and the bottom side of a Black-throated Green Warbler.
I stopped at the lower end of the cirque at mm 7.5, and saw a good sized flock of mixed warbler species foraging in the tall weeds adjacent to the parkway. There must have been 20 or more warblers in that flock, but unfortunately, a long line of automobiles and noisy motorcycles streamed by after only eight minutes, and scattered the warblers deep into the woods. However, I was able to photograph six warbler species before they scattered.
Tennessee Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
I saw a Black and White warbler in that mix, and it was the only one I have ever seen with yellow feet.
Black and White Warbler
Black and White Warbler
I stopped at the top of the cirque and didn't see any warblers, but was treated to seeing a black bear. I saw one at this same location last May, as well as twice before in previous years. Several years ago, one of the park rangers told me that there was a bear den nearby.
Black Bear
I did some more birding without much success on the parkway, turned around, and re-entered Route 610 near mm. 4. I saw two small flocks of mixed warblers that brought my warbler species count to 10 for the day, as well as my first-of-season Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Magnolia Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Pine Warbler
Pine Warbler
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
It was another good birding day!