Cerulean Warbler
It was hotter and muggier today than yesterday, so I had to go to higher and cooler elevations to do some birding. I got to the parkway at 10:00 a.m. took my usual route along the first 12 miles of Route 610/Blue Ridge Parkway. Once again, the foliage was very dense, making seeing and photographing birds a challenge. Soon after getting onto Route 610 at about mm 2. of the parkway, I stopped at the entrance to the old tower and birded along the road. I saw 9 avian species there, including 5 warbler species: American Redstart, Cerulean, Black and White, Worm-eating, and Ovenbird.
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Ovenbird
American Redstart
First year male American Redstart
Black and White Warbler
I continued south on Route 610, saw a few more American Redstarts and another Ovenbird. This second Ovenbird appeared to be a first year bird. By the time I exited Route 610 and re-entered the parkway near mm. 4, it was 11:30 and I had already logged 18 avian species.
American Redstart
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Ovenbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
I continued south on the parkway, but didn't see or hear many birds. My last stop going south was at Hickory Springs Overlook (mm. 12), where I added three more avian species to my trip list: Carolina Wren, American Goldfinch, and at least three Hooded Warblers.
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Female Hooded Warbler
Female Hooded Warbler
I turned around and took the same route back, except for continuing on Route 610 all the way to Rockfish Gap. I added 4 more avian species, bringing my day trip to total to 25 avian species.
Pipevine Swallowtails
More bugs: bee and Black-and-yellow Lichen Moth