American Redstart
I headed up to the Blue Ridge Parkway this morning in an attempt to find migrating warblers, as May 20 is the nominal last date to see them here until autumnal migration. It was quite windy up there, and with full leaf cover, seeing warblers high up in the trees was a challenge. I heard five of the six breeding warblers there, American Redstart, Hooded, Cerulean, Ovenbird, and Black and White, but only saw two of these species. I didn't hear any Worm-eating Warblers, but they breed here.
American Redstart
American Redstart
Black and White Warbler
I saw my first of year Least Flycatcher.
Least Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Other noteworthy species were Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireos, Wood Thrushes, and Scarlet Tanagers. For now, I'll have to go looking for breeding warbler species in other area habitats. Well, the mountain laurel was in bloom. Too bad we're too far north for the mountain race of Swainson's Warbler, as they like to nest near mountain laurel.
Mountain laurel