VA BIRDers,
I visited Shenandoah NP south along the parkway from Thornton Gap to Big
Meadows today, from about 0615 to 1230. Similar to the stretch from Front
Royal to Thornton Gap on which I reported earlier, this stretch should be
strongly considered on any birder's visit list. It was noticably cooler today
above 2000 feet and pleasant above 3000 feet, although just slightly humid.
There were low clouds, which sometimes blocked or partially blocked the tallest
peaks like Hawksbill and Stony Man (4000+ feet). I birded the turnouts and
some trailheads, plus completed the Limberlost loop and the hike to Hawksbill
from the upper parking area.
There is no question that bird song is decreasing for most species, with
several not heard from today (such as Cerulean which I think should have had at
least one representative). Some species such as Ovenbird were nearly silent
(only one singer today). I totaled 47 species (no Common Grackles as nearly
all of this species has dispersed from natal sites). Note that no E. Starlings
or House Sparrows were observed.
The top Highlight of the Day were the Peregrines at the top of Hawksbill, three
during my visit. At this location 6 birds were hacked this year and another
re-hab'ed falcon was released. Also present today with 2 of this year's birds
was one subadult male who was hacked at that site last year. All the birds put
on a fine show, flying and calling and screaming, esp. at a Common Raven trying
to take their food. The subadult male apparently is showing some attention to
one of the females from this year's effort. We are all hoping they will pair
as Peregrine's last nested at SNP in the late 90's.
Other highlights today were Broad-winged Hawk 2 or 3 miles south of the tunnel,
No. Bobwhite (not often encountered at SNP), a fine Ruby-throated Hummer
showing with 7 tallied, excellent tallies for Blue-headed Vireo and DE Junco,
Chestnut-sided Warbler and Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and a Canada Warbler which
came into my pish about 1/3 of the way up Hawksbill - a male, no singing.
The Limberlost Trail was once again a great spot to visit with several species
pishing in quite easily into a bare tree at the parking lot making for fine
observations. The trail also produced several Veerys, Blue-headed Vireos and
Hooded Warblers. The downside is the obvious effects of the woolly adelgid
which has killed over 90% of the Hemlocks at this location (old ones folks,
100+ yrs old). I do not think this location will produce possible breeding
Red-breasted Nuthatch or Blackburnian Warblers as in years past. Also,
Black-throated Blue and Green Warblers were absent along my path at SNP today,
probably also reflecting the effects of the Hemlock destruction.
The top 10 species in tallies today were: E. Towhee (81), Indigo Bunting (34),
Red-eyed Vireo (33), DE Junco (29), Gray Catbird (27), Chipping Sparrow (26),
Am. Redstart (26), Blue-headed Vireo (14), Cedar Waxwing (14), E. Wood Pewee
(10). Honorable mention to Hooded Warbler with 10 tallies.
Although not a great amount of singing (only 7 warblers noted), there was still
good activity by many species esp. with regard to the raising of young.
Breeding confirmations were: Blue-headed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Chestnut-sided
Warbler, Black & White Warbler, Am. Redstart, Hooded Warbler, Scarlet Tanager,
E. Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, DE Junco, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting,
and Brown-headed Cowbird (DE Junco feeding it).
Kurt Gaskill
.
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