MOST unexpected was the HIGH number of CERULEAN WARBLERS that we found up there
this morning (7:30-11:00 or so). My best estimate for the total number of
singing males is 25-30 or more. Considering how much they are declining
worldwide, and how many we encountered today, I have to assume that most were
simply migrants, just heading North (perhaps there was a big fallout here last
night?). I know that there might be a few males that actually breed up there,
but today, there were WAY more than could be explained as being breeders.
What was SO surprising about these birds, was that most were seen singing from
perches in the understory - midstory (halfway as high as we normally see them).
Of all my encounters with this species, I never remember seeing so many
individuals in so small of an area. At any rate, it was quite a treat!
Other birds of note:
Acadian FC - 1or 2
Great Crested FC
Blue-headed Vireo - only 1 (near parking lot)
RC Kinglet - 1
Wood Thrush - many
Scarlet Tanager - MANY!
White-throated Sparrow - I thought they should be gone by now?
WARBLERS:
Parula - 1
Black-throated Blue - 6-8
Yellow-rumped - a bunch
Black-throated Green
Cerulean - see above!
Black-and-white - 2
Redstart - lots
Worm-eating - 6-8 (mostly on the lower AT trail)
Ovenbird - 8+
Louisiana WT - 1 (along the creek where the horse trail meets the AT) -
somewhat unexpected!)
Kentucky - 1 only
Hooded - lots, of course
Jon & BJ Little
Winchester
