Cerulean Warbler
It started out sunny this morning, but then quickly turned breezy with mostly cloud cover. I wanted to try Route 610 again between mm. 2 and mm. 4 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, where I had seven warbler species two days ago. This morning, I only logged six of them, and the easiest to hear and often see, Pine Warbler, was absent. Pine Warblers have been there for about a month, and I wonder if they are already sitting on eggs and not flitting about? I saw one Cerulean, two Black and White, and several American Redstarts, but only heard multiple Ovenbirds, Hooded Warblers, and Worm-eating Warblers, and I decided not to spend a lot of time trying to see them again.
Cerulean Warbler
American Redstart
Black and White Warbler
I did get three first of year birds up there, on 610 and while hiking the parkway from 610 to the Rockfish Valley Overlook: Indigo Bunting, Gray Catbird, and Red-eyed Vireo.
Indigo Bunting
Red-eyed Vireo
Northern Cardinal
By the time I finished up there, I had logged 22 avian species. I decided to try my luck at nearby Ridgeview Park in Waynesboro. The wooded areas were busier with walkers/talkers than I would have liked, but once I got away from them, I added 15 more avian species to my day list, including two more warbler species: Yellow-rumped Warblers and my first of year Northern Parula, and saw another Gray Catbird.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Parula
Gray Catbird
I haven't had a double-digit warbler species day yet this year, so I did a little more birding back in Old Trail to look for the Common Yellowthroats, Yellow Warbler, and Pine Warblers I have been seeing there. I got quick looks at both a Common Yellowthroat and a flying Yellow Warbler, but not long enough for any photos that were in-focus, but once again, could not see or hear a Pine Warbler. Well, these two warblers plus a few other avian species gave me 44 for the day, including 10 warbler species. A good way to start off the month of May!