Fox
We had sub-freezing temperatures overnight, and I thought that getting out early would mean that there wouldn't be too many people out in this cold weather. Once again, I was on the hunt for warblers. Today turned out to be an amazing birding day. I decided to go first to Ridgeview Park in Waynesboro, and then up to Route 610 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Ridgeview ParkI arrived at 9:15, and walked down a short path from the main trail to an area where a small creek is separated from the river. This is where I saw five warbler species three days ago. There weren't any warblers at that spot this morning. Three days aso, I saw a fox at that spot, and I did as well this morning. But this time the fox stopped and looked back at me.
Fox
There was a rustle right next to my foot, and I looked down to see a Fox kit less than a foot away. That's why the adult fox was watching.
Fox kit
The kit scampered off, and I continued on my hike. A short distance farther down the trail, I saw a Solitary Sandpiper in the creek. I think that this is the first time I have ever seen a shorebird in that park. I looked up and saw a Crow chasing an Osprey.
Solitary Sandpiper
When I got to the soccer field, I saw my second thrush of the morning (I had already seen American Robins). I think that this was a Swainson's Thrush (my first one of the year). It might have been a Gray-cheeked Thrush as its buffy spectacles weren't very bold, but they were buffy and the eye ring was complete.
Swainson's Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
I saw a few more species as I hiked along the soccer field.
Barn Swallow
A short distance past the bridge, I stopped when I head a Common Yellowthroat, but did not see it. I turned and looked back, and there was another fox!
Fox
And then I got three more warbler species. A Northern Parula was high up in a tree, and a Nashville Warbler (my 21st warbler species of 2020) was lower down. Unfortunately, the only unobstructed photos I got of the Nashville Warbler were way out of focus, but I also heard it singing for species confirmation. I looked up and saw a Yellow Warbler there as well.
Northern Parula
Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
By the time I left Ridgeview Park, I had 28 avian species for the morning, including the 4 warbler species. I also saw an Eastern Bluebird, giving me three thrush species.
Route 610/Blue Ridge ParkwayBy now, it was warmer, and Route 610 was a highway of traffic. Closing the first 13.5 miles of the parkway hasn't done a thing to stop people from going to Humpback Rocks. They're parking on Route 610 near mm. 4, and hiking 1.5 miles to Humpback Rocks. But even with dodging cars all along Route 610, I added 12 more avian species, including 2 more thrushes and 6 more warblers. I heard Wood Thrushes and saw a Gray-cheeked Thrush. This one clearly had whitish and partial eye-rings.
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Gray-cheeked Thrush
I got my first of year Scarlet Tanager.
Scarlet Tanager
There were a few warblers along there, including three Cerulean Warblers.
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
American Redstart
American Redstart
Pine Warbler
Ovenbird
The highlight of the day for me was the third Cerulean Warbler. I had just taken its photo (above), when it flew down next to me, bathed in a puddle, and then hopped up right in front of me. It stayed there for about 10 minutes preening. Here are just a few of the photos I took of this bird.
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Well, that was neat to see!