It was really hot today. With early morning temperatures in the mid-70s, and afternoon temperatures forecasted for the upper 80s, Walt Childs and I opted to do some early morning birding at Ridgeview Park in Waynesboro, and then head to higher elevations and cooler temperatures on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Ridgeview Park wasn't very "birdy," perhaps because of the higher temperatures, or perhaps from park maintenance on the trails yesterday that may have scared some of the birds away.
Pine Siskin
Gray Catbird
We birded along the first 24 miles of the parkway, and temperatures ranged between 78 and 82, even at these higher elevations. It seemed like everywhere we stopped, we saw/heard Cerulean Warblers, Hooded Warblers, and American Redstarts.
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warbler
American Redstart
American Redstart
American Redstart
American Redstart
American Redstart
We saw/heard Worm-eating Warblers at a couple of locations, and heard Ovenbirds at multiple locations. I saw four of the Ovenbirds, but not long enough to get any photos.
Worm-eating Warbler
We saw a couple of hawks soaring above the parkway.
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
At our last stop, I heard a Black and White Warbler, and got some photos of a Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler