July 3, 2004, 0745-1215 -- Peter Van Acker and I birded the ridge road of
Shenandoah Mtn. in western Rockingham Co. along the WV border. We intended
to attain the summit of Bother Knob, listed at 4344 ft, but never found the
hiking trail to it. Nevertheless, most of the territory surveyed was above
4000 ft.
As expected at this elevation, there were lots of juncos and Black-capped
Chickadees. Juveniles and family groups of both species were repeatedly
seen.
One of the first pleasant surprises was a single female Blackburnian Warbler
near the top of a tall hemlock tree. This was within 1/4 mile of turning on
to the forest service road from 924. It was the only Blackburnian Warbler
encountered and was soon displaced by a male Yellow-rumped Warbler that flew
into the same hemlock and started singing. At least 7 such "Myrtle"
Warblers were seen or heard, all within conifer stands (mostly red spruce
and diseased hemlocks).
Other warblers included:
Black-throated Green -- the most numerous warbler; including one family
group with 3 fledged young attended by two adults.
Black-throated Blue -- 6, including 1 adult male feeding a fledgling.
Black and White -- 2
Ovenbird -- 1 or 2 heard as we drove up 924.
Chestnut Sided -- 1; on Reddish Knob in Augusta Co. (not encountered on the
Rockingham Co. side!)
Canada -- 1; on Reddish Knob in Augusta Co. (not encountered on the
Rockingham Co. side!)
Of the other "target" species we managed to hear 5 Red-breasted Nuthatches,
all in spruce stands, and 3 singing Winter Wrens. The wrens were along the
side road that heads towards Bother Knob (from which we could not find the
hiking trail to the top). They were all in deep deciduous woods along steep
rocky hillsides. We were surprised at the close proximity of the distinct
singing territories (3 within less than 1/2 mile). Peter spotted one of
the little rascals as it warbled and trilled from atop a tree stump.
Target birds that we did NOT find include Brown Creeper, Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Magnolia Warbler. These are all
species that have been recorded as summer records and
possible/probable/confirmed breeders in the past. I encourage others to
visit some of Virginia's higher peaks this month and report what birds you
find, as these will undoubtedly be breeders. We need more summer records of
the species listed above. Perhaps you can find rarer species such as
Swainson's Thrush, Purple Finch, Saw-whet Owl, Red Crossbill, Mourning
Warbler, Olive-sided or Alder Flycatcher. In addition to possibly finding
some great birds, I guarantee you will enjoy the spectacular vistas afforded
from some of these peaks and you'll certainly welcome the escape from the
human crowds and sweltering heat of the valleys, piedmont or coast.
John Spahr
Waynesboro
P.S. -- Other species found:
Turkey Vultures
Canada Goose -- 2 honkers flew over the ridge
Carolina Wren
Cedar Waxwing -- they seem to enjoy perching on dead conifer tips
Blue-headed Vireos -- the default vireo at this elevation.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak -- 2 probable juveniles
Veery -- at least 5 heard; several seen.
Hairy Woodpecker -- 2
Raven
Chipping Sparrow -- lots
Eastern Towhee
Scarlet Tanager -- few
Catbird
Indigo Bunting -- of course
Chimney Swift
Blue Jay
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