While walking the Blue Ridge Parkway near MP 105 I saw one Catbird and heard
another. Also heard a Great-crested Flycatcher. Later while I was looking
at a tree trying to identify it, I saw a small bird about the size of a
Goldfinch flitting about in the upper branches. When it finally paused I
could see that it was fairly dark with a large white patch on the wing. I
had no binoculars with me so I don't know what it was. Oh, the tree is a
Chinquapin Oak, I think, not often seen here.
Our 5 Bluebird babies are still alive and well. I was thinking of asking
the list if there are any birds that like to eat the 17-year cicadas. We
are being invaded! Well, this afternoon while my husband was outside, he
saw one of the Bluebirds come and perch on the hummer feeder at the corner
of the deck. After a few seconds a cicada flew by and the bird darted out
and grabbed it! Those bugs are big and juicy and slow moving. I imagine
they would make a good meal for birds. Has anyone seen other birds eating
them?
Nancy Young
Blue Ridge, VA
Botetourt County
