[Va-bird] LEAST FLYCATCHERS-Amherst Co
- From: Michael Boatwright <mboater@xxxxxxx>
- To: VA Bird <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 22 May 2010 12:11:31 -0400
This morning, 5/22/10, I went searching for LEAST FLYCATCHER in the
northwestern highlands of Amherst Co and was not disappointed. The first
location I looked for the flycatchers was along the Appalachian Trail near Hog
Camp Gap where Mark Johnson,Jim Elder, and Rexanne Bruno had seen them last
summer. At that location, I had 2 Least Flycatchers calling in the area along
the trail to Salt Log Gap above the meadow where there is a stand of dead trees
with blackberry tangles and other low vegetation.
From Hog Camp Gap, I continued down the Forest Service Road past the entrance
to the Mount Pleasant trailhead for about 1 1/2 miles to where a stream
crosses and another forest road turn off to the right. Continuing straight
here and up the road a few tenths of a mile, I heard and saw 3 or 4 Least
Flycatchers on the hillside on the left hand side of the road in the stand of
dead trees there. About 1 mile farther along this road, I heard at least 2
more Least Flycatchers about 7 tenths of a mile before reaching Salt Log Gap.
To reach this area, take US 60 West from Amherst about 18 miles, pass Long
Mountain Wayside and about 1 mile farther west, turn right on 634 ( Coffey Town
Rd). In about 1.5 miles, bear right onto 755 ( Wiggins Springs Rd). Continue
about 2.5 miles up the mountain ( pretty rough road) to Hog Camp Gap where the
AT crosses. Park here and walk the AT up the hill towards Salt Log Gap and look
for the stand of dead trees. From the parking area you can continue on the
forest service road to reach the other 2 spots mentioned above.
Other common highland nesting species seen along these roads this morning were
Chestnut-sided, Canada, Hooded, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green,
Cerulean, Kentucky, Worm-eating, and Black and White Warbler, American
Redstart, Ovenbird, Veery, Yellow-throated, Blue-headed, and Red-eyed Vireo,
Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Dark-eyed Junco.
Good birding,
Mike
Michael R. Boatwright
Amherst, VA
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