Upper Blue Gras Valley, Highland County, Monday, April 28 (light
constant rain) -- I saw an immature Lark Sparrow on a fence along 642
(Laurel Fork Rd) near intersection of 643 (Hevener Lane). Got good
looks for half a minute before it flew east and out of sight. Two
return visits within the next hour failed to find the bird. I again
returned yesterday, again with no sightings of it. There have been a
few other spring records of this species in Highland. Speaking of
sparrows, I had moderate success finding a nice variety, including lots
of Chipping and Song Sparrows, a few Field Sparrows, one Swamp Sparrow
(Rt 600 near US 84), several Vesper Sparrows in the upper Blue Grass
Valley, singing White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows in Monterey;
also, a few towhees and juncos. Hope to see Grasshopper Sparrow and,
with luck, a migrating Lincoln's within the next few weeks.
The Evening Grosbeaks are still at the Beverage's feeder as of
yesterday. I heard Rose-breasted Grosbeaks on Allegheny Mtn. Fun to
get both in one day.
Some other spring arrivals...
Bobolinks -- I had 4 yesterday (4/30) and none on 4/28.
Lots of Yellow Warblers, few yellowthroats and Parulas in the open
valleys. Baltimore Orioles and kingbirds seem to have just arrived. I
noted quite a few Cliff Swallows along with the hundreds of tree, barn
and rough-winged. I went to most of the historic Golden-winged Warbler
sites but failed to hear or see a one. They should be arriving soon.
The highland forests have lots of Blue-headed Vireos, Black-throated
Green Warblers, Black and Whites, and Ovenbirds, with few
Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian and Scarlet Tanagers. Ruffed Grouse are
drumming in multiple locations.
I hope to get over there weekly for the next few months and can report
interesting stuff from this part of the state. Allen Larner and I plan
to do a big day in Highland on May 10.
John Spahr
Staunton
