We birded in the NW edge of Rockingham Co. today and had a few good
surprises. The most wanted bird was BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER and we were not
disappointed. We found 4 total, in 2 different spots (2 @ each spot).
We drove up to the top on State Rd 818 (Little Dry River Road), which turns
into FR 87 until the top. Then we drove South on FR 85.2 until we reached
the WV line, then turned back. The best spot was at the intersection of FR
85.2 and FR 72 (as it often is).
Biggest surprise of all was on the way back to Hwy 259, along Little Dry
River Road - a single BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON, flying parallel to the
creek, and eventually following the river valley to the East.
Here's the list with locations noted:
Broad-winged Hawk - 1 (near the top of FR 87)
Blue-headed Vireo - many, mostly along the top
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 (FR87 clearing & camping spot)
Veery - 8-10 or more; FR 85.2/72, etc
Black-throated Blue Warbler - 6
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER - 4 singing males (2 seen); FR 87 & FR 87/232C
Black-throated Green Warbler - 3
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER - 4 males (all seen, VERY close); FR 85.2/72 & FR
87/232C
Black-capped Chickadees - 2 - heard and seen FR 87/23C
Juncos---10 to 12 singing males and road gravellers
Pine Warbler - 3 singing males (1 seen)
Black-and-white Warbler - 4
Redstart -12; FR 87
Worm-eating Warbler - 3
Ovenbird - lots; 2 CO-CF (carrying food)
Louisiana Waterthrush - 1 (lower down, on the way home)
Hooded Warbler - 5 singing males; mostly along the upper road
Tanagers & RB Grosbeaks go without saying, as do many other common birds
along the way. All in all, another GREAT DAY in the mountains!
Jon & BJ Little
Winchester
