Yesterday and again today I saw a Pine Warbler in the trees along the Blue
Ridge Parkway near MP 105. I hesitated to say anything as I am no expert on
warblers. But the song was right and so was his color, his shape and
behavior. I wasn't sure about the date though. But Barry Kinzie's new
book, _Birds and Birding the Roanoke Valley_ arrived in the mail today :-)
so I was able to check the early date for Pine Warbler in this area. It's
March 6 so that was another confirmation. Are there other birds that are
easily mistaken for this warbler?
Today I saw my first Chipping Sparrow of the year. He hopped just a few
feet away from me under the pines along Woodlawn Avenue. I heard a Hairy WP
several times but didn't see him. All the regulars showed up but were not
at the feeders much. Maybe they had an appetite for bugs on this warm day.
Nancy Young
Blue Ridge, VA
