After scuffling about locally for several days in search of the first big
warbler push w/o much luck, I decided to head up to Shenandoah National
Park. I started at Pocosin Cabin, and then moved north along Skyline Drive
stopping at the Oaks Overlook and The Point Overlook. I recorded 15
different warbler species Including Blackburnians, Cape Mays, and Bay
Breasted. Overall bird load was excellent. It was also a good day for
blue-headed vireos and rose-breasted grosbeaks.
The most prevalent warbler species was the Tennessee. Surprisingly, Cape
Mays and chestnut-sided warblers were the runners-up. Magnolias and
redstarts, which generally are plentiful this time of the year, were in
relatively short supply. For those of you familiar with these venues, it is
with some disappointment to report that the large spruce at The Point has
blown down. This tree was almost magical in the fall for attracting a wide
variety of warblers, especially Cape Mays and black-throated greens.
An excellent day! Finally.
Ron Vogel
Annandale, VA
