Today, I decided to take some time to bird on my property in Highland County.
I have a nice thicket of trees and blackberry bushes in front of the house and
there I saw a Junco, Towhee, male and female Purple Finch and male and female
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Indigo bunting. Saw a female Purple Finch carrying
nesting material. Then I went to the pond area that is usually a pretty good
spot and added Blue Jay, Pileated woodpecker, Lincoln Sparrow, Song Sparrow
and Chipping Sparrow. I hiked up to the driveway and in the spruce grove,
heard Indigo Buntings, American Robins, Magnolia warblers, Ovenbird, Warbling
Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Black-capped Chickadee, Scarlet Tanager, saw a Hooded
Warbler, and a quick glimpse at what I think was a Swainson's Thrush. Heading
back along the driveway, I added 2 Tree Swallows, several pairs of
Chestnut-sided Warblers, a Ruffed grouse drumming, 2 Cowbirds, several Blue
Jay, Bluebird, American Crow , Field Sparrow, and Turkey Vulture and a
Red-Shouldered Hawk in the distance. At the feeders there are now plenty of
both male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. In the not too far distance, I
heard a family of Barred Owls, practicing many of their quirky calls. I walked
down the trail that goes through mixed-decidous/coniferous forest and heard a
very high warbler that I could not identify (I have trouble hearing the high,
thin sounds which drives me nuts!) I didn't hear any Golden-winged Warblers in
their usual spot, but that is often a difficult bird for me to hear unless I'm
right on top of it. Saw a a Vesper Sparrow and heard a Wood Pewee. Later added
a Downy Woodpecker and White-Breasted Nuthatch at the feeder and a
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker drinking at the little pond I made. It's amazing how
many birds drink at that little pond, which is like a water oasis on the top of
the mountain. Also saw the pair of Phoebes nesting just over the back door. It
amazes me that they chose the same spot every year, in spite of the disturbance
of the door opening.
Patti
Patti Reum
Bear Mountain Farm and Wilderness Retreat
2599 Bear Mountain Rd.
Monterey, VA. 24465
www.mountain-retreat.com
