September 12, 2014 [LINK / comment]
Thus far in September, I haven't seen any large numbers of migrating birds, although I did have some success on the Blue Ridge Parkway on Wednesday. It was a foggy morning, with very little bird activity until later in the morning, when I finally came across a nice "fallout" of neotropical migrants south of Ravens Roost overlook. I saw a Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Pine Warbler (probable), Common Yellowthroats, Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, as well as the Ovenbird pictured below. I only got a few good photos, unfortunately. Darned warblers are just too fast!
Later in the day, I noticed some small birds flitting about the tree branches in the back yard, and quickly identified them as American Redstarts. Nice!
Yesterday (Thursday) I stopped at the Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, and saw an Osprey, two Bald Eagles, a Broad-winged Hawk, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. I plan to be there for the annual open house this Sunday, hoping to see a massive "kettle" of Broad-wings! It's been a long time since I've seen that amazing natural phenomenon.