"Simon Says" Trip Report

Simon Thompson
Sunday, June 24, 2007

Driving up through Chimney Rock Park’s rich green forests was cool and verdant - quite a difference to the heat and humidity we encountered in the Upper Parking Lot.  So, it was a quick walk into the forest to look for some of the summer resident species. As is the norm during the warmer months of the year, bird activity can be quiet with very little singing especially as the day progresses. This morning the Black-throated Green and Hooded Warblers were still singing, as were Northern Cardinals and a handful of Carolina Wrens. Some of us heard a distant Swainson’s Warbler and even a Wood Thrush sang a few phrases, but overall it was quiet except for the ubiquitous Red-eyed Vireos and some humming insects.  A male Hooded Warbler was feeding some well-grown fledglings at the start of the trail and at least 3 Pileated Woodpeckers were quite evident as they fed high in the oaks.  Other highlights were a distant Cooper’s Hawk soaring over the cliff face, a pair of Scarlet Tanagers (one is pictured here, right) that fed in some nearby leaves, and yes, once again, excellent views of Red-eyed Vireos. There were about 10 of us this warm June morning and the next walk will be hopefully a little cooler - October 14, when we should see a good selection of southbound birds.

Birds seen or heard on (or just after) the walk:
Turkey Vulture
Cooper’s Hawk
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Pileated Woodpecker
Great-crested Flycatcher (after walk)
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay (after walk)
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse (heard)
Carolina Chickadee (heard)
Carolina Wren
Northern Mockingbird (after walk)
Wood Thrush (heard)
Red-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo (heard)
Black-throated Green Warbler
Swainson’s Warbler (heard)
Hooded Warbler
Scarlet Tanager (pair)
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Eastern Towhee (heard)
American Goldfinch (heard)