Monterey and Highland County, VA
2009 Spring Field Trip
May 29 - 31

Watching Warblers

Don Adamick photo

A group of 17 Forsyth Audubon birders went hunting for warblers in the highlands of Virginia from May 29 to May 31, 2009 and were successful.  Meeting at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, the group traveled north and west along Warbler Road towards the James River.  The road is aptly named and many warblers were spotted as well as a Ruffed Grouse family, nesting Ovenbirds, and a nesting Wood Thrush.  After a picnic lunch along the North Creek, the group headed out to Hidden Valley via the scenic Goshen Pass.

Hidden Valley was a real jewel and served up almost twenty more species despite birding in the afternoon.  Many went back on the route home to add more species to the list.  The first day ended at Monterey where all gathered for a social hour to discuss the day’s activities.

The highlight of the second day was as trip to Paddy’s Knob along the West Virginia border.  Our target bird was the Mourning Warbler and we were not disappointed.  In the afternoon the birders split up in smaller groups and checked out the many other birding locales in the Highland County area. 

The day concluded with a “count dinner” at the Highland Inn; 105 species were identified over the course of the three day trip.  All had a great time and the highlands will be visited again soon.

Highland Inn

Wood Thrush Nest

Willow Flycatcher