July 22, 2012 Grand Vue

Went off trail on this beautiful evening. I wanted to revisit the location that held a Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher in the ravine toward Sun Valley. I was joined by Jim for this walk and we began our hike behind the reception hall as usual. This time the ridge held the following: Very young bluebirds in box #1,Kingbird,Scarlet Tanager, Many adult and juvenile bluebirds, cedar waxwings, YELLOW THROATED WARBLER, indigo buntings, common yellow throat, field sparrows, chipping sparrows, blue jays, chickadees, titmouse, peewee, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, chimney swifts, carolina wren, and many other common birds. The yellow throated warbler was a fun bird to watch. Eating knats that swarmed overhead he gave us a great show within 15-20 feet. As we went down through the ravine the habitat changed. Wood Thrush were everywhere including a fledgling that was just off the nest. Finally at the base of the ravine we called a water thrush and the bird immediately responded and continued to move about in the thick foliage. He was more difficult to see compared to my earlier observations (see other posts). And this time I only saw one bird. I attribute this behavior to possible nest location. I'm guessing the female was on nest somewhere close. The acadian flycatcher called in as well so they too were nesting. Along the ridge as we climbed we also heard turkeys again. Though we did not see them the sound indicated a hen moving her brood along ahead of us. Finally a pileated woodpecker swooped in and moved about. The pileated is an amazing flyer through some of the thickest growth for a bird that size. GOOD BIRDING DAY!