Migration is picking up with good numbers of warblers, grosbeaks, buntings, and tanagers moving around and through the region. Last week at Valle Crucis, I had nine species of warblers including some really nice Blackburnian and Yellow-throated Warblers.

The day after the rain stopped I had a nice Pectoral Sandpiper at the Optimist fields in Boone and Jack Ogburn had an Upland Sandpiper at Riverside Park in Wilkesboro. Also on Thursday, I had a Bald Eagle and Gadwalls at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkes County.

Common Nighthawks are being seen in the evenings and Chimney Swifts are gathering. It looks like we are heading for fall!

For more information on birds in the High Country call the Watauga Birding Hotline at 828-265-0198. Also visit www.ncaudubon.org, www.carolinabirdclub.org, and the new High Country Chapter website at www.geocities.com/hcaudubon/.

Blackburnian Warblers are moving through right now as well


There was a nice Yellow-throated Warbler at Valle Crucis last Wednesday like this one from State Parks


Gray Catbird numbers are really increasing right now with dozens seen this week at Meat Camp. Photo from State Parks