Lots of summer breeders are back with tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and others have all come back. Canada Warblers, Veery, Willow and Acadian Flycatchers have all come back to my area this week.

We here at Audubon NC are studying Golden-winged Warblers again very hard this year and have found some interesting things already with lots of nests being built right now. We have two male Blue-winged warblers holding territories right now including one in the gap of Rich Mountain at 4375 feet, which is a new high elevation record for this bird I think, probably anywhere in its range. The other Blue-winged is off of Liberty Grove Church Road in Ashe County and more surveys are being conducted this coming week so we may have others to report. We have Golden-wings at the usual places like Elk Knob Gamelands, just down from Elk Knob State Park, Shady Grove Gardens, and other usual places plus some new private land sites this year as well.

And speaking of Golden-winged Warblers, we are helping sign landowners up for a newly created program through the Farm Bill to help the species. If you have shrubland (or want to create some from pasture or forest) give me a cal at 828-265-0198 or email me at csmalling@audubon.org for more details. The next deadline is May 31st and this cost share program can possibly provide some money to assist you in those efforts.We are also reaching out to anyone who would like to manage their land in a more bird friendly way.

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, Visit the Audubon North Carolina blog at http://ncaudubonblog.org/blog/

A Blue-winged Warbler is at Rich Mountain Gap competing with the normal Golden-wings this year. One is also along the road at Liberty grove Church Road this year as well. Photo by Ed Burress.


Female Golden-winged Warblers are busy nesting right now. Photo by Ed Burress


Scarlet Tanagers are back. Photo by Harol Blevins