Birds of the Blue Ridge
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Kevin Fox
Homes for Displaced Chimney Swifts: A Refuge for Fall and Spring
As old industrial and school buildings and their chimneys disappear, so too do refuge spots for migrating swifts. Work is underway to create new hollow spaces for the birds to overnight safely. Read more
Oct 5, 2022
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Mike Blevins
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Rose-breasted Grosbeak
These handsomely dressed males enjoy the sunflowers, safflowers and raw peanuts at feeders; consume a range of insects (including helping potato farms by eating harmful beetles and larvae); and feed on berries and fruits. Read more
Jun 1, 2020
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Mike Blevins
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Prothonotary Warbler
Of the three dozen or more warblers that visit the eastern U.S., this bright yellow species is one of only two warblers that nest in tree cavities. Read more
Jun 29, 2023
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Michael Todd
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Pied-billed Grebe
The envy of all helmsmen piloting a submarine, this grebe is a master of buoyancy control. Read more
Dec 27, 2022
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Mike Blevins
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
If woodpeckers needed a percussionist for the jazz ensemble, this would be the bird. Read more
Feb 7, 2023
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Mike Blevins
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Over 350 species of hummingbirds have been documented in the New World, their only home address on the planet. Seventeen nest in the United States. Yet in the Blue Ridge we see but one – the ruby-throated hummingbird. Read more
Apr 1, 2020
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Michael Todd
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Red Crossbill
Keep your binoculars at the ready. That “redbird” in the forest may not be a Cardinal! Read more
Jan 10, 2023
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Michael Todd
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Snowy Owl
While they are Arctic birds, recent years have shown an uptick in irruptions – irregular migrations outside the normal geographic range of a given species. Read more
Dec 13, 2022
Michael Todd
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Purple Finch
This chunky little songbird with a cheerful series of whistles is more raspberry in color than what we commonly picture as purple. Read more
Sep 21, 2023
Michael Todd
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Blue Jay
This familiar, friendly and fun bird is not actually blue! Read more
Sep 14, 2023
Mike Blevins
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
It is the only gnatcatcher in the east and only present during breeding season (April to September). Read more
Aug 17, 2023
Mike Blevins
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Carolina Wren
Amongst Carolina Wrens, the males sing the loudest and the females accompany the songs. Read more
Aug 3, 2023
Mike Blevins
Birds of the Blue Ridge: Indigo Bunting
The stunning turquoises, blues and purples of this bird are a “trick of the light.” Read more
Jul 12, 2023
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