Birds of the Blue Ridge

Our smallest oriole species arrives in the U.S. in late spring, raises (generally) a single brood, and makes an early return flight during mid to late summer to Central and South America for the winter season.

While many people quickly spot the statuesque form of a great blue heron, the secretive and smaller green heron can be elusive.

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.

Of all the avians belonging to the genus Buteo, the red-tailed hawk is the most familiar to anyone who glances about for birds.