A cool but clear spring morning greeted us as we winded our way down the Hickory Nut Gorge to Chimney Rock State Park. We began birding in the upper parking area of Chimney Rock State Park. Black-and-White and Black-throated Green Warblers sang from high in the deciduous forest. We began climbing up the many stairs that would get us to Pulpit Rock, the observation point for watching nesting Peregrine Falcons. We settled down and relaxed for a while, watching the rock face that the falcons historically nest on and taking in the incredible view of the surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge. Although we did not see any falcons we did have a couple impressive fly-bys of Common Ravens. As we made our way down the mountain we encountered some other early spring migrants including Blue-headed and Yellow-throated Vireos. A lingering, overwintering Yellow-bellied Sapsucker showed nicely for us foraging among the towering Tulip Poplars.
We exited the state park and headed over to Morse Park, a peninsula on Lake Lure that has a diverse set of habitats. We quickly encountered some skulking Wood Ducks and a single Blue-winged Teal. A couple Swamp Sparrows actively fed out in the open, providing us with excellent photo opportunities. The repetitive song of the Common Yellowthroat caught our attention and after a few seconds of “pishing” a handsome male emerged from the dense scrub. We broke for a quick lunch and then finished the day driving around Lake Lure looking for waterfowl or nesting Bald Eagles. Our perseverance was rewarded with close views of a Common Loon in fresh breeding plumage! A lovely day of early spring birding in Rutherford County.
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
April 3, 2021
43 Species Encountered
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Common Loon
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Carolina Wren
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
House Finch
Song Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Yellowthroat
Black-and-white Warbler
Pine Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal
