Limberlost X-Trip – June 13, 2026
June 13th delivered one of those rare gifts — a calm, crystal morning in the Blue Ridge with temperatures in the low 60s and not a cloud to interrupt the sky. A nice group of us gathered at the Limberlost Trail parking lot on Skyline Drive, and before we’d even sorted out our binoculars, the birds announced themselves. Song filled the air from every direction, setting an expectant tone for Club’s last outing of the spring season.
The trail greeted us with dense, fully-leafed foliage, noticeably thicker than in past years for this date, so we relied heavily on our ears to guide us. Still, rewards came steadily. An Eastern Phoebe gave everyone a generous, unhurried look along the walk, and a curious Eastern Wood-Pewee seemed almost as interested in us as we were in it. With 9 tallied across our checklists, they were one of the day’s more prevalent flycatchers.
Among the warblers, American Redstarts were everywhere, 16 in total, the black and flame-orange males flashing alongside the subtler females and immatures that birders affectionately call “Yellowstarts.” Several Black-and-White Warblers worked the tree trunks in their methodical way, and a Scarlet Tanager, in a strange orange-tangerine coloring against the high canopy, gave the group a stunning look from the tops of the trees. Then came the moment that drew the sharpest collective breath: a Hooded Warbler stepped into view and sang. Its bright, insistent call rang out clearly, and for once the bird cooperated. Its bold yellow face, black hood, the whole striking package visible to nearly everyone in the group. It was the undisputed highlight of the walk.
After the main trail, we moved the party up to Skyline Drive for a picnic lunch at Skyland. Afterwards, the group stopped at the nearby overlooks where the birding quietly continued. Wild Turkeys materialized, a Bald Eagle drifted past Stony Man Overlook, and Indigo Buntings added a welcome splash of blue at several stops. By day’s end, 41 species and 176 individual birds had found their way onto our lists, a fitting close to a spring full of good mornings in the field.
Stoney Man Overlook – eBird Checklist
Pinnacles Picnic Area – eBird Checklist
Jewell Hollow Overlook – eBird Checklist
