In the past few years, three species of birds have expanded their breeding ranges into the greater Charlotte area. I checked for them recently and was glad to see all have returned.
Swainson's warblers are one of the most sought-after warbler species in North Carolina. They are not too hard to hear in the Coastal Plain and some areas of the mountains, but their occurrence in the Piedmont is limited.
One singing bird has returned to Six Mile Creek Greenway off Marvin Road.
Warbling vireos occur in the lower elevations of the mountains around rivers and lakes, and in just a few scattered locations in the Piedmont. At least one bird has returned to the wetland behind the hhgregg store near Concord Mills.
As many as three birds have been heard there in other years, so there could be more.
Baltimore orioles occur in similar habitats to the warbling vireo in the mountains.
At least two males of this species were seen April 24 acting territorial at the north end of Lake Don T. Howell, west of Kannapolis.
It is encouraging to see some species still able to expand their nesting ranges. Let's all hope they are successful.
