Song of the Summer While driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway we get attuned to the rhythm of the road. The sound of tires moving along pavement. The wind rushing past the window. The gentle hum of an engine. But for areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, the mating songs of cicadas will be added to that list. This is the summer for Brood XIV. Cicadas mating song will sound like a continuous shrill being made by the males to attract a mate. The eggs, once laid in the branches of trees and shrubs, they will hatch six to ten weeks later. Then the nymphs will drop to the ground and burrow into the ground and feed on the roots of trees. Depending on the brood, the nymph development underground will be either for 13 or 17 years before emerging and becoming an adult. Brood XIV is on the 17-year cycle. Although cicadas can be noisy insect, they provide a meal for other insects, frogs and toads, and many omnivores. So, as you enjoy the sounds of the summer along the Blue Ridge Parkway, keep a keen ear out for Brood XIV. NPS Photo: A cicada emerging from its exuviae on a tree branch. #NPS #BlueRidgeParkway (fb)

Weekend Update 👏 🐦 Tomorrow is Migratory Bird Day! Dozens of bird species pass through the region during their migrations, making the Parkway a bird watchers paradise. Warblers, thrushes, vireos, tanagers, and sparrows, just to name a few! You'll also see hawks, falcons, eagles, and vultures! What's your favorite to look for? 🏕️ Some of the incredible Parkway campgrounds are now taking reservations for the season! You can book your spot on recreation.gov! What a great way to kick off your summer! 💧Heading out for a hike this weekend? Be sure to plan your trip ahead using our website! It's best to know before you go! Bring plenty of water and always let somebody know where you're going and when to expect you back! Photo of a Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher, a species that migrates each year from Mexico and Central America to breed in the continental U.S. including here in the Blue Ridge, by Keith Watson. #BlueRidgeParkway #NPS (fb)