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Grandfather Mtn. Xmas Bird Count
- To: "carolina birds" <carolinabirds@acpub.duke.edu>
- Subject: Grandfather Mtn. Xmas Bird Count
- From: "Golden Cockerel" <goldencc@boone.net>
- Date: Thu, 30 Dec 1999 21:25:19 -0500
- Organization: Golden Cockerel Crafts
- Reply-To: "Golden Cockerel" <goldencc@boone.net>
- Sender: carolinabirds-owner@acpub.duke.edu
Had a good day in the field w/ a handful of folks and turned up some
rarities:
Am. Pipits! a flock of 40 or so was seen briefly at Price Park--according
to Curtis Smalling, count compiler, this represents the first known sighting
of pipits in the county (long overdue?). To add to the fun, this was a
lifer for several of us, including myself.
The flock was working the field just to the N. of the entrance to the
park, then flew across the parkway and out of sight over the trees; we were
unable to relocate.
Red-Shouldered Hawk--a rare encounter in winter in Watauga, this beautiful
bird was hanging out in the swampy regions near the base of Hollaway Mtn.
Rd. (across the road from the horse farm).
Snow Geese! 4 --Curtis found these at dusk on his way home from the count
(outside the count circle, durnit) feeding frenzily in a field located on
the N side of NC Hwy 194N in between Meat Camp Rd. and Big Hill Rd. This
represents the 3rd reported sighting of the species in Watauga County, the
first 2 being "fly-bys". Curtis plans to check the fields at first light to
see if they can be relocated. If interested, you may wish to call the
Watauga County Bird Hotline for the report: (828) 265-0198.
Among the 40-some expected species encountered during the count were a
number of RAVENS flying acrobatically over the rock cliffs on the top of
Grandfather, seen by birders buffeted themselves in the awesome winds while
swinging on the new bridge that howls like a train of by-gone days.
Big Misses included most waterfowl, gone from the frozen lakes under placid
skies.
Again, for more details of the count or to report other sightings in the
county, call Watauga County Bird Hotline : (828) 265-0198
Walton Conway
Boone, NC
goldencc@boone.net
Check out Golden Cockerel Craft's web site: http://www.gccrafts.com