FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] VA Highlands Festival Bird Walk

["Mayhorn" <mayhorn@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Area Birders,
Early Sunday morning twelve birders made their way up Rt. 80 to Raven Ridge Bed 
& Breakfast atop Clinch Mountain. They were on their way to participate in a 
bird walk as part of the Virginia Highlands Festival. Most were local area 
birders, but one family of three from upstate New York, who were visiting 
relatives in the area, also took part.

The valley lay under thick fog, but on Clinch Mountain the sun was out, and a 
cool breeze stirred the trees. Roger Mayhorn and Raven Ridge owner, Charles 
Kennedy led the birding/nature walk along cool trails bordered by rhododendron 
and tall deciduous trees. There were stops along the way to watch, listen to, 
and photograph birds, including both male and female Hooded Warblers, Dark-eyed 
Juncos, and Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos. The croak of a Common Raven could 
be heard from nearby cliffs. Roger explained how to identify certain bird calls 
and songs, and gave tips to make learning them easier.

The group was especially impressed with Charles Kennedy's knowlege of 
mushrooms. Charles pointed out several different species and demonstrated to 
the group how to differentiate one from the other, and how to tell the 
poisonous ones from the edible ones. There are nine edible species found on 
Clinch Mountain.

After the 2 hour hike the group returned to Raven Ridge B&B where the birders 
had a brunch at the Hummingbird Cafe, which overlooks the valley, while dozens 
of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds buzzed among the several feeders only a few feet 
away.

The food, prepared by Charles' wife, Alona, who is an excellent cook, consisted 
of a delicious casserole, served with diced fruit and banana bread. The birders 
ate their fill with some birders going back for two or even three helpings.

It was a great outing and all in attendance had a very enjoyable time. For 
those interested in seeing more about Raven Ridge B&B their website is

http://www.ravenridgecampground.com

For those interested the complete bird list follows.

Roger Mayhorn
Grundy, VA
Buchanan County


Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Eastern Towhees
Carolina Wrens
Eastern Wood Pewees
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireos
Northern Cardinal
Dark-eyed Juncos
Hooded Warblers (m & f)
Blue Jay
Common Raven
American Crows
American Goldfinches
Black-and-white Warbler