[Bristol-Birds] Burke's Garden Field Trip Results
- From: jpmoyle18@xxxxxxx
- To: bristol-birds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:42:41 -0500
Hello Birders! Today's field trip to Burke's Garden in Tazwell, VA was
interesting in several ways. First of all, the turnout of 16 was excellent
given the distance that many people traveled! Also, the snow conditions were
amazing. In spit of our lack of snow in the Tri-Cities area, Burke's Garden
was buried and snow removal was still taking place even though roads were safe.
The slopes outside the valley were white with light snow, but inside the
valley, the slopes had a couple of feet of snow. Piles of snow along the roads
were up to 6 or 7 feet in places. Most ponds were frozen over and streams had
snow down to the water's edge in most places. In spite of this, it was a great
trip! Great support within the group and absolutely beautiful scenery! The
bird list (unusually low) included: Canada Goose (several), Wood Duck (2),
Mallard (several), Green-winged Teal (2), Hooded Merganser (2), Turkey Vulture
(2), Rough-legged Hawk (glimpsed by some), Red-shouldered Hawk (seen by two),
Red-tailed Hawk (several birds), Golden Eagle (one, at a distance), Killdeer
(1), Wilson's Snipe (1 easily seen by all), Mourning Dove (a few), Loggerhead
Shrike (seen by a few), Blue Jay (a few birds), American Crow (abundant),
Common Raven (8 - 10), Horned Lark (seen by most, small flock), Tufted Titmouse
(a few), European Starliing (many), House Sparrow (several). 21 species
(unless I did not hear about one or two more). But the natural beauty and
group fellowship, added to the few good birds made it a great trip! Thank you
to all who participated!!!
John Moyle Glen Alpine Road
Kingsport/Sullivan County
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