A few noteworthy observations from surveys and scouting in Graham, Macon,
Jackson, and Swain Counties today:
At Stecoah Gap (Graham Co.), approx 100 meters behind the US Forest Service
gate, a SAVANNAH SPARROW flushed up off the dirt road and perched in a
sweet birch. Eventually it dropped to the road and foraged in adjacent
vegetation. Photos in eBird report.
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29550251
In the Yellow Creek Mountains (Graham County) I heard an unfamiliar song
and tracked down the singer. It was an ovenbird singing a very unusual
song. I hear them around my property singing the "flight song", but this
was entirely different and it only occasionally incorporated a typical
"TEACH TEACH" phrase at the end. Audioclip in eBird report:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29551003
In Macon County, around Devil Den Ridge on Forest Road 7057 (~2.5 mi
southwest of Alarka Laurel) I heard and observed a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.
Elevation ~3600ft).
In Whittier (Jackson County) at the old bridge by the post office (Main
Street) I observed 8 CLIFF SWALLOWS constructing nests.
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29550542
Plus all the usual suspects.
Chris Kelly
Asheville, NC
