Folks,
Ron Selvey and I birded Henderson, Buncombe and Haywood Counties this AM
and found saw some nice birds. We began in the Mills River area of Henderson
Cty. At the water treatment plant on Rt. #191, we had Ross's and Snow Goose.
We then headed to Lake Julian in Buncombe Cty. and had 1 Horned Grebe and one
Double-crested Cormorant.
From there, we headed to Lake Junaluska in Haywood Cty. where we did see the
previously reported Canvasback and 3 Redheads.
We then headed up to Cataloochie Ski Resort above Maggy Valley. This
proved to be our best stop of the day. We arrived up there about 11:10 AM and
birded the parking lot at the top of the hill, and off to the right where the
truck and the backhoe are parked. We immediately had a flock of 70+ Pine
Siskins, followed by a flock of 8 Red Crossbills. There were red, yellow and
greenish birds in the group. These two groups of birds were feeding or
watering behind the gravel pile.. At times, they were perched in the trees in
the back of the parking lot approximately 50 feet away from us and maybe 15-20
feet above the ground. We had great, prolonged views, until a group of 6
Common Ravens flew overhead, ending the show!
On the way back home, we were alerted by David Leeds of a Horned Grebe
on the pond at the water treatment plant in Mills River which was still present
thereat 1:50 PM.
A great way to get started for 2017, and one of those very special days
of birding, in the mountains in WNC!
Wayne
Wayne K. Forsythe
16 Colonial Way
Hendersonville, N. C. 28791
wforsytheATmorrisbb.net