A morning visit to Owen Park revealed some interesting wildlife. Here are the
highlights:
White Squirrel- when I arrived I walked along the trail at the west end of the
first lake hoping to see the Virginia Rail. I spotted this white squirrel. I
had seen them at Brevard College Campus but this was my first in Swannanoa. I
am not sure if it was a true albino, the eyes did not appear pink but the photo
was taken with flash that can alter eye color. I talked with a lady who lived
near by and she said she sees white squirrels at her feeder occasionally.
Virginia Rail- there was a small crowd of birders on the trail that bisects the
two lakes. Local birders Jim Poling, Tom Bush and others were peering into
the dense vegetation at the end of this trail on the right, near the corner of
the lake. The Rail had been spotted but there were no good views. I hung out
there for over an hour with a birder named Joe waiting for the Rail to come
into the open but it never really did. I got a partial shot of the Rail's
upper body.
Bald Eagle- while waiting on the Rail to make its appearance a Bald Eagle flew
west over the lakes (photo #3). In about 30 minutes it return flying east,
this time carrying a clump of grass in its talons (photo #4). This made me
wonder if it might be building a nest, does anyone know when they prepare a
nest? Unfortunately it dropped the grass clump and watched it fall toward the
water (photo #5). Soon the eagle was getting close with good light that
provided a nice shot. (photo #5).
Great Blue Heron- during the "excitement" this heron paid little attention and
continued preening.
It was a good morning.
Alan LenkAsheville
Attachment:
WhiteSquirrelOwenPk.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
VirginiaRailOwenPk.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
BaldEagleFlyingInOwenPk©.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
BalkEagelWithGrassOwenPk.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
BaldEagleOwenPk©.jpg
Description: JPEG image
Attachment:
GBHeronOwenPk_©.jpg
Description: JPEG image
