I’ve had a few nice sightings in the past couple of weeks that might be of
interest, not rare birds, though some were uncommon, but all quite fascinating.
- I was walking the pasture land at WWC, east side of the road toward the
bridge. Four meadow larks were spotted, redwing blackbirds and robins were
abundant. It was late afternoon and I also saw a red-shouldered hawk in a
distant tree watching and calling. As I walked along one of the ditches it
flew from its perch and approached me making three circles above my head not
30 feet away. The low sun lit its underwings providing great light. Photos
1,2,and 3.
- Last week I stopped by Lake Junluska. The usual ducks were there but a
wood duck pair, drake and hen, stood out. The lake was low and birds were more
concentrated. The feeding station had been moved farther around the lake and
the wood ducks were heading toward it or maybe to investigate the abundance of
ducks and geese that were there having lunch. The female wood duck spread its
wings as if to celebrate the beautiful day. A lady with a scope pointed out a
female pintail, wish there had been a male too. I asked the lady if she had
seen any bald eagles and she pointed to other side of lake where one was
standing at the water’s edge of the very receded shoreline. I thought I might
drive to the other side of the lake to get closer. As I was in my truck ready
to drive away the eagle took off and began flying in my direction. I had to
rush out of my truck, grab my camera and was able to find the bird in my
viewfinder as it passed by at eye level. Photos 4 and 5
- Lastly, the tree swallows have returned to Lake Junluska and several were
flying over the lake. They are a small targets that require patience to
photograph. Photo 6.
Alan LenkAsheville
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