Lisa Hamilton agreed to accompany me to Highland County today. We arrived at
the Confederate Breastworks at the Highland/Augusta County border at 0745 and
immediately heard the "jips" of crossbills and then saw a flock fly from the
Augusta County to the Highland County side (did you get the Augusta Co. part,
YuLee?), alighting in a deciduous tree. We counted a total of 15. A very
auspicious start!
At the feeders in McDowell there were dozens of goldfinches as well as about 10
Purple Finches.
North of Bluegrass on 640 we watched 3 Golden Eagles interacting in flight
above Snowy Mountain. Quite a spectacular aerial display. We were standing in
front of the gate to Margaret O'Bryan's near the WV line.
The only Rough-legged Hawk (light phase) seen was on 644, between 640 and 643.
Other birds of interest included some Black-capped Chickadees, ravens, Wilson's
Snipe (on 637 south of US 250) and 3 Bald Eagles (1 adult, one 1st year
juvenile, 1 subadult -- in the Vanderpool area). Of course there were plenty
of Red-tailed Hawks and Kestrels, a few Killdeer, kingfishers, Great Blue
Herons, and a miscellany of sparrows and other expected LBJs throughout the
county.
We went to Mill Gap in search of shrikes but struck out. Other hoped for birds
that were missed include Ruffed Grouse, Red-headed Woodpecker, pipits and
Horned Larks.
It's such a lovely county with some unique winter specialties. Allen Larner
will be leading a field trip over there on Feb. 4. If anyone is interested
contact him at larnersky@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
The Hearthstone restaurant in Monterey, open weekends only in the winter, is a
pleasant and slightly upscale alternative to High's.
John Spahr
