A Parula or a Prothonotary in every tree, a long, unobstructed look at a cruising Alligator and only 2 men overboard made for another great day for our 3rd annual May paddle to Merchant's Mill Pond in Gatesville, NC. 7 paddlers hit the water about 8:45. We logged 45 species of birds with the first sighting being a nice flyover of an Anhinga. The Parulas and Prothonotary's were often at eye level and bird song was heard all day long. The water was beautiful and the trees dripping in Spanish Moss were just incredible. A carpet of blooming Lily pads and Feather foil covered much of the water. Sunny skies. gentle breezes and a wonderful look at a circling Alligator made for a perfect day. Highlights: Anhinga Osprey Red-shouldered Hawk Wild Turkey (en route) Yellow-billed Cuckoo Barred Owl Ruby-throated Hummingbird Acadian Flycatcher Great-Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Eastern Wood-Pewee Yellow-throated Vireo Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Northern Parula Yellow-throated Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Brown-headed Nuthatch ...and many more. Thanks to a really fun bunch that turned out very early for some un-parula-ed fun. Julie K. Chester