When you participate in
WV's New River Birding and Nature Festival where every day holds so much to see, it is hard to pick any day in the field that is your favorite. Each day is packed with special memories.
Wild Geranium
But there were several birds on my last day at the festival (May 1st), plus some flowers and a special lunch spot, that made the Sugar Creek trip settle in my memory with special contentment. You couldn't ask for better.
On the
first day of the festival I learned a new bird song, "teacher, teacher, teacher", and it now rings in my head whenever I think of the Oven Bird (above and below). I became acquainted with this bird back in Tennessee at our Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge
banding station. But this day I enjoyed an exceptional look on territory. He landed on a limb and walked along its length just as if he were on the ground, then threw back his head and sang.
Further up the ridge, we stopped in an area that over-looked brushy habitat in search of a Kentucky Warbler. This is truly the first time I've ever looked down to find a warbler. As our guide and host Geoffrey Heeter commented, "How often do you get to see the color of the tops of their heads?!"
Kentucky Warbler
Geoff Heeter
There was reason to also scan the ground. It was still early spring in the higher elevations and the woods were peppered with early spring flowers. Below a Jack-in-the-Pulpit.
And right before taking our break for lunch, the song of a Swainson's Warbler, my second spectacular look at this illusive bird. This male perched on a limb nearby and continued to sing.
Our river-side lunch spot.
I could have spent the rest of the afternoon sitting here with a sketchbook.
The best news about the New River Birding and Nature festival, it happens every year! Mark these dates on your calendar for next year--May 2-7, 2011
Links:
To see all my posts on the New River Birding and Nature Festival click
here.
Coming up: A June Slice of Florida's Space Coast
*pouting that you got to go on a trip with MY Laura*
ReplyDeleteEvery post you write about the NRBNF makes me more and more glad that you came along this year. Everything about the place is special, isn't it?
That was a fantastic day in the field with great people, great weather, great places and great looks at great birds. I will take you back to that spot anytime just to get to see your “sketches” after you spent the day there. Thanks you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. I feel the same way, a special experience and I'm so glad for the enticement to join you.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to meet Laura, too. An all around great adventure!
Thank you, Geoff. It WAS a great day. You and Mark did a wonderful job of finding the birds and giving us great looks through the scope. Couldn't ask for better!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great day indeed.
ReplyDeleteAnd that Swainson's was just awesome.
Vickie, nice to see familiar faces and familiar faces! I'm so glad you were able to attend this year and so sad that I was not there to meet you! It looks like you had a wonderful time. I am waiting to see the paintings all these photos and memories inspire!
ReplyDelete