Last week several sightings of Blue Grosbeak occurred around the High Country. This bird is uncommon for us anytime and as a breeder occurs at lower elevations. In fact the only breeding I know of in Watauga has occurred in years past down in Triplett, all the way down Elk Creek to the county line. Birds were seen in Bamboo, the Greenway, Banner Elk, and Bluff Mountain this time as post-breeding wanderers start showing up.

Swallows of all types are flocking up and preparing to leave, some by this week! Even some of our flycatchers and warblers will be heading down south this month.

We will have our Valle Crucis walk on an irregular schedule for a little while so join us on the 7th and 21st of July and then starting again on August 11th. We meet at 8:30 at the first picnic shelter. Bring binoculars and a field guide.

For more information on birds in the High Country call the Watauga Birding Hotline at 828-265-0198. Also visit www.ncaudubon.org, www.carolinabirdclub.org, and the new High Country Chapter website at http://www.highcountryaudubon.org/.

Yellow Warblers were feeding fledglings last week at VCCP. Photo by Don Mullaney


Eastern Kingbirds at VCCP were begging from parents last week. Photo by Don Mullaney


Northern Rough-winged Swallows are gathering up and getting ready to migrate south. Photo by Don Mullaney