There have been a few Hooded Mergansers around lately. Photo by Don Mullaney
It is that time of year again when thousands of folks head out in the cold to count birds for the 114th annual Christmas Bird Count. We have lots of local counts that you can get involved with and I encourage you to join in. You can also watch form home if you are inside the count circle! And for the second year in a row there are no fees to participate! Check the Carolina Bird Club website for a list of the counts in our area and the number to contact the compiler. You should reach out to them if you are interested in helping as they coordinate everyone's efforts within their circle. http://www.carolinabirdclub.org/christmas/ and look for Grandfather, New River, Stone Mountain, Mount Jefferson, and Catawba Valley for some of our local counts.
Birders everywhere are all abuzz this winter about an invasion of Snowy Owls into the eastern US. We have had four reported in NC with one as close as Henderson County. Keep your eyes open for these arctic wanderers. They are hungry and so need our help by not disturbing them. The bird in Henderson County wound up at a rehabber facility due to starvation.
Waterfowl continue to be around including a few Snow Geese (one in Wilkesboro and a blue phase reported from Bass lake) and I had several Ruddy Ducks at Meat Camp and Chetola this week. Bufflehead should be back at the Mill Pond in Banner Elk any day now.
Some late lingerers around include an Ovenbird seen this week at Riverbend Park and a Gray Catbird at Meat Camp for the past two weeks is the latest I have seen in the High Country. Purple Finches are starting to show up as are a few Pine Siskins.
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 visit the Audubon North Carolina blog at http://ncaudubonblog.org/blog/ and the High Country Audubon website at www.highcountryaudubon.org
Keep you r eyes open for Snowy Owls as they are moving south this winter. Photo by Steven Bullock
Speaking of owls, it is Great Horned Owl nesting time right now as they prepare for egg laying at New Years. The ones around my house are calling every morning now. Photo by Steven Bullock.
A few Snow Geese are being seen in the area. Photo by Steven Bullock.
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