There are still plenty of Red-bellied Woodpeckers around. Photo by Don Mullaney
This time of year sees late migrants that for the most part will stay here in the USA for the winter. Most of our neotropical birds have already left for sunnier, warmer climes.
I have been home sick this week (darn that flu) but did look outside a little between naps and see a typical mixed winter group moving through the yard. Usually led by Chickadees and Titmice, the group also included Brown Creeper, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Juncos, and a few others like Downy Woodpecker.
Waterfowl continue to push through and we had a nice visit to Wilbur lake on the 6th to look for Buffleheads. We got great looks at bunches of them as well as two female or young ale Redheads. The Buffleheads were cool since we could see them underwater after they dove.
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/.
Brown Creepers are coming through right now. Photo by Steven Bullock
Buffleheads have made it back for the winter. A female is on Bass lake right now. Photo from State Parks
