Venture to Franklin Greenway and Wallace Gap, NC

May 23, 2004 with Beth Brinson

Early morning fog kept the temperatures cool and the birds active on the trip to the Little Tennessee River Greenway in Franklin, NC. The walk began with views of nesting Barn Swallows and Cedar Waxwings followed by a very cooperative adult male Orchard Oriole who gave everyone in the group great looks. Further down the trail, a Common Yellowthroat sang from a high perch in a willow tree and several Yellow Warblers came in for close views. Willow Flycatcher, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Gray Catbird, and Chestnut-sided Warbler were also seen. Another section of the greenway produced several singing Yellow-breasted Chats, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk with a songbird in his talons. By late morning we headed up in elevation to Wallace Gap where we were soon caught in a downpour. After a quick picnic lunch in an unexpected shelter, the rains subsided and a beautiful singing Hooded Warbler came into view. We returned to Wallace Gap where we were able to get wonderful close-up views of Least Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, and Chestnut-sided Warbler.