Venture to Ivy Log Gap, GA and Wallace Gap, NC
May 5, 2004
with Beth Brinson

The trip to Ivy Log Gap Road began with a brief stop at Wallace Gap near Franklin, NC where we quickly picked up 5 species of warbler including Palm and Golden-winged. Least Flycatchers were singing their familiar song and gave quick looks to the group. It was hard to leave Wallace Gap with all the bird activity but it was on to Georgia. Our first stop on Ivy Log Gap Road produced great views of Hooded Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Northern Parula, while Blue-winged Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat were found in a nearby roadside field. Further up the road we heard Kentucky Warbler in a dense thicket; as we climbed in elevation, more woodland species began to be heard such as Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird and Yellow-throated Vireo. After lunch we tracked down a singing Cerulean Warbler in the treetops and had beautiful views of Black-throated Green Warbler, American Redstart and a handsome Scarlet Tanager couple. Toward the end of the trip we located a Blackburnian Warbler in its favorite haunt high in the tree canopy.

In addition to birds we enjoyed looks at wildflowers and butterflies. Catesby's Trillium and Wild Columbine were in full bloom along the road and a couple of sharp eyes in the group found 2 different stands of Pink Lady's Slipper. Red Admiral and Eastern Comma butterflies sat still long enough to give people a good look and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Duskywings were flying everywhere.