Venture to
Ivy Log Gap, GA and Wallace Gap, NC
Wednesday, May 5, 2005
with Beth Brinson

A quick stop at Wallace Gap on the way to Georgia gave the group looks at Yellow-breasted Chat, Least Flycatcher, Chestnut-sided Warbler and Northern Parula among others. A Golden-winged Warbler sang in the distance but never came in for a close look. Along Ivy Log Gap Road many normally hard to see birds came in for incredible looks including Ovenbird, Blackburnian Warbler, and Black-throated Green Warbler. A beautiful male and female Scarlet Tanager couple came within feet of the group and seemed oblivious to our presence. Toward the end of the trip a Great Crested Flycatcher was heard in the distance and minutes later landed in a small tree right next to the road for all to see. A total of 16 warbler species were tallied, many of whom allowed views through the spotting scope.

Wildflowers were everywhere with 5 species of Trillium being the highlight. As the weather warmed, butterflies such as Spicebush Swallowtail, American Lady, and Red Admiral were seen. A couple of stunning male Falcate Orangetips appeared late in the trip and brought an end to a beautiful spring day in the North Georgia Mountains.