Venture to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest 

and Snowbird Lodge, Graham County, NC 

May 8, 2005 

When we all met at Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, It looked like it was going to be another fine day in the mountains with perfect weather and Carolina-blue skies. Northern Parula Warblers were singing in the nearby trees and newly-arrived Acadian Flycatchers were calling along the rhododendron fringed creek. A visit to this spectacular area of North Carolina is always a pleasure and the combination of birds and wildflowers, plus the magnificent trees, make for a perfect nature experience. Work had been going on along the trails so the going was a bit muddy. A pair of Golden-crowned Kinglets was encouraged down to investigate us and we had several views of Blackburnian and Black-throated Green Warblers as they fed high in the Eastern Hemlock trees. A surprise was a singing Swainson's Warbler, which we did not see, but it was good to know that it had made it back from its wintering grounds in the Caribbean. The wildflower display was fairly good and the ground was carpeted with a mix of Canada Violet, Miterwort and the fading blooms of several species of trilliums. A bonus was the beautiful burgundy blossom of the Vasey's Trillium - almost velvet in its richness. After lunch we headed up to Snowbird Lodge for tea, cookies, a spectacular view and to enjoy the frenzy of birds at the feeders. Indigo Buntings, Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches were everywhere, and all in full view - quite a contrast to the birds high in the treetops at Kilmer. Yes, a very nice day in the mountains.