Fall Migration in the Blue Ridge, Asheville, NC

September 26, 2007

Six of us gathered at the Folk Art Center on the morning of Sept 26 for our Fall Migration Blue Ridge Venture. We decided early since the weather was so nice, we would go straight to Mt. Mitchell for Red Crossbills. We stopped at the park office at Mt. Mitchell and were treated to at least 30 Red Crossbills. Half of them were adult males. They were life birds for several folks in the group. Next highlight was on the way to the top of Mt. Mitchell. A Merlin swooped down in front of us going after a small bird. We later spent an hour or so at Ridge Junction overlook and had good looks at 100+ Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. What a sight! They were everywhere! We also had good looks at several warbler species. Next, we headed to Craggy Gardens Picnic Grounds for a great lunch. We then birded around the picnic area a saw more warblers and grosbeaks. It was a great day for all! Dwayne Martin

Dwayne Martin