scenic overlook at Smokey's on the GorgeNew River Festival couldn't have been more perfect. Well, we could have done without the week of non-stop rain. But it was a great opportunity to meet friends (old and new) and see lots and lots of birds. I added nine life birds to my list:
Northern waterthrush
Louisiana waterthrush
Swainson's thrush
Yellow throated warbler
Chestnut sided warbler (this one made me cry - so beautiful and I had looked for it for three years - a special shout out to Keith who made it his mission to get me on this bird. Thanks, Keith! You are da' man.)
Bobolink (with a song like R2-D2 - unforgettable)
Yellow throated vireo
Black throated green warbler
Ruffed grouse
We had lots of laughs - too many to post now. I will spread that out over the next few weeks.
Susan and Laura hamming it up for the camera.
I learned quite a bit thanks to our wonderful guides- Jeff Gordon, Julie Zickefoose, Keith Richardson, and Connie Toops. This was the first time I met Julie Z. in person although I have been reading her blog for a couple of years. On one field trip, she borrowed my bandana to dry the rain off her camera. I told her I would never wash it again. Yes, I am a starstruck bird groupie- Pete Dunne and Julie Zickefoose: my heroes.
