Check this post for recent Greenway Bird Walks.
Bring binoculars, water if desired, and dress for the weather.
Please be fully Covid vaccinated and practice social distancing when possible. We’ve waited so long to get back together, let’s keep everyone healthy and safe.
Welcome to the Franklin Bird Club 
While reviewing her photos Pam discovered an additional two species seen on the walk on Wednesday, October 26. Those are White-throated Sparrow and Pine Warbler. I’ve added those species to the eBird list so now we have 36 species observed on that day. Nice finds Pam!
A group of ten birders experienced nonstop bird activity this morning on the Big Bear section of the Greenway. Ned, Ellen, Jim, Abby, Mimi, Lisa, Pam, Dick, Sally and Tim participated in this last Greenway walk of the year. Highlights of the walk include numerous looks at Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, first-of-the -season sightings of Swamp and White-throated Sparrows, and a quick fly-by of two Blue-winged Teal (Jim and Tim may have been the only ones to see these ducks) We also observed every expected species of Woodpecker except Hairy. 34 species were observed.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Oct 26, 2022
8:19 AM
Traveling
1.00 miles
145 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Big Bear. Franklin Bird Club
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.13.1 Build 2.13.13
2 Blue-winged Teal
1 Double-crested Cormorant
1 Cooper’s Hawk
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
2 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker
2 Eastern Phoebe
4 Blue Jay
12 American Crow
1 Carolina Chickadee
2 Tufted Titmouse
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
4 Carolina Wren
7 European Starling
1 Gray Catbird
2 Brown Thrasher
3 Northern Mockingbird
8 Eastern Bluebird
4 American Robin
12 Cedar Waxwing
6 House Finch
12 American Goldfinch
1 White-throated Sparrow
16 Song Sparrow
3 Swamp Sparrow
6 Eastern Towhee
4 Red-winged Blackbird
4 Palm Warbler
7 Yellow-rumped Warbler
10 Northern Cardinal
Number of Taxa: 34
Three hardy birders braved the 32 degree temperature this morning and enjoyed a sunny walk at the library. Jim and I were joined by Renée, and we were rewarded with a view of a peregrine falcon swooping through a flock of cedar waxwings (all of which escaped the falcon). We also had the chance to watch the yellow-rumped warblers eating poison ivy berries. In total we saw 26 species.
The following is our eBird list for the morning:
Little Tennessee River Greenway–Macon County Library
Oct 19, 2022
8:19
1.28 miles
98 minutes
2 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
1 Mourning Dove
1 Turkey Vulture
1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
4 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
1 Peregrine Falcon
2 Eastern Phoebe
10 Blue Jay
6 American Crow
1 Common Raven
4 Carolina Chickadee
1 Tufted Titmouse
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 Carolina Wren
9 Northern Mockingbird
3 Eastern Bluebird
3 American Robin
47 Cedar Waxwing
2 House Finch
4 Field Sparrow
4 Song Sparrow
5 Eastern Towhee
3 Yellow-rumped Warbler
2 Northern Cardinal
Number of Taxa: 26
Next week will be our last bird walk of the year. Hopefully we will have clear skies and warmer weather. Join us at the Big Bear parking area at 8:30. It’s been a great season!
Eight birders—Pam. Jim, Ellen, Tim, Rita, April, Don and Abby (with Mimi)— birdied Salali Lane this morning. Even though the sky was spitting rain, we had an abundance of birds in the parking lot. We almost swept the woodpecker category, only missing Hairy. Plenty of Cedar Waxwings, all 3 Corvids (American Crow, Fish Crow, and Common Raven). The raven did a fly-over but then came back by calling, as if it wanted to make sure we counted it!
The warblers seen were Bay-breasted and Magnolia. The ever-present domestic Muscovy Duck was hanging around the parking lot, hoping for a handout. The light rain returned, so we called it a day.
Nantahala National Forest, Franklin US-NC (35.1755,-83.3701) Salali Lane
Oct 12, 2022
8:15 AM
Traveling
1.20 miles
108 minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments:
4 Canada Goose
1 Muscovy Duck (Domestic type)
2 Mourning Dove
1 Belted Kingfisher
1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
3 Downy Woodpecker
2 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker
2 Eastern Phoebe
11 Blue Jay
3 American Crow
1 Fish Crow
1 Common Raven
7 Carolina Chickadee
6 Tufted Titmouse
5 White-breasted Nuthatch
3 Carolina Wren
3 European Starling
2 Gray Catbird
2 Brown Thrasher
2 Northern Mockingbird
15 Eastern Bluebird
7 American Robin
15 Cedar Waxwing
1 Song Sparrow
3 Eastern Towhee
1 Magnolia Warbler
1 Bay-breasted Warbler
2 Northern Cardinal
3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Number of Taxa: 30
Jo, Merle, Ellen, Jim, April, Pam, Kathy, Renee, Abby and Mimi birded the Big Bear section of the Franklin Greenway today. Highlights of the walk included good look at Palm and Tennessee Warblers, multiple looks at immature and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a Common Raven that flew over the group several times makings its distinctive croak vocalization. 36 species were observed. Thanks to Ellen for keeping the eBird list below:
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Oct 05, 2022
8:21 AM
Traveling
0.81 miles
134 minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments:
3 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
1 Mourning Dove
5 Black Vulture
3 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
3 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
4 Northern Flicker
3 Eastern Phoebe
1 White-eyed Vireo
5 Blue Jay
8 American Crow
1 Common Raven
2 Carolina Chickadee
1 Tufted Titmouse
1 House Wren
2 Carolina Wren
6 European Starling
2 Gray Catbird
2 Brown Thrasher
3 Northern Mockingbird
3 Eastern Bluebird
3 American Robin
12 House Finch
5 American Goldfinch
10 Song Sparrow
5 Eastern Towhee
24 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Brown-headed Cowbird
2 Tennessee Warbler
2 Magnolia Warbler
3 Palm Warbler
8 Northern Cardinal
8 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
3 Indigo Bunting
We had beautiful blue skies all morning today at the library, and the temperature gradually went up from 38 to 53 as the morning progressed. Jim and I were joined by Tim, Renée, Tom, and Abby (with Mimi). Together we identified 38 species, and found a nice mixed feeding flock near the community garden. Thank to Tim for keeping the following eBird list for us:
Little Tennessee River Greenway–Macon County Library
Sep 28, 2022
7:56 AM
Traveling
1.44 miles
155 Minutes
1 Mourning Dove
3 Chimney Swift
5 Turkey Vulture
4 Red-bellied Woodpecker
2 Downy Woodpecker
2 Pileated Woodpecker
4 Northern Flicker
1 Eastern Wood-Pewee
4 Eastern Phoebe
12 Blue Jay
11 American Crow
4 Carolina Chickadee
2 Tufted Titmouse
6 Tree Swallow
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
8 Carolina Wren
3 Gray Catbird
2 Brown Thrasher
4 Northern Mockingbird
5 Eastern Bluebird
4 American Robin
22 Cedar Waxwing
8 House Finch
4 American Goldfinch
4 Chipping Sparrow
3 Field Sparrow
5 Song Sparrow
1 Eastern Towhee
2 Common Grackle
3 American Redstart
1 Magnolia Warbler
1 Chestnut-sided Warbler
12 Palm Warbler
1 Black-throated Green Warbler
2 Scarlet Tanager
3 Northern Cardinal
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
3 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 38
Next week we will meet at the Big Bear parking area. Remember- all walks in October start at 8:30!!
As has frequently been the case this month, our bird walk at Salali Lane started off in the dense fog this morning. The 15 of us stuck it out and were rewarded with blue skies and good views of six different warblers before the morning was over. We also had time to compare the similar color of female fall goldfinch with fall indigo buntings. Jim and I were joined by Jo, Meryl, Lanier, Jane, Larry, April, Lauran Renée, Sally, Dick, Marion, Tom, and Abby (with Mimi). Our list of the 32 birds for the morning is below:
Salali Lane – Little Tennessee River Greenway
Sep 21, 2022
7:44 AM
Traveling
1.49 miles
187 minutes
1 Muscovy Duck (Domestic type)
4 Mourning Dove
4 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Downy Woodpecker
2 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker
1 White-eyed Vireo
11 Blue Jay
7 American Crow
2 Fish Crow
5 Carolina Chickadee
6 Tufted Titmouse
6 White-breasted Nuthatch
8 Carolina Wren
3 Gray Catbird
6 Northern Mockingbird
7 Eastern Bluebird
2 American Robin
12 House Finch
10 American Goldfinch
4 Eastern Towhee
2 American Redstart
1 Northern Parula
1 Magnolia Warbler
2 Bay-breasted Warbler
1 Palm Warbler
1 Yellow-throated Warbler
7 Northern Cardinal
3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
4 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 32
Our walk next week will start at the Big Bear parking area at 8:00. Remember, the four walks in October will start at 8:30.
Eleven of us met at the Big Bear section of the greenway today, and together we identified a total of 39 bird species. The morning started off with dense fog and ended with blue, sunny skies. Our participants today were Jim, Ellen, Pam, Peter, Brock, Renée, Jo, Meryl, Don, April, and Laura. Highlights included finding seven species of warblers. Species found today were:
Little Tennessee River Greenway Big Bear
Sep 14, 2022
7:52 AM
Traveling
2.11 miles
166 minutes
14 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
7 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Belted Kingfisher
4 Red-bellied Woodpecker
5 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
3 Eastern Phoebe
2 White-eyed Vireo
13 Blue Jay
16 American Crow
1 Fish Crow
11 Carolina Chickadee
2 Tufted Titmouse
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 House Wren
5 Carolina Wren
35 European Starling
5 Gray Catbird
3 Brown Thrasher
3 Northern Mockingbird
1 Eastern Bluebird
1 American Robin
3 Cedar Waxwing
6 House Finch
21 American Goldfinch
6 Song Sparrow
4 Eastern Towhee
1 Tennessee Warbler
2 American Redstart
1 Cape May Warbler
2 Northern Parula
1 Chestnut-sided Warbler
1 Pine Warbler
1 Yellow-throated Warbler
7 Northern Cardinal
1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
1 Indigo Bunting
Join us next week at Salali Lane, 8:00, for another adventure in birding!
With a bit of fog at the library and a low ceiling to the sky, the birds were fairly quiet for most of the morning. Jim and I were joined by Pam, Tom, Don, Renée, and Rita, and together we identified a total of 30 species. Towards the end of the morning we found groups of goldfinch with some feeding going on, as well as several female and immature indigo buntings and a red-shouldered hawk. Thanks to Pam for keeping the following eBird list.
Little Tennessee River Greenway–Macon County Library
Sep 7, 2022
7:47 AM
Traveling
1.77 miles
4 Canada Goose
6 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
8 Mourning Dove
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
2 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
2 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
3 Eastern Phoebe
5 White-eyed Vireo
3 Blue Jay
12 American Crow
2 Carolina Chickadee
1 Tufted Titmouse
3 White-breasted Nuthatch
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
7 Carolina Wren
4 Gray Catbird
1 Brown Thrasher
10 Eastern Bluebird
7 American Robin
24 Cedar Waxwing
9 House Finch
23 American Goldfinch
2 Field Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
3 Eastern Towhee
6 Northern Cardinal
8 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 30
Next week we will meet at the Big Bear parking area at 8:00. Hope to see you there!
8/31/2022 Franklin Bird Club Walk-Salali Ln
With 3 leaders (Pam, Jim and Ellen) and 11 other birders (Jo, Merle, Renee, Dick, Sally, Phyllis, Tom, Don, Diane and Abby), we were treated with good looks at several Northern Parulas, Eastern Bluebirds, Blue Jays, a belted kingfisher flying down the river, and more. Heading to the bridge, Sally and Don found fresh molts (?) of two black rat snakes. Across the bridge we saw a Cooper’s Hawk, a Red-shouldered Hawk, several White-eyed Vireos and as we were leaving, a kettle of Turkey Vultures. Thanks to Ellen for keeping the eBird list on this picture-perfect morning.
(35.1755,-83.3699) Salali Lane – Little Tennessee River Greenway
Aug 31, 2022
7:45 AM
Traveling
1.29 miles
143 minutes
All birds reported? Yes, 35 species
1 Muscovy Duck (Domestic type)
2 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
5 Mourning Dove
10 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
19 Turkey Vulture
1 Cooper’s Hawk
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
3 Red-bellied Woodpecker
5 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Eastern Phoebe
4 White-eyed Vireo
1 Red-eyed Vireo
11 Blue Jay
6 American Crow
2 Fish Crow
6 Carolina Chickadee
4 Tufted Titmouse
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
9 Carolina Wren
6 Gray Catbird
1 Brown Thrasher
7 Northern Mockingbird
5 Eastern Bluebird
8 American Robin
1 Cedar Waxwing
5 American Goldfinch
3 Song Sparrow
4 Eastern Towhee
6 Northern Parula
2 Yellow-throated Warbler
3 Scarlet Tanager
6 Northern Cardinal
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
2 Indigo Bunting
16 birders participated in the club walk at Big Bear today. Merl, Jo, Don Renee, Diane, April, Marion, Abby, James, Mimi, Pam and Tim were present. We also had visitors from out-of-town: Ellen from Wilmington and Ken and Maria from San Antonio. The most exciting bird of the day was a Great Crested Flycatcher that the whole group got a good look at. We also nice in-the-open views of a male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak and multiple views of some low in the trees feeding Northern Parula. A list of all the species seen is included below. Thanks to Pam Higginbotham for keeping the eBird list.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Aug 24, 2022
7:54 AM
Traveling
1.68 miles
150 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Big Bear
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.13.2 Build 2.13.20
2 Mourning Dove
22 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
3 Turkey Vulture
1 Downy Woodpecker
2 Pileated Woodpecker
2 Eastern Phoebe
1 Great Crested Flycatcher
1 Eastern Kingbird
2 White-eyed Vireo
7 Blue Jay
8 American Crow
8 Carolina Chickadee
5 Tufted Titmouse
5 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
7 Carolina Wren
20 European Starling
8 Gray Catbird
1 Brown Thrasher
2 Northern Mockingbird
5 Eastern Bluebird
1 American Robin
2 House Finch
11 American Goldfinch
4 Song Sparrow
2 Eastern Towhee
3 Northern Parula
2 Northern Cardinal
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
1 Blue Grosbeak
2 Indigo Bunting
Seven of us met at the Library on 8/17 for our weekly bird
walk. Jim and I were joined by Pam, Tim, Renee, April, and Kathy. We found 34 species, including a prairie warbler and black-throated blue warbler. Perhaps the fall migration is starting?
Pam provided the following eBird list for us-
Little Tennessee River Greenway–Macon County Library
Aug 17, 2022
7:52 AM
Traveling
1.23 miles
142 Minutes
3 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
2 Mourning Dove
7 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
1 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker
1 White-eyed Vireo
1 Red-eyed Vireo
7 Blue Jay
6 American Crow
4 Carolina Chickadee
5 Tufted Titmouse
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
4 Carolina Wren
3 Gray Catbird
2 Brown Thrasher
5 Northern Mockingbird
27 Eastern Bluebird
8 American Robin
5 Cedar Waxwing
29 House Finch
12 American Goldfinch
4 Field Sparrow
2 Song Sparrow
4 Eastern Towhee
1 Black-throated Blue Warbler
1 Yellow-throated Warbler
1 Prairie Warbler
2 Scarlet Tanager
3 Northern Cardinal
7 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 34
Ten birders gathered this morning at the Salali Lane portion of the Little Tennessee River Greenway, including Jim, Ellen, Tim, Jenn, Jo, Merle, Don, Renee, Pam and myself. It was a cloudy morning, but we found 36 species plus a curious domestic muscovy duck. Some highlights included four species of wood warblers (black-and-white, black-throated green, northern parula, and American redstart), several scarlet tanagers, and numerous cedar waxwings, including some juveniles.
Please join us next week at 8am at the Macon County Public Library parking lot for more birding along the greenway. Many thanks to Ellen for keeping our list today, visible below:
(35.1755,-83.3699) Salali Lane – Little Tennessee River Greenway
Aug 10, 2022
7:48 AM
Traveling
1.56 miles
122 minutes
1 Muscovy Duck (Domestic type)
8 Mourning Dove
1 Chimney Swift
8 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Belted Kingfisher
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
4 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
2 Eastern Phoebe
3 White-eyed Vireo
3 Blue Jay
2 American Crow
4 Fish Crow
2 Carolina Chickadee
3 Tufted Titmouse
1 Barn Swallow
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
8 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 House Wren
4 Carolina Wren
4 Gray Catbird
1 Brown Thrasher
3 Northern Mockingbird
11 Eastern Bluebird
32 American Robin
11 Cedar Waxwing
4 American Goldfinch
8 Eastern Towhee
1 Black-and-white Warbler
1 American Redstart
2 Northern Parula
1 Black-throated Green Warbler
3 Scarlet Tanager
4 Northern Cardinal
1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
1 Indigo Bunting
12 birders participated in the walk on the Big Bear section of the Greenway today. Participants were: Jim, Ellen, Tim, Don, Abby, Mimi, James, Amy, Jenn, Pam, Jo, and Merle. Highlights included a brief view of a female Wood Duck and a female American Redstart and multiple close-up views of Indigo Buntings, Eastern Kingbirds and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Thanks to Ellen for keeping the eBird list included below.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Aug 03, 2022
7:48 AM
Traveling
1.68 miles
155 minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments:
1 Wood Duck
12 Mourning Dove
1 Chimney Swift
14 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
4 Turkey Vulture
1 Belted Kingfisher
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
3 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
5 Eastern Kingbird
1 White-eyed Vireo
4 Blue Jay
6 American Crow
1 Fish Crow
2 Carolina Chickadee
2 Tufted Titmouse
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 House Wren
5 Carolina Wren
20 European Starling
4 Gray Catbird
2 Brown Thrasher
4 Northern Mockingbird
11 Eastern Bluebird
4 American Robin
8 Cedar Waxwing
6 House Finch
3 American Goldfinch
5 Field Sparrow
7 Song Sparrow
8 Eastern Towhee
1 Common Grackle
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 American Redstart
4 Northern Cardinal
5 Indigo Bunting
Eight of us met at the library this morning for a somewhat quiet summer morning bird walk. Participants this morning included Ellen, Tim, Amy, Connie, Diane, Tom, Kathy, and Don. Together we identified 28 species. Once again we had nice looks at both blue grosbeaks and indigo buntings, and had a family group of four thrashers. Thank you to Amy for keeping the eBird list this morning.
Little Tennessee River Greenway–Macon County Library
Jul 27, 2022
7:56 AM
1.35 miles
117 Minutes
11 Mourning Dove
6 Chimney Swift
2 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
4 Eastern Phoebe
2 White-eyed Vireo
6 Blue Jay
10 American Crow
3 Tufted Titmouse
3 Barn Swallow
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
3 Carolina Wren
2 Gray Catbird
8 Brown Thrasher
2 Northern Mockingbird
2 Eastern Bluebird
10 House Finch
4 American Goldfinch
6 Field Sparrow
3 Song Sparrow
2 Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed)
35 Common Grackle
1 Common Yellowthroat
8 Northern Cardinal
2 Blue Grosbeak
3 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 28
Next week we will start at the Big Bear parking area. Hope to see you there!
Once again, the weather cooperated for today’s bird walk. Ten birders joined us this morning, and together with Jenn S., Tim, Sally S., Sally W., Sari, Don, April, Tom, and Abby (with Mimi and James, two junior birders) we found 37 species along the Salali Lane section of the Little Tennessee Greenway. Highlights included several flyovers by a group of 4 green herons, a scarlet tanager couple, a barn swallow on her nest, and a very cooperative male indigo bunting. Thank you to Tim for keeping our eBird list shown below.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Jul 20, 2022
7:50 AM
Traveling
2.39 miles
165 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Sali lane Franklin Bird Club
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.13.1 Build 2.13.13
1 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
6 Mourning Dove
2 Chimney Swift
6 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
4 Green Heron — Four flew over!
1 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
3 Downy Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
1 Eastern Phoebe
2 White-eyed Vireo
4 Blue Jay
8 American Crow
2 Fish Crow
2 Carolina Chickadee
3 Tufted Titmouse
2 Tree Swallow
2 Barn Swallow
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 House Wren
5 Carolina Wren
3 European Starling
2 Gray Catbird
1 Brown Thrasher
9 Northern Mockingbird
8 Eastern Bluebird
6 American Robin
8 American Goldfinch
6 Song Sparrow
8 Eastern Towhee
1 Common Grackle
1 Northern Parula
2 Scarlet Tanager
7 Northern Cardinal
6 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 37
Next week we’ll meet at the Macon County Public Library at 8am. For everyone’s safety please make sure that your vaccines are up to date. We look forward to seeing you there.
Eleven birders joined the bird club for our walk on the Big Bear section of the Franklin Greenway. April, Jenn, Amy, Sally S., Jim, Ellen, Renee, Ned, Don, Connie and Tim participated in the walk. Highlights included views of three species of warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Double-crested Cormorant, Wood Duck and Green Heron. 43 species were seen. Thanks to Amy for keeping the eBird list shown below:
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Jul 13, 2022
7:51 AM
Traveling
1.85 miles
146 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Franklin Bird Club
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.6.0 Build 2.6.9
1 Wood Duck
9 Mourning Dove
3 Chimney Swift
4 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
1 Double-crested Cormorant
1 Green Heron
3 Turkey Vulture
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
3 Downy Woodpecker
3 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
5 Eastern Kingbird
3 White-eyed Vireo
11 Blue Jay
23 American Crow
2 Carolina Chickadee
4 Tufted Titmouse
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2 House Wren
5 Carolina Wren
9 European Starling
9 Gray Catbird
4 Brown Thrasher
12 Northern Mockingbird
6 Eastern Bluebird
1 Wood Thrush
6 American Robin
4 Cedar Waxwing
2 House Finch
8 American Goldfinch
2 Field Sparrow
10 Song Sparrow
9 Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed)
2 Orchard Oriole
5 Red-winged Blackbird
2 Common Grackle
1 Black-and-white Warbler
3 Common Yellowthroat
1 American Redstart
1 Scarlet Tanager
9 Northern Cardinal
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
5 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 43
Nine birders enjoyed the library section of the greenway this morning. Jim and I were joined by Tim, Amy, Jenn, April, Karen, Sally S, and Renee. Together we identified 36 species. This included two blue grosbeaks and an indigo bunting all giving us great views as they perched in a single tree near the parking area, and a pair of scarlet tanagers farther along the trail. Thanks go to Tim for keeping the following eBird list for us:
Little Tennessee River Greenway–Macon County Library
Jul 6, 2022
8:02 AM
1.39 miles
120 Minutes
5 Mourning Dove
1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo
2 Chimney Swift
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
8 Turkey Vulture
2 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Eastern Wood-Pewee
1 Eastern Phoebe
1 American Crow
2 Carolina Chickadee
2 Tufted Titmouse
3 Northern Rough-winged Swallow
1 Tree Swallow
1 Barn Swallow
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
4 Carolina Wren
1 Brown Thrasher
4 Northern Mockingbird
2 Eastern Bluebird
20 American Robin
4 Cedar Waxwing
6 House Finch
5 American Goldfinch
1 Chipping Sparrow
3 Field Sparrow
3 Song Sparrow
1 Eastern Towhee
1 Hooded Warbler
1 Northern Parula
1 Yellow-throated Warbler
2 Scarlet Tanager
3 Northern Cardinal
2 Blue Grosbeak
3 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 36
Next week we will start at the Big Bear parking area, 8:00, hope to see you there!
What looked like a sure rain-out turned into a nice morning at the Salali Lane portion of the Greenway. We had seven birders, including Tim, Don, April, Beth, Renee, Tom, and myself. Thank you to Tim for keeping our list.
We found 39 species today, including more brown thrashers than we’ve seen before and many “teenage” birds in general. Near the end of our walk, we had a nice view of a first-year male orchard oriole.
We look forward to seeing everyone next week at Macon County Public Library parking lot at 8am (for everyone’s safety, please keep your vaccines up to date). See you there!
Below please find our observations from today:
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Jun 29, 2022
7:57 AM
Traveling
2.75 miles
150 Minutes
Comments: Salali lane
3 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
6 Mourning Dove
4 Chimney Swift
11 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
4 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
3 Eastern Phoebe
1 White-eyed Vireo
1 Red-eyed Vireo
8 Blue Jay
9 American Crow
2 Fish Crow
6 Carolina Chickadee
5 Tufted Titmouse
7 Northern Rough-winged Swallow
10 Barn Swallow
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 House Wren
9 Carolina Wren
2 Gray Catbird
10 Brown Thrasher
7 Northern Mockingbird
6 Eastern Bluebird
4 American Robin
3 House Finch
8 American Goldfinch
1 Field Sparrow
7 Song Sparrow
7 Eastern Towhee
2 Yellow-breasted Chat
1 Orchard Oriole
1 Black-and-white Warbler
2 Hooded Warbler
1 Northern Parula
10 Northern Cardinal
6 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 39
What a great morning of birding for the 20 of us who met at Big Bear today! A lot of bird song, immature birds of several species being fed, and just lots of activity. All together we identified 43 species. Our group today included six participants nine years old and younger. The others in the group were Tim (our leader today), Jean H (welcome back!), Amy, Jim, Ellen, Kay, Diane, Don, Tom, April, Monika, Andrew, Renée, and Abby.
The following is the eBird list of what we saw and heard today:
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Big Bear
Jun 22, 2022
1.32 miles
153 minutes
4 Mourning Dove
1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo
5 Chimney Swift
4 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-tailed Hawk
1 Belted Kingfisher
2 Downy Woodpecker
3 Northern Flicker
1 Eastern Kingbird
3 White-eyed Vireo
3 Blue Jay
5 American Crow
3 Carolina Chickadee
13 Tufted Titmouse
14 Northern Rough-winged Swallow
20 Tree Swallow
3 Cliff Swallow
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Brown-headed Nuthatch
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2 House Wren
5 Carolina Wren
9 European Starling
3 Gray Catbird
4 Brown Thrasher
3 Northern Mockingbird
4 Eastern Bluebird
2 American Robin
2 Cedar Waxwing
3 House Finch
1 American Goldfinch
2 Field Sparrow
10 Song Sparrow
6 Eastern Towhee
6 Orchard Oriole
4 Red-winged Blackbird
2 Brown-headed Cowbird
8 Common Grackle
1 Black-and-white Warbler
2 Common Yellowthroat
1 Northern Parula
4 Northern Cardinal
2 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 43
Next week we will meet at Salali Lane, off of Fox Ridge Road, at 8 am. Hope you’ll join us!
Several of us were surprised at the dense mist that greeted us at the library this morning, particularly since we had come from various surrounding areas that had all been sunny! But the skies soon cleared and the fourteen birders present enjoyed the morning and identified a total of 40 species including four types of swallows. The number of cliff swallows was almost uncountable, but eagle-eye Amy estimated at least 90. The birding group this morning consisted of Jim, Ellen, Amy, Pam, Tim, Rita, Diane, Sally, Dick, Don, Renée, Kathy, Jo, and Merle. Many thanks to Amy for keeping the following eBird list for us today:
Little Tennessee River Greenway–Macon County Library
Jun 15, 2022
7:45 AM
1.52 miles
132 Minutes
Comments: Franklin Bird Club
4 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
13 Mourning Dove
7 Turkey Vulture
1 Cooper’s Hawk
1 Red-tailed Hawk
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Eastern Wood-Pewee
1 Eastern Phoebe
2 Great Crested Flycatcher
4 White-eyed Vireo
2 Red-eyed Vireo
7 American Crow
5 Carolina Chickadee
9 Tufted Titmouse
12 Northern Rough-winged Swallow
6 Tree Swallow
2 Barn Swallow
90 Cliff Swallow — on a wire and nesting some are immature
4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
7 Carolina Wren
2 Gray Catbird
4 Northern Mockingbird
15 Eastern Bluebird
2 American Robin
5 Cedar Waxwing
1 House Finch
8 American Goldfinch
2 Chipping Sparrow
10 Field Sparrow
4 Song Sparrow
4 Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed)
4 Yellow-breasted Chat
4 Orchard Oriole
2 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Hooded Warbler
3 Northern Parula
4 Northern Cardinal
1 Blue Grosbeak
5 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 40
Our next bird walk will start at the Big Bear parking area at 8:00, 6/22. For everyone’s safety please be fully vaccinated and maintain appropriate social distance, and enjoy the birding!
Despite the forecast this morning, we had a beautiful walk along the Salali Lane portion of the Greenway. Fourteen birders joined me, including Jenn, Karen, Jim, Ellen, Tim, Renee, Tom, Diane, Don, Abby (with Mimi and James), Kathie, Steve, Sally, and Dick. Many thanks to Ellen for keeping our list.
We found 46 species, including fledglings that are still being fed by their parents such as young Northern Rough-winged Swallows. Other highlights included a Yellow-breasted Chat, a Blue Grosbeak, three of our four local vireos (Red-eyed, White-eyed, and Yellow-throated), and a brief look at an Acadian Flycatcher.
Next week we will meet at the Macon County Public Library parking lot at 8am (for everyone’s safety, please keep your vaccines up to date). See you there!
Below please find our observations for today:
(35.1755,-83.3699) Salali Lane – Little Tennessee River Greenway
Jun 08, 2022
7:50 AM
Traveling
2.27 miles
158 minutes
2 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
4 Mourning Dove
1 Chimney Swift
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
4 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
2 Downy Woodpecker
1 Acadian Flycatcher
3 Eastern Phoebe
1 Eastern Kingbird
2 White-eyed Vireo
1 Yellow-throated Vireo
2 Red-eyed Vireo
1 Blue Jay
4 American Crow
3 Fish Crow
5 Carolina Chickadee
8 Tufted Titmouse
9 Northern Rough-winged Swallow
5 Tree Swallow
3 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 House Wren
5 Carolina Wren
1 Gray Catbird
4 Brown Thrasher
2 Northern Mockingbird
11 Eastern Bluebird
1 Wood Thrush
7 American Robin
2 House Finch
3 American Goldfinch
2 Field Sparrow
9 Song Sparrow
5 Eastern Towhee
2 Yellow-breasted Chat
2 Red-winged Blackbird
4 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Common Grackle
1 Black-and-white Warbler
1 Hooded Warbler
3 Northern Parula
10 Northern Cardinal
1 Blue Grosbeak
7 Indigo Bunting
17 birders walked the Big Bear section of the Franklin Greenway today. Participants included: Peter, Ellen, Jim, Dick, Sally, Jane, Karen, Pat, Pam, Amy, Diane, Mary, Don, Abby, Mimi, James and Tim. 43 species of bird were seen. Highlights included numerous view of Orchard Oriole and Ingo Bunting as well as fantastic views of an Osprey perched over the Little Tennnessee River. The eBird list of birds seen is included below. Thanks to Ellen for keeping the list.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Jun 01, 2022
7:47 AM
Traveling
2.51 miles
160 minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments:
5 Mourning Dove
3 Chimney Swift
2 Green Heron
3 Turkey Vulture
1 Osprey
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
4 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
1 Eastern Phoebe
1 Eastern Kingbird
3 White-eyed Vireo
6 Blue Jay
34 American Crow
3 Carolina Chickadee
12 Tufted Titmouse
9 Northern Rough-winged Swallow
3 Tree Swallow
2 White-breasted Nuthatch
3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
5 Carolina Wren
6 European Starling
3 Gray Catbird
6 Brown Thrasher
4 Northern Mockingbird
4 Eastern Bluebird
4 American Robin
4 Cedar Waxwing
4 House Finch
9 American Goldfinch
9 Song Sparrow
6 Eastern Towhee
1 Yellow-breasted Chat
8 Orchard Oriole
5 Red-winged Blackbird
2 Brown-headed Cowbird
2 Common Grackle
3 Common Yellowthroat
3 Northern Parula
1 Yellow-throated Warbler
11 Northern Cardinal
4 Indigo Bunting
It was great to be back birding with our Franklin friends today! Ten of us met at the library and together we identified a total of 45 bird species. Our group included Tim, Amy, Pam, Karen, Rita, Kathi, Steve, Abby (with Mimi), Jim, and Ellen. Thanks to Amy for keeping the eBird list. We started off with dozens of cedar waxwings, and ended up with an orchard oriole and a pair of blue grosbeaks.
Next week we will meet at Big Bear parking area at 8:00.
The birds we identified today were:
5 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
3 Mourning Dove
3 Chimney Swift
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
5 Turkey Vulture
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Pileated Woodpecker
1 Eastern Wood-Pewee
1 Great Crested Flycatcher
2 Eastern Kingbird
1 White-eyed Vireo
1 Yellow-throated Vireo
1 Red-eyed Vireo
2 Blue Jay
3 American Crow
5 Carolina Chickadee
5 Tufted Titmouse
12 Northern Rough-winged Swallow
3 Tree Swallow
43 Cliff Swallow
2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 House Wren
4 Carolina Wren
16 European Starling
1 Brown Thrasher
3 Northern Mockingbird
10 Eastern Bluebird
2 American Robin
37 Cedar Waxwing
3 House Finch
9 American Goldfinch
2 Chipping Sparrow
6 Field Sparrow
3 Song Sparrow
3 Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed)
4 Yellow-breasted Chat
1 Orchard Oriole
7 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Hooded Warbler
2 Northern Parula
1 Yellow-throated Warbler
6 Northern Cardinal
2 Blue Grosbeak
4 Indigo Bunting
Number of Taxa: 45
See you next week!
Perfect morning for bird-watching! 12 birders joined us this morning for the Salali Lane walk along the Greenway. Beth L., April, Rita, Ned, Don, Tim, Pam, Tom, Abby (& Mimi), Gail and Michael K, and Diane participated. We had our youngest ever (I think) birder who was 20 months old! It’s great to be outdoors.
Highlights included 2 Blue Jays mobbing a Red-shouldered Hawk, a cooperative Scarlet Tanager, Hooded Warbler, White-eyed Vireo. No swallows are nesting under the bridge this year. We also saw a Spotted Sandpiper (from the first bridge). Pam kept the list this week and Tim and Pam led the walk (mostly Tim.) Next week we meet at the Macon County Public Library at 8:00AM. See you there!
(35.1755,-83.3699) Salali Lane – Little Tennessee River Greenway
May 18, 2022
7:52 AM
Traveling
0.25 miles
28 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Franklin Bird Club
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 2.13.1 Build 2.13.13
10 Canada Goose
1 Mourning Dove
6 Chimney Swift
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird
1 Spotted Sandpiper
1 Black Vulture
2 Turkey Vulture
1 Red-shouldered Hawk
1 Belted Kingfisher
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
2 Downy Woodpecker
2 Eastern Phoebe
3 White-eyed Vireo
1 Yellow-throated Vireo
2 Red-eyed Vireo
7 Blue Jay
4 American Crow
1 Fish Crow
3 Carolina Chickadee
3 Tufted Titmouse
1 Tree Swallow
6 Barn Swallow
1 Cliff Swallow
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2 House Wren
5 Carolina Wren
1 European Starling
4 Gray Catbird
4 Brown Thrasher
2 Northern Mockingbird
2 Eastern Bluebird
3 American Robin
3 Cedar Waxwing
3 American Goldfinch
1 Field Sparrow
7 Song Sparrow
7 Eastern Towhee
4 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Black-and-white Warbler
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 Hooded Warbler
1 Northern Parula
1 Scarlet Tanager
7 Northern Cardinal
4 Indigo Bunting
2 Eastern Kingbird
Number of Taxa: 47
After a long COVID interruption, the Franklin Bird Club resumed its weekly walks today. 14 happy birders enjoyed a pleasant morning on the Big Bear section of the Franklin Greenway. Rita, April, Beth L, Jean B., Karen, Ned, Pam, Amy, Debra, Diane O., Jean H., Don O., Marsha, and Tim participated. Highlights of the trip include numerous views of first-year male and mature male Orchard Oriole plus good looks at Yellow-breasted Chat, Eastern Kingbird and Common Yellowthroat. A list of birds seen is included below. Thanks to Amy for keeping the eBird list.
eBird Checklist Summary for: May 11, 2022
Number of Checklists: 1
Number of Taxa: 45
Checklists included in this summary:
(1): Little Tennessee River Greenway
Date: May 11, 2022 at 8:02 AM
6 Canada Goose — (1)
7 Mourning Dove — (1)
12 Chimney Swift — (1)
1 Green Heron — (1)
3 Black Vulture — (1)
7 Turkey Vulture — (1)
1 hawk sp. — (1)
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker — (1)
1 Downy Woodpecker — (1)
1 Downy/Hairy Woodpecker — (1)
2 Pileated Woodpecker — (1)
2 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) — (1)
2 Eastern Phoebe — (1)
3 Eastern Kingbird — (1)
4 White-eyed Vireo — (1)
6 Blue Jay — (1)
6 American Crow — (1)
1 Fish Crow — (1)
5 Carolina Chickadee — (1)
3 Tufted Titmouse — (1)
7 Northern Rough-winged Swallow — (1)
6 Tree Swallow — (1)
1 White-breasted Nuthatch — (1)
6 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher — (1)
5 Carolina Wren — (1)
6 European Starling — (1)
2 Gray Catbird — (1)
1 Brown Thrasher — (1)
7 Northern Mockingbird — (1)
5 Eastern Bluebird — (1)
2 American Robin — (1)
38 Cedar Waxwing — (1)
6 American Goldfinch — (1)
1 Field Sparrow — (1)
8 Song Sparrow — (1)
4 Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed) — (1)
2 Yellow-breasted Chat — (1)
4 Orchard Oriole — (1)
11 Red-winged Blackbird — (1)
1 Brown-headed Cowbird — (1)
3 Common Yellowthroat — (1)
2 Northern Parula — (1)
1 Yellow Warbler — (1)
7 Northern Cardinal — (1)
3 Indigo Bunting — (1)