[TN-Bird] field trip info for TOS-VSO meeting

From: "Richard Knight" <rknight8@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "bristol-birds" <bristol-birds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, "tn-bird" <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 16:21:12 -0400
Field trip information for the joint TOS - VSO state meeting. 
18-20 May 2012 in Johnson City, TN.
All field trips will depart from the Holiday Inn in Johnson City. Snacks & 
drinks are recommended
for all trips. Temperatures at high elevations may be cool enough to need a 
jacket. Most of these trips require a driving time of about one hour each way. 
Car pooling is highly desirable.
Friday, 18 May: Trips depart at 7:00 am and return in mid afternoon, with a 
lunch stop at a local
diner. You may wish to pack a lunch instead.
1. Roan Mountain area. Stops include Hampton Creek Cove and along hwy 143 
heading toward
Carver's Gap. Moderate walking at Hampton Creek Cove, 1-2 miles slightly 
uphill, but at birding pace. Targets include Golden-winged, Black-throated 
Blue, Canada, and other warblers; Alder &
Least Flycatcher, Raven, Veery, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Possible is 
Black-billed Cuckoo.
2. Roan Mountain area. Same as # 1, but birding along hwy 143 toward Carver's 
Gap first, then
going to Hampton Creek Cove. Same birds as above.
3. Shady Valley. Birding along lower Beaverdam Creek, then at Quarry or Orchard 
Bogs. Easy
walking for short distances. Targets include Black-throated Blue, Swainson's, 
and other warblers;
Willow Flycatcher.
Friday evening, 18 May: Trips depart at 7:00 pm, weather permitting (if 
raining, trips cancelled). A flashlight and jacket are recommended. Target bird 
is Northern Saw-whet Owl. NOTE: it is more likely that one will be heard rather 
than seen, but even hearing one is not guaranteed. 
1. Big Bald Mountain. Limit 20 persons. Maximum car pooling essential, as there 
is little parking. This trip also has a round-trip walk of about 1.5 miles on 
trail. 
2. Roan Mountain (Carver's Gap). May involve walking up road.
Saturday & Sunday, 19 - 20 May: Trips depart at staggered times (7:00 to 7:30 
am) and return
by noon. Sign-up on Friday and Saturday night; check individual trip departure 
times.
Roan Mountain area:
1. Hampton Creek Cove. Moderate walking, about 2 miles, slightly uphill, but at 
birding pace. Target birds include Golden-winged, Chestnut-sided, 
Black-throated Blue and other warblers; Least Flycatcher, Veery. Also possible 
are Alder & Willow Flycatcher, Black-billed Cuckoo.
2. Hwy 143, mid elevations to Carver's Gap. Relatively easy walking for short 
distances. Targets include Black-throated Blue, Canada, and other warblers; 
Least & Alder Flycatcher; Raven, Veery, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Red-breasted 
Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Pine Siskin. Possible at Carver's Gap is Red 
Crossbill.
3. Carver's Gap and spruce-fir forest, with a few stops along hwy 143 as 
descending mountain. Relatively easy walking for short distances. Target birds 
same as trip 3.
Elsewhere:
4. Unaka Mountain. Driving along paved / gravel Forest Service road, with 
frequent stops, rather easy walking. Targets include Black-throated Blue, 
Canada and other warblers; Raven, Veery, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Possible are 
Ruffed Grouse and Red Crossbill.
5. Shady Valley. Roadside stops along lower Beaverdam Creek, then at one of the 
Nature Conservancy bogs. Easy walking for short distances. Targets include 
Black-throated Blue, Swainson's, and other warblers; Willow Flycatcher.
6. Western Washington County. Driving along paved rural roads, with stops at 
selected sites. Little or no walking. Targets include Bobolink, Dickcissel, 
Grasshopper Sparrow, Warbling Vireo, and possibly some shorebirds at farm 
ponds. A spotting scope may be useful on this trip. 
_____________________________________________________________________________
For on-your-own birding near Johnson City:
Winged Deer Park: From the Holiday Inn, turn right on Springbrook; at the light 
turn left onto N. Roan St. & in 0.4 mile (at the Honda dealership) angle to the 
right onto Hwy 11-E toward Bristol; proceed 2.8 miles & turn left onto Carroll 
Creek Rd. (just before crossing bridge over lake); in 0.4 mile turn either 
right or left. Right will take you to the boat ramp, picnic shelter, & 
restroom. Left will provide access to trails & disc golf course. Orioles nest 
near the lakeside picnic shelter, while the trails provide good woodland and 
edge birding.
[TN-Bird] field trip info for TOS-VSO meeting

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