On the advice of Ranger Mara Miesel, we set up shop just south of the Meadow's
lowest and very swampy point. After sunset we struggled to hear birds between
calling frogs and blowing winds. Moving uphill (east towards the CCC camps),
we were rewarded with really good looks at American Woodcocks, both in flight
and while earthbound, peenting. One bird repeatedly returned nearby to show
off his "stuff." We had at least six birds in earshot around us. The full
moon-rise was icing on the cake!
Before our woodcock hunt, we found a Hermit Thrush on Story of the Forest
trail. Some of us ate at the Wayside Restaurant, next to the Byrd Visitor
Center -- great service and the food was fine. (Our chilly bones were
thankful to learn coffee and hot chocolate refills were free!) Others in the
group froze outside and ate their packed dinners. (Those of us who ate in
comfort of course felt guilty after!)
Diane Lepkowski
Harrisonburg
Tips:
- Annual SNP pass -- price increases May 1. So if you'll buy one, save by
doing so this month! (only $30 now.)
- Trees, for the most part, didn't appear to be budding out yet.
- We found no warblers. Only one deer reported for the entire trip -- from
Swift Run Gap to Big Meadows. (We drove in 3 separate cars at different
times.)
- Check out the SNP Association and consider joining. This organization
supports educational and interpretive SNP activities and offers a nice benefit
package to members: http://www.snpbooks.org/
