Backyard Birding

When we move to Gaston County, back in January of this year, one of the first things we did was place a bird feeder in our yard. I have a terrific view of the feeder from the spare bedroom, where I sit right now, and enjoy looking out over the yard and into the woods across the street. Now we kept this feeder full for a few weeks when we moved in, but then unpacking, visiting family, and wedding planning occupied our time.

Flashfoward to yesterday, when on a whim my son and I decided to fill the feeder again. Well this afternoon the birds have already rewarded us well. While siting here typing I’ve already seen:

American Goldfinch
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Cardinal
American Robin
Hairy Woodpecker

Nothing surprising, your classic southeastern feeder birds. Nevertheless, its always enjoyable to sit from your window and watch flashes of reds, yellows, greys, and black-white zip around from tree to feeder to bush… to WINDOW! It’s especially enjoyable as my son sat in my lap, clapping and screaming with excitement with each new bird that visited the feeder.

I’ve already pulled down my old binoculars and bird-book, may have to resurrect my life-list. But first, I think more feeders are in order. I have a suet feeder laying around here somewhere that would be welcomed this fall!

Speaking of fall, that will be my next post.

Creeking Adventures

Date: 08-07-2010
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway (Galax, VA to NC-18)

I’ve started my first blog on the same day the family and I enjoyed a day in our larger ‘backyard’.  See, my backyard varies from the half-acre we have here in Stanley, out to the woods at the end of our block, further into Gaston County, across the state of North Carolina, and onwards to anywhere my feet may take me.  Today, we explored the further edges.

We drove up to Galax, VA to have a car inspected (still registered there, shh).   On the way back, we enjoyed a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway with a couple extra stops.  Of course, the trip started in Galax  at the Skyline Highway (SR-89) entrance.  We drove through Cumberland Knob Recreational Area, Stone Mountain State Park, Doughton Recreational Area…. then my son reminded everyone last time we drank was at lunch (about two hours ago).  So we got off at the SR-18 exit and drove into Wilkesboro.

Now first, I did not even realize we drove along the northern boundary of Stone Mountain State Park.  That is a wonderful place and I encourage everyone to go!

More importantly though, was the fun we had at Little Glade Millpond.  As soon as we got onto the Parkway, we planned stop at the first pull-off to go creeking and this was it.  Behind the pond, through a little brush is Little Glade Creek.  At the spot we found, it was no more than ankle deep and about 4 feet wide with plenty to see.

My son has quite the eye!  He spotted a couple crayfish (of which there are more than 30 species in NC), a salamander, and a frog.  I wasn’t quick enough to catch the frog though.  All-in-all, it was a good time.  I’ll post videos and photos soon of our finds.

Myself, I enjoyed seeing all the Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) in bloom covered with butterflies.  We’ve planted one individual in our home-backyard which has done well.  Hoping next spring it will really take off…. but that is another post.  Our creeking spot also had lots of Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) which is another fantastic plant.  As the name indicates, scratching the bark reveals a bright-yellow stem.  This isn’t limited to the root though.

Well, this is all I have time for this evening.  But I hope to keep up with this blog and want to follow-up with plenty of photos, videos, and more.