by don | Jan 5, 2011
The twin banes of birding, wind and rain, combined to help set a new record low for the eighth annual Balsam Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The soggy but undaunted cadre of birders sloshed and slogged their way around Lake Logan, Lake Junaluska and the Waynesville...
by don | Dec 30, 2010
This year is winding up just like last year began – cold and snowy. An early Naturalist’s Corner from last January was “Birrrrrding the big chill.” “The annual Balsam Christmas Bird Count was scheduled for last Saturday (Jan. 2). However, scary weather conditions —...
by don | Dec 22, 2010
Don’t worry PUFIs won’t harm you. They won’t even take you up to the mothership to probe and prod you and send you home with nothing but a vague recollection of bluish lights and otherworldly mutterings. PUFI is simply bird-nerd speak for purple finch. This “sparrow...
by don | Dec 17, 2010
I have about 20 PUFIs at my feeders. Been here about a week now. Been feeding here since 1994 – always get a few each winter. But never this many. Lucky for me I’m not participating in any citizen science projects this week. I’m sure 20 PUFIs would...
by don | Dec 14, 2010
I received an email last week from Ida Phillips, communications director for Audubon North Carolina, announcing that Lea Island, a barrier island in Pender County was close to being permanently protected: “One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in North Carolina...
