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Junaluska and Beaver lakes



Hi folks.
Went to Lake Junaluska yesterday (Fri.), as I was working in Clyde. On the
drive around the lake I saw a group of Red Breasted Mergansers. There were
several females with one male. (I don't see how they find those punk
haircuts attractive....) I parked in the parking lot at the foot of Hagood
Lane, and scanning with my binocs saw a group of  Bonapartes Gulls on the
water and several Ring Bills on the mud flat. (Oh, did I say the lake is
filling up?) With the Ring Bills was a surprise that took me back to Coastal
GA.; a Caspian Tern! I have always had problems with Caspians and Royals, so
a quick look through Naational Geo. helped. Couldn't mistake that bright
orange bill and the black cap. Don't worry if you don't believe this report;
I hardly believed it myself. 50 years here in WNC, most of them as a birder,
and this is a first.
Scanning along, I also saw on the mudflat a pair of Redhead ducks. The
flotilla of Red Breasteds came through, and I commented to myself that some
might think the lone drake amongst so many hens lucky or unlucky, depending
on their age. (I am at an age where I can't decide.)
As I started away, I saw a rather large bird soaring sort of gull-like, and
it was an Osprey. On my drive around the lake, I saw another Osprey sitting
on a stick or something sticking out of the lake about 6 or 8 feet; a
perfect Osprey perch. The other was still soaring around. A mated pair you
think? Probably never happen here.....
Suzanne and I went to Beaver Lake today for our bird outing. Most of the
usual songbirds there, but we did see some rather large Dragonflies with
blue abdomens, and a mated pair of them. Saw the female ovipositing.
The catchment pond is providing some excellent habitat for American Toads,
and their songs were ethereal. Painted turtles were out on the logs, and I,
miserable critter that I am, frightened them in the water trying to
photograph them.
A nice couple of days, and could someone tell me if a Caspian is possible or
ordinary in WNC?
Alex Netherton
The Appalachian Naturalist
Asheville, NC
http://www.appalachian-naturalist.com