Max patch adventure

[phukan@email.unc.edu (shantanu phukan)]

Dear All:
I went up to Max Patch road last week to look specifically for Golden
Wings, and though edified by the scenery, was partially disappointed
by the warblers. I hung out for hours at the junction of Sugar Cove
Road and Max Patch Road and had Kentucky and Yellow Warblers and also
a stunning, leisurely look at a fearless female Bobwhite which pecked
about practically at my feet in that way that grouse sometimes have
after years of eluding you. THis was my first EVER decent look at a
bobwhite and I soaked it up thankfully. After not hearing any Golden
WIngs at this junction I moved down Max Patch Road about half a mile
and instantly heard at least two Golden WIngs singing lustily for all
they were worth; but though they sang volumes, they never showed
themselves. This was sheer titillation.

The other great sighting I had was that of a Ruffed Grouse on the way
up to Mt Max Patch. At first the female grouse ran along the road and
then flew in front of the car, giving us great looks. But then when it
simply planted itself up in a conifer and did not budge we discovered
the cause: four little chicks crossing the road very hesitantly. They
finally caught up with her and then she melted into the underbrush.
Shantanu Phukan




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SHANTANU PHUKAN
Assistant Professor of Indian Literature, Urdu and Hindi
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill