Woodcock at NC Arboretum near Asheville, NC

["Jlindfors" <Jlindfors@msn.com>]

I was birding at the North Carolina Arboretum (Buncombe County) near the
Blue Ridge Parkway on Route 191 yesterday, June 24th.  I crossed the
footbridge over Bent Creek that leads into the National Native Azalea
Repository just off the Bent Creek Road.  I followed the wood chipped trail
to its southern part where it crosses a small stream.  I was hopping to see
a Kentucky Warbler, but only heard it call.  But as I walked around in the
oak leaves an American Woodcock flew up and flew about 30 yards away behind
some rhododendrum bushes.

It really isn't a Common Snipe because this is a shady mature wood land with
a tall oak canopy.  Also the bird did not do a zig-zag escape flight or
exhibit an orange tail.

I did get good looks at a Kentucky Warbler and a Northern Parula at the
trail head lower parking area.

I know I saw an Acadian Flycatcher near Bent Creek deep in the woods.  But
entering the woods where a foot bridge is I heard a single chip note (my
hearing is bad, but that's the way it sounded) coming from an empidonax that
I guess is a Willow Flycatcher (because I heard a Willow Flycatcher near
that spot a few weeks ago.)

Ron Selvey of Hendersonville has visited Fletcher Community Park (Western NC
in Henderson County.  Howard Gap Rd 3/4 mile from junction of Hendersonville
Highway (Rt 25) and Howard Gap Rd).  He has been getting at least two
different Warbling Vireos, Yellow-throated Vireos, and two Orchard Orioles.

Regards,
John Lindfors