Gray's Lilies and birds on Elk Knob

["Golden Cockerel" <goldencc@boone.net>]

Went exploring on Elk Knob (Watauga Cnty, NC) today.  The best find was a
bunch of Gray's Lilies right on the summit.  A few had opened fully,
revealing their striking selves, while most were just getting ready to pop.
I understand this is at least a threatened species in NC, if not endangered,
so thought I would mention it here thinking it would be of interest to some
of you.  A lifer for me.  Another nice wildflower found on the mountainside
was purple fringed orchid.

Over 5500ft of elevation seemed a strange place to find a barn swallow, but
there was one swooping around the summit.  Veeries, juncos, downies, and a
red-eyed vireo rounded out the avian species encountered--no surprises there
I think.

Vesper sparrows continue to be quite visible at Rich Mtn. Gap, as does the
lone grasshopper sparrow that has returned for his third summer in a row.
I've seen cedar waxwings twice there this week, and heard 2 barred owls
calling to each other up on Snake Mountain.  Throw in a rose-breasted
grosbeak, a flicker, and lots of chestnut-sided warblers and least
flycatchers to keep us busy in summer.

A scarlet tanager has been hanging around our house for the last 10 days
singing more or less all day long everyday.  Not sure if he's a proud father
or a lonely fellow still hoping for a mate, but he sure has a good pair of
lungs!

Walton Conway
The Golden Cockerel, Boone, NC
www.goldencockerel.com
(828) 297-4653; 1-800-892-5409