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6/12/02

Nature Notebook 6/12

SMN
The Nature Notebook is a journal of where to see what across the region. The focus of the Notebook will be watchable wildlife and wildflowers. Particular vistas and scenes — such as waterfalls and old growth — may also be included. Readers are invited to contribute. Email sightings to don@smokymountainnews.com. We will make every effort to get all reader submissions in the notebook, but there may be times because of space constraint or timing issues, etc., when a particular entry doesn’t make it.

We hope the Nature Notebook will be of service to birders, naturalists, sightseers and wildlife watchers of all skills and levels. Your contributions will help ensure that.

Be sure all submissions include your name, the date of the observance, good directions and a phone number or email address. Photos, digital or prints are welcomed. If the sighting is on private property, please advise of the proper way to gain access.


Birds:

° Alder flycatchers reported from Richland Balsam Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway (6/4 — Bob Olthoff)

° Golden winged warblers reported along Max Patch road (6/8 — Bob Olthoff)

° Scissor-tailed flycatcher (only known nesting pair in the state) near Charlotte, in Monroe, reported on Carolina birds listserve, on private property (contact Anne Olsen at bolsen@trellis.net.)

° White-winged crossbill, near Charlotte, in Tega Cay, S.C., reported from Carolina birds listserve, on private property, contact Liz Ciadi at 803.802.2631.

° Red-breasted nuthatch, Canada warbler, black-capped chickadee reported from Heintooga Road just at the intersection with Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 458.2, — Don Hendershot)

° grasshopper sparrow, Glance’s Cove in Crabtree, Haywood County (Bob Olthoff)

° Red-winged crossbill & hermit thrush from Heintooga Road near Balsam Mountain Campground (Bob Olthoff)


Wildflowers:

° Bladder campion, Silene latifolia & sundrops, Oenothera fruticosa along Blue Ridge Parkway, near milepost 444.4 (Don Hendershot)

° Great stands of flame azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum & mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia on Blue Ridge Parkway between Woodfin Cascades and Wesner Bald overlooks (Don Hendershot)

° Indian paintbrush, Castilleja coccinea, along Heintooga Rd. between Blue Ridge Parkway & Balsam Mountain Campground (Don Hendershot)


Salamanders:

° Santeetlah dusky, Desmognathus santeetlah, & black-bellied, Desmognathus quadramaculatus, from seepage along Heintooga Road 4.7 mi. from Blue Ridge Parkway (Don Hendershot)