CBC Newsletter

ISSN No. 0162-7120

For members of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., Ornithological Society of the Carollnas

Volume 55

April 2009

The Lesser Explored

Lena Gallitano

Iqskq ..

sN umber 2

For a number of years Fd been thinking about a trip to
Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in
hopes of seeing a Gray-headed Chickadee, but just as much
or more, to see the Refuge itself. When my friend Lynn
Barber called to see if I wanted to make the trip in 2008,
there was not a moment’s hesitation on my part. We
booked our trip with Wilderness Birding Adventures
(WBA) quite early but then a second WBA trip caught my
eye. It was the Chevak Spectacled Eider Camp - another
bird I had longed to see in its native habitat for quite some
time.

The description of the Chevak trip on the WBA website of-
fered intriguing details:

This trip is a truly amazing and out of the ordinary
birding experience where we will come as close as we
ever will of guaranteeing the sighting of Spectacled Ei-
der. Ulric Ulroan, a Yup’ik Eskimo from the village of
Chevak in western Alaska on the Yukon-Kuskokwim
Delta (Y-K Delta), has opened his hunting and fishing
camp for birders to visit. The Y-K Delta is one of the
largest in the world, roughly the size of the state of
Oregon, and the breeding area for millions of water-
fowl and shorebirds. It’s among the most productive
bird breeding areas in Alaska.

We conducted an exploratory trip to this vast area . . .
and were delighted with what we found. Spectacled Ei-
ders surrounded us as they prepared to pick nesting
sites. The most common gull was Sabine’s, the most
abundant goose was Emperor and the most common
shorebirds were Black Turnstone and Bar-tailed God-
wit. The birding was amazing among an astounding
number of birds.

I was even more intrigued with Chevak
when WBA co-owner Bob Dittrick told
me that after living in Alaska for 30 years, he had never
visited an area in Alaska where there are as many birds.

My trip began on June 10, 2008, and with 24-hour daylight,
we could see and hear birds all the time. Have you ever
gone to sleep listening to a Dunlin’s display call? Or seen a
Semipalmated Sandpiper repeatedly sneak into her nest 20-
25 feet away from your tent door? Or found pairs of Spec-
tacled Eider looking for nest sites? Or pairs of Emperor
Geese in flight or popping their heads up to see where the
human voices are coming from? If not, you should add
Chevak to your list of future birding destinations! But let
me share more about the experience.

Chevak is west of Anchorage and 135 miles northwest of
Bethel and is accessible only by air. As a small native vil-
lage of about 800, it requires advance preparation in order
to visit. WBA’s first scheduled birding trip to Chevak was
in 2008. It was exciting to be on the first trip and experi-
ence the village, the hospitality of the local residents, and
the birds of the area. It was especially fun to meet Ulrich’s
mother whose name was also Lena!

From the village, we headed to Ulric’s fish camp in an out-
board motor boat - a cold, breezy ride but interesting as we
followed the twists and turns of the Niglikfak River. Along
the way, we could see flocks and pairs of waterfowl stream-
ing across the sky, and with the noise of the boat and high
tide, heads of others popped up like periscopes along the
shoreline. We reached camp in about 45 minutes and
quickly settled in, getting the sleeping tents up since Ulric

(Continued on page 2)

CBC Newsletter (USPS# 023-534), April 2009, Volume 55, Number 2, Published bimonthly by the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., 353 Montabello, Bloomingdale, IL
60108-1037. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CBC Newsletter , Carolina Bird Club, Inc., 6325 Falls of the Neuse Road, STE 9 PMB 150. Raleigh, NC

27615.

The Lesser Explored Alaska

Lena Gallitano

(Continued from page 1)

had already set up the walled tent where meals were cooked
and shared. With the flat topography and short, immature
growth of the summer plants, we could see for miles, and in
every direction there were birds singing, calling, foraging,
incubating and flying - a virtual 24-hour show. My best
comparison is to Lake Mattamuskeet and Pea Island in the
winter, although with the vast area of the Y-K Delta, the
birds were not as condensed as they are here in the winter
but they were ever-present.

With 24-hour daylight, time is not a concern, and as our
very capable WBA guide Aaron Lang explained, we would
just go with the flow and enjoy the day as it comes. Just as
he predicted, dinners grew later and sleeping to 7:30 or
8:00 AM on a birding trip is unheard of except with arctic
summer days. Our days consisted of boat trips or hikes
from camp to the many tundra ponds where we could count
on seeing Red-necked Phalarope, Black Turnstone, Dunlin
and Western Sandpiper that were quite spectacular in
breeding plumage. Overhead both Parasitic and Long-
tailed Jaeger were common. Speckle-bellies (Greater
White-fronted Goose), Emperor Goose and Cackling Goose
were constant companions either in the air, foraging, or in-
cubating eggs with camouflage so complete that more than
once they flew when we accidentally came way too close
for comfort.

One of our boat trips was to Old Chevak and we had some
time to watch the birds on their territories while we ate
lunch. A Red-necked Phalarope scurried from water’s edge
through the dead grass to settle down and disappear in its
nest. We wondered if it was the female still laying eggs or
the male returning to his incubation responsibilities. On
another trip to a Sabine’s Gull colony by a small delta pond
we had a demonstration of their skillful flight maneuvers,
and this spectacular bird now has my vote as the most beau-
tiful gull on my life list.

Chevak was a very special experience, not only for the
birds, but also for the opportunity to visit this friendly vil-
lage. Ulric shared many fascinating and alluring stories of
native folklore as well as samples of native foods. The hos-
pitality offered will always be a nice memory of this unique
birding experience. But let me go on with the rest of my
adventure as it continues in ANWR . . .

Over the years, my fascination with seeing the Gray-headed
Chickadee had become intertwined with my interest in
ANWR, so I was very excited but also a little nervous at the
prospects of an eight-day camping and rafting expedition in
what might be a cold and daunting climate - even though it

was the second week of June!

This was going to be the longest camping trip I’d ever
taken and would require not only some careful planning for
proper clothes but also physical stamina to transport my
own gear - and unfortunately I’m not a light packer (but I
will be the next time)! WBA again showed their skill and
proficiency with wilderness expeditions by providing de-
tailed gear lists and even began the trip with a one-on-one
check to be sure everyone had the essentials for all circum-
stances. Leaving from Fairbanks, we took a scheduled
flight to Arctic Village where we waited on the runway for
our pilot and tundra plane to shuttle us, three at a time with
our gear, to the put-in on the Marsh Fork of the Canning
River. The high- winged Cessna was the perfect airplane
from which to see the mountains of the Brooks Range as
we passed between the peaks on a beautiful, sunny and
warm day. Getting everyone on site, pitching camp, having
dinner (Bob and Scott proved to be excellent chefs) and
learning the routine for the week took most of the day, but
we were able to fit in several hours for a leisurely walk to
explore the site and enjoy the abundant summer wildflow-
ers.

Day two was sunny, warm and beautiful but also the most
physically demanding of the trip as we portaged all of our
camping equipment, personal gear and two rafts about a
quarter of a mile across aufeis and the braided river to reach
the open water channel suitable for launch. Aufeis (German
for “ice on top”) accumulates throughout the winter as the
water in the river freezes in layers and can reach depths of
several meters. The ice was beautiful and crunchy, so it
helped with the rafts since we were able to slide them most
of the way across the river bed.

After numerous trips back and forth, Scott discovered the
nest of a Mew Gull. Made of sticks and lying out in the
open on the river rock in a dry part of the river bed, it was
very well camouflaged, but once we discovered it. Mama
Mew became a ferocious protector of her nest, so even get-
ting close enough to take a picture had us ducking to avoid
her dive-bombing passes.

With the season early, the rafts fully loaded and the river
low, we often had to pull the raft over shoals of sand and
river stone because of low water, so the first few days we
were frequently in and out of the rafts and looking for
deeper water. Bob and Scott were both excellent in their
guidance and instructions - the paddlers did have a bit of
trouble with “paddle right” and “paddle left” a few times
but we eventually even got that figured out. There were

(Continued on page 3)

2

The Lesser Explored Alaska

Lena Gallitano

some Class 3-4 rapids about mid-way through the trip but
by that time we were river pros!

Billed as the Gray-headed Chickadee trip, Bob took no
chances, and we checked every known site for nest cavities
and birds. In one likely spot we all scattered to look and
listen when Scott heard a call - in minutes we were all
gathered around a nest hole in a tree watching a pair of
Gray-headed Chickadee’s going in and out feeding young.
We watched these beautiful birds for nearly an hour as they
brought insect after insect to their young and removed fecal
sacs with each trip. Later in the trip we found a second
family group with two fledged young hidden in the rocks.
Needless to say, there were a lot of high fives to celebrate
our success.

Every day we saw birds along the river and had a trip list of
41 species. The most memorable were life birds for me:
Gray-headed Chickadee, Wandering Tattler, Smith’s Long-
spur and Arctic Warbler. Finding an American Dipper nest
on a rock face across the river from a lunch spot will also
be a lasting memory.

Another fascinating aspect of this trip was the geology of
the Brooks Range. From rounded river stones with coral
fossils, to the mountain that looked like a cut-away to dem-
onstrate the plate tectonic formation of mountains, ANWR
is nature’s classroom. As we made our way downstream,
the sharp peaks and rocks of the younger mountains gave
way to rounded hills as we headed toward, but stopped
short of, the coastal plain.

About half way through the trip, I made this note: white
water rapids, 42° air temperature, raining, splashing - never
would have thought I’d be doing this for birding!

In retrospect, it was a fantastic trip of a lifetime and I would
highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique birding
experience - Alaska remains high on my list of places to
visit and I’m hoping to return some day for another ANWR
experience along the coastal plain. And then there is
Nome, Gamball, Adak . . .

If you’d like more information about these trips, go to the
Wilderness Birding Adventures website at:
www.wildemessbirding.com. The April 2008 issue of
Birder ’s World had an excellent article about Chevak and
the Y-K Delta titled “Unbirded Alaska” and is on-line at
http://www.birdersworld.com/brd/default.aspx?
c=a&id=1076.

Nominees Named for Upcoming
Executive Committee Election

The following is the slate of nominees for the Executive
Committee positions that will be voted on during the
spring meeting in Clemson:

President: Taylor Piephoff (Charlotte, NC)

First one-year term. Limited to two consecutive one-year
terms.

SC Vice-President: Paul Serridge (Greenville, SC)

First three-year term. Limited to one-three-year term.

Secretary: Pru Williams (Hope Mills, NC)

Third consecutive one-year term. Limited to three consecu-
tive one-year terms.

Treasurer: Carol Bowman (Southern Pines, NC)

Second consecutive one-year term. Limited to three con-
secutive one-year terms.

Western NC Member-at-large: Lucy Quintilliano
(Charlotte, NC)

Second consecutive two-year term. Limited to two con-
secutive two-year terms.

Eastern NC Member-at-large: Skip Morgan
(Manteo, NC)

First two-year term. Limited to two consecutive two-year
terms.

SC Member-at-large: Marion Clark (Lexington, SC)

First two-year term. Limited to two consecutive two-year
terms.

The opinions expressed in the CBC Newsletter are not necessar-
ily those of the Carolina Bird Club or its members, but are those
of the authors who have contributed material. All CBC members
are encouraged to submit content for publication. Submitted arti-
cles may be edited for style, content, or length prior to publica-
tion. Submissions may be made in electronic format to
newsletter@carolinabirdclub.org , or by mail to the address on
the back cover.

Did You Know?

The Long-tailed Duck will be featured on the 2009-
2010 Federal “Duck Stamp”

3

Plan to Join the CBC at the Clemson Spring Meeting!

Spring meetings are often some of the best attended
seasonal CBC meetings, and for good reason. After a
long, cold (or cool, depending on where in the Caroli-
nas you live!) winter, the promise of migrant and re-
turning summer resident neotropical birds can be irre-
sistible. For many, spring means wood warblers, and
what better place than the Upstate of South Carolina to
observe some of the nearly three dozen warbler spe-
cies that breed or pass though the southern Blue Ridge
Mountains each year.

The mountains near Clemson, SC are among the high-
est in the state. With the maximum amount of relief
possible, the opportunities to visit with migrant and
resident birds are at their greatest. Field trips are
planned to high altitude sites (at least for this part of
the country!) where siskins, Red Crossbill, Red-
breasted Nuthatch. Dark-eyed Junco, Common Raven,
and others may be seen. Trips to middle elevations
may find the elusive Swainson’s Warbler defending
breeding territories, Black-throated Blue Warblers
singing their buzzy songs, and Northern Parulas in-
specting foliage high in the tree tops. At lower eleva-
tions Prairie Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Yel-
low-throated Warblers and others will be in the proc-
ess of setting up shop for the summer. Far-northern
breeders like Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, and Cape May
Warbler may begin to pass through by the beginning
of May, and who knows, maybe an early Mourning or
Connecticut Warbler will make an appearance. (Fley,
we can always hope!)

In addition to warblers, we’ll search for many other
types of birds including resident species, lingering wa-
terfowl, migrant shorebirds, arriving flycatchers and
vireos, and more.

Have I convinced you that the Clemson meeting will
be great fun? If so, here is some information that you
will find useful...

Our host hotel will be the Ramada Inn of Clemson at
1310 Tiger Blvd, Clemson, SC 2963 1 . The phone
number for reservations is (864) 654-7501 and the
website is http://ramadaclemson.com. The room rate
for a standard room, double occupancy is $68.00 +
tax. Be sure to mention the Carolina Bird Club when

making your reservations to obtain this rate. AAA and
AARP members may wish to check for special rates
that may be less expensive than the $68 rate noted
here. The Ramada Inn has a complimentary continen-
tal breakfast available starting at six o’clock.

On Saturday evening we will be holding the traditional
dinner buffet. The menu includes fried chicken, lasa-
gna, garden salad, fresh fruit salad, broccoli casserole,
oven roasted potatoes, whole kernel com, double
fudge cake, lemon meringue pie, water and tea. The
price is $20.35 including tax and tip, and can be paid
with your registration.

Friday evening features coffee and tea and fellowship
starting at 7:00 PM followed by our guest speaker.

The Saturday buffet will start at 7:00 after which we
will enjoy a speaker and countdown the list of species
seen during the weekend’s field trips.

On Friday night we welcome Tim Lee, who grew up
in nearby Anderson, SC, and graduated from Clemson
University. For about twelve years he has been em-
ployed by the SC State Park Service on the Mountain
Bridge Wilderness Area in northern Greenville County
as a nature interpreter. Ranger Lee lives at Caesar's
Head State Park and will talk about the ecology of the
southern Blue Ridge escarpment. He is also scheduled
to lead the Caesar’s Head State Park field trip Friday
morning, meeting participants at the park.

Early arriving participants may want to register for the
Thursday Bonus Field Trip to Stecoah Gap, North
Carolina led by CBC member and Ventures Birding
tours leader Simon Thompson. This may be your best
chance of the weekend to see the splendid Golden-
winged Warbler! Act early, as registration is limited
to the first twelve participants. Please note there is a
separate, $20 fee for participating in the bonus trip.
Registration and attendance at the Clemson meeting is
not required to attend the bonus trip.

Meeting registration, field trip selection and Bonus
Trip registration can be made by using the form lo-
cated on page 9. See you there!

4

Clemson Spring Meeting Field Trip Schedule

Thursday, April 30

Bonus Trip to Stecoah Gap (NC) - 8:00 AM
(Note: this trip meets at Stecoah Gap)

Friday, May 1

Full Day Trips

Trip 1 - Lake Conestee Nature Park - 7:00 AM
Trip 2 - Hogback Mtn/Blue Wall HP -7:15 AM

Morning Half-Day Trips

Trip 3 - Caesar's Head State Park- 7:30 AM

Trip 4 - Oconee Station State Historic Site -7:45 AM

Afternoon Half-Day Trips

Trip 5 - Dobbins Farm/Beaverdam WMA/Townville

- 1 :00 PM

Trip 6 - Stumphouse Mtn HP/Rich Mtn Rd SNF

- 1:15 PM

Saturday, May 2

Full Day Trips

Trip 7 - Lake Conestee Nature Park - 7:00 AM
Trip 8 - Caesar's Head SP/Oil Camp Crk Rd/Jones
Gap SP -7:15 AM

Trip 9 - Devil's Fork (SC) SP/Gorges (NC) SP
-7:30 AM

Trip 10 - Table Rock SP/Sassafras Mtn- 7:45 AM

Trip 1 1 - Rich Mtn Rd/Burrell's Ford/Walhalla Trout
Hatchery- 8:00 AM

Trip 12 - Woodbum Plantation/Fant's Grove WMA/
Dobbins Farm/Beaverdam WMA - 7:00 AM

Morning Half-Day Trips

Trip 13 - Dobbins Farm/Beaverdam WMA/Townville
-7:15 AM

Trip 14 - SC Botanical Garden/Blossoms, Birds,
Butterflies - 7:30 AM

Trip 15 - Oconee Point/Lake Hartwell - 7:45 AM

Trip 16 -Lake Isaqueena/Clemson Experimental
Forest - 8:00 AM

Afternoon Half-Day Trips

Trip 17 - Dobbins Farm/Beaverdam WMA/Townville
- 1:00 PM

Trip 18 - SC Botanical Garden/Blossoms, Birds,
Butterflies -1:15 PM

Trip 19 - Oconee Point/Lake Hartwell - 1 :30 PM

Trip 20 - Lake Isaqueena/Clemson Experimental
Forest - 1 :45 PM

Saturday full-day trips will depart from the Ramada
Inn’s front parking lot. All others leave from the
back parking lot.

The Stecoah Gap bonus trip meets at Stecoah Gap in
North Carolina. Please note that the distance from
Clemson to Stecoah Gap is about 140 miles, or 2.5
hours of driving time.

Participants on field trips are encouraged to carpool as
much as possible. Not only does this reduce fuel con-
sumption and associated carbon emissions, from a lo-
gistical perspective it is easier to keep fewer numbers
of cars together, and easier to park once you arrive at
the birding site(s). And who knows, you might meet
your next best friend by joining a carload of birders
with whom you have not become acquainted! If you
have room for riders, or would like to ride in another
car, please inform your field trip leader when gather-
ing to prepare for departure. Please note that it is

customary to share fuel expenses among carpool par-
ticipants.

Many field trips are to locations with restrooms facili-
ties and these are noted in the field trip descriptions.
On trips to areas without facilities, an effort will be
made to stop at a nearby fast food restaurant or service
station to allow for comfort breaks.

Half day trips are timed to allow for lunch on your
own, and return in time for the evening social events.
Full day trip participants are encouraged to bring their
own lunch, water, and snacks. In some cases a stop at
a local restaurant is planned, and this is noted in the
trip description if applicable.

In order to avoid disappointment, early sign-up for
field trips is advised as some trips have limits to the
numbers of participants. Information on trips that are
full, or changes to times or trip descriptions will be
made on the CBC website: www.carolinabirdclub.org

5

Clemson Meeting Field Trip Descriptions

Marion Clark

Trips 1 and 7: Lake Conestee Nature Park

This site has come onto the radar within the last few years
and is a premier birding location in the Piedmont of South
Carolina. Due to the great variety of habitats, expect a
wide variety of sightings from shorebirds, waders and
marsh birds to lingering waterfowl, woodland and wood-
land edge birds, raptors and more. The leader is largely re-
sponsible for putting the place on the birding map. Not dif-
ficult, but a lot of walking. Lunch at Reedy River Smoke-
house & Grill.

Trip 2: Hogback Mountain/

Blue Wall Heritage Preserve

Hogback Mountain is a 3240' massif not far from 1-26, near
Landmm-Tryon. Like Conestee Nature Park, it too is a
lesser-known, but significant birding location. The twin
ponds at the foot of the mountain may attract lingering wa-
terfowl, while the mature oak-hickory, cove hardwood and
hemlock-rhododendron forest hosts a great number of
woodland birds. Pileated Woodpecker, Scarlet Tanager,
migrant flycatchers and thrushes, up to five vireo species
and 33 types of warblers use the area. Swainson's Warbler
is to be expected. Common Raven and Ruffed Grouse are
possible. The site is more than 1 -hour's drive from the host
hotel. Expect moderately-difficult walking, no restrooms,
bring lunch.

Trip 3: Caesar's Head State Park

Caesar's Head, at 3266', is perhaps the crown jewel of
South Carolina's seven mountain parks. The panoramic
view of the Carolina and Georgia mountains is stunning.
Participants at the 21st annual hawkwatch held here last fall
sighted over 14,000 raptors of 15 species. While spring mi-
gration is not as pronounced as fall, we’ll look for raptors
and for the Peregrine Falcons and Common Ravens that are
present year around. Dark-eyed Junco and Ruffed Grouse
(uncommon) breed in the area. The most abundant war-
blers are Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue,
Hooded, Swainson's, Worm-eating, American Redstart and
Ovenbird. Moderate walking on woodland trails. Rest-
rooms and a good restaurant are nearby.

Trip 4: Oconee Station State Historic Site

A stone trading post and fort date from 1792, just after the
boundary between SC and the Cherokee Nation was moved
from the present-day Greenville-Spartanburg County
line. A short pleasant walk through Virginia Pines and then
by beaver ponds (off-trail) allow for viewing a multitude of
wildflowers. We will expect even more profuse wildflow-
ers in spectacular Station Falls Cove. If you're interested in
both birds and flowers, this is your trip!

Trips 5, 13 and 17: Dobbins Farm/Beaverdam WMA/
Townville

In this long-time farming community are extensive pastures
on the broad foothills. Look for grassland birds, some un-
common in the Carolinas, in the fields, and shorebirds and
waterbirds on the farm ponds that punctuate the landscape.
Beaverdam Creek is a Waterfowl Management Area on an
arm of Lake Hartwell. Spring specialties include Blue
Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Homed Lark, migrating Ameri-
can Pipits, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, and maybe
even a lingering Lincoln's Sparrow. Around the water,
look for Green Heron, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal,
American Bittern, Sora and Virginia Rails, migrant shore-
birds and Prothonotary Warbler. Easy walking, but no rest-
rooms.

Trip 6: Stumphouse Mtn Heritage Preserve/

Rich Mtn Rd Sumter National Forest

Stumphouse Mountain is the location of an 1850s attempt
to build a mile-long railroad tunnel, abandoned at 4363' be-
cause of the Civil War, and legendary 220' Isaqueena
Falls. Typical low-elevation birds of the Blue Ridge are
here, including Swainson's Warbler and Louisiana Water-
thrush along the creek. Rich Mountain Road (744) in Sum-
ter National Forest features magnificent, old-growth hard-
wood forest with the attendant birdlife, including most of
the local woodpeckers, vireos and warblers, with Cemlean
Warbler being a long shot. Nearby Buzzards' Roost Moun-
tain Heritage Preserve features dry oak-hiekory woods and
stands of Pitch Pine and Mountain Laurel, the latter of
which should be at peak bloom during our visit. Several
vireos and many warblers - migrants and nesters - are pre-
sent here.

Trip 7: (See Trip 1)

Trip 8: Caesar's Head State Park/

Oil Camp Creek Rd/Jones Gap State Park

The Caesar's Head portion of this trip will be as described
in Trip # 3 above. Oil Camp Creek Rd (unpaved) winds
about 3 miles down the mountain to River Falls Rd (paved)
which leads to Jones Gap State Park. This road/trail is per-
haps the best place in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness
( 1 1 ,000 acres) to look for spring migrants. Wild Turkey
and Ruffed Grouse are also possible. Jones Gap has good
numbers of Louisiana Waterthrush, Swainson's Warbler
and Wood Thrush. Expect 3-5 miles of moderate walking.
Restrooms and a good restaurant are in the vicinity.

(Continued on page 7)

6

Clemson Meeting Field Trip Descriptions (continued)

Trip 9: Devil's Fork (SC) State Park/

Gorges (NC) State Park

The Jocassee Gorges are formed by the five rivers that
rush down the escarpment into Lake Jocassee, one of South
Carolina's most beautiful undeveloped mountain reservoirs.
Both Carolinas have state parks in the Gorges area that pro-
vide wonderful wilderness birding. Anticipate limited
numbers of waterfowl this at this time of year, rather Bald
Eagle, Ruffed Grouse, Common Raven and other middle-
elevation spring birds. This trip will require a lot of driving
and a moderate amount of walking. Restrooms are avail-
able at Devil’s Fork State Park. Plan to bring your own
lunch.

Trip 10: Table Rock State Park/Sassafras Mt.

Table Rock is an impressive granite landmark with a
Civilian Conservation Corp-constructed state park on its
south-facing slope. It is home to the state's only known
nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons. At 3560' Sassafras
Mountain is SC's highest point. It is one of our top venues
for mountain birds, including Ruffed Grouse, Common Ra-
ven, Black-throated Blue and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and
Dark-eyed Junco. Expect a lot of driving and a moderate
amount of walking. Restrooms are available at Table Rock
State Park. Plan to bring your own lunch.

Trip 11: Rich Mountain Rd/Burrell's Ford/

Walhalla Trout Hatchery

Rich Mountain Rd is described under trip #6
above. Burrell's Ford, on the famed Chattooga (National
Wild & Scenic) River, although only about 2300' in eleva-
tion, sports surprising bird life because of the deep gorge
and pristine White Pine-Hemlock forest. The same can be
said for the Walhalla Trout Hatchery upstream at about
2500' elevation. Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned
Kinglet and perhaps even Red Crossbill nest here. Black-
throated Blue Warblers are especially common. Expect
some driving and moderate walking. Restrooms and a
good, small restaurant are nearby.

Trip 12: Wood burn Plantation/Fant's Grove WMA/
Dobbins Farm/Beaverdam WMA

The barn and feedlot at Woodburn Plantation should yield
farmland birds similar to those at Dobbins Farm, which is
also on this trip. Both of the Wildlife Management Areas
are managed primarily for waterfowl. See trip #5 for a
more complete description of Dobbins Farm and Beaver-
dam WMA. Expect some driving and moderate walking.
Restrooms and good sandwich shops can be found in the
historic Pendleton Town Square.

Trip 13: (See Trip 5)

Trips 14 and 18: SC Botanical Garden/

Blossoms, Birds, Butterflies

Botanical gardens are rich places where animals as well as
plants thrive. Join a leader who is knowledgeable about
blossoms, birds and butterflies for a pleasant walk in beau-
tiful surroundings. The State botanical garden is com-
pletely handicapped accessible, including restrooms.

Trips 15 and 19: Oconee Point/Lake Hartwell

Lake Hartwell is the northwestern-most of three huge
reservoirs that stretch from the Fall Line to the Foothills.
Water levels are very low now due to the persistent, ex-
treme drought affecting the area. This actually enhances
the prospect of finding migrant shorebirds, and potentially
lingering waterfowl. In the surrounding woods we’ll search
for four species of vireos and many other woodland
birds. This trip features easy walking, and rest rooms can
be expected to be commonly available.

Trips 16 and 20: Lake Isaqueena/

Clemson Experimental Forest

Lake Isaqueena has long been managed for waterfowl and
gamebirds. Situated within the Clemson Experimental
Forest of oak-hickory woods and a backwater marsh of
Twelve-mile Creek (arm of Lake Hartwell), this site has the
potential to produce sightings of many interesting
birds. Look for Wild Turkey as well as Prothonotary and
Worm-eating Warblers. Expect a moderate amount of easy
walking. Restrooms are available.

Trip 17: (see Trip 5)

Bonus Trip: Stecoah Gap (separate $20 fee)

Join Simon Thompson for a guided visit to the famed Ste-
coah Gap region in western NC. Expect several warbler
species (including Blackburnian, Cerulean & Golden-
winged), Blue-headed, Yellow-throated & Red-eyed Vir-
eos, Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings, and more. The
Gap is also a good spot for spring butterflies, and wildflow-
ers will be in bloom along the forest service road and on the
Appalachian Trail (AT). Expect a fairly level, easy walk;
with optional, steeper climbs on the AT to enjoy the wild-
flower show. The trip will start at 8:00 AM at Stecoah Gap
and should end by mid-afternoon. Directions and other in-
formation will be sent to participants upon registration.
Please bring a picnic lunch. The nearest rest rooms are in
Robbinsville, about 7 miles from Stecoah Gap. There are
also restaurants and a couple of motels/inns in the Robbins-
ville area. Limited to 12 participants

7

Pelagic Birding off Cape Hatteras

Brian Patteson

Since the 1970’s, the Gulf Stream off Cape Hatteras has
been recognized as one of the top sites in North America
for viewing pelagic seabirds. The close proximity of deep
ocean waters and a major current system to the Outer
Banks makes getting to
the offshore birds much
easier than anywhere else
off the Carolinas. In fact,
because the diversity of
birds is so much better
than anywhere else off
the East Coast, pelagic ^

trips off Hatteras are
largely supported by out of state birders Long-tailed Jaeger
seeking to increase their life lists or to
better know or to photograph the seabirds that occur here.

The hundreds of trips that have been conducted here over
the years have taught us a lot about what to expect. In the
1970’s the Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata was
the primary target species of birders coming to Hatteras.
Many of the species we now see annually had not been re-
corded at all. By the 1980’s, Band-rumped Storm-Petrel,
previously thought to be a vagrant to the area, was discov-
ered to be a regular visitor- even common at times. In the

1990’s, the list of rare but
regular birds grew to include
three more Pterodroma spe-
cies: Fea’s Petrel, Herald
(Trindade) Petrel, and even
the endangered Bermuda Pet-
rel, one of the world’s rarest
seabirds. More recently,
other species have been
added to the list of North
American birds based on re-
cords from our pelagic trips
off Cape Hatteras; Black-bellied Storm-Petrel has occurred
three times since 2004, and we photographed a Cape Verde
Shearwater in August 2004. Since 2005, European Storm-
Petrel has been found annually and all U.S. records are
from here!

But pelagic trips are not just about rarities or checkmarks
on a list. Some of the most endearing species are the com-
monest ones- the little Wilson’s Storm-Petrels pattering be-
hind the boat, the bold and graceful Greater Shearwaters,
the improbable phalaropes spinning around in circles miles
offshore, the Bridled and Sooty Terns teaching their young
to feed in the Gulf Stream in late summer, the Northern

European Storm-Petrel

Gannets diving at point blank range behind our boat in win-
ter, and the dapper Razorbills massing in inshore waters
just a bit too far out for shore-based observers. These are
just a few of the species we see frequently on our trips at
various seasons. Seeing these special birds on their own
terms where you can leave the troubles of land behind for
several hours should be reward enough for going to sea
whether or not a lifer is seen.

We are often asked when is the best time for a pelagic trip?

: ’ ' ‘

iPip! iggpiii

mmm

Stormy Petrel II

In most cases,
that would be
whenever you
can find the
time. Gener-
ally we see the
winter birds
from January
to mid March,
and the period

from mid May to late September is usually good for seeing
between 7 and 12 species of pelagic seabirds daily. Some
of the rarest species, like Fea’s Petrel are best seen in
spring, but others, like tropicbirds, are more likely in sum-
mer.

Since 2006, we have operated nearly all of our pelagic trips
on our boat. Our vessel, now the Stormy Petrel II, is a su-
perb vessel for pelagic birding- big, safe, and comfortable
in the varying sea conditions we encounter. We limit the
number of passengers on any
trip to 26 or less, so there is
always plenty of deck space
on our boat, much of it in the
bow. Being close to the
birds in Hatteras, we can op-
erate our trips with just nine
or ten people in most cases,
so scheduled trips are rarely
canceled. We can also run
affordable charters for bird
clubs and other natural his-
tory or photography groups. For Carolina
Bird Club members, we are offering a $20/
person discount on most of our trips in 2009. To see our
full schedule of trips, visit our website-
http://www.seabirding.com/, or give us a call at (252) 986-
1363. Finding space on a pelagic trip has never been easier
and our many years of experience enable us to run some of
the best trips ever.

Fea 's Petrel

CBC Spring Meeting, Field Trip Sign-Up and Bonus Trip Registration Form

Name(s)

Address City State Zip

Day Phone Evening phone Email

Spring 2009 Meeting

Meeting Registration (Member) x$15= $

Meeting Registration (Non-member) x $20 = $

Saturday Buffet Dinner (each) x $20.35 = $

Stecoah Gap Bonus Field Trip x $20 = $

*To pre-register for field trips, place the trip
number(s) in the boxes to the right.

Field Trip

A.M.

P.M.

All Day

Sign-Up

lst/2nd

1 st/2nd

1 st/2nd

Choice

Choice

Choice

Friday

/

/

/

Saturday

/

/

/

Total = $

Club policy requires all field trip participants to comply with the field trip leader’s assessment and requests concerning the physical
ability of each participant to make or complete the trip. Meeting registration at the door costs $25.

I release and discharge (and will not make a claim against) Carolina Bird Club for injury, death, or property damage arising from
my participation at this meeting and/or Club field trips. This release of liability is entered into on behalf of all members of my fam-
ily, including all minors accompanying me. I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of any such minors and that I am over 18
years of age.

Signature Date Signature Date

Make check payable to Carolina Bird Club and send to: CBC, 353 Montabello, Bloomingdale,'TL 60108

I Please update my address or other contact information as listed above

Welcome New
Members!

The Carolina Bird
Club extends a very
warm welcome to
our newest mem-
bers. We hope you
enjoy the offerings
of the CBC and
great birding in the
Carolinas and
beyond!

Jennifer Alligood
Pantego, NC

Leigh Ayers
Indian Land, SC

Louise and Bill
Bazemore

Winston-Salem, NC

Barbara Rogers
Blaney
Columbia, SC

Bernice Ciatto
Waynesville, NC

Ed Corey
Raleigh, NC

Larry and Lucinda
Cottrell

East Flat Rock, NC

Richard Ferguson
Morganton, NC

Miriam Glover-
Wetherington
Richlands, NC

Scott Jackson-
Ricketts

Independence, VA

Diana Johnson
Myrtle Beach, SC

Tom and Ryan Jus-
tice

Raleigh, NC

Jane Kramer
Piedmont, SC

Jeff Lemons
Charlotte, NC

Mike and Martha
Mayo

Morehead City, NC

Frank Mitchell
Pine Knoll Shores,
NC

Glaeshia O’Rourke
Durham, NC

Brian Pendergraft
Raleigh, NC

C. Glenn Pickard
Prospect Hill, NC

Kaari Snook
Wilmington, NC

John Voigt
Emerald Isle, NC

Deceased Member:

James H. Coman III

9

Upcoming CBC Meetings

Hickory, NC September 25-27, 2009
Beaufort, SC January 29-31, 2010

Periodicals Postage Paid
at Bloomingdale, IL 60108
and additional mailing
offices

llllllflllfll 1 1 ! ! i 1 1 1 i ! ! 1 1

8*i*******mixeD ADC 270
142 0/3000

SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES
NHB 25-MRC 1S4
BOX 37012/SERIALS
WASHINGTON DC 20013

CBC Board Members

President, Steve Patterson
Lancaster, SC, 803-286-4998
SCBirder@aol.com
Vice-Presidents
Marion Clark, Lexington, SC
David McCloy, Southern Pines, NC
Taylor Piephoff , Charlotte, NC
Secretary

Pru Williams, Hope Mills, NC

Treasurer

Carol Bowman, Southern Pines, NC
NC Members -at -Large
Lena Gallitano, Raleigh
Dwayne Martin, Hickory
Lucy Quintilliano, Charlotte
Ed Toone, Wilmington
SC Member -at -Large
Linda Kolb, Seneca

Immediate Past President, Stephen Harris, Bloomingdale, IL
Editor of The Chat, Kent Fiala, Hillsborough, NC
Website Editor, Kent Fiala, Hillsborough, NC
Editor of CBC Newsletter, Steven Shultz
4201 Sentimental Lane, Apex, NC 27539
919-779-2826, sshultz@nc.rr.com

Submission deadlines are due the 1st of January, March, May,
July, September, and November.

Headquarters Secretary, Dana Harris, Bloomingdale, IL
630-453-8270, srharris@mindspring.com

Rare Bird Alert: 704-332-BIRD
CBC Website: www.carolinabirdclub.org

The CBC Newsletters published bimonthly by Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Founded in
1937 the membership is open to anyone interested in birds, natural history, and
conservation. Current dues are : Individual & non-profit, $20; Associate (in
household with individual), $5; Student, $15; Patron, $50 and up; Sustaining &
businesses, $25; Life, $400; Associate Life (in household with Life Member),
$100 (both Life memberships can be paid in four annual installments).

Membership dues of $20 include $4 for a subscription to CBC Newsletter and $5
for a subscription to The Chat. Cost for CBC bird checklists, including postage:
10@$2.50, 25@$6, 50@$11.75, 75@$17.75, and 100@$23.50. Submit application
for membership, change of address, and payment for checklists to: CBC
Headquarters Secretary, 6325 Falls of the Neuse Road, STE 9 PMB 150, Raleigh,
NC 27615. Copyright © 2009. Printed on 100% recycled paper at Grass Roots Press.

10