KIM'S TIDBITS

VALLEY CRUCIS BIRD WALK

At the Valle Crucis Park, The Audubon Society has a Wednesday morning weekly walk at 8:15. Curtis Smalling teaches, pointing out different birds, their habits, nests and lives of the 47 different varieties of birds that visit the Park. I have gone almost every week for several years along with photographer Don Mullaney from Beech. Most folks that do the walk just look at the birds and listen to Curtis talk. It is so interesting to see Baltimore Orioles, Blue birds, Buntings, Robins, and many more as we walk. At this time of the year many nests are being built and the young abound. Nothing like seeing a Mom feeding baby gray Gnatchers or Downy Woodpeckers. Waxwings are showing up in numbers now with their Lone Ranger masks over their eyes.

The walk lasts about 2 1/2 hours along a paved walkway beside the Watauga River and around the well laid out park. If you would like to see a huge variety of birds, join the folks at Valle Crucis Park on Wednesday morning.Take 194 from Banner Elk. Turn right toward Mast Store. Just beyond it turn left to reach the Park. 

If you want to know anything more, call me at 828-387-4746. Oh, we all give Curtis $5 for the walk...but it's FUN and educational!

Kim Barley