Winter Birding at the Breaks

Barred Owl (photo courtest of Thomas G. Barnes)

Well, Mother Nature has been teasing us quite a bit lately! Here at the Breaks, it seems that for every cold, frosty day that we have, we will have just as many mild "Spring like" days in between. The presence of the loud calls of Wood Frog choruses (they sound just like squabbling ducks) on these warmer days this past week have made Spring Fever arise in many of the employees on the park. And while there is still some time to go before Redbuds and Dogwoods begin to flower, there is still no lack of outdoor activities to be had.

Birding here at the Breaks is still available, and I am still seeing a nice variety of species despite the fact that many birds are still closer to the Equator for the winter. The lack of foliage on the trees provides a great opportunity to view birds that may be more difficult to spot when the leaves are full of green.

 Some of the birds I have been seeing around the park are as follows:
Red Headed Woodpeckers
Pileated Woodpeckers

Downy Woodpeckers
Ruffed Grouse
Wild Turkey
Carolina Chickadees
Tufted Titmouse
Cardinals
Bluejays
Robins
Killdeer
Flickers
Eastern Pheobe
Barred Owl
Red Tailed Hawk
Black Vulture

Chickadee (photo courtesy of Thomas G. Barnes)

Things will also soon begin picking up here at the park. The campground will be opening this Friday, and the Visitor Center, Museum and Restaurant will be opening on Easter Weekend. The hotel is currently open, and you can reserve a room or campsite by visiting The Reserve America Website.

Although it is not quite time for the Spring migration just yet, it will be here before you know it, and the various finches, sparrows and myriad of warbler species will be here soon enough. But there are still plenty of birds here for the viewing! So if you are in the mood to do a little birding, grab your binoculars and head here to Breaks Interstate for some birding and sightseeing. There is plenty of both to do!

For a printable list of bird species found at the Breaks, visit this LINK

I can be reached by emailing me HERE