Open Country Birding

      Swannanoa, NC 28778, USA

      VB
      Ventures Birding Tours
      • Email address verified
      85 reviews
      Oct 22, 2022
      Group size: 3 - 10
      Open Country Birding
      Swannanoa, NC 28778, USA

      Ventures Birding Tours
      • Email address verified
      85 reviews

      Oct 22, 2022
      Group size: 3 - 10

      About this trip

      A nice fall day spent walking the trails and dirt roads of the Warren Wilson/Owen Park area. Some of the trails might be muddy. Please bring comfortable footwear and a light jacket or sweatshirt as it could be chilly and/or windy.


      Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa is characterized mostly by agricultural fields and riparian woodland along the Swannanoa River, and the excellent network of public trails accessible from adjacent Charles D. Owen Park offers great birding opportunities throughout much of the year. Many of the species we can expect at this time of year are year-round residents in this predominately open country, such as Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Mockingbird, and Red-tailed Hawk. This time of year is also great for finding a good mix of overwintering species such as White-crowned, White-throated, Swamp and Savannah Sparrows, while transient Vesper and Lincoln’s Sparrows might still be around. Late October is past the peak fall migration of songbirds but other late migrants could still be passing through, and we may find Orange-crowned, Cape May, Palm, or even a straggling Nashville Warbler. The ponds at Owen Park are always worth a check and could hold any number of ducks that have dropped in to join the Pied-billed Grebes. Gadwall, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead are just a few possibilities.


      To add to the excitement, Warren Wilson’s fields tend to be a magnet for notable local rarities. In just the last few years goodies such as Henslow’s, Lark, and American Tree Sparrows, plus Baird’s Sandpiper, and even Sage Thrasher and Bell’s Vireo have turned up. There’s no telling what else we may bump into – join us and find out!

      What’s included

      • 1 birding guide

      What’s not included

      • lunch
      • transportation

      Available Packages

      Trip Price
      $60

      Your Organizer


      VB
      Ventures Birding Tours
      85 reviews
      Small travel company based in Asheville, NC, specializing in birding & nature tours both locally & worldwide.

      Reviews

      MC
      Great trip. Vicky knows her ducks and other waterbirds and where to find them. We look forward to more trips with her as a guide
      By Mike C for Duck Day in Asheville on Feb 13, 2024
      The trip was very enjoyable, in spite of the cold weather. Michael Werndley is a great guide and fun to be with. The main attraction was the chance to see up to ten species of owls, many of which can often be seen after migrating down from more northern areas in Canada. The group saw a Snowy Owl, Hawk Owl, Barred Owl, and (the major attraction) two impressive Great Gray Owls! Other local species included Snow Buntings, Common and Hoary Redpolls, a Northern Shrike, Canada Jay, Pine Grosbeaks, Golden Eye, numerous Bald Eagles, and a Merlin (sitting atop our hotel in Minneapolis). In addition, the group saw many winter species common to our own area. An unexpected treat was the sight of three wolves totting along the frozen harbor shoreline in Duluth! A great time was had by all!
      By Peter H for Northern Minnesota 2024 - Owls & Winter Finches on Feb 05, 2024
      Weather was a lot better than I anticipated, but even if it had been exceptionally cold, this trip is definitely worth it. To see the snow-covered landscape scenes, the beauty of the Black Spruce trees, all the native habitat for the Great Gray Owl, was an exciting and enjoyable experience. The food choices were fantastic as were the views of Lake Superior. Dress warmly and go for it!
      By Shirley A for Northern Minnesota 2024 - Owls & Winter Finches on Feb 04, 2024
      This was our second trip with Keith Watson and it was very special - he is wonderful to bird with, and to just be with. Our group was small and it made the trip that much more meaningful. We saw beautiful places, beautiful birds, and had lots of good food and good company. We had difficult weather at times and Keith was able to keep our spirits up and make it feel adventurous rather than adverse. Very grateful.
      By RHONDA B for Cranes Galore at Hiwassee on Feb 03, 2024
      This was a uniquely wonderful birding trip. Great group and great birding, with fantastic local guide, Sean, and always wonderful, Simon Thompson. We had our own chefs, one of whom traveled with us, with wonderful food and some Suriname local food. The Surinamese people were warm and welcoming. Fantastic trip!1
      By Toni M for Suriname 2023 on Dec 15, 2023
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