Spring Warbler Workshop at Max Patch

      Hot Springs, NC 28743, USA

      VB
      Ventures Birding Tours
      • Email address verified
      85 reviews
      Apr 21, 2022
      Group size: 3 - 10
      Spring Warbler Workshop at Max Patch
      Hot Springs, NC 28743, USA

      Ventures Birding Tours
      • Email address verified
      85 reviews

      Apr 21, 2022
      Group size: 3 - 10

      About this trip

      A day exploring the areas around Max Patch Mountain in Haywood and Madison Counties with a specific focus on warblers. Mostly roadside birding with some walking and short hikes. Bring good hiking boots and warm clothing as it will be cooler in the higher elevations. 


      Max Patch (elev. 4,629’) is a bald mountain located in Western NC at the juncture of Haywood and Madison Counties of NC and Cocke County, TN. The Appalachian Trail traverses the bald, offering spectacular 360° views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and Smokies. Max Patch attracts many outdoor enthusiasts with ample hiking and camping opportunities on offer, but it’s also a fantastic place for the naturalist and birder. Habitats ranging from northern cove and mixed forests to coniferous woodlands and early successional, grassy areas attract quite the variety of butterflies and birds in the spring, especially warblers. Golden-winged Warblers, a declining species, are found in this area and should be a highlight of our day.

      This being a Spring Warbler Workshop, our focus will be on finding as many different warbler species as possible, listening for differences in each species’ song, and marveling at the diversity of colors and patterns on display. We should find 15-20 different species, such as: Ovenbird; Louisiana Waterthrush; Common Yellowthroat; Northern Parula; American Redstart; Golden-winged, Black-and-white, Hooded, Cape May, Blackburnian, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Pine, Yellow-rumped & Yellow-throated Warblers. Of course, the rich habitats here hold many other birds of interest, and we won’t be so focused on warblers that we’ll ignore everything else! Northern Bobwhite, Ruffed Grouse, Barred Owl, and even Vesper Sparrow will be possible in addition to the more common spring lovelies such as Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush and Veery. By the end of the day we could very well have seen 60-70 species in total!


      Join us for an excellent day full of warblers at one of our favorite birding hotspots in Western NC.  

      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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