Walcott Tract Hike

      Saluda, NC 28773, USA

      VB
      Ventures Birding Tours
      • Email address verified
      85 reviews
      Apr 19, 2023
      Group size: 3 - 10
      Walcott Tract Hike
      Saluda, NC 28773, USA

      Ventures Birding Tours
      • Email address verified
      85 reviews

      Apr 19, 2023
      Group size: 3 - 10

      About this trip

      This spring day trip will be spent birding mostly on the Walcott Tract which is off of Green River Cove Road in Polk county. This will be mostly a walking trip, but it will be on easy terrain. Comfortable footwear is recommended along with water, snacks and a bagged lunch.


      Walcott Tract is part of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and consists of a lovely variety of habitat.  A stroll through this tract will bring one in and out of lush forest to more open areas for a variety of great birding. Part of this trail runs alongside the river which is a great area to locate Louisiana Waterthrush and Belted Kingfisher.  Other expected spring migrants (and residents) include Prairie Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat and Blue Grosbeak. Swainson’s Warbler and Kentucky Warbler are good possibilities along the tract as are Hooded Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Yellow-throated Warbler. Woodland birds such as Black-throated Green Warbler, Black and White Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager can be expected.  Field Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-shouldered Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, and a host of other returning spring migrants and local residents are great possibilities as well!


      If time permits, we will also swing down to Lake Adger to finish off the trip looking for Prothonotary Warbler, Wood Ducks, and a possible migrating Osprey and Bald Eagle.


      Come join Vicky in welcoming back our migrants and resident birds of the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Western North Carolina!

      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
      Show More Reviews