North Alabama is just loaded with wonderful mountain trails to hike and bird.
Early this morning, I gathered my gear and headed off in the rain and fog to meet up with the North Alabama Birdwatchers Society for another great birdwatching excursion.
We left the top of the mountain and wound our way around to a different spot, since there was a running race there and we didn't want to get caught up in heavy traffic and road blocks. After getting out of the car and checking out the covered tables I looked up and nearly jumped out of my skin thinking we were being invaded by some kind of needle shaped space ships from the moon!
OK, realizing it was just fog playing mind games on me I settled in for some nice scenery and birding.
We had big rain and tornado warnings that night before and things never really cleared up.
We left the top of the mountain and wound our way around to a different spot, since there was a running race there and we didn't want to get caught up in heavy traffic and road blocks. After getting out of the car and checking out the covered tables I looked up and nearly jumped out of my skin thinking we were being invaded by some kind of needle shaped space ships from the moon!
OK, realizing it was just fog playing mind games on me I settled in for some nice scenery and birding.
We had big rain and tornado warnings that night before and things never really cleared up.We did see some good birds, however the light was not nearly good enough for me to get any photographs.
I did manage to get some bird houses though!
And this bench was neatly adorned with wonderful birds and critters from the imagination of some talented students.
A little fall color can almost take the place of a fall warbler.
These Resurrection Ferns were just a lovely tree ornament to behold.
Whoops, more fog!
Another birdhouse, can't get enough of those.
And this tree was lovely from middle,
to bottom! 
I did manage to get some bird houses though!
And this bench was neatly adorned with wonderful birds and critters from the imagination of some talented students.
A little fall color can almost take the place of a fall warbler.
These Resurrection Ferns were just a lovely tree ornament to behold.
Whoops, more fog!
Another birdhouse, can't get enough of those.
And this tree was lovely from middle,
to bottom! 
As you might be able to tell I brought my long 400 mm lens that really didn't fit the day since it was too dark to photograph the birds seen.We did see a few warblers, Black and White, Magnolia, a possible Tennessee and I got a life bird, a Swainson's Thrush. We also saw American Robins, Red-breasted Grosbeaks, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Eastern Phoebe, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and heard a Brown Thrasher. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but all in all it was a good birding day.
14 comments:
Yup, I've had day's when I would take my camera for a walk. But at least you got out and some some good stuff. I loved the Brown Thrashers in that area.
Every time I've attended an birdwatching excursion it's been gray and foggy. Guntersville State Park has an Eagle Appreciation Month in January we should attend together, Eve. Maybe it'll be sunny!
Hi Eve. Never mind the lack of bird photos (I had a similar day yesterday!) you still provided us with a real 'feel' of the location. Loved the decorated bench. FAB.
Eve, yeah some gloomy foggy weather but so great that you have a birding group. Bet you are meeting some interesting interesting peeps.
I love the fog but when I have had enough of it I want it to get the heck out of Dodge and let the sun warm through! But you have gotten some beautiful pictures with that fog hangin' in. The bird houses are a treat! I love bird houses. You did get to see some wonderful feathery little bodies!
Enjoy your Columbus Day Monday Sunny Side Up Eve!
I just noticed your banner at the foot of the page-duh. Wonder how long I have been missing it?! Cool!
even though you could not photograph any birds, your fog photos are interesting, I like them
Hi Eve, it still sounds as if you had a great birding day- getting a new "lifer" always makes for a great day! I tried getting some photos of birds last week in the deep shade of a forest- I use the 400 5.6L- and it was really a challenge. I've never been to Monte Santo- it sounds neat.
Loved that old and ancient looking tree..all those bird houses and wow how nice to see student art work displayed like that! I, too, have taken my camera for a walk...many times..and couldn't use it due to only having my 300mm with me. :( It's neat that you saw all those birds, tho..and oooh I would love to see a Swainson's Thrush!! Glad you are out and about!!
Such pretty pictures. Reminds me a bit of Oregon, all those overcast, green, moist shots! Love the little ferns growing out of the tree.
I like your spooky fog shots! Sounds like a great day, even without any bird photos. At least you know what you saw....and sometimes I can't even say that!
Lovely day you had there Eve, thanks for taking us along.
Looks like you had a very good day out birding :) Someday I'll have to go with a group of birders, I usually go by myself or with Sean. Your pictures are lovely, especially the one with the ferns on the tree, very pretty.
Ok, what exactly ARE those weird black lines in the sky?! Spooky!!
Great weather Evie, just like England.
Well at least you got a lifer and observed plenty through he binoculars.
Hi Evie, glad you've got out with the birding group again. Order some sunny side up weather next time though! (-: Glad you got to see a lifer too. Tick! (-:
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