CANCELLED

Join Mainspring’s Outreach Associate and bird guide Alina Martin for this beginner-friendly morning full of neotropical migrants, both local breeders who have arrived at their final destination and migrants still heading north! We have a good chance of seeing a wide variety of striking and interesting species such as Warblers, Grosbeaks, Vireos, and Flycatchers. Participants are encouraged to download the Merlin Bird ID app before the event, and we will discuss how to use this fantastic, self-guided learning resource at the beginning of the walk, as well as how beginner and advanced birders alike can easily contribute to ongoing community science. Stecoah Gap is a prominent, high-elevation trailhead (approx. 3,165 ft) on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in North Carolina, located on NC Highway 143, seven miles northeast of Robbinsville.

We will meet just before 9am at the Stecoah Gap Parking Area on Saturday April 18th. See the map below for exact location. The walk will take about three

Yellow-billed Cuckoo photographed by David Hewett

hours and we will be walking on a wide grassy old forest road with minimal elevation change. Wear waterproof boots and long pants because the grass will likely be wet and the may brush against your leg at times. We will be alternating between sun and shade as we walk through the forest, so make sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat.

Question: Why so early?
Answer: The early worm gets the bird! Birds are most active in their foraging in the earlier hours of the day, especially during migration. They spend the whole night flying and when they land they need to fuel up as much as possible before their midday nap. Late afternoon/evening can be good birding as well but it’s not reliable like the mornings are! I want folks to really experience the phenomenon of spring migration. Plus, mornings themselves are pretty phenomenal (just make sure to get a good nights sleep!)

This event is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $10. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but please give what you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy! Donations can be made online (select “upcoming event” from the dropdown box), or by cash or check at the event.

Open to birders of all skill levels! From newbies to experts, birds are for everyone Please bring a water bottle, water-resistant close-toed shoes, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and your curiosity! Binoculars will be provided for those who don’t have their own.

This event is weather-dependent; we will proceed in light rain, but cancel in the event of dangerous weather conditions like thunderstorms or high winds. Please leave pets at home.

Meet your Guide

As Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Associate, Alina Martin aims to encourage the protection and appreciation of land by connecting communities to the birds, plants, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that share our home here in the Southern Blue Ridge. Her birding adventures up and down the east coast have introduced her to a wide variety of habitats, and those experiences inspire her to continue nurturing her understanding of wildlife and plant ecology. Armed with her identification knowledge and ever-increasing wonder, Alina leads a variety of educational programs here at Mainspring, and finds something curious and new each time. She is a life-long birder, all-around naturalist, and avid user of eBird and iNaturalist.

Please treat your registration as a formal ticket. Read this event description thoroughly and ensure that the date, time, and location work for your schedule. We monitor event sign-ups, and restrict group size to ensure you have a quality experience out in the woods with us. If you register and can no longer attend, email Alina at [email protected]. Thank you!

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