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- Smoky Mountain Nature Lady Newsletter Vol 1, Issue 3
Cerulean Warbler - Wikimedia Commons
⏩FAST FACT
The majestic Cerulean Warbler is one of the Smokies' most dedicated migrators. Each spring, these small but mighty birds set off from their South American wintering grounds, traveling roughly 2,000 to 2,500 miles—navigating by Earth’s magnetic fields and the sun—to reach the lush forests of the Smoky Mountains.
🐦BIRDS: NATURE IN THE SKY
Screech Owl - red morph (they also come in gray)
I'm happy to let you know that birds are my favorite - of everything in nature. It's how I got my start as the Smoky Mountain Nature Lady. The colors, sizes, shapes (and more), are incredibly diverse and just as fascinating.
In the Smokies, birds bring life and purpose to the skies. They’re ecosystem engineers who feast on fruits and berries and disperse seeds all over, regenerating the forests and boosting biodiversity.
Their innovative nesting habits are just as impressive; whether it's a comfortable nest sitting on a high cliff or one hidden away in the tops of the forest, our feathered friends build homes that reflect the mosaic of habitats across the mountains and the foothills.
As the seasons change, so do our avian companions. When spring changes to summer, their plumage transforms, too. Their songs grow more passionate, forming a natural symphony that marks time's passing. However, despite their beauty, birds face numerous challenges, including habitat loss, invasive species, and pollution. They are vulnerable, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Every day, the Smokies come alive with the dynamic rhythms of birdlife. If you are a bird lover, you must check out the dawn chorus. The early morning cacophony is inexplicable and must be experienced to really be appreciated.
These calls gradually give way to lively flights across the sky as birds soar out in search of food. Their interactions with each other and with the environment create a mesmerizing dance of survival and renewal, a living testament to nature's resilience that I learn from every day.
📝WORD UP
In the realm of birds, duetting is a fascinating behavior where two birds—often mates—coordinate their calls back and forth in a seamless, conversational rhythm. This melodic exchange not only strengthens their bond but also announces their territory to others.
🏔️NATURE CHALLENGE
Gray Catbird - I love these birds! Have you ever heard or seen one?
💧Bird Bingo
This month’s challenge is simple yet fun—mark off your bird bingo card! Venture into the Smokies, explore your favorite trails, and check the various species you spot. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, let each sighting remind you of the magic woven into the skies above.
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Here are a few of my favorite 🦉bird-related things . . . (Mother’s Day is coming up!)
Binoculars are perfect for those crisp, early mornings when every wingbeat counts. I have these in the 8 × 42 variety - they’re ideal if you wear glasses like I do.
Attract and observe local feathered friends right in your backyard. The solar light is so cool!
What do you see? This pocket resource can help you identify and learn about every bird you encounter. I have pocket guides for several different types of fauna in the Smokies. Much lighter to carry than a big field guide!
I’m a sucker for cute bird decor and I LOVE this!
A fun and interactive game to test your avian knowledge and compete with fellow bird lovers.
🍃CONSERVATION STATION
Male American Goldfinch - Isn’t he gorgeous????
Conservation in the Smokies (or anywhere, for that matter!) is as much about data as it is about passion for the plants and animals that live here. By joining citizen science projects—like contributing your observations to Merlin (an innovative FREE app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology) or eBird—you become a vital part of a nationwide effort to track bird populations and migration patterns.
Every sighting you log provides researchers with critical data to help protect these species and their habitats. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or new to the field, your contributions help paint an accurate picture of environmental health and support efforts to safeguard the wild spaces that our birds call home. It’s easy AND fun!
🎥VIDEO CONNECTIONS
💬QUOTE-A-PALOOZA
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
— Emily Dickinson
❌PHOTO FAIL
Female cardinal - not exactly in focus . . .
Happy birding!
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