Rachel Muir is a scientist emeritus with the United States Department of the Interior.  An environmental scientist and ecologist by training, Rachel worked for a variety of Federal agencies and private firms over her 40-year career, including the EPA and the U.S. Fish and  Wildlife Service. She focused primarily on aquatic ecology, wetlands ecology, conservation of imperiled species and impact of environmental contaminants on wildlife and human health. Rachel resides in Arden and is an avid outdoors woman, hiker, triathlete and gardener.  She is currently working on her second book, "Across the Heartland: in the Footsteps of John Muir." 

EMAS programs are free and open to the public.

They charm us with lovely plumage and melodious song,

our quest of them takes us to the fairest places;

to find them and uncover their secrets,

we exert ourselves greatly and live intensely.

-Alexander Skutch

You see but you do

not observe.

The distinction is clear.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Scandal in Bohemia

Why do we continue watching birds?  I suppose the answer to this question varies from person to person, but I feel there might be some human trait in common which keeps people getting involved in this activity.  If you would like to read more about what keeps us fascinated and involved with birding in all its activities, follow the link.   

• Ed. Note: I encourage you all to read this beautiful article by Rick. It brings to light the joy and wonder of watching birds.

This September, Audubon North Carolina members flocked to Asheville to celebrate birds at the 2018 Summit "Migration in the Mountains."  At the Saturday night banquet, awards were presented to members who have made a big impact on North Carolina's birds and Audubon NC's efforts to protect birds across the state. Tom Tribble, EMAS president, received the "Volunteer of the Year" for his outstanding effort in support of the state office, staff, local chapters and shared conservation goals. A dedicated birder and Audubon member since 1975, Tom is known to friends as "the Ambassador of Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary." His work extends throughout the greater community, where he is determined to build his chapter's capacity for inclusivity.

"I was incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award," Tribble said. "As I told many of my friends, none of us who love birds and work to protect them do so for the recognition. But as several of our younger UNC Asheville student-chapter members came up to congratulate me, I realized that my work may motivate them to a lifetime devotion to birds, and for that I am most thankful."

Our sincerest congratulations go out to Tom on receiving this much-deserved award!

A Not-So-Ill-Wind  Blows 

into Town

We knew it was on the way, a slow-moving storm named Florence that we watched creeping ever so slowly towards us here in Western North Carolina. Sometimes we thought that it would never get here, but eventually the rain started and the soaking began. Luckily the strong winds never really materialized, so driving around the area was mostly uneventful.

So what do birders do when there's an impending spate of bad weather? Go birding of course! When Irma came through last year, I remember being drenched to the skin as we hiked the muddy paths along Hooper Lane. I was determined to be more prepared this time.  Armed with mud boots, a better raincoat, and a couple of umbrellas, I set off for Beaver Lake. It was super quiet with only a Pied-billed Grebe in view on the rain-spattered lake. Lake Julian is usually a better bet, and we certainly can't forget the adult Sooty Tern that graced the lake last year. With no driving wind and rain this time, and a very slow-moving system, we didn't expect a lot, so a circling flock of terns was a nice surprise - all Common Terns with one Black Tern appearing from time to time. A phone call prompted us to head to Lake Junaluska where over 100 terns were feeding over the lake. Some were resting on logs, while others circled high into the sky, probably eager to continue their southbound migration. An Osprey passed overhead, making the terns leave their perches, only to roost again shortly afterwards. Again, most seemed to be Common Terns, probably brought down as they headed south from their breeding grounds in the Great Lakes. A real surprise was an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull that had been found a short time earlier and was now roosting on a boat dock and allowing for some great photos.

Click here to continue Simon's soggy saga...

Simon Thompson

Ventures Birding Tours

www.birdventures.com