Walking’s for the Birds

The Daniel Boone Gardens will host a Bird Tour Series during the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. from April to October. The guest guide on May 8 is Janet Palmer. Beginning birders are welcome at this free event.

Area bird lovers joined local Audubon expert Bob Cherry Tuesday for a tour around the Daniel Boone Native Gardens and a hike to the summit of Strawberry Arboretum.

High Country Audubon president Anita Clemmer reported that 16 species made the list during the early morning trek. Species included the Dark-eyed junco, Eastern Towhee, American robin, Carolina wren, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Goldfinch, Tufted Titmouse, American Crow, Northern Flicker, Mourning Dove, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Blue Jay and Black-throated Green Warbler.

Wildflowers blooming in the gardens included the Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Trillium, Virginia Bluebells, Green and Gold, along with delicate Lilly of the Valley. The group visited the rockery section of the garden, which is specifically dedicated to plants attracting birds and butterflies.

For more information, visit http://www.DanielBooneNativeGardens.org or Facebook to see additional photos. To learn about bird activities, check schedules at http://www.HighCountryAudubon.org.