Since we all need a break from the SHCR discussion in order to digest all opinions and information, I'd like to share a snapshot from the hills of ole Virginia. Southwest Virginia is home to a wealth of biological and cultural diversity. One can come here and pursue Swainson's and Blue-winged Warblers on reclaimed surface coal mines depending upon access issues for a given site. It was refreshing to again here the melodious song of the Wood Thrush in Breaks Interstate Park on the Virginia/KY border. Be prepared for powerful thunderstorms with little forewarning that can result in "frog-strangling gulley-washers". I experienced such today and that resulted in my being stuck indoors responding to crane posts, lol...There are also opportunities to explore caves and other karst topography features, but please use discretion and obey regulations regarding access here. Do as I say, and not as I do...you want to be here anytime but now, basically. Obviously May or early June is best for breeding birds, but fall produces good migratory movement and color that rivals that of say Duluth in the fall. One unique experience is the opportunity to witness tissue necrosis live and in person in one of the local Pentecostal churches where they handle timber rattlesnakes and copperheads. In my experience, tissue necrosis in the believer has the same appearance as in the non-believer. Lastly, ask discretely among a codger table of old-timers if you want some local moonshine. Seriously, if you want more information about birding in the Blue Ridge mtns of VA/NC, let me know. Eric Harrold Urbana, IL
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