Unfortunately Airlie staff spent a good amount of time this year cutting down some of the old trees that had died. Luckily they left this big one near the creek up. A nesting pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers definitely appreciate it.
Kind of funny that they promote invasive species like the Mute Swan and do things to drive away the native species (driving around in loud ATVs all day, clearing thickets and cutting down dead trees used as nesting sites). However they are still the most beautiful gardens around.
If you go early enough before they start driving those annoying ATVs, you will see tons of wildlife. I rarely see such a large group of male Wood Ducks. Maybe having a bachelor party.
What does the fox say? "Stop driving your ATVs around my den."
These squirrels looked hung over.
Barred Owl
In the evening I went to try out a park that Sherry recommended - Smith's Creek Park. A very nice park but again the biggest issue was ATVs. The land adjacent to the park has some amazing successional habitat with a lot of Long Leaf Pine restoration going on.
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First of the Season Blue Grosbeak.
The most confiding Great Crested Flycatcher ever.
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Great times.
I think the gardens at Orton Plantation, just on the other side of the Cape Fear River, are more beautiful than Airlie. However tragically the new owner, Louis Bacon, has closed the gardens, which had been open to the public for nearly 100 years. A mean-spirited act, but typical of the man.
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