A morning spent exploring the woodlands and fields of Sandy Mush Gamelands for a variety of sparrows and other winter species. Mostly easy walking along dirt roads and paths, with minimal steep hikes. Trails may be muddy. Bring good hiking boots and long pants.

The Sandy Mush Gamelands in the northern part of Buncombe County have only recently begun to be thoroughly explored for birds and butterflies. The habitats here vary from open, managed cut-over areas to cove and riverine forests down along Sandy Mush and Turkey Creeks, as well as the French Broad River. Though it’ll be mid-winter, we can will expect to find a nice mix of overwintering species in the varied habitats. Sparrows should be in good numbers with White-throated, Song, Fox, Swamp, Field and Chipping all likely. A few coveys of Northern Bobwhite reside in the fields and occasionally we get to see them. There are numerous American Kestrel nest boxes throughout the Gamelands and we should see a few of these small, beautiful falcons perched on telephone poles and wires, or hovering over the grass looking for prey. Blue-headed Vireos nest here as well but they shouldn’t be back just yet. Wild Turkeys are common as are Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks.

As it is winter, there will not be much singing going on so we will have to look for movement - who knows what surprises we may find in this under-birded part of the county.