North Carolina county #6 Butler Nature Preserve
Yesterday, I did another two-county travel day. I covered Cumberland and Hoke counties. I thought that since Cumberland County had Fayetteville in it, which has a good size population, there would be a bunch of birding opportunities. But actually it was quite difficult to find somewhere to bird for an hour or two.
I ended up finding the Gordon Butler Nature Preserve. I was a bit apprehensive since it was supposedly landlocked and you have to enter via a closed gate at a dead-end. Having no other good options, I decided to try it out.
Well, all I can say is that, at least during this time of year, the place was not great for birding – or doing anything in. In fact, it was quite glum.
That was the most interesting place I could find to photograph. It was not a very photogenic area, and there was also hardly any sign of wildlife. Here are some notes I have from the visit:
- ambient noise from distant cars and nearby construction
- silent forest, overcast skies
- spooky house
Yes, there was a spooky house. Sometimes birding alone in a strange place, especially when there are no birds chirping, can be unnerving.
When I first arrived, a Pileated Woodpecker flew off which gave me hope for the area, but there didn’t turn out to be much around, except for one small spot which had a few small birds in it.
The most excitement I had was when a lone Ring-billed Gull flew overhead. I wasn’t expecting to see one. I stayed a little more than an hour, hoping there would be some activity.
Of course, it was still good to get out, and I completed my 6th county.
ebird checklist