Month: April 2021

I went to my section of the greenway yesterday to see how it was faring with the heavy rain we have been experiencing here in Asheville. I had passed by the section a week earlier and saw that the water was very high, flowing through my section, and completely flooding it. This time, the river was not flowing on top of my section but was still much higher than usual. It was probably a couple of feet higher than usual.

The water was quite murky and brown because of the rain and I saw many things floating down it. I could see multiple places where things that were floating down built up in brush along the sides of the river. Much of the built up debris was trash and tree branches. This reminded me how often things that are left on and in the ground will eventually end up in the water and will float down until they get caught and stuck somewhere else. As well as the trash caught in the river, there was evidence of flooding all over the asphalt path. It was covered in sediment and much of it was a bit slippery. I slid in mud multiple times, but luckily, did not fall into it or the water.

Another neat thing from this outing was that I saw two ducks swimming in the river. They were under a little pier that I was standing on and I saw one swim out and try to swim up river along the bank but stopped and went back. Then both swam out and tried to continue up river, but they struggled to swim upstream because of how fast the water was flowing. They had to fight the current and some brambles along the bank. I tried to follow them and see what they did, but they kept swimming away and then flew away. They were scared of me even though I only wanted to see them. They were Mallard ducks, one male and one female, very likely mates. They seemed worried about my presence and could not swim away fast enough, so they flew away. I was stuck on land and could not follow.

I really enjoy seeing different creatures along the greenway. It’s always mesmerizing to see what creatures are there and what they are doing. Birds have been the prevalent creature I have seen in my section. They have been sitting up in trees or gliding around on the water. I have not seen much of any land dwelling creatures, likely because it has been very cold and because they may be more fearful of other land creatures. Birds can fly or swim away, while a groundhog can only scurry away. I look forward to going to my section more in the future just to enjoy it and see what other interesting creatures and happenings are occurring there.

The Skies

Asheville is home to some of the highest mountains to climb in the U.S with some of the most gorgeous sights to see, many of which can be found in the Preserve itself. Another benefit of being so high up in the sky though, is the view from the very top. Basking in the glow of the rising and or setting radiant Carolina sun, the beautiful skyline will be there to meet your gaze when you reach the mountain top.

Mixes of purple, yellow, and light orange hues are the telltale signs of an Asheville sunset at dusk. As the sun deludes into a dwindling ball of light, a cool deep purple shrouds the distant mountains in mysterious darkness, as the city below prepares for a night’s long rest.

The lights from the traffic signs and speeding cars below lights up the city, to signify that even in the night, our lives continue every onwards, as the city itself never rests. The yellow gleam on the horizon coupled with the consuming purple darkness makes for one of the most gorgeous night time views you’ll get from one of the preserves mountain tops.

Of course Asheville has its daytime beauty as well. In the morning, or this case, noon time, you’ll be able to look out upon clear blue skies, and the sun should already be out greeting the world as it once again illuminates the surrounding mountains, reminding everyone of the majesty and overwhelming beauty of the mountain scape that sits right on their front door.

The lights from the city no longer glow, but the natural light of the world shines a bright spotlight down on the “climate city”. The high scraping buildings, contrasted with the overflow of green from the woods shows that Asheville is a city surrounded by nature, and once that thrives off it as well

If ever you find yourself at the Preserve, push yourself to conquer a mountain or a cliff that you think you can climb. More than likely, your efforts will be rewarded with a stunning view.

High Flying Birds

Bird watchers beware, Asheville is home to plenty of different birds so its good to keep an eye out as well as a pair of binoculars ready. Up the in trees or down bobbing up and down on the ground, you’ll come across a wide array of flying friends, especially up in the mountains.

When you’re up in the mountains, keep an eye in the sky and you might catch a glimpse of a red tailed hawk, with its distinct light red back feathers, or perhaps even an eagle soaring overhead, searching for prey. Chances are, if you can see them, they can see you as well. As they scout the ground from up above, you’ll have a good chance to snap a few photos of the majestic birds and their great wide wingspan. Both eagles and the red tailed hawks make nests high up in the trees so keep an eye out for large nests, as you might just see a bird of prey returning from the hunt.

Looking down at the ground or on some smaller bushes, shrubbery, or trees you might observe a few Carolina Wrens. The plump little birds have a tail that just as long as its short little body and is often stuck up. They’re often given away by their high-pitched chirp. Similarly, other small birds such as eastern blue birds and Carolina Chickadees may also be hopping around in the same areas as the wrens.

You’ll spot these in your backyard but not nearly in as many numbers as you will out in the wild. Smaller birds usually prefer to travel in large groups and are much easier to scare of than a larger bird or predator. Even the plump little wrens are surprisingly nimble and quick to hop/fly away

You’re also sure to come across your fair share of colorful birds as well. Sometimes in nature, bright colors can mean danger and intimidation, but in the case of these beautiful Northern Cardinals, there is nothing to fear. They’re brightly colored, whistling little beauties that you’ll most likely spot near a feeder or up on a high branch of a large tree. These birds have poor sight but make up for it in their speed and numbers. The females of this species are often a more tan or brownish color.

Other colorful birds include blue jays, and American goldfinch’s who can be spotted from their bright yellow feathers and small point beaks. Finch are quite small, and can often be mistaken for humming birds because of it. The little birds are often attracted to seeds and feeders very similar to the Northern Cardinal. The female goldfinch will often have distinct white markings as well as a darker colored forehead.

These are just a few examples of some of the prettiest, biggest, and smallest birds to be found around the Mountains of Asheville. Make sure to keep an eye out on your next trip, as you might just run into a goldfinch …or maybe even a red tailed hawk.