Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Almost Heaven - The New River Gorge Birding Festival


The West Virginia rain and fog at the New River Festival, especially at a place called Muddelty, seeped through my skin and infused every cell of my being. Oh, yes. This is a special place. It was a treasure to experience this forest.

I attended the festival for only the last two days. They were two very wet days. Even though most of the birds looked a bit gray in the mist, they were amazing and I was blessed with many life birds. I will always remember a few moments with a Black and White Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Chat, Cerulean Warbler and Savannah Sparrow.

The forest oozed magic. I could almost feel the trees breathing. We saw Red-Spotted Newt, the nest of an Eastern Towhee with four eggs, a West Virginia White Butterfly and we heard the glorious bird songs echo through the woods.

We also saw something that still makes my heart ache. On one tree was nailed a sign. This beautiful forest is posted and scheduled to be destroyed, mined by mountain top removal. The earth weeps. Is anyone listening?

6 comments:

Carolynn Anctil said...

Oh! That IS sad. Even though I live on the Pacific Wet Coast, I am not a fan of the weather you just described. Nevertheless, it does sound like an enchanted forest with wood sprites disguised as birds.

Thank you for your lovely comment at my place today. I'm pleased that you stopped by to visit and say hello.

Blessings.
Carolynn

Annette said...

How devastating! Has the world gone mad?

TR Ryan said...

Beautiful, beautiful post!

Mary said...

Kathleen, I do remember... Muddlety was heaven on earth until lunchtime in the rain, buzz saws in the background and trees crashing. Made me sick. Such a beautiful place.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Wasn't that an awful realization?
I, too, weep--those woods are far too lovely to lose--and are home to too many lives that shouldn't be thrown away.

Jack said...

I recently visited your blog..its just amazing to see your posts..keep going..



Jack
Best Affordable Security Systems Suitable for Renters and Apartments, Business and RV