ML639440766

Observation details

Heard the distinctive RECR flight calls from the gated WMA road that begins at Low Gap Campground and runs alongside Low Gap Creek. I came across the birds about a quarter mile west-northwest of the campground. Coordinates of recording are 34.752778 N, 83.788611 W. I heard the calls at two locations along the road; 3 birds is a conservative estimate. In both cases the calls were coming from far up the hill to the NE. I saw at least two small birds flying around a stand of tall white pines in the direction of the sound but I could never get a good look; the trees were too far away, the sky was too bright behind them, and my camera lens was too short to get any meaningful pictures at such a distance. I heard one behind me as well, from the direction of the creek (you can hear the water running in the recording). I stood around for an hour, between 11 and 12 noon, hoping to get a better look at one and maybe even snap a photo. Alas: it was not to be. They were still chattering when I left.