Blue Ridge Birds and Nature at Hilton Pond North

#39—Black Bears, Coyotes, and More! Our Annual Trail Cam Special

Trail cameras offer a glimpse into the secret lives of wild creatures that often pass unnoticed in our forests. In this episode, we review highlights from our second annual collection of video clips recorded at Hilton Pond North, featuring mammals and birds ranging from Black Bears and Coyotes to White-tailed Deer and Red-tailed Hawks. We also summarize recent bird-banding activities and seasonal changes observed on our Blue Ridge Mountains study site. After listening, be sure to check out the full photo essay, complete with videos and photographs, at https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260522.html.

#38—A Quintet Of New Warblers (Plus A Hummingbird Flower)

For a birder (or a bander) hardly anything is more enjoyable than spotting the first warblers of the new spring season. “This Week At Hilton Pond North” we showcase five of these colorful creatures, plus a couple of other migrants. There’s also an account of a much-overlooked native hummingbird flower you might plant, with our usual lists of all birds banded or recptured during the period. Learn about all this in our “Deep Dive” Podcast #38 for 6-21 May 2026. After listening you can view the complete photo essay at https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260506.html Happy Nature Watching—And Listening!

#37—Remarkable Returns Of Ruby-throats And A Warbler

One of the most informative aspects of banding comes when a banded bird migrates away and returns. Such was the case "This Week at Hilton Pond North” when a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird appeared here for the third year in a row. Our latest essay includes her account AND info about two other hummers and a Hooded Warbler that also returned. The podcast also describes an important local butterfly and four new migrant bird species banded during the period. It’s all yours to hear about and ponder in Podcast Installment #37. Enjoy! After listening to our “Deep Dive” podcast you can view the complete photo essay #37 at https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260422.html Happy Nature Watching—And Listening!

#36—Dogwoods And Hummingbirds: Sure Signs Of Spring

In spring when Flowering Dogwoods open their bright white bracts in Appalachian woodlands, we know Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can’t be far behind. “This Week At Hilton Pond North” (Lansing NC) we reveal the hidden ties between dogwoods, snails, and salamanders, and even butterflies and leaf beetles. Installment #36 includes discussions of our first ruby-throat and Indigo Bunting of the season as well as detailed lists of all birds banded and recaptured. After listening to our “Deep Dive” podcast you can view the complete photo essay at https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260409.html Happy Nature Watching—And Listening!

#35—Ashe County's Amphibolite Mountains

You’ve heard of the Smokies, the Appalachians, and the Blue Ridge, but how about the Amphibolite Mountains? They’re right here in Ashe County NC and are home to diverse flora, from Flame Azaleas to Scottish Harebells. “This Week at Hilton Pond North” we talk about these unique high ridges and toss in info about birds from finches to phoebes and cowbirds, too. There’s our usual tadpole update, along with an amazing list of goldfinch recaptures. After listening to our “Deep Dive” podcast you can view the complete photo essay #35 at https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260325.html Happy Nature Watching—And Listening!