#35—Ashe County's Amphibolite Mountains

#41—Bears? Yes, We Have Bears. Lots!

Thanks to trail cams and personal observations we concluded “This Week at Hilton Pond North” we’re hosting at least EIGHT American Black Bears on our forested 35-acre property! These big furry mammals are out and about day and night, as described in our latest “Deep Dive” podcast. Give a listen and learn something new about these amazing wild creatures; then take a look at our bear videos in photo essay #41 at https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260616.html that also includes info about recent bird banding and recaptures. Happy Nature Watching!

#40—Eastern Box Turtle: Mayapple's Designated Driver

Mayapple is a favorite native wildflower across the eastern U.S.; parts are highly toxic but many of its seeds are disseminated by box turtles. “This Week At Hilton Pond North” we discuss this complex relationship and talk about birds we’ve recently banded or recaptured, including Eastern Wood-Pewees and Gray Catbirds. All this and more in Podcast #40. After listening, check out the full photo essay at: https://www.hiltonpondnorth.org/twahpn-20260601.html Happy Listening!

#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!