Birding the Smokies || First birding of 2024!

With somewhat of a time limit, we spent our first birding trip of 2024 in the smokey mountains! First of the year birding success!
Every year, birders start with 0 birds for the year and that means that even a common Crow or Robin (at least in our area) can be new and exciting for the year! We didn't start off with a huge number of birds day 1 but seeing our two target birds plus an unexpected lifer made up for that.
References
Species Maps: Merlin ID
Some Descriptions: The Sibley Guide to Birding
Birding Camera: Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80
Scope: Vortex Razor (older version)
www.amazon.com/dp/B002V2UGRC?...
Binoculars: Vortex Diamondbacks
www.amazon.com/dp/B07V3LDFCR?...
Scope Tripod: Vortex High Country II
Vortex is the best for the money and we love ours!

[@brighteyedbirding]

Amazing video! Would love to see a Short-eared Owl sometime soon! Excited to watch more!

[@GATNBirding]

Thanks! They are pretty incredible birds, I hope you get to see one too.

[@user-tb9py1re4h]

Great video! I could hear everything you said and I like all the information you give. Well done. I look forward to seeing more.

[@GATNBirding]

Good, I'm glad. Thanks for watching:)

[@naturewithgabe]

Neat crossbill footage! Always fun to short eared owls, too. Nice stuff.

[@GATNBirding]

Thanks!

[@JC.Journey]

Your year is off to a great start! Congratulations on your life bird and the Short-eared Owl - that's exciting! When you spotted the Northern Harrier in the field I had a feeling the owl would surely make an appearance! 👏We are birders in the Pacific Northwest, so I really enjoyed the video. Happy Birding! -Jody

[@GATNBirding]

Thank you! They were so magical to see! Top bird of 2024 sofar for us😁

[@maxt_birding]

This is such a cool vid! I love this! Great work

[@GATNBirding]

Thanks

[@rogerashley8616]

I got the Short-eared Owl a week ago. It was after 5 before it came out. Light was fading, but got some decent shots. My first Red Cross bill came from Cades Cove a few years ago not far from where the owl was at the Dan Lawson place.

[@GATNBirding]

Nice! They are such a cool bird! We didn't see it till after 5 either but a few days before people saw them at around 4

[@RickMcCulleyPhotography]

Was this Tuesday Jan 2nd? If so I was there the same day with my kids. I have not yet sedn the red crosbills.

[@GATNBirding]

Yes, they were flying in trees around the trail to the bathrooms at around 12:30. They did eventually fly away, didn't follow them.