Chipping Sparrow

I wish I could have gotten a few more (and closer) shots of the Chipping Sparrow in the Dogwood Tree.  Although, I was happy to get that shot.  I'm working on learning my sparrows this year and this was my first Chipping Sparrow.  Of course until I got home I thought it was a Tree Sparrow but...baby steps.  Anyway while I was preoccupied with the Chipping Sparrow I heard a bird nearby.  I looked all about and then finally saw the Chickadee REALLY nearby, right in front of my face.

Hiking Linvill Trail -ish

I set out last week to hike the Linvill Trail with my friend Lyn.  We tried really hard to stay on the trail but ended up hiking through Linvilla Orchards.  After two attempts last week and again today it seems that the problem is that part of the trail is blocked by fallen trees.  But it also seems like the trail could use more signage.  None of this is a huge problem because walking back through Linvilla Orchards is very beautiful.  I went back out with my camera this time hoping that the Northern Flickers would light on the small pine tree tops right in front of me like they did when I didn't have my camera.  Of course not.