By Peggy Bullard

When fall comes and the summer activities slow down, Lake Mitchell is still alive with activity.

Some of the most beautiful of all activity around the lake are the birds. If you are a birder, you don’t have to go far to find many species. The eagle, osprey and egret are three of the larger birds seen here. All of these birds have been spotted enjoying the same dead pine tree as their perch.

I’ve often wondered what would happen if they tried to occupy it at the same time. Who would win?

Even as an amateur photographer, I’ve managed to capture some decent photos of the egret and osprey, but the eagle has not been a good subject for me. He or she tends to know when I’m out with the camera.

Other birds we’ve seen abundantly around Lake Mitchell are American goldfinch, grackle, cardinal, chickadee, titmouse, wren, mallard duck and goose just to name a few. Oh, and don’t forget the red-cockaded woodpeckers that were sighted and banded just this last May. What I would give to spot one of these for myself. Who knows, it could happen.

Feeding and watching birds has been a long-time enjoyment for me. Living on Lake Mitchell has caused my interest to peak because I don’t have to go far to enjoy many different species.

Come visit Lake Mitchell and bring your binoculars and cameras and see just how many birds you can spot. You just might find out that you are a birder after all.

–Peggy Bullard is a member of the publicity team for the Lake Mitchell Home Owners and Boat Owners Association.