Ruby-throated Hummingbird on butterfly bush

Photo Credit: Rachel Cass

What did Giff Beaton, author of "Birding Georgia" have to say about his stay at the Aska Lodge B&B?

"This wonderful B&B is not only a great place to stay in the lap of luxury and enjoy their amazing hospitality and birdy grounds, but it's convenient to some of the best birding sites in Georgia's Blue Ridge!"

Eastern Bluebird on our rustic bird house

Photo credit:  Giff Beaton

 Jim Williams, author of "Urban Birds of North Alabama", noted this:

 "The rustic setting of the lodge and the intimate contact it provides with nature are exceptional.  We greatly enjoyed having our first cup of coffee on the porch while we watched them forage in their habitat.  With no real effort a knowledgeable birder can identify 20 or more species before breakfast on a late-summer morning.

     The location of the lodge at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains provides opportunities in summer months to see birds that otherwise desert the south to breed in more northern latitudes.  Additionally, the mountains are a preferred spring and fall migration route for many birds of Eastern North America as they make their way to breeding grounds or winter habitats."

American Goldfinches enjoying Aska Lodge thistle

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cass

American Redstart enjoying Aska Lodge habitat

 Photo Credit: Rachel Cass 

Check status of Hummingbird arrival at Aska Lodge:

     2013 Hummingbird Migration Map

Arrival at Aska Lodge:  YES!

1st one spotted 4/9/13

Aska Lodge juvenile Ruby-throated hummingbird

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cass

A special treat in the late summer and early fall are the huge swarms of hungry Ruby-throated hummingbirds.  The "Hummer Rodeo" here at the Aska Lodge is truly a spectacle to behold, as dozens of these tiny dynamos flock our feeders at the same time, battling it out for supremacy!

     A different mix of birds visits our numerous feeders, wildlife plants, and the surrounding wooded hills in each season.  There are also many common but endearing birds that stay around all year.

     Some of the ones you might see while here, according to visiting Georgia birding experts:

• American Goldfinch
• Carolina Wren
• American Crow
• Blue Jay
• Red-tailed Hawk
• Red-shouldered Hawk
• Eastern Screech Owl
• Great Horned Owl
• Indigo Bunting
• Ovenbird
• Red-eyed Vireo
• Blue-headed Vireo
• Black-and-white Warbler
• Hooded Warbler
• Scarlet Tanager
• Black-throated Green Warbler
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Rose-breasted Grosbeak
• American Redstart
• Ruby-crowned Kinglet
• Blackburnian Warbler
• Chestnut-sided Warbler
• Blackpoll Warbler
• Magnolia Warbler
• Cowbird
• Brown Thrasher
• Purple Finch
• Pine Siskin
• Red-breasted Nuthatch
• Brown Creepers
• Hermit Thrushes
• Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers
• and many more!

ASKA LODGE HAIKUS

Bird songs' greetings blend

With the mountains' restful peace

Nurtured by dear friends

Morning's golden finch

Evening's fireflies sparkling warmth

Within the heart glow

©Robert Gibbs

Summer, 2009