![Group leader Keith Watson tries to catch a golden-crowned kinglet in his binoculars’ field of view. Photo provided by Holly Kays, Smokies Life.](https://smokieslife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-Keith-Watson-birding_HKays-300x199.jpg)
![Holly Kays](https://smokieslife.org/wp-content/uploads/avatars/74658/1718897798-bpfull.jpg)
Music in the treetops
The group has already set out from the Clingmans Dome parking lot when I realize I need to run back to the car once more before embarking on the day’s adventure. I assure the leader, a birder, banjo player, and retired migratory bird biologist named Keith Watson, that there’s no need to wait for me. I’ll catch back up along the planned route, I promise.