Now what are sea birds doing in the foothills of the Appalachians and on the western side at that? My guess is that they've been here for generations. Their ancestors must have moved up the Mississippi, on to the Tennessee River, up the French Broad and finally to the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. A group of maybe ten was in a parking lot within fifty yards of the Pigeon River. And once again I had on the wrong lens. :^)
My sincere thanks for all the comments and votes yesterday. You guys are the greatest.