FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] RPT: BBC Field Trip to Peabody WMA

["bennetts" <bennetts@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

June 22, 2002:

A Beckham Bird Club Field trip to Peabody WMA, Sinclair Unit today yielded 48 
species of grassland/successional habitat species.  There were 11 participants.

The 3 primary target species were all observed.  Some uncounted small numbers 
of Henslow's Sparrows were heard at the end of S-5 Road with one very 
cooperative bird posing in front of the scopes for all to enjoy a good and 
definitive look.  Bell's Vireos were present along S-5 Road, S-3 Road and other 
locations.  They were heard in decent numbers, perhaps as many as 15 -20 total 
singing males.  However, the Vireos were not cooperative in posing and views 
were restricted to fleeting images of birds moving about in dense foliage of 
Russian Olive, Black Locust, and other species of sapling.

Between Road S-5 and S-3, on S-2 Road, 2 Willow Flycatchers were observed at 
the pond.  The birds were both quite cooperative and provided excellent looks 
for all observers.  They refused to sing during the field trip, but had been 
heard earlier that morning by the trip leader.

Other nice birds included the following:

Double-crested Cormorant: 2 were in the lake adjacent to the TVA Paradise Ash 
Basin/Slag Pond
Northern Harrier:  several flying around the grassy hills
Yellow--billed Cuckoo:  Abundant, easily seen and heard by all
Yellow-breasted Chat:  Many heard, but not seen well by all
Yellow Warbler (1)
Northern Parula (1)
Prairie Warbler, a few were seen by some participants
Dickcissel:  Abundant, well observed with a scope by all, heard in large numbers
Grasshopper Sparrow:  a few were heard singing, but not could be located 
visually
Blue Grosbeak:  Several were heard in the AM in the area of S-5 Road.  Visuals 
were fleeting by enjoyed only by some participants.
Orchard Oriole:  Several singing males and 1 individual feeding at least 3 
fledglings

The large coal slag piles that contained numerous Bank Swallow nests have 
been/are being removed by TVA.  It was sad to see NO nests of this bird.  
However, there were still a few in the area of the Ash Basin/Slag Pond.  Also, 
the lower approach to the Ash Basin/Slag Pond has been blocked by a wire with 
red flags.  The only approach is currently the narrow ash road around the levee 
of the impoundment.

Thanks to  Beckham Bird Club for organizing the trip and allowing me to act as 
leader.

Mark Bennett
Russellville, KY
Logan County
bennetts@xxxxxxxxxxxxx


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