FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] February 6 birding

[JPMOYLE18@xxxxxxx]

I birded primarily in NE Sullivan and enjoyed a good day.  There was one 
particularly interesting flock of birds on the water on the Virginia end of 
Holston Lake.
Middlebrook Lake:  Gadwall (2), Pied-billed Grebes (3), Hooded Merganser ( 
100 or so) and a Ring-billed Gull congregation.  Unfortunately I missed some 
birds seen later on.
Weir Dam:  American Wigeon (2),  Ring-necked Duck (1), Ruddy Duck (2), 
Gadwall (2), Bufflehead (100 or so), Green-winged Teal (1), Ruby-crowned 
Kinglet, 
Belted Kingfisher (2).
Musick's Campground:  Common Loon (1), Pied-billed Grebe (2), Bonaparte's 
Gull (1), Ring-billed Gull (3), Killdeer (1).
Virginia Park Lauching Area on Holston Lake:  Pied-billed Grebe (1), Horned 
Grebe (1), flock of 10 -12 unknown ducks with the Horned Grebe.  They were just 
floating with their heads tucked in.  Only twice did I get a brief glimpse of 
the face and bill.  The birds (all of them) were very dark, all over.  Some 
slight changes in darkness but not much.  Small white patches were visible at 
rear of wing (both sides).  No distinct head markings but they were near the 
far side of the lake.  Bill was not white nor black, it appeared slightly 
mottled.  The nearest thing in the field guides to what I was seeing is the 
White-winged Scoter.  However, due to location on a Tennessee lake and distance 
to 
birds and difficulty in seeing detail, who knows?  But it is worth checking 
further.
Winged Deer Park:  Ross's Goose and Killdeer (5).

John Moyle   Glen Alpine Road   Kingsport