FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Re: [TN-Bird] Brewer's Blackbird, Short-eared Owl, etc. (Greene Co., TN)

[Don Miller <raincrow@xxxxxxx>]

March 12, 2006

In regard to what I wrote about Brewer's Blackbird in my post yesterday 
(see below), I should probably add a clarification, as my statement 
could be interpreted to indicate that the species is a permanent 
resident, which it definitely is not.

The site near Turner Lane has produced Brewer's Blackbirds for a number 
of years, but only during a period of time from late winter to early 
spring.  The species is a transient or winter visitor in east Tennessee 
(possibly a winter resident in small numbers) and is observed only 
sporadically, mostly at this time of year as it heads north and west 
toward its breeding grounds in the western United States and western 
Canada.  Apparently some of the large open fields of western Greene 
County are a favored stopover area for birds migrating out of the 
southeast and heading west.

I have often wondered why the Turner Lane area is preferred over other 
large fields nearby.  I think the answer may be that it is a livestock 
field, part of a cattle operation.  Most of the fields in western Greene 
County are sown in soybeans or corn but are not used for grazing 
cattle.  There is another field on Toby Road not far away where Don Holt 
and I have observed Brewer's Blackbirds in the past.  This field also is 
part of a cattle farm.  Perhaps the blackbirds are attracted to grain 
used to feed cattle or perhaps to insects or other food sources 
associated with cattle.  Whatever the reason, I have noted what appears 
to be a local pattern. 

I am aware that the species also is known to use a variety of other 
habitats, so my speculation isn't strongly satisfying.  However, it's my 
best guess based on the limited evidence I've been able to gather on 
this infrequently seen bird.  

Don Miller
Greeneville, Greene Co., TN 

Don Miller wrote:

> March 11, 2006
>
> Brewer's Blackbird (12+ along Highway 340 0.2 mile west of Turner Lane; 
> this has been a reliable spot for BRBL for several years);
>
>
> Don Miller
> Greeneville, Greene Co., TN
>
>
>
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