FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Weekend Ramble 2/4-5/06 TN-MS

[OLCOOT1@xxxxxxx]

Feb. 2-4, 2006
Ms Rv, Ensley Bottoms, Shelby Co, TN
Tunica Co, MS
 
I started on the north end of Mud Island and surveyed a large group of  
Ring-billed Gulls, in the mix was a dark backed gull that appeared to be a  
Lesser 
Black-backed, judging from size size and under wing  pattern. The single, 
injured White pelican still hangs out along the river front  and can fly but 
still 
shows a damaged set of primaries. The Peregrine  Falcon has been driven to 
high ground, in fact very high ground as it has taken  up perching high on the 
Memphis Bridge.
 
At TVA Lake in Ensley Bottoms, the numbers of scaup has decreased  noticeably 
and at Robco Lake the thousands had been reduced to just a HAND FULL.  Snow 
and Greater White-fronted Geese were seen streaming north and flying at  
migration altitude. Hawk numbers and diversity were found to be up from the  
previous weekend along with both species of vultures kettling on  thermals, 
while 
Skunks are being run over in numbers along the roads, as  they pursue their 
seasonal amorous adventures. Spring and love, need  but little encouragement 
from 
warmer weather to burst into full fling.
 
In Tunica Co, MS, Western Meadowlark family groups are coming together  prior 
to migration, so the youngsters can try out their new found singing  styles. 
One flock of 19 and another of 9 were found, where only 3 or 4 have  been seen 
all season. The 29 Sandhill Cranes have started to break  into dance and 
sessions of raucous calling, just practicing for the good times  to come.
 
I've posted a few shots of the Western and Eastern Meadowlarks seen this  
weekend with a few notes. Also a flight shot of the Sandhill Cranes in Tunica  
Co, a few of a catfish eating Bald Eagle plus three photos of an  adult Bald 
Eagle hunting Coots. Try scrolling to the bottom of this  site:
 
_http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/winter2006&page=all_ 
(http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/winter2006&page=all) 
 
Good Birding  !!!
Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA
6298 Memphis-Arlington Road
Bartlett, TN  38135


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