FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Rankin dowitcher, scaup &

["michael sledjeski" <mtnsylva@xxxxxxx>]

Douglas Lake is creeping up into Rankin Bottoms: thousands of carp are partying 
in the shallows, and the summer birds are returning.  A couple of rarities: 
Leslie Gibbens and I spotted a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (first spring record at 
Rankin, to my knowledge) in a gang of yellowlegs, and a LESSER SCAUP (first 
ever recorded at Rankin) dabbling with some teal.
Tomorrow may be the last day that the low road along the bottoms will be 
completely above the lake waters, but good viewing should be possible from 
shore until the end of the month.  Right now, the area is mobbed with fishermen 
after white bass on their spring run.   

Also observed:
Double-crested cormorant (3)
Great Blue Heron (10, including one in a nest on the riverbank opposite 
McCowan's Creek)
Wood Duck (7)
Mallard (12)
Blue-winged teal (50+)
Osprey (7)
Least sandpiper (7)
Greater yellowlegs (7)
Lesser yellowlegs (15)
Ring-billed gull
Eastern kingbird (2) - First Of Season
Barn swallow
Tree Swallow 
Cliff swallow (200+ near Rankin Bridge)
Blue-gray gnatcatcher (12) -FOS
Prothonotary warbler (9) -FOS
Yellow-rumped warbler (6)
et al.

Michael Sledjeski
Del Rio, Cocke County TN




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