FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Shorebirds / Ensley

[OLCOOT1@xxxxxxx]

July 19, 2003
Ensley Bottoms
Shelby Co. TN
The storm front that went through early this morning did what was expected. 
There are now over 3000 shorebirds at the pits. A lot of birds sat down because 
of the weather and a few filtered out all day long. Newcomers were 2 slightly 
worn, breeding plumaged Short-billed Dowitchers that cleared out as soon as 
the sun broke through. A total of 12 species were seen in 8 hours of hot 
scanning; there has to be one good bird hiding in the bunch. Only 8 Mississippi 
Kites today but 3 of those were young and their antics kept the "Wind Birds" 
winded.

Least SP numbers went way up along with a big bump up in Semipalmated 
Sandpipers (138) and Semipalmated Plovers. Well the Semi Plover numbers only 
went to 
6 but that triples Thursday's count;o) The Semisands will continue to multiply 
until they peak in 2 to 3 weeks from 1500 to 2000 birds. 

There were 35 western Sandpipers with quite a few leaving with the Dowitchers 
making for slim pick'ns in the afternoon. Three Greater Yellowlegs were on 
TVA Lake and about 6 Lesser were scattered in various water holes. Four Spotted 
and 7 Solitary Sandpipers bobbed along the edges as usual. 

Killdeer were everywhere and there appears to be a few new pairs of 
Black-necked Stilts. I saw two of these pairs mate so new nestings are on the 
way. All 
sizes of BNS young can be seen and the male was on the nest that almost 
flooded and the female bathed and tidied up.

Well, there is always tomorrow...............

Good Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL' COOT / TLBA
Bartlett Tenn.


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