FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Plan now: "Dennis" -- historic July storm-driven birds

["Wallace Coffey" <jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Tennessee birders may be on the verge of history.  A July hurricane bringing 
storm-driven pelagic and costal birds to our state's waters.  We have no 
knowledge of what species a storm in July may deliver to us.  We may get a 
number of new July records for the state.

Hurricane Dennis is likely to become a powerful Category 4 hurricane.  The 
tracking forecast at this hours suggests at least a path through West 
Tennessee, maybe Middle Tennessee and possibly bird fallouts into East 
Tennessee also.

Remember that last September Hurricane Ivan brought Sooty Terns to a wide area 
and Laughing Gulls as well.  

Now is the time to schedule whatever time and travel you can allow to get into 
the field Monday, just as soon as the weather lets up from the storm passage.  
Think about who can go birding with you.  Think about your coverage area 
whether it is just across the road or a road trip in your region.

Never drive into the northeast quadrant of a hurricane.  Always stay put in dry 
safe conditions.  You will not find anything until the weather lets up.   It is 
extremely unpleasant and very, very dangerous to get in the northeast quadrant 
of a hurricane.   A heavy 4x4 vehicle is not reasonable.

Don't travel south into the heavier storm areas and become part of the 
after-storm people problems.

Think about your birding opportunities for Monday -- looks like Monday or 
Tuesday will be the day for Tennessee storm birds.

Everyone stay safe.  Hope none of you have any serious problems.

Let's go birding.....

Wallace Coffey
Moderator
TN-Bird Net
Tennessee Ornithological Society
Bristol, TN