FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Standifer Gap Marsh

["David & Gloria Patterson" <dgpatterson@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

11/7/02
Standifer Gap Marsh
Chattanooga

Several birders have suggested checking the southeast corner of the marsh.  
Here's what I found there today.

Walking north behind the small church and then west, close to the water, 
skirting some of the dense cattails, the floor is very irregular, there are 
numerous strong vines and quite a few brambles,- not an easy stroll.  At all 
times there were 3 to 6 Swamp Sparrows close by, either 30 or more individuals 
or a group of 6 that really liked my company.  I heard 3 Virginia Rails, one 
immediately behind me; I must have almost stepped on it. Also one Tennessee 
Warbler in that area.

The west side is bounded by a tractor trail, a fence, a creek with water level 
at least 3 feet below the marsh, and then woods.  The beaver dams which keep 
the water in the marsh are very old and grown up with saplings, but beavers had 
applied fresh mud, apparently since the last rain.

The tractor trail is the easiest way to get to the west side of the marsh.  

David Patterson
Chattanooga

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