[Bristol-Birds] Lincoln's Sparrow, Eurasian Collared-Dove, etc. (Greene Co., TN)

October 23, 2005
[posting date: October 26, 2005]

Greene Co., TN: lower Holly Creek (just off Holly Creek Road near Tusculum), Greeneville area, and various other sites

In a short birding trip on the morning of the 23rd and in a few minutes later in the afternoon, I observed the following:

Eurasian Collared-Dove (4 at West Greene High School);
Tree Swallow (3);
Brown Thrasher;
Yellow-rumped Warbler;
Field Sparrow (8);
Song Sparrow (10);
Swamp Sparrow (2);
Lincoln's Sparrow;
White-throated Sparrow (7);
White-crowned Sparrow (6).

The sparrows were observed in an area about 200 yards long in the riparian zone of Holly Creek near the intersection of Holly Creek Road and Brown's Bridge Road. Adjacent to the stream are overgrown fields, overgrown fencerows, and a small swamp consisting of a spring and surrounding woodlot. The numbers given represent only the birds I saw or heard well enough to identify and reflect the fact that I had under an hour to spend in the site. The actual number of birds in the area was much higher, but I had no time to do a proper survey.

One of the most exciting things about fall birding is the rich gatherings of sparrows that can be found wherever landowners are "derelict" enough to let things grow freely for at least a year or two. Unfortunately, it is difficult to teach non-birders how to appreciate such landscapes. I have fought this battle for years and usually get only blank stares when I try to explain the benefits and beauties of a well-vegetated fence line or an overgrown pasture. The "clean" fencerow and the buzz-cut field are centerpieces of the prevailing aesthetic, even among many people who claim to enjoy wildlife. 

Don Miller
Greeneville, Greene Co., TN







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