[TN-Bird] Brainerd Levee, Osprey

Brainerd Levee, Chattanooga, Hamilton Co., TN
April 27, 2003

Long-billed Dowitcher, 1
Short-billed Dowitcher, 10+
Pectoral Sandpiper, 5+
Solitary Sandpiper, 5+

Vulcan Recreational Area adjacent to levee

Great Blue Heron: At the 3-nest rookery nearest the airport I found 1 adult on 
each of  3 nests, chicks in the nests were nearly as large as the parents, but 
somewhat downy and dark.  One bird came in with an 8-inch fish and appeared to 
feed it to the young.  The young birds were making loud sounds that I first 
thought were frogs, 4 or 5 quick beeps in a row.  They may have been alarmed by 
an owl (Great Horned, I think) that I had seen earlier flying in the direction 
of the rookery.

At the other 3-nest rookery, close to Airport Road, it was more quiet, 1 adult 
on each of 3 nests, 1 nest with at least 1 young, nearly as large as the 
parent, downy, and another nest which was so small I could tell there were no 
young in it (but adult standing on it).  This rookery was quiet.  After I had 
been watching it for a few minutes a large hawk (Red-tailed?) flew out of the 
nest area; it could have been in or behind one of the nests, and one of the 
adults let off a very loud resonant trombone-like sound.

Some discussion with Kevin Calcoon and Judy Newsome regarding possible owl/hawk 
predation on Gt Bl Heron young.  It seems like every active nest had an adult 
standing guard; it looks like an owl/hawk might fear GB's long beak and skill 
in using it.

Osprey: 1, fly-over, headed toward levee.

Orchard Oriole: 3 male (2 orange and 1 yellow, all singing) and 3 female.

A georgeous day, many beautiful sights and sounds, including a group of 4 deer 
up close and unwary.

David Patterson
Chattanooga, TN

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