[TN-Bird] Lauderdale Co.Surprises

May 31, 2004
Lauderdale Co. TN
This afternoon while winding my way back toward Memphis on the blue highways, 
I ran across a Western Kingbird on highway 19, just west of Open Lake. Over 
the years, I have had this species in this area along the river and their 
presence in the spring and summer always pointed to the fact that they were 
probably nesting in West, TN. I have never found a nest anywhere but in Memphis 
but I 
would not bet against them nesting in other remote and unbirdied areas along 
the Mississippi.

I have a special fondness for Gray Fox and after having one spend some time 
around my barn after the land was being developed in the area and getting to 
watch it for quite a few days going about making a living, I feel blessed 
anytime I get to view this elusive animal. On highway 87 near the Lower Hatchie 
NWR, 
this afternoon, something on the side of the road caught my eye. I backed up 
and found myself looking at a very small Gray Fox hunkered down and doing a 
poor job of hiding behind a tuff of roadside grass. As I fumbled with getting 
my 
camera out, I heard a sharp, squeaky bark. When I looked out into the field, 
I saw an adult Gray Fox heading my way and another adult standing farther out 
in the field, yelping. I took one photo of the barking adult. When I looked 
back for the pup I saw it running toward the other adult which had now changed 
direction with youngster in tow. I got off one photo as they ran into the 
woods. They sure are special and exceptionally beautiful animals. The photos 
are 
not great but I'll share if you will drop me a line.  


Good Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL'COOT / TLBA
Bartlett, TN


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