[tn-bird] Movement North II

April 26, 2002
Shelby Co. TN

The indicators on Thursday afternoon were correct as the influx of numbers 
and species continued Friday morning. A half day of birding produced 84 
species and I added another 11 species on the way home from work!

The gray overcast with constant drizzle and occasional fits of rain did not 
deter migrants as we looked up and saw groups of shorebirds and passerines 
rushing northward. Some fell in for a few minutes rest and continued while 
others decided to lay over.

The fields were full of Bobolink, Dickcissel, sparrows, buntings, wrens and 
surface skimming swallows. Amazingly one of the most numerous species to be 
found in all locations and habitat from plowed fields to grass to tree tops 
were Palm Warblers. Over 32 were present in one location. We spent less than 
45 minutes in woodland habitat as I was enthralled with the passage going on 
overhead.

Five species of herons and egrets, only 7 species of ducks, no vultures, 7 
species of raptors, 13 species of shorebirds, no gulls or terns, 3 species of 
doves, 2 owl species, 4 species of wrens, 4 thrush species, 5 species of 
vireos, 7 species of warblers in the short time in the woods but the best 
were the many bright Chats sitting up and singing their off brand jazz based 
sets. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo buntings along with 
Baltimore and Orchard Orioles help brighten the landscape on such a gray day 
with electric display of pure color. 

Bobolinks bubbled in field after field with groups of brilliant Goldfinches 
ringing puddles in the roads as they drank and bathed. The number of 
Lincoln's Sparrows (25+) was a welcome note on the card, along with Field, 
Vesper, Savannah, Song, Swamp, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows. 
Red-winged Blackbirds displayed from all available perches with some forced 
to strut their stuff from dirt clods. Eastern Meadowlarks declared their 
territories from wires or hidden in the grasses. Robins, Common Yellowthroat, 
Shrikes, Grackles and Orioles, carried nesting materials while Killdeer 
paraded around their cotton ball young with much attention.

This weekend should hold more surprises and gifts! 

Good Birding!!!

Jeff R. Wilson
OL' COOT / TLBA
Bartlett Tenn.


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