Rankin Bottoms, Cocke county I took a late canoe trip at Rankin Bottoms today, but was blown off the water by a steady north wind. There has been a big influx of shorebirds into the area, but I didn't get to see any species other than what's been reported earlier this month (e.g., dowitchers, Baird's, Stilt & Western Sandpipers). A Common Tern and a dozen Blue-Winged Teal were First-of Season birds. Much of the mudflat edge is still 500 to 1500 feet from most of the usual viewing spots. Michael Sledjeski Del Rio TN -Home of the Del Rio Song Contest http://www.delriosongcontest.com/