[TN-Bird] Red Phalarope, etc. (Hawkins Co., TN)

From: Alice Loftin / Don Miller <pandion@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: TN-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, bristol-birds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, butternuts@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2010 22:36:48 -0400 (EDT)
October 1, 2010 
Hawkins County: John Sevier Lake 

Mike Hubley, Susan Hubley, and I observed the phalarope extensively this 
afternoon and evening. Susan's earlier post today offered more photos, and Mike 
and I were able to view the bird with binos while kayaking near it at extremely 
close range. There is no doubt that it is a Red Phalarope. Evident to Mike and 
me were the pale gray back lacking the streaking typical of Red-necked 
Phalarope, the very thick, heavy bill (observed from numerous angles), and the 
obvious (at close range) dull yellowish area at the base of the lower mandible. 

The bird was still feeding actively in a weedy section of the lake as of about 
7:00. Since Red Phalaropes feed in lines of aquatic weeds during the winter, I 
am led to think that this phalarope's choice of stopover habitat deliberately 
reflects its winter habitat preference. 

A magnificent find, Susan and Mike! Thanks for sharing it. 

Don Miller 
Greeneville, Greene Co., TN 


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[TN-Bird] Red Phalarope, etc. (Hawkins Co., TN)

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