I located the immature Long-tailed Duck (originally found by Sherri
Quillen) between the Weir and South Holston Dams on South Holston River
yesterday (12-30) around 4:15. I was still hanging around with a
large group of Bufflehead and the Common Goldeneye on the river near the
asphalt parking area with the large rocks around it. This parking area has
recently been improved with a concrete sidewalk and a new fishing platform
next to the river.
Shortly after locating it, something spooked the buffleheads on the
backside of the Osceola and as they flew up river, the large group of
Buffleheads with the Long-tail and Goldeneye decided to go upriver too. I
spent until dark, but couldn't relocate the Long-tailed Duck or Common
Goldeneye. I didn't see it fly off but just didn't see them when I finally
relocated the large group of Buffleheads at a different location upriver
near the Dam Turbines. It's worth noting there was about 150 Buffleheads in
this large group near the turbines and then after driving down river,
another group of at least 150 was observed that was different. I am hoping
the Long-tailed Duck and Common Goldeneye show back up today. Happy New
Years!
Complete List:
American Wigeon 27
Mallard 8
American Black Duck 3
Ring-necked Duck 1
Long-tailed Duck 1
Bufflehead 300+
Common Goldeneye 1
Hooded Merganser 3
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Carolina Chickadee 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Winter Wren 1
Rob
--
Robert Biller
Elizabethton, TN
