This morning I heard one American Bittern and saw another at Kyker Bottoms
Wildlife Refuge in Blount County. Although I had seen American Bitterns here,
this was the first time that I have heard their rather unmistakable, gurgling
call. It was heard in the pre-dawn hours near the observation deck on Big
Gully Road. I also saw a Virginia Rail on the north side of the Refuge. Among
other birds of interest included an early Barn Swallow and several American
Black Ducks. Around mid-day at Chilhowee Lake I found eight Ospreys at five
locations, four of which had birds on nests. There was also a Common Loon.
Randy WinsteadMaryville, Blount County
