TN-birders,
The Ancient murrelet has been seen this morning at the boat ramp area,
which includes the beach area closer to Chickamauga Dam.
I got this report from Telegram - Tennessee rare birds. I keep forgetting
to check this reporting site for rare birds in TN. We tend to rely on
TN-birds, which is why I am reporting it here.
We had an amazing experience with it yesterday morning.
It has figured out that if it comes closer to shore, it can herd shad
minnows up close to the shoreline and pick them off easily, which, after
practicing for millions of years, it has perfected and is very adept at
doing. It is truly impressive to watch. If the murrelet is far out on the
lake while you are there (which seems to be where it goes when its crop is
full to rest and digest), give your visit some time for it to eventually
come closer to shore to re-fuel. It is very impressive and worth the wait!
Great birding,
Ron Hoff & Dollyann Myers
Loudon, TN
