Birds were quite active in several areas that I visited in or near Birchwood
today. Eight first-of-year species were noted at sites in Birchwood at the
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, Blythe Ferry
(Meigs County), my home in Birchwood (Hamilton County), and at a TWRA boat ramp
on Thatch Road which is near Birchwood but may be considered Harrison (Hamilton
County). A total of 54 species were identified today. Highlights included:
* 10 duck species, including Green-winged Teal (CRMP), and Common Goldeneye
(Thatch, >20), and Bufflehead (Blythe Ferry and Thatch)
* Red-throated Loons and Common Loons (Thatch)
* Great Egrets (HWR)
* Bald Eagles, a total of 5 (HWR, CRMP, and Thatch)
* Whooping Crane – maybe Sandhill Crane Festival visitors will see it this
weekend (HWR)
* Red-breasted Nuthatches, Winter Wren, 2 Hermit Thrushes – the first time
I’ve seen them on suet feeders, and Purple Finches (Home)
Charles Murray
Birchwood, TN
