Forty seven species were noted today in the Birchwood area at my home (Hamilton
County), at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge viewing area, and at the Cherokee
Removal Memorial Park (both in Meigs County). The most significant observations
of the day were the migration of several large flocks of Sandhill Cranes flying
north, mostly at high altitudes. I estimated around 1,000 cranes passed over
the HWR area. The peak time of the crane flights began at approximately 4 PM.
Another HWR highlight was the presence of 8 duck species: Gadwall, Am. Wigeon,
Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, and
Ring-necked Duck. Lesser Scaup and Bufflehead were also seen on a pond beside
Blythe Ferry Lane as I traveled to the CRMP from HWR. Other notable species for
me were as follows:
* HWR: Hairy Woodpecker – a FOY for me, about 30 Am. White Pelicans, 2
Great Egrets, and one or more Pine Warblers
* CRMP: 2 adult Bald Eagles
* Home: Wild Turkeys, Red-breasted Nuthatches, a suet-loving Swamp Sparrow,
and at least 3 Purple Finches.
Charles Murray
Birchwood, TN
