Sunday,
January 31, and Monday, February 1, were big days for duck species at the
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge viewing area at Birchwood in Meigs County. The 11
species seen on Monday was a one-day high for me. Some of these were also seen
from the observation deck of the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, also at
Birchwood in Meigs County.
Species seen
both days:
·
Mallard
·
Gadwall
·
American black duck
·
Canvasback
·
Redhead
·
Ring-necked
·
Lesser scaup
·
Ruddy
Species seen
only Sunday
·
American wigeon
Species seen
only Monday
·
Northern shoveler
·
Northern pintail
·
Hooded merganser
Other HWR
highlights were: on Sunday wild turkeys and great egrets, and large numbers of
sandhill cranes Sunday afternoon, and bald eagles on both days, and on Monday
ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglets, and
a brown creeper on “the tree.” Regular visitors to HWR, especially
photographers, know which tree I’m referring to!
Many
American white pelicans were seen from the CRMP on Monday. Several were behind
trees near Hiwassee Island and couldn’t be accurately counted. Bald eagles were
noted both days. Sandhill cranes were visible at evening roost time both days.
Has anyone
north of Meigs County (Crossville, Cookeville, etc.) seen sandhill cranes
migrating north the past few days? I think that may be happening behind the
recent strong winds from the south.
Charles
Murray
Birchwood,
TN
