Despite some fog and low clouds for much of the day, I was able to identify a
total of 46 species of birds today. Birds were noted on my property in
Birchwood (Hamilton County), or from the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge viewing area
(Meigs County), or on a pond on private property beside Blythe Ferry Road in
Meigs County at Birchwood. Ducks were the highlight group for the day with 3
first-of-the-year (FOY) species among thirteen species identified for sure with
two more duck species possibly present, but not confidently identified –
Greater Scaup and Northern Shoveler). Some species were present at both the
pond and HWR. The ducks noted were:
* At the pond: American Wigeon, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal (FOY),
Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, and Hooded Merganser.
* At HWR: Wood Duck (FOY), Gadwall, Am. Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail,
Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck (many), Lesser Scaup
(FOY). (Some medium-sized flocks of Sandhill Cranes were also seen. Most flocks
were quite high and were flying north.)
* At home: Red-breasted Nuthatch(s) and Purple Finches – irruptive species
– were still present.
Charles Murray
Birchwood, TN
