[TN-Bird] Good Birds - Bad News
- From: OLCOOT1@xxxxxxx
- To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:58:28 EDT
March 18, 2009
Shelby Farms
Shelby Co. TN
I decided to check out the small winter waterfowl wet lands area at Shelby
Farms again today. Duck numbers way up with Mallards, Gadwall and Shovelers in
the hundreds, then add numerous Blue-winged, Green-winged, 3 pair of
Buffleheads, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked plus single Wood, Wigeon and a Ruddy, a
nice
variety for such a small area. Of course, there were Canada Geese, both
resident and migrants making a total of 12 waterfowl species practically in the
middle of town. The Five Golden-Plovers were still present along with 8
Killdeer, and single Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs the other Wind Birds
evidently
taking advantage of the fine weather and heading north but more will come.
(but
see below)
Looking over a field of soybean stubble, I noted a Horned Lark standing
strangely still, finally I noted movement nearby and watched a Horned Lark
female
excavating a nest in some slightly taller, wispy grass, This was only my 4th
Horned Lark nest I've found and the second I've ever seen under
construction.
Now the Bad News, in the 3 hours of observation over 2 days, 3 different
people with Black Labs, allowed their charges to run across the 150 yards of
ground and plunge into the shallow water, flushing all the birds. There should
be a strict leash law with signs in this area!!
AND the Real Bad News, I watched as they pulled the stops to DRAIN the area,
typical Tennessee Wetlands Management practice, drain it before peak
shorebird migration time. They'll claim agriculture over birds but they could
plant
late beans and still get production by fall, leaving the area for declining
shorebird feeding for fat building, necessary for egg production farther
north. Luckily this appears to be a wet spring around here after a long
drought
period.
Good Birding !!!
Jeff R. Wilson / TLBA
6300 Memphis-Arlington Road
Bartlett, TN 38135
http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/
What is this feathered thing that lifts my heart to the heavens.
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