Eleven species of ducks were observed today on Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge in
Meigs County at Birchwood. Several species were seen from the HWR viewing area
and also from the ramp at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park from which one can
view portions of Hiwassee Island, the Tennessee River, and the Hiwassee River.
A Northern Pintail at the HWR viewing area was a first-of-the-year bird for me.
Blue-winged teal and Lesser Scaup were seen at both sites and were
first-of-season species views. The other eight duck species noted were: Wood
Duck, Gadwall, Am. Wigeon, Am. Black Duck, Mallard, N. Shoveler, Ring-necked
Duck, and Hooded Merganser.
Other highlights located at HWR today included: Am. White Pelicans, Great
Egret, Bald Eagle, Sandhill Cranes (fewer than yesterday), Golden-crowned
Kinglet, and Warblers: Palm, Pine, and Yellow-rumped. A personal season high 48
species were noted today.
Yesterday, I saw first-of-season Green-winged Teal at the HWR viewing area and
FOS Buffleheads from the CRMP viewing ramp.
Charles Murray
Birchwood, TN
