Correction.
After a closer look at my photographs and some research, I have determined
that I did not see a White-fronted Goose
It was a dark phase of an immature Snow Goose.
Sorry.
I also corrected my eBird report.
Grace & Peace,
Larry Chitwood
901-240-5682
On Jan 19, 2017 8:06 AM, "Larry Chitwood" <lmchitwood@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Meigs County, TN --
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
Jan 18, 2017
4:30 PM
Stationary
When I first arrived several people pointed to 4 "Whooping Cranes."
Closer observation through my spotting scope revealed they were actually 4
Snow Geese accompanied by 1 White-fronted Goose. Hated to break the
disappointing news but some folks were able to add White-fronted Goose to
their life list.
About 5:45 pm, I saw the whooping Crane coming across the lake in a group
of 15 or so Sandhill. Unmistakable by size and color.
Landed in an area close to the observation deck. Got several pictures will
share on eBird later. (unsure quality).
I was glad the Whooping Crane showed up - by spotting it first I could
erase some of the disappointment I caused the group by correcting earlier
mis-identification. :-)
Total of 3 Life Birds for me for the day: Sandhill, Whooping, and a
Black-crowned Night Heron a got at Blythevill Ramp across the river in Rhea
County on the way back to hotel.
Also notable Carolina Chickadee clearly identified by song which is quite
distinct from Black-capped.
Species List:
1 Greater White-fronted Goose -- Traveling with Snow Geese.
4 Snow Goose -- Feeding in a field near Sandhill Cranes.
8 Canada Goose
12 Gadwall
19 Mallard
4 Great Blue Heron
2500 Sandhill Crane -- This is a low estimate for this site. Another
birder familiar with the site said numbers were lower than normal.
1 Whooping Crane --
Photographed. Bird has been. seen in this location
multiple
times in past 14 days.
7 Mourning Dove
1 Eastern Screech-Owl
2 Barred Owl
1 Red-headed Woodpecker
1 Eastern Phoebe
5 American Crow
1 Carolina Chickadee
3 Black-capped Chickadee
7 Eastern Bluebird
2 Northern Cardinal
Number of Taxa: 19
Grace & Peace,
Larry Chitwood
Arlington, TN
