[TN-Bird] KTOS outing, Dickcissels nesting in Loudon Cnty
- From: Charlie <cmmbirds@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 05:38:10 -0700 (PDT)
Hi Folks,
On Sunday, May 16, Janet McKnight hosted about 25 members of the
Knoxville Chapter of TOS at her home in Loudon County. Janet has put
great effort into making her 16 acres bird friendly. She has put up
many kinds of nest boxes ? all of which she researches for
appropriateness. She uses several kinds of feed and feeders, has a
nice little pond, and, perhaps most importantly, uses a bird-friendly
mowing regimen. David Trently led us in a combination of bird ID and
trivia. Much good food was consumed, including Janet?s savory veggie
chili. Species observed included EASTERN MEADOWLARK, BARN SWALLOW,
INDIGO BUNTING, many COMMON GRACKLES, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS AND
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. On a pond on adjoining property we watched 7
WOOD DUCK chicks, but could not find the hen, which Janet had seen
the day before. We observed a BLUE JAY nest, which was originally
found by Janet?s tree-climbing sons. A SONG SPARROW nest was also
located. Birds nesting in boxes included HOUSE WREN, PURPLE MARTIN,
CAROLINA CHICKADEE, EASTERN BLUEBIRD AND TREE SWALLOW.
During our stay, Janet invited us to drive about a mile away to see a
Cliff Swallow colony about which none of us was aware. Then she
casually mentioned that she?d seen a male DICKCISSEL on May 8 while
conducting an IMBD count. So into the cars and down the street we
went.
After a brief stop to see over 100 CLIFF SWALLOWS, a YELLOW-BREASTED
CHAT and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, we went to the spot where Janet had
seen the DICKCISSEL. As we rounded the corner, there he was on the
wire! We piled out of the cars, cameras, scopes and binoculars
flying about as the two kids along wondered what all the commotion
was about. As soon as we were all out, the male flew to a bush,
where we saw there was a female. The question ?are they nesting??
was quickly answered when he mounted her. During our 15 minute stay,
the birds were noted to fly between the same 2 bushes, a spot on a
powerline, and a specific area in the field. The female was seen
carrying nesting material. Observers lucky to see this species,
which is uncommon (? Sorry, my copy of Chuck?s book is at work and
I?m at home today) in East Tennessee were: Kim and Steve Henry,
Janet McKnight (discoverer) Bridget McNew, David Trently, Dylan
Myrick, Chelsea Bennett, and Charlie Muise.
Directions:
From US 321 in Loudon County, turn south on route 95. Follow about 4
miles, and turn right on National Campground Road. Follow to end,
take a left at the T. You will soon pass over the bridge which
contains the Cliff Swallow Colony. Take the SECOND right onto
Carpenter Loop Road, and park immediately. The birds were seen
within 50 feet of the intersection. When you leave, just continue
straight on Carpenter Loop, the other end of which you passed on the
way in.
Good Day!
Charlie
=====
**************************************************
Charlie Muise, Naturalist near
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of cancer." -Edward Abbey
**************************************************
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