Four little blue herons were found atKyker Bottoms Refuge on August 6th. I was
on the refugefrom about 6:30 to 8:30 yesterday evening. Other birds worth
notingwere three semipalmated sandpipers, a great egret, and 40+ woodducks. I
have also seen a least bittern on two occasions earlierthis year (although not
on this trip).
The herons were on the north side ofthe refuge, which is the better side for
birding. Note that theentrance to the north side is on Lanier Road, not Garland
Road. Toget to the north side entrance, take Highway 129 from Maryville. Turn
right on Garland Road. Garland Road ends at Big Gully Road. Turn right on Big
Gully Road. You will pass an observation deck onyour right and a pond in front
of a house on your left. Keep drivinguntil you reach a bridge at Lanier Road.
Turn right onto LanierRoad. After approximately a quarter mile to half mile
there will bepoorly marked gravel road on your right. (I think that there is
avery small refuge sign there.) Turn here. A few yards ahead is aplace to park.
There will be a gate a short distance ahead. Walkthrough the gate and circle
around on the right side of the hill. Agood view of the refuge will open up in
front of you. Most of whatyou see will be dry, but there are at least three
large pools with alot of water just out of sight to your left. The herons were
in thefirst pool. Although the initial walking from the gate is very good,there
will be a dike with shoulder high ragweed between you and themain channel. If
you walk this dike, there is a small pool on yourright that still contains
water. That is where I saw the sandpipers. On your left is a very good spot for
wading birds during wettertimes, but it is dry now. At the end of this dike,
turn left. Thefirst pool with water is where I saw the little blue herons.
Thedike at the end of this pool is where I saw the least bitterns on
twooccasions earlier this year.
There is very little shade on therefuge, and it is probably three-fourths of a
mile to get to thefirst of the pools, so be sure to take water.
More information about the trip (and a few pictures) oneBird:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S31001366
Randy Winstead
