[TN-Bird] Middle Point Landfill, Iceland Gull
- From: Terry Witt <terrywitt@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: TN-Birds Bird <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2015 02:14:09 -0800
Middle Point Landfill just north of Murfreesboro, since its' opening, has
hosted several thousand + gulls each winter who scavenge the garbage as it is
added. Most of them are adult Ring-billed Gulls, and there are always a
scattering of Herring Gulls; first year birds are the most obvious. These
birds roost on J Percy Priest Reservoir and start arriving by 9AM and depart
late afternoon. There are generally no garbage drops on Sunday, and smaller
numbers, or no birds will be present. Overcast days are best for viewing, as
there is usually quite a glare in bright sunshine. The majority of the birds
will be distant (3-400 yards?), identification views are generally the best one
can hope for. A spotting scope is essential.
The landfill is 3 miles north of town, and can be accessed from US 231, east on
Jefferson Pike (Tn266), at a traffic light, and then in one mile, south on
Landfill Road which leads to the county landfill. The best viewing area is
through the fence just past the crossroad. Depending upon rainfall, expect to
collect some mud or garbage on your vehicle. It is possible to park on the
shoulder and scope the birds from your car which can be helpful when it is
cold, windy, raining, or all three! This is all private property, and please
yield right of way to the trucks that are around.
Kudos to Chloe and Nolan Walker for finding this bird and managing to get photos
Hope this is helpful
Terry Witt
Murfreesboro Tn
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