January 22nd – Wheeler NWR,Decatur, AL:
Just over an hour anda half south of Nashville (and a straight shot down I-65),
lies Wheeler NWR inDecatur, AL. Positioned at the southern endof the U-shaped
Tennessee River Valley, it is a key wintering site forwaterbirds. Long famous
for itsstaggering numbers of wintering Sandhill Cranes, it is also home to
largenumbers of ducks, geese, white pelicans, and gulls. One of the main
targets will be WhoopingCrane, several of which can typically be found amongst
the horde of Sandhillsand at least six individuals are currently present as of
this writing. After enjoying the crane show, we will workour way around
Wheeler Lake, stopping to scan at several key locations as wellas to grab
lunch. We will meet at the Wheeler Visitor’s Center at 9:00 a.m., Forthose
wishing to carpool from Nashville (which is highly encouraged) a goodmeeting
place is the lower parking lot of the Adventure Science Center. Please
introduce yourselves and be ready toleave by 7:15. Please note that masksare
required to enter the refuge visitor’s center and observation tower
regardlessof vaccination status, and that they currently only accept cash or
checks forthose wishing to purchase something from the gift shop.
Mike SmithHendersonville, TN
