5/6/21
Following a recent report from Stanley York, Cyndi and I scouted out
Shelton Ferry WMA this afternoon. As you drive in along Southside Rd past
the Montgomery County Shooting Complex and wind through the wooded wetlands
things are still the same. But, as you approach Stewart Ferry Rd and Lock B
Rd. South and come out into the grassland area, it has been totally mowed
on both sides with several large pieces of earth moving equipment along
Stewart’s Ferry Rd. to the creek. The area between the creek and where the
road is being repaired from the flood is also fairly well intact. In fact
we heard several Wood Thrushes and Chats along the way. We did not check
the pond areas as you head towards the boat ramp as a storm was quickly
moving in, but the heavy equipment had already cleared some of the area on
both sides of Lock B Rd. South also.
Not entirely sure what the plans are for this area, but we really hated to
see the otherwise reliable Henslow’s sparrow habitat wiped out.
Good (in this case disappointing) Birding,
Steve and Cyndi Routledge
Clarksville, Montgomery County
