If TN-Bird would allow me to “speculate” one might ask if this is a late date
as opposed to an early date?? As we know tree swallow numbers have been
increasing in recent years, especially as nesting birds in the TN Valley
region, particularly in response to nest box projects. Couple this with the yet
not fully understood effects of climate change on migratory birds?? Another
possible factor in these “near” year round sightings of tree swallows,
particularly in some areas
of the TN Valley, is the year round insect productivity in some of the TVA Dam
tailwater reaches such as the Clinch River below Norris and the Holston River
below Cherokee. Aquatic insect hatches, particularly different midge fly
species are common in these areas, even during extremely cold weather as the
water temps are influenced by the discharges at the dams. Aerial insectivores
such as tree swallows take advantage of these hatches for foraging
opportunities. Just something to think about.
I am amazed and impressed with the bird observations noted these days on
TN-Bird by all of you dedicated birders. These observations add so much to the
science around bird study, particularly in the area of bird migration patterns.
Sitting here at home in west Oak Ridge I am watching hundreds of robins and a
few cedar waxwings stripping berries from Nellie Stevens hollies and then
visiting the bird bath to “wash them down “! Birds sure do provide us with
endless hours of fun and learning opportunities!
Wes James
Oak Ridge
Roane County
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 26, 2018, at 9:22 PM, Richard Knight <rknight8@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Jean,
Wow, that's early. Indeed, it sets a new early arrival date in the state.
The previous early date was Feb 2.
Rick Knight
Johnson City, TN
----- Original Message -----
From: Jean Alexander
To: tn-bird
Sent: 1/26/2018 7:50:43 PM
Subject: [TN-Bird] FOS Tree Swallows at Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery, Anderson
County, TN
Today, January 26, we saw two Tree Swallows over the muddy pond in the back
area of Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery. This is the earliest we have ever seen them
in this part of Tennessee. The only waterfowl seen were, Mallard, Gadwall and
Canada Goose.
Jean Alexander & David Johnson
Maryville, TN
