5-10-15
It was a fantastic morning at the Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit, with a total
of 95 species just within the refuge.
Eleven species of shorebirds were present, and the best was a Wilson's
Phalarope at the end of Refuge Lane. Most of the shorebirds were concentrated
at Pool 2/Clear Lake, best viewed by driving on the road to Pintail Blind until
vehicles are not permitted, then walking on the road to the left (by the gate)
until you reach the second metal fishing "pier". Good numbers of shorebirds
were also found on the Blue Goose loop.
We had INCREDIBLE looks at a singing male Mourning Warbler by the yellow gate
across from the parking lot at Pintail Blind. Once he flew up to a tall,
leafless trunk right in the open...certainly unforgettable! Fifteen other
warbler species were present, mainly along the road to Pintail Blind.
A particularly surprising find was a ratty-looking American Pipit walking
around on the first gravel road on the left (off Refuge Lane).
The final highlight was a distant adult Black Tern at the same spot at Pool 2
as mentioned above. He flew around a couple minutes before heading in the
direction of the Pump Station.
Others: At least one Bobolink was near the entrance. A White-crowned Sparrow
and a Savannah Sparrow are still hanging around.
Chloe WalkerMurfreesboro, TNwww.chloesbirdingblog.blogspot.com
