Yesterday, Saturday, the Buchanan Co. Bird Club accompanied some other local
bird clubs to Burkes Garden, VA in search of raptors. Following is the well
written report posted on the Tennessee listserv by Ron Harrington of the
Bristol Bird Club.
Roger Mayhorn
Buchanan Co. Bird Club
Thirty-three birders, representing four bird clubs in the area (Russell
County, Buchanan County, Herndon Chapter of Elizabethton, and Bristol Bird
Club), made the annual Golden Eagle pilgrimage to Burkes Garden, Tazewell
County, VA on February 16, 2002.
Led by Bob Riggs and his entourage riding in the back of a pickup truck
(yes,
in the open bed of the truck), the convoy of birders, like high school
revelers celebrating a football victory, snaked its way around the valley
floor, stopping whenever something of interest appeared, or at places known
to be "hot spots" for certain species. The "locals" occasionally stood and
looked us over; and every now and then a vehicle would pass us, perhaps
thinking that this was some strange funeral procession, and one of their own
died without their knowledge.
Overall, it was a beautiful, sunny day, but cold early with a brisk wind out
of the West, northwest. There was lingering snow on the sheltered ridges.
Some folks decided, after not seeing as many eagles or Rough-legged hawks as
desired, that the weather was too nice, allowing the birds, especially the
eagles, to stay high on the ridges. It was also noted that the cattle had
eaten the grass down almost into the ground, perhaps contributing to a lack
of adequate cover for voles and other food sources for the hawks.
Nevertheless, the fellowship and food at the cookout were great. Grilled hot
dogs, turkey burgers, Fred and Janice Martin's famous chili, and plenty of
homemade salads and deserts left us satiated and, in some cases, the need
for
a quick siesta in the sun. ( A great big thanks goes out to the Tazewell
County Sportsmen's Association for allowing us to use their shelter for the
cookout)
As for the birding, we picked up 37 species, including two Golden Eagles and
one Rough-legged hawk, which, in addition the food, made our day.
Mallard Duck: 56 Gadwall: 1 E. Starling: 150
C. Goose: 8
E. Bluebird: 10 Blue Jay: 2 Red-bellied WP: 5
Killdeer: 2
Golden Eagle: 2 Raven: 9 Red-tailed Hawk: 21 E. Meadow Lark:
5
Am. Crow: 500 Song Sp: 4 WB Nuthatch: 8 Rock Dove: 5
Horned Lark: 57 Robin: 4 Red-winged Black Bird: 2
Turkey Vulture: 6 Goldfinch: 2 Rough-legged Hawk: 1 Am. Kestrel:
2
C. Chickadee: 1 Tufted Titmouse: 3 Red-headed Woodpecker: 2
Hairy WP: 1 Downy WP: 2 House Sparrow: 8 Yellow-bellied SS:
1
N. Flicker: 1 Bufflehead: 1 Hooded Merganser: 1 Wild
Turkey: 1
Swamp Sp.: 4 Green-winged Teal: 13 Fox Sparrow: 1
Ron Harrington
Bristol, VA
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