April 18, 2020
Swan Pond Recreation Area, Gupton Wetland
Harriman, TN
Roane County
Yesterday Roger Kroodsma found two American Bitterns at the Gupton Wetlands at
the TVA Swan Pond Rec. Area in Roane County. Several birders were able to see
at least one of the bitterns. This morning, Roger came up with another great
bird as he found a Least Bittern in the same marsh. Good work Roger! Several
birders were able to get stunning looks and photos as the Least Bittern hunted
in the open for most of the day very close to the walking path. Definitely one
of the most cooperative Least Bitterns that we had ever seen. Also today both
of the American Bitterns were also present and also feeding in the open for
much of the time. There were 3-4 Soras and one Virginia Rail that were mostly
heard with brief views of each. Thanks to Roger for his birding diligence and
sharing his observations.
The wetlands were created as part of the TVA Kingston Steam Plant Recovery
Project. As some may remember, TVA's massive coal ash slurry ponds had a
disastrous dike failure in December 2008. The resulting release of ash slurry
and water flowed up stream and covered up the Swan Pond embayment, damaged
homes, and contaminated the Emory River. As part of the mitigation for the
spill, TVA created the Gupton Wetlands and was opened in 2014. Beavers have
been very busy and over the last 6-7 years have raised the water level of the
wetlands. Now there is a very large cattail marsh at the north end of the
Gupton Wetlands Trail. Over the last several years, we have seen a dramatic
increase in the number of shorebirds, soras, rails, and now bitterns. From a
disaster to a jewel of a nature spot, it is wonderful to watch mother nature at
work. Hope you can get out to experience the area. Look for the location on
eBird hotspots under Swan Pond Recreation Area—Gupton Wetland.
Chuck Estes
Oak Ridge, TN
