I spoke with my co-worker that reported Evening Grosbeaks near Norris Reservoir
recently. He said they were at the Doakes Pond area (about 9 miles east of
LaFollette on Hwy. 63). He also said there were 8-10 birds. TVA manages
several grass fields in that area and they were seen while he was working in
those fields. He said a contractor who had been working in the area earlier
had seen them on previous trips, but did not know what they were. I would
suggest birding along Doakes Creek Road (north and south of Hwy. 63) and Old
Middlesboro Hwy, as several of the TVA fields are accessible there. We also
manage fields along Powell Valley Marina Drive. A report on the Alabama
listserv this morning mentioned Evening Grosbeaks seen near Pensacola, Florida.
This may be the winter to see them again (for us older birders who grew up
with them in the 70's and 80's)!
Damien Simbeck
Killen, AL
