For the past week or so, very large numbers of American Coots and a few hundred
ducks have been observed in the Tennessee River from the overlook at the
Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Birchwood (Meigs County). For the most part,
the ducks have been too far away to identify, however a few Gadwalls have been
identified on the Hiwassee River side of Hiwassee Island. On the afternoon of
November 3, I noted about 20 first of season American White Pelicans in the
Tennessee River. One Snow or Ross’s Goose was also seen for the first time this
season. It was too distant to determine which of the two species I was seeing.
On November 1, three Hooded Mergansers were identified from the TWRA boat ramp
area of Dry Branch off Shahan Road in Birchwood (Meigs County) for the first
time this season.
Charles Murray
Birchwood, TN
