Radnor Lake, Davidson Co.
Fifteen birders joined our Radnor Lake bird walk on thisbalmy Wednesday
morning, and although unfortunately no Caracaras were seen (great find out in
West TN by Mark Greene!), westill had an enjoyable time. Yesterday’sstorm
knocked down a large tree across the dam road, and the road wasblocked off at
both ends. So instead ofheading up the road and then crossing the dam as
usual, we started up the Creeksidetrail instead. The bird activity was abit
hit or miss, as it usually is in the fall, with several bouts of
activityfollowed by some lulls in the action. Thearea in front of the old
rangers house yielded our first flock with Magnolia and Wilson’s Warblers,
Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, House Wren, aRose-breasted Grosbeak
“hiccupping” in the underbrush, and the first of fourYellow-billed Cuckoos.
ACoopers Hawk bombed through the area with several Chimney Swifts giving
chase,and so we set off on the lake trail. Just past Grassy Point, we found a
cooperative Yellow-throated Vireo stillsinging like it was May, along with a
few more warblers including Magnolia,Tennessee, Black-and-white, Blue-winged,
and Northern Parula. Just before we got to Long Bridge, we watchedas a Barred
Owl flew up to a nearby tree branch clutching a still-living squirrelin its
talons. We watched for the nextfew minutes as it slowly subdued its prey. Once
at Long Bridge, we ran across a mixed flock which included a nice male
Golden-winged Warbler, a second Blue-winged Warbler, Canada Warbler,
bothPhiladelphia and Red-eyed Vireo, and a handful of other migrants. Several
other participants lingered a bit longer,but it was off to work for me at that
point. At least 45 species were seen in all, including both Accipiters, and
atleast 10 species of warblers. Thanks toeveryone who joined, it was great
meeting some new people, and birding together with some old friends.
Mike SmithHendersonville, TN
