[TN-Bird] Rankin; Osprey nests

From: michael sledjeski <mbsledjeski@xxxxxxxxx>
To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:09:21 -0400

-There have been some very positive developments over the past few months at 
Rankin, in Cocke county.  The Wildlife Management Area has been expanded by 800 
acres, half of which includes the remainder of the vital mudflats of Rankin 
Bottoms.  The rest consists of high ground and floodplain to the west of the RR 
grade.  David Sams, the WMA manager, has overseen significant improvements to 
the roads in the area.   TWRA is also in the process of adding a parking area 
at the new Browns Hollow entrance to the WMA, and expanding water retention 
features for the cool seasons, when Douglas Lake recedes.
-Twenty-five participants showed up for the litter cleanup last weekend and 
collected nearly 100 bags of trash.  We haven't gotten it all yet, but the site 
looks much better.  Many thanks to all those who pitched in.

-Douglas Lake is beginning to flood the Rankin embayment, and is projected to 
rise rapidly through the week.  Thousands of carp are crowding into the area, 
and Bald Eagle numbers usually take off concurrently.  The road along the 
bottoms will be submerged by the end of the weekend, so I went for a quick 
drive-through yesterday afternoon.
Partial list:
  Wood Duck (10)
  Am. Wigeon
  Blue-winged Teal (15)
  N. Shoveler (2)
  Great Egret (4)
  Osprey (5) 
  Bald Eagle (1 imm.)
  Am. Coot (5)
  Gr. Yellowlegs (3)
  Lesser Yellowlegs (15)
  Prothonotary Warbler (3)

Osprey nests:  I've seen 12 active nests in Cocke county this year, including 
one new one on an electric transmission tower a mile upstream from Rankin 
Bridge and another on a cell tower near the west end of Rankin Hill Rd.  I 
haven't yet gotten a look at 5 nests that were in use last year.

Michael Sledjeski
Del Rio TN

[TN-Bird] Rankin; Osprey nests

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