4/29/2017
Rutherford County and Priest Lake
Traveling
Jack Zipperer, Greg Tomerlin, and myself were the birders for this section
of the count this year. Terry Witt had lead this count for years, but as
most of you know has moved to Florida to enjoy all the great birds there.
95 species were located on the count. Misses included both night herons.
The Discovery Center in Murfreesboro known for yellow-crowned Nightherons
looks like a bone yard. Dead trees everywhere and a,lot of the canopy is
gone in the front section. Plus 2 homeless guys sleeping on bench in the
back. I had not birded there since last summer place is a disaster. Been
working on learning Wilson County and adding lots of data to ebird. Also
could not find a Grey Catbird or Belted Kingfisher to save my life. Got
Lark Sparrow, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Grasshopper Sparrow. Dipped on
Dickcissel. Winds were strong all day and the temperature hit 91 which is
a new record for this date.Percy Priest Lake was also 1.3 feet above summer
pool. Recent rains had it 4 feet above summer pool. Good day of birding.
Thanks to Greg Tomerlin for the areas he covered and thanks to Dad for
keeping the tally sheets for the day.
Good birding
Stephen Zipperer
Rutherford Co