[tn-bird] Shorebird Count - SW TN
- From: OLCOOT1@xxxxxxx
- To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 00:04:53 EDT
August 10-11, 2002
SW TN
We counted 5 locations in and around Memphis and tallied only 14 species with
about 3500 birds counted. This was better than I expected after Wayne
Forsythe from NC and I checked the pits on Friday afternoon. The winds had
blown out of the north all week and dropped the numbers to about a third of
what had been present. The winds changed from the north to the west and
southwest over night and the numbers at the pits rose to 3220 on Saturday but
again dropped 30% by Sunday morning.
We were joined by Winston Walden from Cookeville for breakfast on Saturday
morning and a long day of counting began. The only Western Sandpiper seen
over the weekend was a brilliant immature and out of the thousands of Least
sandpipers we went through I found only 1 fresh and brightly feathered
juvenile. This is not a good sign and could possibly indicate a low nesting
success. The first immature Lesser Yellowlegs also made its arrival known and
singles of Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers were studied.
The Black-necked Stilts still surprise me on every trip. All of the adults
and flying immature birds have left the area but there were still plenty of
family groups to be counted. The more amazing observations were an adult
setting eggs and building on a nest and then Sunday, a pair was watched as
they went through all the rituals and proceeded to breed. This is the most
successful and protracted breeding season for these birds ever in Memphis.
Not a spectacular weekend for shorebirds but any time I can spend just
sorting through Wind Birds is all right in my book.
Good Birding!!!
Jeff R. Wilson
OL' COOT / TLBA
Bartlett Tenn.
PS: I did get some real fine photos of 2 male, 2 female and an immature
Common Nighthawk sitting together in some pine trees. These birds are super
fine when viewed at 20 feet in a good scope; their intricate patterns and
colors are marvelous.
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