[tn-bird] Standifer Gap Marsh, Brainerd Levy, etc
- From: Charlie <cmmbirds@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2002 10:48:00 -0700 (PDT)
Hi Folks,
I visited the marsh off Standifer Gap Road twice the last 2 days. I
had a hard time finding it, so here are some directions that may work
better.
From I-75 or route 153, go east on Shallowford Road. You'll pass a
Wafflehouse from 153, and just miss it from the Interstate. There is
construction in the area. Look for a new trafficlight (that was
still wrapped in plastic the last 2 days) then look for Gale Lane on
the left. The very next left (with no sign) is the road you want.
Travel 0.85 miles and take a left next to a trailer that is
apparently serving as a church. Follow the gravel/dirt road to the
back. When you hit the t, take a left and go to the end. You have
just passed the marsh. Now walk back and forth quietly looking and
listening.
On Monday I saw Least Bittern (but not the Americans that were
reported) Sora and Virginia Rail. I saw a smallish rail that was
very tempting to put a name to, but I didn't see enough. I also
located 2 different Marsh Wren territories, one of which the wrens
were carrying nesting materials to.
This morning I returned and heard the Virginia, but not the Sora. I
again saw Least Bittern. And HOORAAAY I saw a Yellow Rail. Only my
3rd ever, and first inland. It was not where I'd expect one. There
is a small slough between the marsh and the dirt road, and I saw the
rail fly across it. Brief, but memorable glimpse through the bins.
This morning I also had 3 Green Herons.
It's a shame that this place is being "discovered" by the general
public just as it's being heaviily impacted by construction. I
understand one person has known about it for a few years and tried to
get other folks to see it..well to this person who I've never
met...thanks for the attempt! I'm sure folks will kick their own
butts for not getting there sooner.
Monday I also went to Brainerd Levy. I missed most of the shore
birds that folks had reported earlier, but there were at least 40
snipe, both Yellowlegs, a very loud Red-shouldered Hawk, my first
Green Heron of the year, some lingering Northern Shovellers, and at
least 35 Blue-winged Teal.
Monday was an exciting day for sparrows, too. I had Chipping, Field,
Savannah, Song, Swamp, and White-throated. Add in Towhee, and that's
a 7 sparrow day - not bad for mid-April. Also had that damned Weaver
Finch (House sparrow) in several places.
This morning I stopped at Amnicola Beaver Pond. Er, I mean marsh.
What a disappointing place. Don't get me wrong - birding was great.
But the place is not what I'd ever call a marsh. First one walks
through a fescue jungle that looks like someone wants it to be a golf
course. then the "marsh" is so over populated with beaver (I could
see 7 at one time!!!) that the marsh plants are just about gone.
Couple that with the drone of 18-wheelers, and it's a pretty sad
expereince.
As I said, the birding was good - Warlbers included Prairie,
Palm,Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, Common Yellowthroat. Wood Duck
have somehow survived the Canada Goose turf-wars. I also had my
first Great Egret for TN for the year, and 2 Black-crowned Night
Herons - one mature, one immature. My favorite bird there, though,
was a singing House Wren which allowed some good views. Right by the
fence, if you go straight back from the parking lot. (I've been
hearing Winter Wrens in the Smokies for the last week - nice to have
both of these in a few days!)
BTW - if you try to go there during rush hour, you're taking your
life in your hands trying to make that turn!
A walk around Blue Blazes Trail last evening with Tracey Everson
yielded a couple Blue-winged Warblers.
Finally, my second stop at Chickamauga Dam this morning was
successful - I got to see the male Peregrine Falcon.
Good day!!
I hope to see all of you at the Spring meeting in 2 weeks.
Charlie
=====
**************************************************
Charlie Muise, Senior Naturalist
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Townsend, TN lat 35 deg, 38'23" long 83 deg, 41'22"
"Do something. If it works, do it again. If it does not work, do something
else. But above all else: Do Something." (Franklin Delano Roosevelt)
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