I did some birding today in the southern part of Russell County and into the
Cove in Tazewell County. I started with the feeders at my house and then birded
Elk Garden, the Loop, Mountain Road, Stuart's Pond, Clifton Farms Road then
into the Cove. I tallied 52 species. I saw the first Golden Eagle above the
ridgeline on Clinch Mountain, the second and third were above the balds on
Beartown Mt. The fourth was the best of all. I was headed home from the Cove on
Wardell Road when a large raptor flew across the road in front of the truck. I
found a spot to pull off of the road and as I stepped out of the truck there
was an immature Golden Eagle circling overhead. The sun was shining on the
golden mantle and crown. As he circled the white tail band and the large white
spots in the wing shone brightly. It was a truly awe inspiring sight.
Other highlights included:
4 Blue-winged Teal at the Mudhole
4 Hooded Merganzers on Cove Creek
A loggerhead Shrike on Clifton Farms Road
A single Wood Duck drake on Little River
Tree Swallow at Elk Garden
4 Wilson's Snipe (Stuart's and Clifton Farms Road)
and the last birds of the day - 2 Purple Finches at our feeders.
Tom
Tom & Laverne Hunter
Russell County Bird Club
Lebanon, VA
