Jimmy and I had not had a vacation in years, so this year we made a commitment to take one during spring migration, but to go to Dauphin Island in hopes of seeing a fallout, or at least the arrivals of warblers etc. coming across the Gulf. We did and had a wonderful time, leaving with a total count of 129 species seen while we were there. Due to heavy rains and a short 4 day stay, we were quite pleased with that total.
While there, we ran into our Hawk watching regulars, Chuck and Lola Estes, and enjoyed sharing some time at the Shell Mounds and also on the Pier. Having scopes along helped us find elusive Least Bittern hiding among the grasses. Some good memories there. And they helped us tout the Hawk Watch among many new birding friends. LOL
So, as a result, and because I came home to a severe sinus/bronchial infection, that I had been brooding for about a month, we didn't get up to the Hawk Watch even one day, while we were home. With regrets ---- because the reports of returning Broad-wings have been phenomenal this year.
This is a report sent in by Rueben Stohl, noting that they saw lift-offs of Broadies, and Sharpies in the morning from the mountain treetops north east of us. With his permission we are sharing his report:
" From: Ruben Stoll <birdchaserrws@gmail.com>
To: tn-bird@freelists.org
Sent: Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:59:08 -0000 (UTC)
Subject: [TN-Bird] Perry County Raptor Migration
April 22nd, 2016
White-oak Ridge Raptor Lookout and adjacent areas, Perry County TN
Perfect weather for viewing migrating Hawks, with overnight grounded
birds seen lifting off in large numbers between 9 and 10 a.m., and most
gaining altitude until they literally disappeared in the clouds. Most of
the birds were Broad-winged Hawks, with unusual numbers of Sharp-shinned
Hawk seen as well.
Black Vulture 10
Turkey Vulture 35
Osprey 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5
Cooper's Hawk 1
Bald Eagle 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 4
Broad-winged Hawk 317
Red-tailed Hawk 6
Mississippi Kite, 1 seen by AlanTroyer, missed by me because I was looking
the wrong direction counting Broad-winged Hawks.
Also 22 warbler species along Cane Creek, highlights being Chestnut-sided
(FOS), 5 Cerulean, Blackburnian, and Blackpoll.
Other FOS include Great Crested Flycatcher and Eastern Pewee.
Ruben Stoll, Centerville TN"
Note there was at least one Kite seen. Jimmy and I believed we saw a Mississippi Kite this past week, but were traveling, and unable to stop and confirm, but feel secure since it's entirely possible now.
So what does all this mean?
It is not too late to
KEEP LOOKING UP!!!!!!
Good birding to you,
Jimmy and Cynthia Wilkerson
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