Jan 31 Birding at Seven Islands

 

We are at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak, Tennessee. Yes, it is a state birding park. Named for the 7 islands in the French Broad River, it has several bird habitants. The river attracts waterfowl, eagles and hawks. The brushy areas support Sparrows, Towees, Brown thrashers and we saw a number of Flickers. The wooded areas support other birds and the feeders by this barn, are popular with the Cardinals, Titmouses, Chickadees and Finches. Blue Jays and Bluebirds add some color as well.

Not birds. There were nine deer swimming across the river.

Our outing is led by another Keith. He is an avid birder and local musician. Rain came and went throughout the morning before giving way to a steady drenching in the afternoon. We sheltered in the barn which had feeders on either side. When radar showed a break in the rain, we walked to the bridge over the river. The bridge was a controversial one. A local couple wanted it and funded it with the help of a state senator, although, the state and most other locals did not want it. We were able to see some geese and ducks from the bridge, but the best show was 9 deer crossing it. We also spotted a Sharp Shinned Hawk in a tree by the river.

On the return to the barn, Keith spotted a Orange Crowned Warbler. He used his long lens camera to snap a few photos in which you could see a rather faint patch of orange on its head. 

Sheltering in the barn from the rain.

After leaving the park, Keith took us to Lake Douglas where he hoped we'd see some gulls. Keith pointed out that they were gulls not seagulls. There is only one of two species that breed near the sea. All other breed inland and migrate to the coast. In the dense mist, he was able to put his spotting scope on a few Bonaparte Gulls and some Ringbill Gulls. Although, he estimated 2500 Bonapartes we could only vaguely see them. 

Keith also spoke about the "diamonds" found near the lake. These diamonds are quartz crystals, similar to Herkimer Diamonds which are quartz crystals found near Herkimer NY. Folks come here and dig them as souvenirs.