BIRDS of the UPPER CUMBERLAND REGION

Spring 2003 UCR Bird Report

(1 March–31 May)

Stephen J. Stedman

Department of English, Box 5053
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN 38505

sstedman@tntech.edu

Introduction

A summary of arrival and departure dates for the season is available at this link:

• http://iweb.tntech.edu/sstedman/Spring2003ArrivalDepartureDatesUCR.htm

    Weather for the season was relatively warmish during March.  April began warmly and turned cool on the 9th when small amounts of snow fell at many sites with elevation above 300 meters.  Heavy rain that day and the next brought water levels up to near flood stage in many Regional rivers. Another period of very heavy precipitation 5-7 May brought over eight inches of rain to most parts of the Region, caused flooding in many rivers and lakes, and contributed to a fine showing of shorebirds in several counties.

    Three Spring Bird Counts were conducted in the Region this year in the following counties: Pulaski Co., KY; Morgan Co., TN; and Putnam Co., TN.  Results may be viewed at these links:

• Summary of Regional SBCs 2003
• Pulaski County, KY, 2003 Spring Bird Count
• Putnam County, TN, 2003 Spring Bird Count

Abbreviations

BSFNRRA = Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area; Co. = County; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; KY = Kentucky; OWSR = Obed Wild and Scenic River; S. N. A. = State Natural Area; S. P. = State Park; SBC = Spring Bird Count; TN = Tennessee; USFS = U. S. Forest Service.

Geese through Ducks

A female American Wigeon was present at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 21 April 2003 (SJS), the latest noted Regionally this spring.

    Two Blue-winged Teals, a male and a female, were present at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 31 May 2003 (SJS), setting a late spring departure date and suggesting the possibility of local breeding.

    Ten Northern Shovelers near the confluence of the Obed and Emory rivers, OWSR, Morgan Co., TN, 13 April 2003 (SJS, BHS) provided only the second record for that site and the latest report of the season Regionally.

    Twenty Canvasbacks and sixty Redheads at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., TN, 1 March 2003 (RMD) provided high counts for the Region this season for these uncommon and handsome ducks. Fourteen Redheads visited Center Hill Dam, DeKalb Co., TN, 10 March 2003 (SJS).  The latest Can reported Regionally this season was a female at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 26 March 2003 (SJS, JCF), while the latest Redhead  was represented by one at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 29 March 2003 (RMD).  See the Winter 2002-2003 UCR Bird Report for other migration records of these ducks around the Region.

    Four Ring-necked Ducks on Byrd Lake, Cumberland Mountain S. P., Cumberland Co., TN, 11 April 2003 (SJS, EKL) were the last to be reported in that county this spring, but an adult male spent the season and was present 31 May 2003 at Dillon Pond, Livingston, Overton Co., TN (SJS et al.); a female was briefly present at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 8 May 2003 (SJS).

    Fourteen Lesser Scaups at Twin Lakes, Somerset, Pulaski Co., KY, 11 April 2003 (RMD) were latest reported within the Kentucky portion of the Region; 65 at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 16 April 2003 (SJS et al.) were latest in the Tennessee portion of the Region.

    Two Buffleheads at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 12 April 2003 (BB, GSK, NSL, MM, TM, SJS, CEW, WAW) established a new late spring departure date in that county by one day and were latest reported Regionally this season.

    The last spring Ruddy Duck Regionally was a female noted 5-8 May 2003 at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN (SJS).

Loons through New World Vultures

    A Common Loon on a lake near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 10-11 April 2003 (BHS) was one of first reported in that county, possibly the first with details.  During the Putnam Co., TN, SBC 10 May 2003 a loon was noted on the lake at Cane Creek Park (GKE, KLM) and four were noted in northward migration over the western end of the county (CDW, NSL, SJS).

    A largish flock of Horned Grebes, numbering 280 at maximum size in late December 2002, once again wintered at Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN.  By mid-March 240 were still present, and most were changing to alternate plumage (SJS).  Seven Horned Grebes on Lake Cumberland in Pulaski Co., KY, 21 March 2003 (RMD) were in a variety of plumages, including some in alternate.  The season's latest report came from Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hil Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, where five alternate-plumaged birds were present 4 April 2003 (SJS).

    An Eared Grebe was sighted at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 12 April 2003 (PC, CDW, BB, GSK, NSL, MM, TM, SJS, CEW, WAW), when in alternate plumage.  Providing only the second record of this rarish species for that county, this grebe was also the only one sighted Regionally this spring.

    The earliest migrant Double-crested Cormorant Regionally appeared 17 March 2003 at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN (SJS, CDW); on 21 March 2003 there were  27 Double-crests at this site (SJS, CDW).  Small flocks were noted in Pulaski Co., KY, and Putnam Co., TN, on the SBCs conducted 10 May 2003 in those counties.  A cormorant near Burnt Mill Bridge, BSFNRRA, Scott Co., TN, 16 May 2003 (SJS) was the third for that park and latest reported this season Regionally.

    An American Bittern in Smithville 1 April 2003 provided the first record for DeKalb Co., TN (CDW photo); few bittern sightings occur each year within the Region.

    Great Blue Heron rookeries in the Region are not monitored as much as is desirable, often because of the inaccessibility of the sites involved.  This spring breeding activity was followed at several rookeries in DeKalb Co., TN, some of which have been active in the past.  The small rookery in Edgar Evins State Park, DeKalb Co., TN, active in 2002, had 7 nests with18 adults nearby 7 March 2003 (CDW); on 13 April 2003 this rookery had 16 partial or complete nests with adults sitting on six of them.  A small rookery--now split into two sections--at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, active for several years, had about a dozen adults on or near 28 nests 21 March 2003 (SJS, CDW).  Another DeKalb rookery was located on Fall Creek, an arm of Center Hill Lake near the Sligo Bridge on Rt. 70; this rookery of 9 nests had about 10 adults on or near nests 21 March 2003 (SJS, CDW).  Still another DeKalb rookery--on Smith Fork near Dowelltown, TN--had five inactive nests 21 March 2003 (SJS, CDW); this rookery was active two years ago.  Apparently, many other small rookeries of this species are located along the upper reaches of Center Hill Lake (fide CDW), but specifics have yet to be obtained. A small rookery with 4-5 nests on the Caney Fork River near the confluence with Polly Branch in the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN, was seemingly inactive when visited 11 April 2003 (SJS, EKL).  Outside of the Caney Fork River system the only report came from Helms Bend Rd., Smith Co., TN (TLC, VC), where a small rookery that has been active the last two years was inactive this year, presumably because the lake where it is located was drained.  See the Winter 2002-2003 UCR Bird Report for breeding activity of Great Blue Herons reported during February 2003.

    The only report of Great Egret Regionally this spring involved one found during the Pulaski Co., KY, SBC 10 May 2003 (RMD, JB).

    The earliest Green Heron of the season Regionally was sighted 2 April 2003 at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN (SJS, GKE, MPO).  An adult was incubating 19 & 30 April 2003 at Dillon Pond, Livingston, Overton Co., TN (CDW photo, SJS et al.).

    With no known nesting colony within the Region, the Black-crowned Night-Heron tends to be very uncommonly reported at any season; this spring the only report came 3 May 2003 from Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN (SJS), where an adult was observed.

    An adult Yellow-crowned Night-Heron on Dry Valley Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 26 March 2003 (SJS) was by 18 days the earliest ever in that county; one seen on nearby Old Qualls Rd., Putnam Co., 3 April 2003 (MPO) may have been the same bird.  Two adults standing on or near an old nest at Burgess Falls State Natural Area, Putnam/White counties, TN, 2/6 April 2003 (SJS/SJS, WAW) were also rather early.

    Information on vulture roosts is often provided in a fragmentary manner, so it is sometimes difficult to reach conclusions about their wintering status.  Even when information is available, it often remains difficult to know how to interpret it.  Such is the case with the vulture roost at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN.  Last season the roost, which numbered 250+ individuals at its maximum in mid-winter, was abandoned by all or nearly all Turkey and Black vultures using it, apparently due to extreme cold (at least, the abandonment took place during and immediately after a severe cold spell).  In early March about 160 vultures suddenly reappeared at the roost; the place to which they retired for six weeks or so has not been determined and undoubtedly never will be.

Diurnal Raptors

The earliest Regional Osprey of the season appeared 2 April 2003 near Barnett Bridge on Clear Creek, OWSR, Morgan Co., TN (JTR).  Rather noteworthy behaviorally, an Osprey with non-fish prey was observed near Shopville, Pulaski Co., KY, 7 April 2003 (CSN); the prey item appeared to be a mouse, presumably captured in a very wet/ flooded field near the sighting.  Small mammals have been reported being taken by Ospreys in the past, but such sightings are still worth reporting.

    A lingering Northern Harrier was noted at the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN, 11 April 2003 (EKL, SJS).

    A Cooper's Hawk nest was again active near Science Hill, Pulaski Co., KY, during the season (RMD).

    Nesting Red-shouldered Hawks were reported at three sites in Putnam Co., TN, during the season: City Lake (BHS, SJS); Shenandoah subdivision (MPO), and West Oak Dr., Cookeville (WAW).  At the first of these sites the date of the onset of incubation was not determined, but an adult was feeding a quite small young in the nest 3 May 2003 (SJS), and by late May the young was quite large.  At the last site, incubation began 27 March 2003, but the nest had been abandoned by late April (WAW). 

    Earliest Regional Broad-winged Hawks this spring were singles 4 April 2003 in DeKalb (SJS) and Putnam (SP, MP) counties, TN.

Rails through Terns

First ever in Pulaski Co., KY, 23 April 2003 through the end of the period was a Virginia Rail at Pumphouse Pond (RMD et al.), where it became part of the SBC in that county 10 May; very few records of this retiring marsh-dweller have occurred within the Region.  Its presence in early June is suggestive of local breeding, but no concrete evidence of breeding has been obtained.

    Few reports of Soras occur each migration season within the Region, so one flushed briefly from a hayfield at Hackworth Farm, Putnam Co., TN, 16 May 2003 (SJS) was noteworthy.

    Found among 1500 grounded Sandhill Cranes about 500 meters south of the Kentucky line1 March 2003 (DS fide TMC), two Whooping Cranes provided the first record for Clay Co., TN, of this introduced  and still endangered migrant.  See Appendix A below for a list of all Sandhill Crane sightings for the season, one of the better seasons for migrant cranes in recent years.

    Six American Golden-Plovers at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 29 March 2003 (RMD) were nice reminders that this "windbird" passes north through the Region in small numbers each spring.

    Two Semipalmated Plovers at Clifty Pond, Science Hill, Pulaski Co., KY, 5 May 2003 (RMD) were the first Regionally this season.

    Somewhat late for an earliest-arriving Greater Yellowlegs in the Region was one at Granville, Jackson Co., TN, 4 April 2003 (MP, SP, SJS); it also provided the first record for that county.

    Appearing just a bit earlier than expected, the first Lesser Yellowlegs of the season Regionally was noted at the Stone Farm near Celina, Clay Co., TN, 19 March 2003 (TMC); two others were first locally near Smithville, DeKalb Co., TN, 21 March 2003 (SJS, CDW).

    A bit later than expected, the earliest reported Solitary Sandpiper of the season Regionally was at Clifty Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, 11 April 2003 (RMD).

    Arriving on exactly the same date and at exactly the same site as in 2002 was the first Spotted Sandpiper of the season Regionally, which appeared at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 10 April 2003 (SJS), just one day later than the record early arrival date for that county; needless to say, but I'll say it anyhow, this shorebird arrived right on schedule this year.

    A report of Upland Sandpiper in northern Barren Co., KY, 14 April 2003 (MS; Palmer-Ball and McNeeley 2003a) provided one of few recent records of this declining grassland shorebird.

    Considerably earlier than most first-arriving members of the species in the Region, a Least Sandpiper at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., TN, 21 March 2003 (RMD) was the earliest found this spring.  However, this species winters at more northerly latitudes than many migrant shorebirds, so it might be expected to show up in the Region quite early occasionally.  Most Least Sandpipers in Region occur in late April and early to mid-May, as was the case this year again.  The latest report came on the SBC in Pulaski Co., KY, 10 May 2003 (SBC fide RMD) when six were noted. 

    Providing the 5th and 6th county records, single White-rumped Sandpipers appeared at soggy fields on the TTU campus, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN (SJS, GKE, WAW), and on Hickey Ridge Rd. in the same county (SJS, DLC) 7 May 2003, a probable result of considerable rainfall the previous two days.

   Earliest reported Regionally were two Pectoral Sandpipers 2 March 2003 at the Stone Farm near Celina, Clay Co., TN (SJS, WAW).  Other reports of Pecs included 60 at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 21 March 2003 (RMD) and five in DeKalb Co., TN, the same day (SJS, CDW), the latter probably providing a first record for that county.  Another county first was represented by 12 Pecs near Colditz Cove State Natural Area, Fentress Co., TN, 23 March 2003 (SJS).

    A basic-plumaged Dunlin at a nursery farm a few miles south of Smithville in DeKalb Co., TN, 21 March 2003 (SJS, CDW) provided the first record for that county, as well as the first arrival of the season Regionally; another changing to alternate plumage was noted 11 April 2003 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski Co., KY (RMD); still another in alternate plumage at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 5 May 2003 (SJS) was the first spring sighting in that county, followed immediately by another record in the same county, this one involving two alternate-plumaged birds on Hickey Ridge Rd. 7 May 2003 (SJS, DLC).  Dunlins are much less reported during spring than during fall in the Region, making these sightings modestly noteworthy.

    Record late locally by nine days and the latest reported Regionally this spring, a Wilson's Snipe was present at Hackworth Farm in eastern Putnam Co., TN, 16 May 2003 (SJS).

    Four young American Woodcocks were found behind the Laura Blevins cabin on West Bandy Rd., BSFNRRA, Scott Co., TN, 1 April 2003 (LMS, BW), adding to the handful of breeding records from that park.

    A Ring-billed Gull noted on the TTU campus, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 8 May 2003 (SJS photo) was by one day the latest ever reported in spring in that county. Even later and the latest reported Regionally this spring was a single bird at the McCreary County Airport, McCreary Co., KY, 26 May 2003 (LMM, TBM)

    Earliest ever in Putnam Co., TN, by five days was a Forster's Tern well-scoped at Cane Creek Park 9 April 2003 (SJS, TMS); another was noted at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Pulaski Co., KY, 24 April 2003 (RMD). 

Doves through Vireos

A dove that may well have been a Eurasian Collared-Dove was heard calling on Buck Mountain, Putnam Co., TN, 16 and 28 March 2003 (WB).  The bird was never seen, and the observer was able to make the identification only after listening to recordings of this species following the encounter; consequently, this occurrence is best left hypothetical; however, if this sighting can be confirmed, it would represent the first record for the county.  A Eurasian Collared-Dove well seen on Carter St., Smithville, DeKalb Co., TN, 21 March 2003 (SJS, CDW) provided the second record for that county, the first having been detected almost exactly three years previously 24-25 March 2000 (CDW photo); on 17 May 2003 two collared-doves were noted at this site (SJS, CDW photo), and on 22 May 2003 six were present at the same site (CDW photo), where birds were noted till the end of the season.  A single collared-dove was present 31 May 2003 on Jaybird Rd., Overton Co., TN (SJS); the first Regional record came from this county 26 February 1995 (SJS), and some unconfirmed reports from the county were submitted during the interim.

    The first Black-billed Cuckoo of the season Regionally was provided by one near Science Hill, Pulaski Co., KY, 2 May 2003 (RMD).

    The first Yellow-billed Cuckoo of the spring Regionally was heard before dawn 1 May 2003 near Center, Metcalfe Co., KY (AT).

    A Barn Owl near Vernon, Monroe Co., KY, in late April or early May 2003 (fide TMC), when a "nest" with five eggs (apparently later abandoned) was found, was notable; many thanks to the Nathan Beecher family for providing this information.  The Barn Owl breeding site in Putnam Co., TN, was active again this year; an adult with a clutch of seven eggs was noted in early April 2003 (SJS); 3 young were noted at the site 10 May 2003 (DLC, TR, KR, DAD).

    Quite early was a Chuck-will's-widow in DeKalb Co., TN, 7 April 2003 (CDW), the first reported Regionally during the season. One heard in Scott Co., TN, 24 May 2003 (LMM, TBM) provided the first report for that county that I am aware of.

    Earliest Regionally this spring was an Eastern Whip-poor-will in Jackson Co., TN, 29 March 2003 (NSL).

    Quite early were several Chimney Swifts in DeKalb Co., TN, 26 March 2003 (CDW); the next reports were not made until mid-April, quite late for this typically early-arriving species.

    The earliest Regional report of Ruby-throated Hummingbird came from Flynn Creek, Jackson Co., TN, 5 April 2003 (MJH).  Generally, Ruby-throats arrived later than the early arrival date by 10 days or so, somewhat later on average than is typical.

    The Allen's Hummingbird noted in the Fall 2002 UCR Bird Report and the Winter 2002-2003 UCR Bird Report remained until 6 March 2003 on Upchurch Rd., Smith Co., TN (KH photo [5 March 2003]).

    An Eastern Wood-Pewee in eastern Putnam Co., TN, 25 April 2003 (RWS) proved to be the earliest reported Regionally this season; another at Flynn Creek, Jackson Co., TN, 28 April 2003 (MJH) was noteworthy also; these arrival dates are close to the earliest expected arrival dates registered in the past.

    Appearing only a few days later than the species' usual first arrival date was an Acadian Flycatcher at Flynn Creek, Jackson Co., TN, 1 May 2003 (MJH).

    Earliest Regionally this spring, a Willow Flycatcher was sighted at Cane Creek Park 10 May 2003 (GKE, KLM) during the Putnam Co., TN, SBC, making the 5th consecutive year the species has been present in the park.  Another was present 24 & 26 May 2003 at the McCreary County Airport, McCreary Co., KY (LMM, TBM, SJS), a site where the species has been detected fairly regularly in recent years.

    A Great Crested Flycatcher showed up a Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 16 April 2003 (SJS et al.), the earliest noted Regionally this season.

    The earliest-reported Eastern Kingbird was near Clifty in southwestern Cumberland Co., TN, 14 April 2003 (MiH).

    A Loggerhead Shrike on Lee Rd., Morgan Co., TN, 5 March 2003 (BHS) was one of few reported in that county or part of the Region in recent years.  Another at Hogue, Pulaski Co., KY, 19 March 2003 (RMD) inhabited a site where shrikes has been reported regularly for several years or more.  One shrike was found 10 May 2003 on the Putnam Co., TN, SBC (GKE, KLM) at Shipley Farm where the species has occurred fairly regularly the past few years.  Encouraging news about shrike breeding came from DeKalb Co., TN, where 2 adults feeding 2 young were noted south of Smithville on Student's Home Rd.16 May 2003 (CDW, MJH, Judy Fuson).  See Appendix B for a summary of shrike sightings in the Region this spring.

    The first-arriving White-eyed Vireo of the season Regionally was found at Barnes Hollow, Putnam Co., TN, 5 April 2003 (RWS). 

    Early-arriving Yellow-throated Vireos were singing at the Floating Mill Recreation Area and Edgar Evins S. P., both on Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 4 April 2003 (SJS), as well as in eastern Putnam Co., TN, that same say (RWS).

    Singing diagnostically, a Blue-headed Vireo at Little Lick, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 18 March 2003 (RMD) was first Regionally, as well as earliest ever in Kentucky (Palmer-Ball 2003); another at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 22 March 2003 (SJS) arrived a bit later than first-arriving Blue-heads in that county in recent years.  Four Blue-heads at Yahoo Falls, BSFNRRA, McCreary Co., KY, 22 March 2003 (RMD) and another at Peters Bridge, BSFNRRA, Morgan Co., TN, 23 March 2003 (SJS) were also noteworthy.

    Arriving or at least being first observed about 10-12 days later than the usual first arrival date was a Warbling Vireo at Dillon Pond, Overton Co., TN, 30 April 2003 (SJS et al.).  It is unsurprising that a species with a very thin breeding population in the Region would first be encountered in the Region later than expected (in the case of the Warbling Vireo, the expected period of first occurrence is about 15-20 April).  Generally, the lower the breeding density of a species within a Region, the lower the likelihood of its being first encountered at or near the beginning of its expected period of occurrence. Does anyone know if this concept has been formulated as a biological rule with a name or label?  Few other Warbling Vireos were noted Regionally this season, so three on the SBC in Pulaski Co., KY, 10 May 2003 (SBC fide RMD) provided encouraging news about their status in that area, as did another in Scott Co., TN, 24 May 2003 (NM), probably the first record for the county.

    The earliest Red-eyed Vireo Regionally this spring was reported 9 April 2003 in Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN (WAW); next earliest were Red-eyes in DeKalb Co., TN, 12 April 2003 (JDF) and Morgan Co., TN, 13 April 2003 (JTR).  Generally, the higher the breeding density of a species within a Region, the higher the likelihood of its being first encountered at or near the beginning of its expected period of occurrence (in the case of the Red-eye, about 5-10 April). If there is a name or label for the concept described in the preceding paragraph, then there should be an opposite name or label for this one.

Swallows through Waxwings

Two male Purple Martins at Boring Pond, Putnam Co., TN, 9 March 2003 (SJS) were earliest reported Regionally.

    Three Tree Swallows near Lilydale, Dale Hollow Lake, Clay Co., TN, 2 March 2003 (SJS) were the earliest Regionally; two others appeared at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 5 March 2003 (TLC, SJS et al.), somewhat later than the species has been arriving at that site in recent years.  Breeding activity was noted at many traditional sites around the Region, indicating that this attractive swallow continues to do well in the Region.

    Earliest reported Regionally was a Northern Rough-winged Swallow at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN, 16 March 2003 (SJS); this sighting was earlier by one day than the previous record early spring arrival date in that county.

    Three Bank Swallows at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 7 May 2003 (SJS, GKE) were the first reported Regionally this season, but they were considerably later than the usual first-arriving Regional Bank Swallows, which usually show up about 15-25 April.  Except for a small breeding colony on Dale Hollow Lake, this species is a migrant in the Region and so does not have the territorial impetus to show up early that locally  breeding individuals possess.

    The earliest Cliff Swallow discovered in the Region this season was a single seen at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 29 March 2003 (RMD); a swallow that was either a Cliff or a Cave swallow had been present at this site 21 March 2003 (RMD), record early for Kentucky if the former and, of course, a state record if the latter, but it could not be assigned with certainty to either species.  No other reports of Cliff Swallow were submitted until mid-April.

    The earliest Barn Swallows Regionally were noted 19 March 2003 in Clay and Putnam counties, TN (TMC and SJS, respectively).

    A latish Red-breasted Nuthatch was present in northern Putnam Co., TN, 3 May 2003 (DLC). Much later and possibly breeding were two nuthatches acting like a pair near Bandy Creek, BSFNRRA, Scott Co., TN, 31 May 2003 (FR).

    The small colony of Brown-headed Nuthatches at the Cookeville Golf Course, Putnam Co., TN, appears to have had a good breeding season.  A dependent young out of the nest was seen being fed by an adult in a group of four birds found 8 May 2003 (SJS, WAW, MPO).  The approximate timing of fledging and post-fledging dependency at this site correlates well with a nest located in another regular breeding colony at the Kingston Steam Plant in Roane Co., TN [about 90 km east of Cookeville and outside the Region], where an adult was seen feeding young in a nest 26 April 2003 (SJS et al.) and where two active nests were located 3 May 2003 (FR).

    A singing Brown Creeper in Icy Cove, Putnam Co., TN, 23 March 2003 (SJS) was at a site where many beetle-killed pines with loose bark, the preferred nesting substrate of creepers, were present, so breeding at the site is possible though unlikely.

    Found at a site where breeding occurred last year, but not in most previous years, a House Wren at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN, 16 April 2003 (BHS, SJS) was earliest Regionally this spring.

    A late Golden-crowned Kinglet at the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN, 1 May 2003 (JDF fide TE) was the latest reported Regionally this season; most departed by mid-April.

    Arriving slightly later than the average early arrival date was the first Blue-gray Gnatcatcher to be reported Regionally in Pulaski Co., KY, 26 March 2003 (RMD).

    A Veery calling and singing at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 7 May 2003 (SJS, GKE) was the first reported this season Regionally, but it was about a week later than the typical first reported Veery.

    Somewhat late for the first report of the season Regionally was a Swainson's Thrush singing at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 2 May 2003 (SJS).

    Two singing Hermit Thrushes at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 22 March 2003 (SJS) were singing at a site where, and on a date when, they have come to be expected from past performances.  A Hermit was noted at Flynn Creek, Jackson Co., TN, 13 April 2003 (MJH), probably the last one reported this season.

    The earliest report of Wood Thrush Regionally this spring came from Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 14 April 2003 (SJS), about a week later than expected for the first occurrence of this thrush.  Wood Thrushes remained scarce for another ten days before the bulk of birds arrived in the Region.

Warblers

The first Blue-winged Warbler of the season Regionally appeared at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 14 April 2003 (SJS), perhaps a bit later than typical early arrivals but not by much.  Three Blue-wings found 23-24 May 2003 in Scott Co., TN (NM), were notable.

    Found near a site where breeding might have occurred last year, the first Golden-winged Warbler of the season Regionally was noted on the south (i.e., non-USFS) side of  Indian Knob Rd., McCreary Co., KY, 20 April 2003 (RMD).  Much of the USFS land in the area had undergone a prescribed burn 16 March 2003, leaving considerably less habitat suitable for Golden-wing breeding, but nonetheless a singing Golden-wing was heard 19 May 2003 along a section of Indian Knob Rd. northwest of the airport on USFS land (LP fide BPB).  A check of the general area 24 May 2003 (SJS, LMM, TBM) revealed no evidence of  breeding Golden-wings, but the observers were unaware of the sighting five days earlier or its location.

    The earliest singing Tennessee Warbler reported Regionally this spring was at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN, 28 April 2003 (BHS).

    Two Nashville Warblers in Science Hill, Pulaski Co., KY, 2 May 2003 (RMD) were the first ones reported Regionally this season, rather later than the typical first-reported Nashvilles.

    The earliest-arriving Regional Northern Parula was found 29 March 2003 in Jackson Co., TN (NSL); more than 20 were singing in western Putnam Co., TN, 4 April 2003 (SJS, MP, SP), three days earlier than the previous record spring arrival date in that county.

    The earliest Yellow Warbler arriving in the Region this spring appeared in western Putnam Co., TN, 14 April 2003 (SJS).

    The first Chestnut-sided Warblers Regionally were noted on Black Mountain, CTSP, Cumberland Co., TN, 26 April 2003 (SJS et al.), somewhat late for this species to be first noted; Black Mountain is one of  few regular breeding sites of the Chestnut-side in the Region.

    The first Regional Magnolia Warbler showed up at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 29 April 2003 (SJS, GKE).

    Cape May Warblers first appeared in the Region 1 May 2003, when birds were noted in Putnam, TN (SJS, GKE), and Pulaski, KY (RMD).

    Black-throated Green Warblers first reported Regionally this spring were two singing near Yahoo Falls, BSFNRRA, McCreary Co., KY, 22 March 2003 (RMD); they set a new early spring arrival date for the BSFNRRA.

    The earliest Blackburnian Warbler of the season Regionally was heard and seen 19 April 2003 at Standing Stone S. P., Overton Co., TN (SJS et al.).

    The first Yellow-throated Warblers Regionally showed up in Pickett and Scott counties, TN, 27 March 2003 (RDS and NM, respectively).  Twenty-eight Yellow-throateds in southeastern Pulaski Co., KY, 13 April 2003 (BPB) provided a nice count.

    See the Winter 2002-2003 UCR Bird Report for the earliest report of a returning Pine Warbler.

    Earliest Regionally this spring and earlier by two days than any previous sighting in Putnam Co., TN, was a Prairie Warbler singing at City Lake 4 April 2003 (BHS).

    The earliest report of a migrant Palm Warbler this spring in the Region came from Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 14 April 2003 (SJS).

    The earliest reported Blackpoll Warbler Regionally this season was heard near Barnett Bridge, Morgan Co., TN, 20 April 2003 (JCR); next earliest was one at Flynn Creek, Jackson Co., TN, 29 April 2003 (MJH); another was present 30 April 2003 at Dillon Pond, Overton Co., TN (TLC, VC).

    Cerulean Warblers were first noted Regionally 18 April 2003 when singles were heard in Jackson (MJH) and Putnam (SJS) counties, TN.  Twenty-nine Ceruleans in western Putnam Co., TN, during the SBC 10 May 2003 (SJS) was about an average count for that area's population in recent years; seventeen Ceruleans in southern Scott Co., TN, 23 May 2003 (NM)  provided a good benchmark by which to judge the population there in future years.

    The first-arriving Black-and-white Warblers of the season within the Region appeared 5 April 2003 in Jackson and Putnam counties, TN (MJH and SJS et al., respectively); this species sometimes arrives by late March, so it may be considered to have arrived a bit later than usual this season.

    A male American Redstart in western Putnam Co., TN, 14 April 2003 (SJS) was the first one reported Regionally this spring; this arrival date is about when the first arriving bird is expected each year.

    Always a delight to the eye, a Prothonotary Warbler at Clifty Creek, Pulaski Co., KY, 14 April 2003 (RMD) was the earliest noted this spring Regionally.

    Before being reported anywhere else Regionally this season, a Worm-eating Warbler was noted in eastern Putnam Co., TN, 16 April 2003 (RWS); next earliest was one near Flynn Creek, Jackson Co., TN, 18 April 2003 (MJH).

    Record early for the OWSR and earliest Regionally this season, a Swainson's Warbler was singing at the Jett Bridge on Clear Creek, Morgan Co., TN, 13 April 2003 (SJS, BHS).  Two were noted at Little Lick, DBNF, on the Pulaski Co., KY, SBC 10 May 2003 (RMD); four were found at this site 16 May 2003 (RMD et al.).  Single singing birds were detected at Honey Creek Overlook and at Leatherwood Ford, BSFNRRA, Scott Co., TN, 16 May 2003 (SJS); on 23 May 2003 (SJS) two Swainson's were singing at different sites near Leatherwood Ford than the site where the bird heard 16 May 2003 was located, but on 24 May 2003 (SJS, LMM, TBM) none of these birds could be located; during June 2003, however, one of the Leatherwood birds was present on two dates (see Summer 2003 UCR Bird Report).

    Earliest ever in Putnam Co., TN, by one day, earliest Regionally this season, and close to earliest ever Regionally was an Ovenbird 7 April 2003 on Dry Creek Rd. (GKE) in the north-central part of that county at a site where the species is a regular breeder each year.

    First noted Regionally this season was a Northern Waterthrush at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 23 April 2003 (SJS), just about exactly when first expected each year.

    The earliest arriving Louisiana Waterthrush Regionally was found near Temperance Hall, DeKalb Co., TN, 14 March 2003 (CDW); this date is a bit later than the date for the very earliest arriving birds, but is consistent with typical arrival date reported in most years or is even a bit earlier than those are. Other early singers were found 19 March 2003 at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN (BHS); 21 March 2003 at the Fishing Creek Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY (RMD); 22 March 2003 at Yahoo Falls, BSFNRRA, McCreary Co., KY (RMD), setting a new early spring arrival date for the BSFNRRA; and 23 March 2003 at Colditz Cove S. N. A., Fentress Co., TN (SJS).

    A Kentucky Warbler in eastern Putnam Co., TN, 19 April 2003 (RWS) was earliest Regionally this season; next earliest were singles 23 April 2003 at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN (GKE), and at Clifty Creek, Pulaski Co., KY (RMD).

    The only Mourning Warbler appearance of the season took place12 May 2003 at Barnes Hollow, Putnam Co., TN (RWS).

    Earliest-arriving Common Yellowthroats in the Region this spring were two in Cumberland Co., TN, 10 April 2003 (BHS), probably a  bit earlier than the usual first reports of arriving yellowthroats.

    The earliest Hooded Warbler of the spring Regionally appeared in Putnam Co., TN, 12 April 2003 (MPO), just a tad later than the first-arriving Hooded usually shows up each year.

    No particularly early date was submitted for Wilson's Warbler; a singing male noted 28 May 2003 at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN (SJS), set a new late spring departure date for the county and provided the last report of the season.

    A singing Canada Warbler in eastern Putnam Co., TN, 5 May 2003 (RWS) was the first reported this season Regionally; another was just a bit later at Ensor Sink Natural Area, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 7 May 2003 (SJS).  There is currently not enough information about the arrival of this warbler in the Region to say for sure, but these dates are probably a bit later than usual for first-arriving Canadas.

    Early-arriving Yellow-breasted Chats included singles in Warren and Putnam counties, TN, 18 April 2003 (DM and SJS, respectively); these sightings took place on a date which is close to the earliest arrival period for this species.

Sparrows through Weaver Finch

Earliest reported Vesper Sparrows (that might have been wintering birds) this spring Regionally were birds noted in Pulaski and Wayne counties, KY, 11 and 12 March 2003, respectively (RMD).

    Detected when singing, a latish Savannah Sparrow was at Hackworth Farm, Putnam Co., TN, 16 May 2003 (SJS). 

    Always a delight to hear, despite its pitiful song, a Henslow's Sparrow returned to the Ano Strip Mines, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 19 April 2003 (RMD, Somerset Bird Club), the earliest this spring Regionally. Two others were heard 30 April 2003 on Beech Grove Ridge, Pulaski Co., KY (RMD).

    Also earliest Regionally this spring were four singing Grasshopper Sparrows at the Ano Strip Mines, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 19 April 2003 (RMD, Somerset Bird Club).  Four singing birds on Student's Home Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 17 May 2003 (SJS, CDW) provided the first county record with details.

    Song Sparrows were more abundant than usual on two Regional Breeding Bird Surveys, the Union Hill BBS run in Clay and Macon counties, TN, 25 May 2003 and the Hegira BBS run in Cumberland and Monroe counties, KY, 30 May 2003.  These BBS routes include substantial portions on the Highland Rim, where Song Sparrows have remained in low numbers during the breeding season for many years.  Perhaps this year's BBS increase signals an overall increase in the species on the Rim?

    An albinistic sparrow that was probably a White-throated Sparrow was noted on Martin Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 4/14 April 2003 (SJS, SP, MP/SJS photo); this bird was almost entirely white with just a few darkish feathers present in its wings, while the bill and feet were pinkish.  It was the same size as nearby White-throated Sparrows and seemed to associate with individuals of that species.  The last reports of the season Regionally came from the SBCs in Pulaski Co., KY, and Putnam Co., TN.

    Earliest arriving Summer Tanagers in the Region this spring were noted in Warren and Jackson counties, TN, and Russell Co., KY, 16 April 2003 (DM, MJH, and MB, respectively; the latter record in Palmer-Ball and McNeeley 2003a).

    The first reported Scarlet Tanager of the season Regionally came from Yahoo Falls, BSFNRRA, McCreary Co., KY, 13 April 2002 (CSN, WN), setting an early spring arrival date record for the area; not much later was another in Jackson Co., TN, 15 April 2003 (MJH).

    A bit earlier than expected and first Regionally this spring was a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Warren Co., TN, 14 April 2003 (DM, CM).

    Observed at a feeder in Warren Co., TN, 22 April 2003 (DM), a Blue Grosbeak was the first reported this spring Regionally.

    Unlike many songbirds, Indigo Buntings are usually silent when first arriving and are frequently detected a feeding stations before being noted by other means; this year the earliest report Regionally came from Warren Co., TN, 15 April 2003 (DM, CM).

    Dickcissels are seldom reported Regionally.  One was present on the Union Hill BBS, Macon Co., TN, 25 May 2003 (SJS).

    At least 30 Bobolinks seen in fields of the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN, 1 May 2003 (TE et al.) were the first reported Regionally this spring (but see next sentence).  Groups of 15 at Shipley Farm, Putnam Co., TN (SJS), and near Vernon, Monroe Co., KY (BHS, TMC et al.) 3 May 2003 were also notable (the latter site apparently hosted this species for the previous two weeks, but exact details were not kept).  A latish Bobolink was present at the McCreary County airport 24 May 2003 (SJS).

    Two male Brewer's Blackbirds at a cattle farm a couple of miles south of Smithville, DeKalb Co., TN, 21 March 2003 (SJS, CDW) provided the first record for that county, as well as a late spring date that is more in line with the expected late date for the species than any record in nearby Putnam Co. where there is only one record available later than January (and that record is somewhat questionable).

    The first encounter with an Orchard Oriole this spring occurred at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 16 April 2003 (CDW, DW).  This species arrived about on schedule.

    The earliest Baltimore Orioles of the season Regionally included 7 seen 26 April 2003 near Smithville, DeKalb Co., TN (TLC, VC).

    A male Purple Finch at Bee Rock, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 20 March 2003 (RMD) was the first seen during 2003 by the observer, another indication of the very low numbers residing in the Region during the past winter. A slightly later bird was noted at Flynn Creek, Jackson Co., TN, 1 April 2003 (MJH).

Observers: Mark Bennett (MB), Kris Bolin (KB), Judy Brant (JB), Betty Bright (BB), Sharon Brines (SB), Wally Brines (WB), Terry M. Campbell (TMC), Pat Collins (PC), Daniel L. Combs (DLC), Charles Cornelius (CC), Tommy L. Curtis (TLC), Virginia Curtis (VC), D. Ann Davis (DAD), Roseanna M. Denton (RMD), Ginger K. Ensor (GKE), Troy Ettel (TE), Janie C. Finch (JCF), John D. Froeschauer (JDF), Dana Girard (DG), W. Howard Groce (WHG), Kathy Harville (KH), Robbie C. Hassler (RCH), Michael J. Hawkins (MJH), Margo Hinkle (MH), Michael Hodge (MiH), David Hume (DH), Graham S. Kash (GSK), James Layzer (JL), Nancy S. Layzer (NL), Edmund K. LeGrand (EKL), Crystal Malone (CM), Doug Malone (DM), Martha McKnight (MM), Theodore McKnight (TM), Lynda M. Mills (LMM), Thomas B. Mills (TBM), Nell Moore (NM), Kenneth L. Morgan (KLM),  Connie S. Neeley (CSN), Wendell Neeley (WN), Michael P. O'Rourke (MPO), Handley C. "Ozzie" Oswalt (HCO), Brainard L. Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB), Laura Patton (LP), Margo Platt (MP), Spencer Platt (SP), Frank Renfrow (FR), Jeanne T. Richardson (JTR), Thomas Roberts (TR), David L. Roemer (DLR), Thomas M. Saya (TMS), Richard W. Simmers, Jr. (RWS), Leslie M. Smith (LMS), Ronnie D. Smith (RDS), Somerset Bird Club (SBC), Barbara H. Stedman (BHS), Stephen J. Stedman (SJS), Danny Stone (DS), Mitchell Sturgeon (MS), Anthony Trimboli (AT), Catherine E. Walden (CEW), Winston A. Walden (WAW), Bryan Wender (BW), Carol D. Williams (CDW), and Don Williams (DW).

Literature Cited

Appendix A. Sightings of Northbound Sandhill Cranes during Spring 2003; see the Winter 2002-2003 Bird Report for Sightings of Northbound Cranes during January and February 2003.

Appendix B. Reports of Loggerhead Shrikes during Spring 2003 in the Upper Cumberland Region.

Appendix C. Records of Swainson's Warblers in the UCR during Spring 2003.

Quick links to other sections of this website:

• HomePage for SJS

• The BirdPage

• The ButterflyPage