BIRDS of the UPPER CUMBERLAND REGION

Spring 2006 UCR Bird Report

(1 March–31 May)

Stephen J. Stedman

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

sstedman@tntech.edu

                                         All it takes for bird extinction to triumph is for a few good bird lovers to do nothing.

Introduction

Weather

    Seasonally mild conditions prevailed during the first ten days of March.  A system with strong wind and some rain moved through the Region from the west during the night of 9/10 March. By 11 March an even warmer trend with daytime temperatures reaching the 80s F was in place.  A moderately heavy rainstorm, in some places associated with high winds, took place during the night of 13/14 March; this event was followed by a brief period (14-15 March) with cooler nighttime temperatures (low 30s F) which was followed in turn by another warm period (16-17 March).  A small amount of frozen precipitation fell during the mornings of 20 and 22 March and intermittently throughout the day on both 24 and 25 March in Putnam Co., TN, with somewhat greater amounts falling in areas more to the north or at higher elevation; night-time temperatures dipped into the mid-20s F during most nights of the period from 20 to 28 March; in addition rainfall was light to absent in late March.  The combination of cool temperatures and low rainfall perhaps retarded leaf emergence somewhat late in March.  The cool, dry spell in late March was broken by several days with warm temperatures and light rain in early April, including rainfall on the nights of 31March/1April and 2/3 April.  A heavy rain totaling 3-5 inches fell during the night of 7/8 April 2006, bringing Regional rivers up to high levels; coolish temperatures followed this rainfall event for several days with lows in the mid-30s to low 40s F for several nights.  A warming trend, including day-time highs in the mid-80s F, immediately set in and lasted about a week (10-16 April).  Several periods with moderate to large amounts of rain took place during the next week (17-24 April).  Early and mid-May were dominated by an upper level low, the southern portions of which hung over the Region for many days, bringing frequent bouts of light to moderate rainfall and temperatures on the cool side.

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

• http://iweb.tntech.edu/sstedman/Spring2006ArrivalDepartureDatesUCR.htm

    A summary of results of Spring Bird Counts conducted in the Region is available at this link:

• Upper Cumberland Region SBCs 2006

Abbreviations

* = documentation form submitted; BSFNRRA = Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area; Co. = County; CTSP = Cumberland Trail State Park; 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; UCR = Upper Cumberland Region; USFS = U. S. Forest Service; WMA = Wildlife Management Area.

Waterfowl and Gallinaceous Species

A male American Wigeon on Lake Holiday, Cumberland Co., TN, 29 April 2006 (JEM, AFM) during the Cumberland County SBC was the latest to be reported Regionally.

    A report of the earliest returning Blue-winged Teal Regionally this "spring" may be found in the Winter 2005-2006 UCR Bird Report; the last Blue-wings of the season Regionally were noted during the Putnam County SBC 13 May 2006 (JaF, CDW, NSL, MH).

    A male Northern Shoveler on Clemmons Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 12 May 2006 (JaF, RCF) was the latest reported Regionally this season and the latest ever during spring in that county.

    A male Redhead was present near Willow Grove, Dale Hollow Lake, Clay Co., TN, 31 March 2006 (SJS), but the latest report of the season Regionally was provided by another male at Boiling Pond, White Co., TN, 22 April 2006 (DAD).

    A Ring-necked Duck was found on Randolph Pond, Walter Stone Rd., White Co., TN, 7 May 2006 (BHS), the last report of the season Regionally.

    Six Greater Scaups roosted with 120 Lesser Scaups at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 6 March 2006 (RMD)l; a single male Lesser at Lake Tansi, Cumberland Co., TN, 29 April 2006 (EKL, DAD) during the Cumberland County SBC was the latest found Regionally this spring.

    A second-year male Surf Scoter on the lake at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 23 May 2006 (SJS) provided the only record of the season Regionally; it also established just the ninth sighting in that county and the latest spring record both for that county and for the Region.

    A male Hooded Merganser observed on Clear Creek near Jett Bridge, Morgan Co., TN, 11 March 2006 (BHS, SJS) was the first ever reported from that part of the OWSR; the last Hooded of the season Regionally was reported from Pulaski Co., KY, 17 April 2006 (RMD).

    Ten Red-breasted Mergansers (8 males and 2 females) at the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN, 6 March 2006 (DAD) provided the first record with details for that county; thirteen males were counted at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, the same day (RMD), indicating a minor migratory movement northward by this piscivorous duck on that date; 35 Red-breasts at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 25 March 2006 (RMD) were also noteworthy; a single female Red-breast on Lake Tansi, Cumberland Co., TN, 29 April 2006 (EKL, DAD) during the Cumberland County SBC was the latest reported this season Regionally.

    The last Ruddy Duck of the season Regionally was a male seen intermittently on the lake at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, through the end of the season and into the following season (see Summer 2006 UCR Bird Report); another late Ruddy was noted 21 May 2006 at a pond east of Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN (JEM).

    Ruffed Grouse are seldom reported around the Region, so single birds near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 7 March 2006 (JEM) and at Little Lick, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 16 March 2006 (RMD) were of interest.  No sightings of grouse were made on any of the SBCs conducted Regionally this spring.

Loon through Herons

The last Common Loons of the season included two in alternate plumage that appeared at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 12 May 2006 (RMD).

    A Pied-billed Grebe was present on the lake above the dam at Burgess Falls State Natural Area, Putnam Co., TN, 31 May 2006 (SJS), the latest sighting of the season Regionally, but Pied-bills routinely summer in the Region.

    A count of 405 Horned Grebes at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 15 March 2006 (SJS) provided the high count for the season (and the highest count made during the past "winter" at this site for this grebe); about 25% of these grebes displayed various degrees of alternate plumage; 300 grebes were counted at this site 27 March 2006 (SJS), but only 20, all in alternate plumage, remained 4 April 2006 (SJS) and only 13, all in alternate plumage, could be located 8 April 2006 (SJS, CDW, NSL), the latest report of the season Regionally.

    An American White Pelican between Bailey's Point and Peninsula, Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 19 April 2006 (MVe fide DLR) established the first spring record for the Region and also provided the second record for Barren County and just the fifth Regional record.

    An American Bittern in the Heritage Marsh, White Co., TN, 15 April 2006 (SJS, DAD) established a record at that site for the 3rd consecutive year and provided the earliest record of the season Regionally.

    The number of known Great Blue Heron rookeries in the Region continues to increase.  The new, small (12 nests) rookery discovered along I-40 in eastern Smith Co., TN, last season still appeared active 12 March 2006 (KO); the same observer found another new rookery of 16 nests along Flynn Creek Rd., Jackson Co., TN, 12 March 2006.  The rookery found on Dry Valley Rd., Putnam Co., TN, last December had activity by early March (BHS).  The rookery on Moss Island, Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, contained eight nests, at least seven active, by early March.  The small rookery on the north bank of  the Cumberland River across from the end of Holleman's Bend Rd., Jackson Co., TN, had five active nests 14 April 2006 (SJS).  The tiny rookery along the Caney Fork River where Polly Branch empties into that river in the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN, had only one bulky but lopsided nest 26 March & 1 April 2006 (SJS), so the nest was probably not active then, but it was probably active the previous breeding season.  The small rookery at the boat ramp in Edgar Evins State Park, DeKalb Co., TN, had only three inactive nests 8 April 2006 (SJS, CDW, NSL). So far none of the Great Blue Heron rookeries in the Region is known to have acquired nesting associates (i.e., other species of colonially nesting waterbirds), but birders monitoring rookeries should be alert for the presence of such species in these rookeries; the larger the number of Great Blues present, the more likely that another species might associate with them.

    Earliest this spring Regionally, a Great Egret was found foraging at the lake in Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 7 April 2006 (SJS); two Great Egrets near Celina, Clay Co., TN, 15 May 2006 (TMC) were latest reported Regionally this spring.  These records were also the only ones reported this season for this egret.

    A superbly photographed Snowy Egret at a pond on Rt. 90 about 1.6 km west of Pulaski County in Wayne Co., KY, 14 April 2006 (RMD photo) was earliest this spring Regionally, the first ever observed in that county, and just the 12th ever found in the Region (as well as only the 7th ever found Regionally during spring).

    Cattle Egrets are scarce transients through--and possibly rare breeders in--the Region, so an alternate-plumaged bird on Lizard Lane, White Co., TN, 6 May 2006 (TMS, MPO) during the White County SBC and another alternate-plumaged bird on Clemmons Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 13 May 2006 (CDW photo, NSL, JaF, MH) during the Putnam County SBC were welcome additions to the list of sightings made around the Region; these were 22nd and 23rd Regional sightings, respectively.

    The first Green Heron of the spring Regionally was observed at Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area, Morgan Co., TN, 1 April 2006 (MEH); the next earliest sighting came from Duck Pond Rd., White Co., TN, 6 April 2006 (DAD).

    An adult Black-crowned Night-Heron was noted near the Jackson/Putnam county line on Martin Creek (Rt. 96) 26 May 2006 (SJS), not far from where an immature was noted during the 2005 Fall Bird Count in Putnam County.  Few "summer" records of this night-heron exist for the Region.

    Quite late for the first Yellow-crowned Night-Heron of the spring Regionally was an adult at Burgess Falls State Natural Area, Putnam Co., TN, 1 May 2006 (JDF); it or another adult was located at this site 13 May 2006 (MV fide DLC) during the Putnam County SBC.

Diurnal Raptors

The earliest returning Osprey this spring was found at one of the three old nests in Jackson Co., TN, 3 March 2006 (SJS), the earliest an Osprey has been found at one of these nests since monitoring of them began several years ago; however, occasional wintering by Ospreys in the Region somewhat clouds the issue of early spring arrival date for this raptor.  By 10 March 2006 Ospreys had also returned to two other nests in Jackson Co. (TMC, NSL photos); by 14 April 2006 adults were incubating eggs on two of these nests (NSL); by 22 May 2006 one of the nests had two young visible (NSL). The best news of the season was the discovery in Jackson County of a fourth nest 18 May 2006 (NSL, JL); an adult was near this nest 22 May 2006 (NSL).  An Osprey at Pulaski County Park, Pulaski Co., KY, 23 March 2006 (RMD) was the next earliest to be reported around the Region besides those found in Jackson Co., TN.

    An adult Bald Eagle soaring over the Group Lodge at Standing Stone State Park, Overton Co., TN, 7 March 2006 (MPO) provided the one of few records with details for that park. An active nest was located in Pickett Co., TN, last season; at least one young was noted in the nest 5 April 2006 (RCH, MH, SJS photo).

    The last Northern Harrier of the season Regionally showed up in eastern Putnam Co., TN, 22 April 2006 (JEM).

    Earliest Regionally this spring was a Broad-winged Hawk in the Dry Creek Meadows area of Putnam Co., TN, 7 April 2006 (GKE).

    An individual of the light morph of the eastern subspecies of Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis borealis, formerly known as "Krider's" Red-tailed Hawk [B. j. krideri]), was photographed 16 March 2006 in DeKalb Co., TN (JCF photo), where the bird had spent most of the preceding winter; few counties in the Region have records of this morph.  Six Red-tails in a flock moving northeast over Rt. 56 north of Smithville, DeKalb Co., TN, 1 April 2006 (CDW) probably represented slightly late migratory movement by this raptor.

    A brown-plumaged Merlin at the Indian Creek Recreation Area (a facility leased from the Corps of Engineers), Cordell Hull Reservoir, Smith Co., TN, 19 March 2006 (WAW) provided one of few records for that county and was earliest Regionally this spring (though Regional wintering by this falcon is becoming more regular).

Coot through Terns

The only report of Sora for the season came from a pond east of Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 21 May 2006 (JEM).

    The last American Coot of the season Regionally was noted at a pond on the Hartsell Bench section of Rt. 70 between Cookeville and Monterey, Putnam Co., TN, 22 May 2006 (KS fide WB); another was found on a pond east of Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 21 May 2006 (JEM).

    All Regional records of northbound Sandhill Cranes this season, including records of the earliest returning "spring" migrants, are listed in Appendix A of the Winter 2005-2006 UCR Bird Report. At least two of the 5-6 cranes that wintered near Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, were still present at that site 18 March 2006 (RDM), while 77 and 10 cranes were noted on the ground at that site 4 and 9 March 2006 (RMD), respectively.  The latest report of northbound cranes Regionally this spring came 26 March 2006 from the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN (SJS), where a flock was heard; three cranes on the ground on Jones Gap Rd., Sequatchie Valley, Bledsoe Co., TN, 31 March 2006 (DS, RS) were probably even later migrants.

    Seven basic-plumaged American Golden-Plovers on Clemmons Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 6 April 2006 (SJS, NSL photo) provided the first record with details for that county, the thirteenth record Regionally, the first record this spring Regionally (but, paradoxically, the latest ever during spring Regionally), and the largest number ever found Regionally.

    The first Semipalmated Plover of the season Regionally was found at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 19 April 2006 (RMD), while the latest report was made at Clifty Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, 26 May 2006 (RMD).

    Easily the most impressive bird tallied during the Cumberland County SBC 29 April 2006 was a female Black-necked Stilt found near Bud Tanner Rd. (JEM photo, AFM), the first of its kind to be observed in Cumberland Co., TN, and just the second record of its species to be noted in the Region, the first having taken place in DeKalb Co., TN, during May 2004 (see Spring 2004 UCR Bird Report; see also Fuson and Williams 2004).

    The first Greater Yellowlegs to show up this spring Regionally was 'scoped at Randolph Pond, Walter Stone Rd., White Co., TN, 2 March 2006 (DAD), earlier than the early spring arrival date for either Putnam Co., TN (8 March) , or Pulaski Co., KY (22 March); a late Greater was noted at the Valley Oak Ponds, Pulaski Co., KY, 25 May 2006 (RMD), the latest report of the season Regionally and the latest ever found during spring in that county.

    Lesser Yellowlegs first appeared Regionally this season 8 April 2006 on Rt. 83 and on Student's Home Rd., DeKalb Co., TN (SJS, NSL, CDW), where five and three were found, respectively; one Lesser was also present on Dry Valley Rd., Putnam Co., TN, the same day (SJS); the last Lessers were two found during the Putnam County SBC 13 May 2006 (BHS).

    Earliest reported this spring Regionally, a Solitary Sandpiper visited Macedonia Pond, White Co., TN, 31 March 2006 (SJS).

    Earliest ever during spring in Putnam Co., TN, and earliest this spring Regionally was a Spotted Sandpiper on Clemmons Rd. 6 April 2006 (SJS); the last report of the season came from Clifty Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, 28 May 2006 (RMD).

    The first Least Sandpiper of the spring Regionally appeared at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 7 April 2006 (RMD).

    A White-rumped Sandpiper was observed at the Valley Oak Ponds, Pulaski Co., KY, 25 May 2006 (RMD) while another was found at Clifty Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, 28 May 2006 (RMD), the only reports of the season Regionally.

    Six Pectoral Sandpipers were counted at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 18 March 2006 (RMD), the earliest Pecs reported around the Region this spring.

    The only dowitcher of the season Regionally was an unidentified bird found at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 20 May 2006 (RMD).

    A count of 56 Wilson's Snipes at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 6 March 2006 (RMD) was the most reported Regionally this season but did not closely approach the count of 80 made last fall at the same site.

    All reports of American Woodcocks for this spring Regionally are incorporated into Appendix B of the Winter 2005-2006 UCR Bird Report.

    Bonaparte's Gulls lingered Regionally this spring until 19 April 2006 in Pulaski Co., KY (RMD).

    Ring-billed Gulls were last reported this season Regionally from Cumberland Co., TN, 29 April 2006 (EKL, DAD) during the Cumberland County SBC.

    The last Herring Gull persisted this spring Regionally until 19 April 2006 in Pulaski Co., KY (RMD).

    The earliest Forster's Tern of the season appeared in Barren Co., KY, 11 April 2006 (DLR), while the last report came from Pulaski Co., KY, 29 April 2006 (RMD).

Dove through Vireos

A Eurasian Collared-Dove at the feed mill in Monticello, Wayne Co., KY, 4 March 2006 (RMD) indicated continued presence at that site, currently the only area in that county with a known population; three collared-doves near the southern end of Upper East Valley Rd., Bledsoe Co., TN, 18 March 2006 (SJS) indicated that the population in that area remained present, albeit seemingly in small numbers.  A single collared-dove at Tech Village, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 2 & 7 April 2006 (SJS) provided evidence that the species continues to reside at that site, while a single collared-dove carrying a twig on Double Springs Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 6 April 2006 (SJS, NSL) provided one of few Regional records involving breeding evidence; two collared-doves were found on the Putnam County SBC 13 May 2006, one near Double Springs (SJS) and one at a new county site, the lower end of Phifer Mountain Rd. (BHS).  A single collared-dove on New Home Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 8 April 2006 (SJS, CDW, NSL) came from a slightly different area of that county than the species has heretofore been found in.  Two collared-doves 3.2 km south of Burke, southern Cumberland Co., TN, 30 April 2006 (JaF, RCF) provided the first record for that county, which became the 12th Regional county with a verified collared-dove presence. Eight collared-doves in Sparta, White Co., TN, 6 May 2006 (fide DAD) during the White County SBC provided a local high count and indicated continued and increased presence in that county. 

    A Black-billed Cuckoo found along the Cathy Crockett Trail, Pulaski Co., KY, 28 April 2006 (RMD) was the first of the spring to be located Regionally; the only other report came 13 May 2006 when one was heard calling along Martin Creek, extreme western Putnam Co., TN (SJS), during the Putnam County SBC.

    The earliest Yellow-billed Cuckoo of the spring Regionally was reported from the Shenandoah area of Putnam Co., TN, 26 April 2006 (MPO).

    A Great Horned Owl nest (in a yellow poplar, original nest-builder unknown) in White Co., TN, fledged one young during the period 21-22 April 2006 (WB), while another nest (in a sycamore, original nest-builder unknown) in Pulaski Co., KY, still contained at least one large young 2 May 2006 (RMD photo).

    Continuing a record begun last season (see Winter 2005-2006 UCR Bird Report), Short-eared Owls were noted at Ninemile Crossroad, Bledsoe Co., TN, as follows: four 3 March 2006 (TLC et al.); three 6 March 2006 (SJS); three 8 March 2006 (SJS);  four 10 March 2006 (SJS); four 12 March 2006 (SJS); four 15 March 2006 (SJS); and one 18 March 2006 (SJS).

    Common Nighthawk made its first Regional appearance this spring at the Pulaski County High School, Pulaski Co., KY, 27 April 2006 (RMD).

    Heard calling at 0315 CDT 14 April 2006 on Bullington Lane, Jackson Co., TN (NSL), a Chuck-will's-widow was the first of the spring Regionally to be reported.

    The earliest Eastern Whip-poor-will of the season Regionally was heard on Bullington Lane, Jackson Co., TN, 1 April 2006 (JL fide NSL).

    The first Chimney Swift of the spring Regionally appeared over the lake at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 5 April 2006 (SJS, JaF, NSL).

    The earliest reported Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the season Regionally was seen on Student's Home Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 30 March 2006 (JCF), a day earlier than the earliest Ruby-throat reported last spring (also by JCF at the same site) and earlier than the early spring arrival dates for Putnam Co., TN (3 April), and Pulaski Co., KY (4 April); also earlier than the Putnam and Pulaski early arrival dates were Ruby-throats at a different site (Hurricane Ridge Rd.) in DeKalb Co., TN, 31 March 2006 (TLC, VC), on Upchurch Rd., Smith Co., TN, 1 April 2006 (KH), and on Walnut Grove Rd., White Co., TN, 2 April 2006 (SB, WB); Ruby-throats on Aspen Dr., Putnam Co., TN (SH), and north of Monterey, Putnam Co., TN (BB), each 3 April 2006, tied the early spring arrival date for that county.  The presence of so many early arriving Ruby-throats argues some causative factor(s) at work, with warmish conditions--and therefore earlier than normal florescence--along the species' migration route probably involved (and these conditions may be linked to global warming).

    The immature male Rufous Hummingbird that showed up during early November 2005 (see Fall 2005 UCR Bird Report) and remained through the following winter (see Winter 2005-2006 UCR Bird Report) on Aspen Dr., Putnam Co., TN, was last seen 30 March 2006 (SH photo), by which time his gorget was almost completely filled in; his prenuptial molt appeared to take place during the last two weeks of March, i.e., about two weeks later than the molt of the adult male Rufous Hummingbird that stayed in DeKalb Co., TN, the previous winter. In each case completion of the prenuptial molt was immediately followed by the bird's disappearance, presumably caused by initiation of migration to the breeding grounds in the Northwest. The unidentified hummer on Creed Rd., Van Buren Co., TN, was last seen 1 March 2006 (BW, JW).

    Two Olive-sided Flycatchers at the Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 26 May 2006 (DLR photo, RD) provided the only report of the season Regionally and were the first with details from that county.

    The Region's first Eastern Wood-Pewee this spring showed up at the Casey Cove Campground, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 25 April 2006 (CDW).

    A calling Yellow-bellied Flycatcher near Science Hill, Pulaski Co., KY, 14 & 20 May 2006 (RMD) was, on the former date, the first of the season to be reported Regionally; the latter date provided a new late spring departure date for this flycatcher in Pulaski Co., KY--and probably in the Region, where records of this transient empid are extremely few.

    The first Acadian Flycatcher of the season Regionally appeared along the upper end of Indian Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 28 April 2006 (SJS); the next day two Acadians were noted along Old Rt. 28 near Burke, southern Cumberland Co., TN (SJS), during the Cumberland County SBC; and one showed up in Pulaski Co., KY, 30 April 2006 (RMD).

    Three Alder Flycatchers at the Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 23 May 2006 (DLR) and two there 26 May 2006 (DLR, RD) provided the first records with details for that county and were the only ones reported during the season Regionally.

    The first Willow Flycatcher of the season was found 12 May 2006 near Bud Tanner Rd., Cumberland Co., TN (JEM photo), where it was seen again 15 & 28 May 2006 (JEM); next earliest were two Willows found during the Pulaski County SBC 13 May 2006 (SM); two Willows were also seen at a pond east of Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 21 May 2006 (JEM).

    Earliest this spring Regionally, earliest ever during spring in Pulaski Co., KY, by about a week, and tied for earliest ever Regionally, a Least Flycatcher was singing and calling near Science Hill 26 April 2006 (RMD).

    The Great Crested Flycatcher made its first Regional appearance this spring in the Dry Creek Meadows area of northern Putnam Co., TN, 15 April 2006 (GKE). 

    Somewhat late for the earliest reported Eastern Kingbird of the season Regionally was a single at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski Co., KY, 11 April 2006 (RMD).

    All (of the fairly few) records of Loggerhead Shrike during the season are listed in Appendix A (below).  The locations where shrikes were reported in DeKalb Co., TN, were either certainly (Student's Home Rd. and County Home Rd.) or probably (Pine Creek Falls Rd.) breeding sites; the locations where shrikes were reported in White co., TN, were also probably breeding sites; and the location in Pulaski Co., KY, was confirmed as a nesting site.  Eastern red cedar, often removed as an undesirable "brush" species in pastures and along roadsides in the Region, was the exclusive nesting substrate of shrikes in the Region this spring.

    A somewhat early White-eyed Vireo found in eastern White Co., TN, 1 April 2006 (DAD) provided the first record of the spring Regionally; a White-eye at Little Lick, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 6 April 2006 (RMD) was earliest ever during spring in that county.

    Earliest this spring Regionally was a Yellow-throated Vireo in eastern White Co., TN, 1 April 2006 (DAD), somewhat earlier than the early spring arrival dates for Putnam, TN (4 April), and Pulaski, KY (10 April).

    The first Blue-headed Vireo of the season Regionally was reported near Piney Creek Falls, Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park and Natural Area, Van Buren Co., TN, 8 March 2006 (SJS); this non-singer may have represented an overwintering bird, or it may have been an early returning migrant.  A singing Blue-head at Barnett Bridge, OWSR, Morgan Co., TN, 11 March 2006 (SJS, BHS) was the earliest ever detected during spring in that park; two Blue-heads were heard in Frozen Head State Natural Area, Morgan Co., TN, the same day (MEH); five Blue-heads in the Cumberland Cove area of eastern Putnam Co., TN, 12 March 2006 (JEM, AFM) were early and notably abundant; eight Blue-heads, including seven singers, near Yahoo Falls/Arch, BSFNRRA, McCreary Co., KY, 13 March 2006 (RMD) were earliest ever noted in that park and in the commonwealth of Kentucky, as well as present in a large number for the date; three Blue-heads at Little Lick, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 15 March 2006 (RMD) provided a new early spring arrival date for that county. The presence of so many early arriving Blue-heads suggests some causative factor at work, with early season warm conditions (and therefore earlier than normal leaf emergence and insect emergence) being the likely candidate (perhaps linked to global warming?).

    A Warbling Vireo at Ansel, Pulaski Co., KY, 15 April 2006 (RMD) established a new early spring arrival date for that county and was the first of the spring reported Regionally; at least one Warbling was near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 12 May 2006 (JEM), a county with few records of this very uncommon Regional breeder.

    The first Red-eyed Vireo of the season Regionally was reported at Cumberland Mountain State Park, Cumberland Co., TN, 11 April 2006 (MEH).

Martin through Pipit

Earliest Regionally this spring was a Purple Martin in western DeKalb Co., TN, 4 March 2006 (TS fide CDW); at Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, the first returnee appeared 8 March 2006 (JEM).

    The first Tree Swallow of the spring Regionally appeared at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 1 March 2006 (SJS, NSL, BD); two others were noted the next day at Randolph Pond, Walter Stone Rd., White Co., TN (DAD).

    Quite early was a Northern Rough-winged Swallow near Rock Island State Park, White Co., TN, 7 March 2006 (DAD), substantially earlier than the early spring arrival dates for Putnam Co., TN (16 March), and Pulaski Co., KY (17 March); also early were 12 Rough-wings at Snow Hill, DeKalb Co., TN, 15 March 2006 (VC, TLC).

    The first Bank Swallow of the season Regionally appeared at Clifty Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, 27 April 2006 (RMD).

    Six Cliff Swallows at Granville, Jackson Co., TN, 30 March 2006 (SJS) were the first reported Regionally this spring; three Cliffs found near Newton, southwestern Cumberland Co., TN, 29 April 2006 (DAD) during the Cumberland County SBC were the first of their species to be reported with details from that county.

    The earliest Barn Swallow Regionally was reported from Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park and Natural Area, Van Buren Co., TN, 18 March 2006 (SJS).

    A House Wren noted near the Kendall Recreation Area, Russell Co., KY, 4 March 2006 (RMD) was either a wintering bird (more likely) or a very early arriving spring migrant (less likely); if the former status is the case, it would add to the increasing number of wintering House Wrens found in south-central Kentucky in recent years.  The next report of House Wren came from City Lake, Putnam Co., TN, 8 April 2006 (BHS).

    Earliest ever during spring Regionally and first ever in DeKalb Co., TN, as well as earliest this spring Regionally, a Sedge Wren was seen and heard on Whorton Springs Rd. 8 April 2006 (SJS, CDW, NSL).

    The last hurrah for Golden-crowned Kinglet this spring Regionally was heard 12 April 2006 when one was detected in Putnam Co., TN (MPO).

    Latest Regionally this spring was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet found near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 20 May 2006 (JEM); one found in Pulaski Co., KY, 12 May 2006 (RMD) was latest ever in that county.

    The first  Blue-gray Gnatcatchers included three in the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN (SJS), and two from the Potter's Ford area of the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, Cumberland Co., TN (JEM, AFM), all 1 April 2006.

    A singing and calling Veery near Burke, southern Cumberland Co., TN, 29 April 2006 (SJS) during the Cumberland County SBC was the first of the season to be reported Regionally; another Veery at Ensor Sink Natural Area, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 17 May 2006 (SHo, SJS) was the latest ever during spring in that county.  A singing Veery found on Dorton Knob at the southern end of Brady Mountain near Cumberland Trail State Park, Cumberland Co., TN, 28 May 2006 (JEM, AFM) was undoubtedly part of the small breeding population occurring at that site (see also Summer 2005 UCR Bird Report and Summer 2006 UCR Bird Report).

    The Region's first Swainson's Thrush of the season was seen and heard calling at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN, 28 April 2006 (SJS); nine Swainson's at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 20 May 2006 (RMD) were latest ever in that county during spring.

    The first Wood Thrushes of the season Regionally were singles reported 11 April 2006 from Clifty (MEH) and Tanner Rd. (JEM), both Cumberland Co., TN.

    The Region's first Gray Catbird this spring was found in southern Pulaski Co., KY, 15 April 2006 (TH, RMD).

    Extremely late, an American Pipit was photographed near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 12 May 2006 (JEM photo).

Warblers

For the first time in many years, perhaps for the first time ever, all 37 of the regularly occurring Eastern warblers were observed in the Region this spring, making it one of the better spring birding seasons on record just from that standpoint.

    Several singing Blue-winged Warblers were heard in western Putnam Co., TN, 13 April 2006 (SJS), the earliest report of the season Regionally but somewhat late for first-of-spring arrivals.

    A Golden-winged Warbler on Tanner Dr., Cumberland Co., TN, 27 April 2006 (JEM) was the first of the season to be reported Regionally. Two other Golden-wings were noted on Rt. 478, McCreary Co., KY, 6 May 2006 (RMD); also on Rt. 478 that day were a Brewster's Warbler-type singing a Blue-winged Warbler song (RMD photo) and another warbler not viewed that tantalizingly sang the songs of both Blue-winged and Golden-winged warblers (RMD). Another Golden-wing was found on Bell Rd., Cumberland Co., TN, 14 May 2006 (JEM).  All of these sightings took place at sites where this rare species has been known to breed in the past (the fairly recent past in the case of the McCreary County birds).

    The first Tennessee Warblers of the spring Regionally were encountered in Warren and Van Buren counties, TN, 22 April 2006 (SGS); a Tennessee found at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 20 May 2006 (RMD) was latest ever in that county during spring.

    Although occasional Orange-crowned Warblers spend the winter in the Region, at least during warmish seasons and/or during seasons with plentiful soft mast crops, they are rare enough at that season to allow first-of-spring records to be maintained for this species in the Region; the first report this season Regionally came from Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 12 April 2006 (SJS, GKE).

    The earliest Nashville Warbler of the season was observed near the Heritage Marsh, White Co., TN, 20 April 2006 (DAD).

    The first Northern Parulas of the spring Regionally were singles found in eastern White Co., TN (DAD) and at Potter's Ford, Cumberland Co., TN (JEM, AFM), both 1 April 2006 .

    The earliest Yellow Warblers of the spring Regionally were represented by two along the Cumberland River, Jackson Co., TN, 14 April 2006 (SJS).

    The first Chestnut-sided Warbler of the season in the Region appeared near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 27 April 2006 (JEM).

    Earliest this season Regionally, a Magnolia Warbler at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 22 April 2006 (BHS) was also by three days the earliest ever in that county; another Magnolia in Pulaski Co., KY, 28 April 2006 (RMD) was earliest ever during spring in that county by two days.

    A Cape May Warbler was reported on Hurricane Ridge Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 26 April 2006 (TLC, VC), the first sighting of the season Regionally.

    The first and only Black-throated Blue Warbler of the season Regionally was found along the gravel road leading from Old Hwy. 28 to Hinch Mt., Cumberland Co., TN, 29 April 2006 (SJS) during the Cumberland County SBC.

    The last Yellow-rumped Warbler of the spring Regionally was reported from Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN,16 May 2006 (JEM).

    Seven Black-throated Green Warblers were heard singing 1 April 2006 during 5.5 hours of observation in the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN (SJS), where none could be found during 8 hours of observation 26 March 2006 (SJS), indicating that the earliest Greens probably arrived sometime between those dates; other Greens also first noted 1 April 2006 were near Yahoo Falls, BSFNRRA, McCreary Co., KY (CSN, WN); near Potter's Ford, Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, Cumberland Co., TN (JEM, AFM); and at Frozen Head State Natural Area, Morgan Co., TN (MEH).

    A nice male Blackburnian Warbler showed up on Hurricane Ridge Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, during the cool, drizzly morning of 26 April 2006 (TLC, VC), providing the first sighting of the spring Regionally.

    A singing Yellow-throated Warbler was heard at Frozen Head State Natural Area, Morgan Co., TN, 29 March 2006 (MEH), the first of the spring to be reported Regionally; next earliest were two heard at Rock Island State Park, Warren Co., TN, 31 March 2006 (SJS).

    Singing and feeder-frequenting Pine Warblers were oft-reported during the last half of February and the first half of March; a count of 22 was made 8 March 2006 on the 19.3-km (12-mi) Lower Cane Creek Loop in Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park and Natural Area, Van Buren Co., TN (SJS), a site less affected by the pine beetle outbreak of the early 2000s than were many other sites on the plateau; a count of 21 Pine Warblers was made near Little Lick, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 15 March 2006 (RMD), while a count of 24 was made in Fall Creek Falls State Resort Park and Natural Area, Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, TN, 18 March 2006 (SJS), mainly on the 20.9-km (13-mi) Upper Cane Creek Loop.

    Quite early for a first-of-spring Prairie Warbler in the Region was a singing bird on Eastland Rd., White Co., TN, 1 April 2006 (DAD), earlier than the early spring arrival dates for Putnam Co., TN (4 April), and Pulaski Co., KY (10 April).

    The last report of Palm Warbler in the Region this season came from Cumberland Cove, Putnam Co., TN, 13 May 2006 (JEM).

    The first Bay-breasted Warbler of the season in the Region showed up on West Oak Dr., Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, on the fairly early date of 25 April 2006 (WAW), only two days later than the early spring arrival date in that county.

    Three Blackpoll Warblers at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 22 April 2006 (BHS, RM) provided the earliest report of the spring Regionally.

    A singing male Cerulean Warbler was heard and seen on Martin Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 13 April 2006 (SJS), establishing the earliest report of the spring Regionally and tying the early spring arrival date in that county; several Ceruleans were found in the vicinity of Stephen's Knob, DBNF, McCreary Co., KY, 15 April 2006 (RMD et al.). Results of an 82-km long survey for Ceruleans in western Putnam Co., TN, 19 May 2006 (SJS, WAW) reveal a steep decline in numbers tallied this year (28) compared to numbers tallied along an identical route in 2005 (42) and 2004 (47)--link to results of this informal Cerulean Warbler survey.

    Earliest Black-and-white Warblers included singles in the Shenandoah area of Putnam Co., TN (MPO), in Frozen head State Natural Area, Morgan Co., TN (MEH), and in or near the  Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, White Co., TN (SJS, DAD), as well as several near Potter's Ford, Catoosa WMA, Cumberland Co., TN (JEM, AFM), all 1 April 2006, indicating a fairly well coordinated Regional arrival pattern by Black-and-whites this spring.

    Several singing American Redstarts on Broadwater Branch Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 13 April 2006 (SJS) provided the first report of the spring Regionally and tied the early spring arrival date in that county; 50 tallied during the Putnam County SBC 13 May 2006 were found mainly (45) in the western end of the county with a few (5) showing up in the eastern end, mainly on Mill Creek Rd.

    The first Prothonotary Warbler of the spring Regionally showed up at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski Co., KY, 11 April 2006 (RMD).

    A singing Worm-eating Warbler on Martin Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 13 April 2006 (SJS) provided the earliest report of the season Regionally; a Worm-eater in Pulaski Co., KY, 16 April 2006 (RMD) was earliest ever during spring in that county.

    The first Swainson's Warbler sighting of the season Regionally came on the very late date of 9 May 2006, when one was recorded near Natural Arch, DBNF, McCreary Co., KY (FR)..

    An Ovenbird heard on Broadwater Branch Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 13 April 2006 (SJS) and four found the same day during a kayak trip along Buck Creek, Pulaski Co., KY (RMD), were the first reported this spring Regionally.

    The first Northern Waterthrush of the season Regionally appeared at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN, 22 April 2006 (BHS); the last report of the spring in the Region came 19 May 2006 from Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN (SJS).

    Pulaski County Park, Pulaski Co., KY, hosted the first returning Louisiana Waterthrush of the spring Regionally 23 March 2006 (RMD).

    The Region's first Kentucky Warbler of the spring showed up in the Shenandoah area of Putnam Co., TN, 16 April 2006 (MPO).

    The only report of Connecticut Warbler this spring Regionally came from Campground Rd., far eastern Putnam Co., TN, 13 May 2006 (BHS) during the Putnam County SBC.

    Single Mourning Warblers appeared 20 May 2006 near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN (JEM), and at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN (SJS); another was noted 23 May 2006 at the Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY (DLR); these were  the only reports of the season, and the latter record was the first with details from Barren County.

    The first Common Yellowthroats of the season Regionally appeared near Mark, Pulaski Co., KY (CSN), and on Tanner Dr., Cumberland Co., TN (JEM), both 11 April 2006 .

    The Region's first Hooded Warbler of the season was a non-singing male that appeared on Hidden Dr., Cumberland Co., TN, 6 April 2006 (AFM, JEM).

    A singing Wilson's Warbler at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 3 May 2006 (SJS) was the first of the season to be found Regionally; a Wilson's at Ensor Sink Natural Area, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 17 May 2006 (SHo) was the first to be noted at that site, while another Wilson's at the Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 26 May 2006 (DLR, RD) was the first with details from that county.

    A Canada Warbler in Pulaski Co., KY, 10 May 2006 (RMD) was the first to appear Regionally this spring.

    Earliest ever in Putnam Co., TN, by four days and earliest this season Regionally was a Yellow-breasted Chat in the Shenandoah area 14 April 2006 (MPO).

Sparrows through Finches

A Clay-colored Sparrow, just the second ever reported in the Region (see Fall 2003 UCR Bird Report for an account of the first sighting; see also Palmer-Ball and McNeeley 2004a), was found at Barren River State Resort Park, Barren Co., KY, 10 May 2006 (DLR *); this record was later approved by the KBRC (Yandell 2008).

    The earliest Grasshopper Sparrow of the season in the Region was found at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 7 April 2006 (RMD).

    The first Henslow's Sparrow of the spring Regionally appeared at Clifty Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, 11 April 2006 (RMD).

    The last Savannah Sparrow of the season Regionally was noted at Clifty Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, 20 May 2006 (RMD).

    Fox Sparrows made their last appearance Regionally this spring when one was noted 24 March 2006 in Pulaski Co., KY (RMD).

    A Swamp Sparrow in the Heritage Marsh, White Co., TN, 6 May 2006 (SJS) during the White County SBC was late, but the last Swamp of the season reported Regionally was found in Pulaski Co., KY, 9 May 2006 (RMD, CGH).

    An adult Harris's Sparrow remained at a feeding station on Flattop Mountain, Bledsoe Co., TN, 22 April-1 May 2006 (RSa, DS photo fide RSt--27 April 2006), providing the first county and Regional record of this handsome sparrow.

    A White-crowned Sparrow was noted near Mt. Zion, Pulaski Co., KY, 21 May 2006 (RMD), the last report of the season Regionally and the latest ever in that county during spring.

    Earliest this spring Regionally was a Summer Tanager at the Casey Cove Campground, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 15 April 2006 (CDW).

    The first Scarlet Tanager of the season Regionally was heard in Mullican Hollow, DeKalb Co., TN, 13 April 2006 (MJH).

    Two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks showed up on 16th St., Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 10 April 2006 (MR photo), providing a new early spring arrival date for that county, as well as the first Regional record this spring; the same observer still had two females present at the same site 22 May 2006.

    The first Blue Grosbeak of the season was found at the Pumphrey Farm, Pulaski Co., KY, 18 April 2006 (RMD, CGH).

    A brown-plumaged Indigo Bunting appeared in a yard on Hurricane Ridge Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 13 March 2006 (TLC photo, VC), probably providing a "late winter" record for this species--and, if so, the second Regional record for the past winter, the first having taken place in Pulaski Co., KY, back in December and January (see Winter 2005-2006 UCR Bird Report)--but possibly providing the earliest arrival date this spring Regionally; this bird stayed about a month, at which time it could not safely be separated from newly arriving female-plumaged Indigos.  The fine weed seed crop this past winter probably explains the Regional records of Indigos this winter, but some credit for the presence of two wintering Indigos might also be assigned to the fairly warmish weather taking place during the season.  The next earliest Indigo this spring Regionally was reported from Bullington Lane, Jackson Co., TN, 11 April 2006 (NSL).

    An adult male Painted Bunting was videotaped 26 May 2006 on Warsaw Rd. in the Whites Bottom area of Cumberland Co., KY (GT videotape; DLR still photo from video), providing the second Regional record of the nonpareil, the first, involving a female, having taken place 27 April 1997 in Pulaski Co., KY (Palmer-Ball 2003); the Cumberland County record was also just the fourth ever in Kentucky and second to be fully documented (fide B. Palmer-Ball.

    A colony consisting of at least 1 female and approximately 4 singing male Dickcissels was located on County House Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 22 May 2006 (CDW photo, JCF, MJH), representing the first record in that county since 1973 (Shadowen 1978) and the first-ever record with a date from that county.

    The first Orchard Oriole of the season Regionally was reported from Wayne Co., KY, 14 April 2006 (RMD).

    The Region's first Baltimore Oriole this spring was noted on Hurricane Ridge Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 19 April 2006 (TLC, VC).

    A brown-plumaged Purple Finch suffering from conjunctivitis remained at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN, until at least 5 May 2006 (SJS), the latest of the season to be reported Regionally.

Observers:  Kevin Bowden (KB), Betty Bright (BB), Sharon Brines (SB), Wally Brines (WB), Daniel L. Combs (DLC), Tommy L. Curtis (TLC), Virginia Curtis (VC), Roseanna M. Denton (RMD), Robert Dever (RD), Douglas A. Downs (DAD), Bettie Doyle (BD), David G. Engebretson (DGE), Ginger K. Ensor (GKE), Janie C. Finch (JaF), John D. Froeschauer (JDF), Judy C. Fuson (JCF), Kathy Harville (KH), Michael J. Hawkins (MJH), Michael E. Hodge (MEH), C. Gay Hodges (CGH), Steve Holzman (SHo), Stan Hood (SH), Tim Houghton (TH), James Layzer (JL), Nancy S. Layzer (NSL), Ronald MacDonald (RM), Scott Marsh (SM), Anita F. Mast (AFM), Joseph E. Mast (JEM), Margaret Monteverde (MM), Connie S. Neeley (CSN), Wendell Neeley (WN), Michael P. O'Rourke (MPO), Ken Oeser (KO), Michele Ramsey (MR), Frank Renfrow (FR), David L. Roemer (DLR), Robin Sawvell (RSa), Thomas M. Saya (TMS), Thurman Seber (TS), Kim Sells (KS), Debbie Shannon (DS), Roi Shannon (RS), Richard W. Simmers, Jr. (RWS),  Scott G. Somershoe (SGS), Barbara H. Stedman (BHS), Stephen J. Stedman (SJS), Diane Steffy (DS), Robert Steffy (RSt), Gary Thompson (GT), Mark Vance (MV), Mike Vessels (MVe), Bill Wagner (BW), Jacquie Wagner (JW), Winston A. Walden (WAW), Carol D. Williams (CDW).

Literature Cited

Appendix A. Reports of Loggerhead Shrike during Spring 2006 in the Upper Cumberland Region.

Appendix B. Records of Cerulean Warblers at Known or Suspected Breeding Sites in the UCR during Spring and Summer 2006.

Appendix C. Records of Swainson's Warblers in the UCR during Spring and Summer 2006.

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