BIRDS of the UPPER CUMBERLAND REGION
Spring 2007 UCR Bird Report
(1 March31 May)
Stephen J. Stedman
Department of English
and Communications
Introduction
Spring around the Upper Cumberland Region (Figure 1) was the reverse of the norm during March (warm and dry) and early April (cold) this season; see weather section below. By late April more "normal" conditions prevailed weatherwise, but the late cold spell in early April delayed full leaf emergence at most Regional site by almost a month.
Concerns about the integrity of the Wolf Creek Dam caused the water level in Lake Cumberland (Kentucky) to be maintained about 40 feet below normal "summer" pool level this season; similar concerns about the Center Hill Dam (Tennessee) caused Center Hill Lake's level to be maintained slightly below normal summer pool level also. Whether the lower water levels on these lakes affected the birdlife on them was hard to determine, but shorebird habitat seemed to be enhanced at some sites (e.g., General Burnside Island State Park, Pulaski Co., KY) on the former lake. The low summer pool level on Lake Cumberland caused the river features of the Big South Fork to be emergent far downriver from the usual site where those features have been submerged by lake water during the past few decades.
Weather
March weather was warmer and more dry than the norm. A fairly good rain took place 2/3 April, bringing water levels in many Regional rivers and streams up to moderately high levels. The weather event of the season followed when a blast of very cold air penetrated the Region 6-10 April, bringing freezing (and some record-setting) night-time (and day-time) temperatures each of those days; on the plateau and in northern sectors of the Region temperatures dipped into the mid-teens Fahrenheit on at least one of those nights. Young leaves and fruits of many tree and shrub species were killed by this period of "dogwood winter," leaving in doubt the quality and quantity of the soft mast (and perhaps the hard mast) crop during the coming summer, fall, and winter seasons. Coolish, blustery conditions continued 1115 April, with light snow falling at some Regional sites for a brief time during the afternoon on the last of those dates. Seasonably warmer temperatures slowly returned to the Region over the next ten days. Late April and all of May were quite dry. A period of "blackberry winter" took place 16-20 May with night-time temperatures dropping into the upper 30s F in many areas of the Region.
Warm conditions during March and early April were perhaps responsible for the number of record early spring arrival dates taking place during the latter half of March and the first week of April. Thereafter the extremely cold conditions of 610 April appeared to cause (or at least to be correlated with) a considerable reduction in record early arrival dates and then to delay the arrival of most species expected to make their initial spring appearance during the second week of April. A summary of arrival and departure dates for migrant species observed during the season is available at this link:
A summary of results of Spring Bird Counts and Spring BirdBlitzes (i.e., counts not scheduled to be repeated annually) conducted in the Region is available at this link:
Results of the White County Foray (2528 May 2007), an event more properly related to the 2007 breeding season (see the Summer 2007 UCR Bird Report), are accessible via this link:
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 Greater White-fronted Goose thought to have been a second-year bird from its sparse belly spotting was noted at the Cookeville Golf Course, Putnam Co., TN, 20 April 2007 (SJS photo, LC); it represented just the 3rd county record (and first since 1999), as well as the 14th Regionally.
Three American Wigeons were noted on the lake at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 21 April 2007 (BHS et al.), the latest report of the season Regionally.
A male Blue-winged Teal that appeared incapable of flight was found in the Heritage Marsh, White Co., TN, 27 May 2007 (DLC, SJS) during the White County Foray.
The last report of Northern Shoveler during the spring Regionally came from Pulaski Co., KY, 24 April 2007 (RMD).
A male Redhead remained on Clifty Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, through the end of the period (RMD), setting a new late spring departure date for that county (but see the Summer 2007 UCR Bird Report for continuation of this record); this bird, like most late-lingering individuals of its species, was probably diseased, parasitized, or injured; see the Spring 2004 UCR Bird Report for information about a similarly late-lingering male Redhead in White Co., TN; that bird eventually died at the site where it lingered.
Two Greater Scaup near the Wolf Creek Dam, Lake Cumberland, Russell Co., KY, 13 April 2007 (RMD) and 15+ found on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 14 April 2007 (DLR) were the only ones reported this season.
The last Lesser Scaup reported this season Regionally was a female on the lake at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 25 April 2007 (SJS, JaF, RM, HH); 200 on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 14 April 2007 (DLR) were the most reported around the Region this spring.
Three female-plumaged Buffleheads on the lake at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 14 April 2007 (SJS) were latest ever during spring in that county and the latest reported around the Region this season.
A female Hooded Merganser with six half to three-quarters grown young in the wetland next to the WalMart in Sparta, White Co., TN, 19 May 2007 (SJS, DAD) during the White County SBC provided the fourth breeding record for that county, all occurring since 2004 and all taking place at the same site; a female Hoodie was observed at the site 24 May 2007 (DAD), but no further evidence of the young came to light.
The last report of Red-breasted Merganser this spring Regionally came from Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, where about 20 were observed 14 April 2007 (DLR).
Two Ruffed Grouse were flushed on private land near Hidden Dr., Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 25 March 2007 (JEM).
Loon through Herons
Twenty-three Common Loons in alternate plumage on Lake Holiday, Cumberland Co., TN, 14 April 2007 (JEM) provided a good spring count for that piscivore in the Region, as well as one of the highest counts ever in that county; another alternate-plumaged loon visited Livingston Reservoir, Overton Co., TN (SJS), the same day (and was still present 20 April 2007), providing one of few records in that county at a site away from the arms of Dale Hollow Lake that enter the county. The last loon of the season Regionally was seen flying over the lake at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 12 May 2007 (JaF et al.) during the Putnam County SBC.
Two Horned Grebes on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 14 April 2007 (DLR) were the last reported this spring Regionally.
Earliest this season Regionally was a Great Egret at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 28 March 2007 (SJS); this bird (or another) was present until 10 April 2007 (WAW), providing one of the longer spring visits on record in that county; four Great Egrets at Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 11 May 2007 (RMD) were the high count as well as the last report of the season Regionally.
An alternate-plumaged Cattle Egret was present 11 April 2007 at Macedonia Pond, White Co., TN (DAD), the earliest report of the season Regionally, the earliest spring arrival date ever for the Region, the fourth record for that county, and the 26th record for the Region; another alternate-plumaged Cattle Egret--earliest ever in Putnam Co., TN, during spring among seven county records--was photographed on Bluff Top Rd. 12 April 2007 (AS photo, TRR), the 27th record for the Region; still another Cattle Egret was noted in the area of Bowman Loop/Potato Farm Rd., Cumberland Co., TN, 1 May 2007 (WAW, MPO, TMS) during the Cumberland County, TN, SBC, providing the 3rd record for that county and the 28th Regionally; the Region's 29th record came 12 May 2007 when an egret of this species was observed on St. Mary's Rd., Putnam Co., TN (CDW, JCF, SJS), during the Putnam County SBC, bringing to eight the number of records in that county.
The earliest Green Heron of the season Regionally was observed at a pond in the Shenandoah area near Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 27 March 2007 (MPO); this sighting was by one day the earliest ever in that county.
Two adult Black-crowned Night-Herons at Cane Creek Park lake, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 18 April 2007 (JaF, GKE, NSL, LC, SJS) were the first of the season Regionally. The only other reports involved an adult found during the Smith County Spring Birdblitz 28 April 2007 (WAW, MPO, TMS) and an immature found in Edgar Evins S.P., DeKalb Co., TN, 20 May 2007 (JDF).
The only Regional report of Yellow-crowned Night-Heron this season came from Burgess Falls State Natural Area, Putnam Co., TN, 25 May 2007 (CDW, JCF, NSL, MJH) when an adult was observed; this site has harbored Yellow-crowns for many years.
Diurnal Raptors
The first Osprey of the season Regionally appeared near Camp Discovery, Jackson Co., TN, 6 March 2007 (NSL); by 17 March 2007 Ospreys had returned to four known nests in Jackson Co., TN (NSL); on 4 May 2007 (NSL) all four nests had one brooding adult on the nest and another adult nearby. The first confirmed Osprey nest for Smith Co., TN, was noted 28 April 2007 on a light pole in a ballfield next to Rt. 53 in Smith Co., TN (KH photo, SJS, DAD); this nest has apparently been active for several years (fide TH). An Osprey at Lee's Ford Marina, Pulaski Co., KY, 14 March 2007 (RMD) was earliest ever during spring in that county.
Earliest this spring Regionally was a Broad-winged Hawk at Dry Creek Meadows, Putnam Co., TN, 3 April 2007 (GKE).
Rails through Terns
The eighth Regional record of Virginia Rail was made 4 May 2007 at the Pumphrey Farm, Pulaski Co., KY (RMD, CGH); this record was also just the second for Pulaski County.
The first Sora this spring in the Region came from the Pumphrey Farm, Pulaski Co., KY, 4 May 2007 (RMD, CGH), quite late, but not unexpectedly so (because this species is so rarely encountered) for the first report of the season.
American Coots lingered until 11 May 2007 in Pulaski Co., KY (RMD), and 15 May 2007 in Putnam Co., TN (SJS), respectively, but the latest coot of the season was found at the Randolph Pond, Walter Stone Rd., White Co., TN, 25 May 2007 (WAW, MPO) during the White County Foray.
The latest Sandhill Crane report of the season Regionally involved two on the ground along Genesis Rd., Cumberland Co., TN, 16 April 2007 (LC, SJS photo), one of very few Regional records for April not involving cranes known or suspected to be sick or injured.
Two leg-marked, male Whooping
Cranes stayed 1727 March 2007 at
the Grassland Unit of the University of Tennessee Experimental Agriculture
Station on Ted Davis Rd., Cumberland Co., TN (CB fide JD, SJS photo [23
March 2007], m. ob.). Since information about the history of individual birds is
often unavailable, it seems appropriate here to review the history of
these two cranes (courtesy Sara Zimorski, International Crane Foundation [ICF]): The
two cranes are #s 5-05 & 6-05, two males, the 5th & 6th
birds to hatch for the reintroduction project in 2005. These birds were
hatched at the
The Region's first Semipalmated Plover of the season was found at Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 18 April 2007 (RMD); a count of 40 was made at this site 12 May 2007 (RMD), the highest number for the Region this season and probably the all-time high count for the Regionhowever, these records lasted only 6 days because a count of 44 Semipals was made 18 May 2007, also in Pulaski Co., KY (DLR); the last report of the season was obtained 27 May 2007 (RMD) in the same county.
The first Spotted Sandpiper of the spring Regionally appeared at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 11 April 2007 (SJS, GKE); the last report of the season came from the Randolph Pond, Walter Stone Rd., White Co., TN, 25 May 2007 (WAW, MPO) during the White County Foray.
Arriving a bit later than usual was the first Solitary Sandpiper of the spring Regionally, photographed on Cripps Lane, DeKalb Co., TN, 6 April 2007 (JCF photo).
The first Greater Yellowlegs of the season Regionally showed up at Fishing Creek, Pulaski Co., KY, 14 March 2007 (RMD), the earliest this shorebird has ever been recorded in that county during spring; the last report of the season in the Region came from the same county where two were observed 18 May 2007 (DLR).
The earliest Lesser Yellowlegs this spring Regionally were three near Mason Grissom Rd., Warren Co., TN, 31 March 2007 (SNM).
The earliest Semipalmated Sandpipers of the season Regionally were 10 noted along Fishing Creek, Pulaski Co., KY, 11 May 2007 (RMD), while 1 at the same site 31 May 2007 (RMD) represented the latest Regional report.
Two Western Sandpipers near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 1 May 2007 (JEM photo) were the first to appear Regionally this spring, as well as the first ever observed in that county.
The first Least Sandpipers of the season in the Region were four that appeared at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 24 April 2007 (RMD); the high count for the season was made at Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 12 May 2007 (RMD) when 109 were counted; the final report of the season came from Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 24 May 2007 (RMD).
The only White-rumped Sandpipers of the season Regionally were three at Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 19 May 2007 (RMD).
A Pectoral Sandpiper at Fishing Creek, Pulaski Co., KY, 5 March 2007 (RMD) was earliest ever in that county and the first to be reported Regionally this season.
A Dunlin at Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 12 May 2007 (RMD) during the Pulaski County SBC was the first of the season to be observed, quite late for a first of season report of this shorebird; two Dunlins in the same county 18 May 2007 (DLR) were latest ever during spring there and latest reported Regionally this spring.
Twenty-one Short-billed Dowitchers at Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 12 May 2007 (RMD) during the Pulaski County SBC were the first of the season Regionally, as well as a fine number anywhere in the Region.
Two hundred or more Bonaparte's Gulls on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 14 April 2007 (DLR) were the latest reported this spring Regionally, but surely a few from this group must have stayed a day or more longer at the site.
A Ring-billed Gull near Granville, Jackson Co., TN, 20 April 2007 (LC, SJS) was the last reported Regionally this season.
Three Caspian Terns at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 18 April 2007 (SJS, LC, GKE, NSL, JaF) and another on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY (DLR) on the same date were the first of the season Regionally to be reported. Two of this infrequently reported tern were noted at Granville, Jackson Co., TN, 20 April 2007 (LC, SJS) and two others (or possibly the same birds) were noted in the same county at Salt Lick Creek 22 April 2007 (MJH).
The only report of Common and Forster's terns Regionally this spring came from Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 11 May 2007 (DLR) when at least one of each was reported there.
Dove through Vireos
Few reports of Eurasian Collared-Doves were made during the season, one calling in the observer's yard in Sparta, White Co., TN, 13 April 2007 (DAD) and another possibly engaging in a courtship flight near Double Springs, Putnam Co., TN, 16 April 2007 (SJS, LC) being exceptions reported in counties with previous records of this species; two collared-doves were also found at the latter site 12 May 2007 (MJH) during the Putnam County SBC. However, a single collared-dove observed on Rt. 90 about 1 km east of Barren County in Monroe Co., KY, 25 April 2007 (BHS) provided the first record for that county. These sightings took place during what is presumed to be the early part of the species' breeding season in the Region.
The earliest Yellow-billed Cuckoo of the spring in the Region was found at Alpine, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 26 April 2007 (RMD).
A Black-billed Cuckoo near the marina in Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Barren Co., KY, 7 May 2007 (SJS et al.) was the first to be reported this spring Regionally, somewhat late for the first spring report of this increasingly unreported cuckoo.
A Barn Owl was observed roosting in a barn near Science Hill, Pulaski Co., KY, 16 March 2007 (RMD), the first time since last August (see Fall 2006 UCR Bird Report) that an owl has been sighted in this location, though one or more birds have probably used the site during the entire intervening interval. Another Barn Owl was observed 26 March 2007 near a silo on Mast Dr., Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN (JEM); unsubstantiated reports of at least one Barn Owl at this site had taken place for some time prior to this sighting. An adult and two eggs were noted at the traditional site in Putnam Co., TN, 17 April 2007 (DLC, LC), and one adult was observed at this site 12 May 2007 (DAD) during the Putnam County SBC. Note: at the Cumberland County, TN, site noted above, JEM erected a box for Barn Owls in a barn near the silo where a Barn Owl was noted in late March; within a few weeks a pair of Barn Owls was in residence (see results of the 1 May 2007 SBC in Cumberland County), and by early May five eggs were being incubated in box; by the end of May several young had hatched (JEM photo); see the Summer 2007 UCR Bird Report for further information about this nesting instance.
A nest that produced a young Great Horned Owl in Pulaski Co., KY, during spring 2006 harbored another large downy young owl 25 April 2007 (RMD).
The initial report of Common Nighthawk this spring Regionally was made in Pulaski Co., KY, 30 April 2007 (RMD).
A Chuck-will's-widow was the first of the spring Regionally to be reported when heard 17 April 2007 on Bullington Lane, Jackson Co., TN (NSL, JL).
The first Eastern Whip-poor-will of spring Regionally turned up on Bullington Lane, Jackson Co., TN, 29 March 2007 (NSL, JL); this site has become regular in hosting the first Whip of the spring each year.
A Chimney Swift was the first returnee to the Region this spring when noted 3 April 2007 in the Shenandoah area of Putnam Co., TN (MPO).
The earliest Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the season Regionally was found on Cookeville Boatdock Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 28 March 2007 (JM fide MR); another male Ruby-throat--earliest ever during spring in Putnam Co., TN--was seen at a feeder in the Shenandoah area of that county 29 March 2007 (MPO).
The banded female Rufous Hummingbird present on Creed Rd., Van Buren Co., TN, during the previous two seasons was last observed 6 March 2007 (BW, JW); see the Fall 2006 UCR Bird Report and the Winter 20062007 UCR Bird Report for additional data about the stay and the banding of this individual.
Three Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers engaged in courtship-like (and possibly copulation-like) behavior 11 April 2007 on Flynn Creek Rd., Jackson Co., TN (MJH) provided an unusual observation, which may, alternatively, have been related to agonistic behavior near a food source. Presumably this behavior, if courtship related, was occurring en route to the breeding range in the north and did not indicate local breeding. The last sapsucker of the spring Regionally was observed 25 April 2007 in Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN (RM, GKE, JaF, HH, SJS).
The only Olive-sided Flycatcher reported this season Regionally came from County House Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 15 May 2007 (JCF).
Earliest Eastern Wood-Pewees this spring Regionally were noted 28 April 2007 in DeKalb (TLC, VC, RG, LG) and Smith (SJS, DAD) counties, the latter during the Smith County Spring BirdBlitz.
Mill Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN, hosted the earliest Acadian Flycatchers Regionally this spring when noted 26 April 2007 (BHS); a count of 100 Acadians made 20 May 2007 in western Putnam Co., TN (SJS)--during an 80-km (50.6-mi) survey for Cerulean Warblers--was by two the highest one-day total ever accumulated in that county.
At least three singing Alder Flycatchers in the Dry Creek Unit of Barren River WMA, Barren Co., KY, 11 May 2007 (DLR) were the only ones reported this spring.
The first Willow Flycatchers of the season were two noted in Pulaski Co., KY, 12 May 2007 (SM, RB) during the Somerset SBC.
The only Least Flycatcher reports included one along Peninsula Rd., Barren Co., KY, 10 May 2007 (SJS) and another at Fishing Creek, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, the next day (RMD).
The first Great Crested Flycatcher of the season Regionally was noted 19 April 2007 on Allen Hollow Rd., Putnam Co., TN (JaF).
Somewhat late for the first Eastern Kingbird of the season Regionally was a single near Rock Island State Park, Warren Co., TN, 13 April 2007 (BHS, SJS).
A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher returned to the breeding site on Ninemile Crossroad, Bledsoe Co., TN, no later than 17 May 2007 (SJS), the earliest spring date on record Regionally for this spectacular insectivore; there are just seven other records for the Region besides this one, and four of those derive from this same Bledsoe County site where breeding has taken place during at least four breeding seasons since 2000.
All reports of Loggerhead Shrikes are noted below (Appendix A); data for the shrike remained unhappily thin this season. Some good news about shrikes involved the nesting of at least one pair of shrikes (and possibly two pairs) on Student's Home Rd., DeKalb Co., TN (JCF), a site where this species has nested during several recent seasons. Of particular interest relating to the nesting of one shrike pair at this site was the possible loss of young shrikes to predation by Cooper's Hawk, one of which was seen 19 May 2007 (JCF) in a tree immediately adjacent to the nest tree on Student's Home Rd.; the number of fledged young at the nest site was reduced from four (14-16 May 2007 [JCF]) to three (17 May 2007 [JCF]) to one or two (24 & 29 May 2007 [JCF]) around the time that the Cooper's was seen. At another site on Student's Home Rd. about a km away from the site noted above another pair of shrikes was observed 20 May 2007 (JCF), suggesting that the local shrike population may be increasing at this site.
The first White-eyed Vireos of the spring Regionally appeared 1 April 2007 at two locations in Putnam Co., TN (SJS/MPO).
Earliest this spring Regionally but somewhat late for the earliest spring sighting were two singing Yellow-throated Vireos at Standing Stone State Park, Overton Co., TN, 14 April 2007 (SJS et al.) during the rain-drenched Standing Stone Naturalists' Rally; another Yellow-throated Vireo was seen on the same date on Hurricane Ridge Rd., DeKalb Co., TN (TLC, VC).
The Region's first arriving Blue-headed Vireo--traditionally the earliest appearing of the vireos--this spring was noted along the Angel Falls Trail, BSFNRRA, Scott Co., TN, 19 March 2007 (CSN, CGH), a bit later than first arrival dates during recent years. A lone Blue-head in south-central Macon Co., TN, 20 May 2007 (JDF, MRB) was of considerable interest, either as a late migrant or as a potential local breeder.
Regional first appearances this spring for Warbling Vireo took place 25 April 2007 in both Pulaski Co., KY (RMD), and Putnam Co., TN (SJS et al.), somewhat late for the first-arriving individuals of this species.
A Philadelphia Vireo near the lodge in Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Barren Co., KY, 7 May 2007 (JB, SJS et al.) was the first of the spring to be reported Regionally, somewhat late for the first arriving Philadelphia. No other reports were submitted.
Appearing a little later than "normal" for the first arrival of spring Regionally, a Red-eyed Vireo was heard singing in Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 16 April 2007 (SJS, LC).
Martin through Pipit
Information about the first arriving Purple Martin and Tree Swallow of the season Regionally may be found in the Winter 2006-2007 UCR Bird Report. A report of "thousands" of the latter on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 5 April 2007 (DLR), just before the great Easter freeze, was of considerable interest.
Quite late for first-arriving birds, several Northern Rough-winged Swallows were noted 24 March 2007 at Bee Rock, Putnam Co., TN (SJS).
Quite late for the first Bank Swallows of the season Regionally were two found near Cloyd's Landing, Cumberland Co., KY, 5 May 2007 (SJS, BHS) during the Cumberland County, KY, Spring BirdBlitz.
The first Cliff Swallows of the season Regionally included at least 10 at Granville, Jackson Co., TN, 24 March 2007 (SJS), about the earliest spring arrivals ever in the Region; very early Cliff Swallows were also noted the next day at the dam in Rock Island State Park, White/Warren counties, TN (DAD).
The first Barn Swallows of the season Regionally were two noted 19 March 2007 at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN (SJS); 1000+ were noted on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 5 April 2007 (DLR), just before the great Easter freeze.
A Red-breasted Nuthatch on the top of Hinch Mt., Cumberland Co., TN, 1 May 2007 (SJS) during the Cumberland County, TN, SBC was the latest reported around the Region this spring.
Two Brown-headed Nuthatches visited a suet feeder at a private residence near the Cookeville Golf Course, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 11 March 2007 (DN), continuing evidence of this rare species' presence at that site; two Brown-heads were seen foraging in mature loblolly pines on the golf course 20 April 2007 (SJS, LC); and seven were found at that site 12 May 2007 (WAW, MPO) during the Putnam County SBC.
The last Ruby-crowned Kinglet of the season Regionally was found at Shipley Farm, Putnam Co., TN, 12 May 2007 (JaF et al.) during the Putnam County SBC; this record was also by one day the latest ever during spring in that county.
The first Blue-gray Gnatcatchers of the season Regionally were two noted 26 March 2007 in White Co., TN (DAD).
The earliest Veery reported this spring was noted 1 May 2007 during the Cumberland County, TN, SBC at a probable breeding site in the Region--Dorton Knob at the southern end of Brady Mt., Cumberland Co., TN (SJS; Mast and Stedman 2006); a Veery was heard calling at this site 17 May 2007 (SJS).
Earliest this spring Regionally, a Gray-cheeked Thrush was noted near City Lake, Putnam Co., TN, 27 April 2007 (SJS).
The first Swainson's Thrushes of the season Regionally were reported from Smith Co., TN, 28 April 2007 (SJS, DAD/BHS, JaF) during the Smith County Spring BirdBlitz.
The last Hermit Thrushes Regionally this spring were noted in Jackson (NSL) and Putnam (GKE) counties, TN, both 20 April 2007.
Earliest this spring Regionally was a Wood Thrush heard calling in the late afternoon of 12 April 2007 at City Lake, Putnam Co., TN (SJS).
The earliest Gray Catbird this season Regionally was one noted in a backyard on 9th St., Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 20 April 2007 (KB).
Getting late were 15 American Pipits on Black Oak Rd., White Co., TN, 17 April 2007 (DAD).
Warblers
The first Blue-winged Warbler of the spring Regionally was noted along Martin Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 16 April 2007 (LC, SJS), slightly later than the normal first spring arrival date for this warbler.
No reports of Golden-winged Warbler were submitted this spring from anywhere in the Region.
Tennessee Warblers were first reported this spring Regionally from DeKalb (TLC, VC, RG, LG/MT) and Smith (SJS, DAD) counties, each 28 April 2007.
At least two Orange-crowned Warblers, one of which actually displayed its orange crown (quite a rare sight), were seen at Science Hill, Pulaski Co., KY, 20 April 2007 (RMD), the first sighted Regionally this spring.
The first report of Nashville Warbler this spring Regionally was made 20 April 2007 along the nature trail below Dale Hollow Dam near Celina, Clay Co., TN (SJS, LC).
Earliest this spring Regionally was a Northern Parula near the dam in Rock Island State Park, White/Warren counties, 25 March 2007 (DAD), somewhat on the early side even for this usually early-arriving parulid.
The first Yellow Warbler of the season Regionally was noted at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 18 April 2007 (LC, NSL, JaF, SJS), a bit late for the first report of the season.
Earliest this spring Regionally was a Chestnut-sided Warbler in northern Putnam Co., TN, 28 April 2007 (GKE).
The first Magnolia Warbler of the season Regionally came 28 April 2007 in DeKalb Co., TN (LG, RG, TLC, VC).
The earliest Cape May Warblers of the spring Regionally were noted in northern Putnam Co., TN, 27 April 2007 (GKE).
The first Black-throated Blue Warbler of the season Regionally was a singing male reported from Dorton Knob, Brady Mt., Cumberland Co., TN, 1 May 2007 (SJS) during the Cumberland County, TN, SBC; another singing male was noted near the lodge in Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Barren Co., KY, 7 May 2007 (SJS); and still another male was photographed in the Cumberland Cove area of eastern Putnam Co., TN, 12 May 2007 (JEM) during the Putnam County SBC.
The last Yellow-rumped Warbler of the spring Regionally was noted in northern White Co., TN, 19 May 2007 (WAW, MPO) during the White County SBC.
A Black-throated Green Warbler returned to the Region by the slightly late date of 27 March 2007, when the first of the season was noted near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN (JEM).
The Blackburnian Warbler was first noted Regionally this spring when a singing male was found in Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 21 April 2007 (BHS, LC et al.) during a birdwalk that was conducted as part of Nature Fest.
The first Yellow-throated Warbler of the season Regionally was heard 22 March 2007 in the Shenandoah area, Putnam Co., TN (MPO), earlier by one day than the previous early spring arrival date in that county. A Yellow-throated Warbler with aberrant tail markings (black-tipped ventrally like a Magnolia Warbler's tail--but with a ragged proximal edge [thanks to DLR for noting this detail]) was photographed on Tucker Ridge Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 21 April 2007 (SEP photo); hybridization, possibly with a Magnolia Warbler, was suspected as the cause of this abnormal feature.
The first Prairie Warbler of the spring Regionally was noted 10 April 2007 along Martin Creek in western Putnam Co., TN (SJS).
Late Palm Warblers were noted 12 May 2007 in Pulaski Co., KY (RMD), and Putnam Co., TN (DAD), during the respective SBCs in those counties.
A Bay-breasted Warbler at Alpine, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY, 26 April 2007 (RMD) was the first to be observed around the Region this season.
The earliest Blackpoll Warbler this spring Regionally arrived near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 24 April 2007 (JD).
Somewhat late for the first arriving Cerulean Warblers of the season Regionally were at least three singing males seen (1) and heard (3) on Martin Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 20 April 2007 (SJS, LC); see below (Appendix B) for a list of reports of this decreasing species from known or suspected Regional breeding sites.
The first-arriving Black-and-white Warbler of the season Regionally was heard on Anderson-Carr Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 24 March 2007 (SJS), earlier by two days than the previous early spring arrival date in that county.
The earliest American Redstart of the season Regionally was a male seen along Holmes Creek Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 17 April 2007 (TLC, VC).
Prothonotary Warblers returned to the Region 14 April 2007, when the first of the season was noted along the Buffalo Valley Nature Trail below Center Hill Dam, DeKalb Co., TN (WAW).
Two Worm-eating Warblers were earliest this spring Regionally when noted singing along the Emory River, Morgan Co., 6 April 2007 (BHS), quite early for this species.
No reports of Swainson's Warbler were submitted during the season, a disconcerting circumstance (but see the Summer 2007 UCR Bird Report for a report of at least six in Pulaski Co., KY, early in that season).
Earliest ever in Putnam Co., TN, and earliest this spring Regionally were Ovenbirds at two sites 4 April 2007 (RWS/BHS).
The earliest Northern Waterthrushes of the season Regionally appeared at three sites in Putnam Co., TN, 25 April 2007: City Lake (SJS), Shenandoah (MPO), and Cane Creek Park (SJS).
Earliest this season Regionally and earliest ever during spring in Pulaski Co., KY, was a Louisiana Waterthrush along Clifty Creek 14 March 2007 (RMD).
The first Kentucky Warbler of the spring Regionally was reported from the Shenandoah area of Putnam Co., TN, 19 April 2007 (MPO).
A well described Connecticut Warbler was observed near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 1 May 2007 (JEM) during the SBC in that county, providing the first documented observation there.
A Mourning Warbler singing near Mark, Pulaski Co., KY, 11 May 2007 (CSN) was earliest ever during spring in that county by one day and earliest Regionally this spring; another was observed in the Pulaski County Park, Pulaski Co., KY, 12 May 2007 (AMM) during the Somerset SBC and 18 May 2007 at the same site (DLR), the only other reports of the season.
Somewhat late for the first Common Yellowthroat of the season Regionally was one heard in Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 18 April 2007 (SJS, LC, NSL, JaF).
The first Hooded Warbler of the spring Regionally was noted singing along the Emory River, Morgan Co., TN, 6 April 2007 (BHS).
The only Regional report of Wilson's Warbler this spring involved one in Pulaski Co., KY, 13 May 2007 (RMD).
A Canada Warbler on Mason Grissom Rd., Warren Co., TN, 6 May 2007 (SNM) was earliest in the Region this spring but somewhat late for the first-arriving Canada.
The first Yellow-breasted Chat Regionally this season was observed in Pulaski Co., KY, 25 April 2007 (RMD).
Sparrows through Finches
The first Vesper Sparrow this season in the Region was found 24 March 2007 in Putnam Co., TN (SJS), while the last sighting took place in Pulaski Co., KY, 20 April 2007 (RMD).
The last Savannah Sparrows of the season were two found in eastern Putnam Co., TN, 12 May 2007 (BHS) during the Putnam County SBC and three found the same day during the Somerset SBC (fide RMD).
The first Grasshopper Sparrow of the season Regionally was noted on Student's Home Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 16 April 2007 (JCF).
Earliest ever Regionally, as well as in Cumberland Co., TN, was a singing Henslow's Sparrow on the Campbell Farm 27 March 2007 (JEM); eight were counted 1 May 2007 in fields near Dynamite Shanty Rd. on that farm during the Cumberland County, TN, SBC (JEM), and 15 singers were noted in about half of the field on the west side of Dynamite Shanty Rd. during the twilight hour 22 May 2007 (JEM, SJS), a density very close to the density found in that same field during July 2006 when this site was first discovered. A singing Henslow's in a small, woodland-surrounded fescue field on Charles Turner Rd., in southwestern Barren Co., KY, 6 May 2007 (SJS, BHS) was joined by a second singer 8-9 May 2007 (SJS, SM/SJS et al.); the habitat was initially considered somewhat unusual for these sparrows, which were perhaps late migrants but more likely breeders; they also provided just the second record for that county, the first having somewhat unexpectedly taken place during the winter of 1963-1964 (Monroe et al. 1988). Two singing Henslow's in a fescue field near Monterey Lake, Putnam Co., TN, 12 May 2007 (BHS) during the Putnam County SBC provided the first record for that county. A singing Henslow's was observed in the Heritage Marsh, White Co., TN, 19 May 2007 (DAD, SJS) during the White County SBC, and three singers were recorded the same day in the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness (SJS, DAD) during the same event, the first time that this increasingly registered sparrow has been observed at the latter site; at least 14 singing males and one agitated female were counted at or near the Bridgestone/Firestone site 27 May 2007 (SJS, DLC) during the White County Foray; a singing Henslow's was found at another new White County site--Hickory Valley Rd.--26 May 2007 (JEM), also during the White County Foray. Nine Henslow's were counted 29 May 2007 at the Ano strip mines, Pulaski Co., KY, (RMD), a site where this sparrow has been a regular breeder since the late 1990s.
Two Swamp Sparrows remained at the Pumphrey Farm, Pulaski Co., KY, until 12 May 2007 (RMD) when found during the Somerset SBC, the last report of the spring Regionally.
White-throated Sparrows lingered until 12 May 2007 in Pulaski Co., KY (fide RMD) and Putnam Co., TN (GKE, JaF, NSL, SEP, MR), where found during the respective SBCs in those counties.
A White-crowned Sparrow on Student's Home Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 7 May 2007 (JCF) was late, but the last White-crowns of the season Regionally included three in Pulaski Co., KY, 12 May 2007 (RMD) during the SBC there.
The last Dark-eyed Junco of the season lingered near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, until 21 April 2007 (JEM).
Two Summer Tanagers at Cane Creek Park, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 18 April 2007 (SJS, LC, JaF, NSL) were the first of the season Regionally.
Somewhat late for the first-arriving Scarlet Tanager of the spring Regionally was a male observed along Martin Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN, 20 April 2007 (LC, SJS).
The earliest Rose-breasted Grosbeak of the season Regionally was a male well photographed on Our Way Loop, Crossville, Cumberland Co., TN, 12 April 2007 (BH photo fide JH). This grosbeak flocked to feeding stations around the Region in unprecedented numbers for several weeks during the aftermath of the Easter freeze, indicating its susceptibility to cold conditions during the early part of its migration period through the Region, as well as the importance of feeders during such conditions. Two grosbeaks were heard calling on Dorton Knob, Brady Mt., Cumberland Co., TN, 17 May 2007 (SJS), a site where breeding evidence was obtained during summer 2006; see the Summer 2007 UCR Bird Report for additional records at this site during that season. Lingering Rose-breasts were noted 20 May 2007 in Pickett, TN (RCH), and Pulaski, KY (RMD), as well as 21 May 2007 in Putnam, TN (BD), but the latest of the season was a male on Hurricane Ridge Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 24 May 2007 (JCF).
Briefly seen near Blue Heron, BSFNRRA, McCreary Co., KY, 14 April 2007 (GC, RMD), a male Blue Grosbeak was earliest this spring Regionally.
A male Indigo Bunting at a feeder in Dry Creek Meadows, Putnam Co., TN, 14 April 2007 (GKE) was earliest this season Regionally.
The earliest Dickcissel in the Region this spring was found on County Farm Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 4 May 2007 (JCF, CDW).
The earliest Bobolinks of the season Regionally were three found in Smith Co., TN, 28 April 2007 (BHS, JaF) during the Smith County Spring BirdBlitz.
About on time for the first-arriving Orchard Oriole of the season Regionally was a male on Hurricane Ridge Rd., DeKalb Co., TN, 16 April 2007 (TLC, VC).
The first Baltimore Orioles of the season were two observed eating suet near Mayland, Cumberland Co., TN, 22 April 2007 (JEM).
A Pine Siskin near Mark, Pulaski Co., KY, 22-25 April 2007 (CSN) was somewhat unusual, given the miniscule irruption of this boreal finch into the Region during the past winter.
Observers: Kris Ballinger (KB), Kevin Bowden (KB), Charles Brendel (CB), John Brunjes (JB), Rhonda Bryant (RB), Marilyn R. Burgess (MRB), Leonardo Chavez (LC--Costa Rica), Daniel L. Combs (DLC), Granville Cox (GC), Tommy L. Curtis (TLC), Virginia Curtis (VC), Roseanna M. Denton (RMD), Janet Dowlen (JD), Douglas A. Downs (DAD), Bettie Doyle (BD), Ginger K. Ensor (GKE), Janie C. Finch (JaF), John D. Froeschauer (JDF), Judy C. Fuson (JCF), Louise Gambill (LG), Red Gambill (RG), Kathy Harville (KH), Terry Harville (TH), Robbie C. Hassler (RCH), Michael J. Hawkins (MJH), Barbara Hazard (BH), James Hazard (JH), Hope High (HH), C. Gay Hodges (CGH), Tim Houghton (TH), James Layzer (JL), Nancy S. Layzer (NSL), Scott Marsh (SM), Joseph E. Mast (JEM), Laura J. McCall (LJM), Ronald Mcdonald (RM), Susan N. McWhirter (SNM), John Milligan (JM), Shelley Morris (SM), Arlene M. Morton (AMM), David Narrie (DN), Connie S. Neeley (CSN), Michael P. O'Rourke (MPO), Susan E. Pirolo (SEP), Michele Ramsey (MR), Timothy R. Riddle (TRR), David L. Roemer (DLR), Thomas M. Saya (TMS), Jan K. Shaw (JKS), Danny Shelton (DS), Richard W. Simmers, Jr., (RWS), Annette Snow (AS), Barbara H. Stedman (BHS), Stephen J. Stedman (SJS), Melissa Turrentine (MT), Bill Wagner (BW), Jacquie Wagner (JW), Winston A. Walden (WAW), Carol D. Williams (CDW).
Literature Cited
Appendix A. Reports of Loggerhead Shrike during Spring 2007 in the Upper Cumberland Region.
| # | Date | Observer(s) | County, State | Site |
| 2 | 9 March | RMD | Pulaski, KY | White Rd. |
| 1 | 9, 12, 14, 21, 28, 29 March | JCF | DeKalb, TN | Student's Home Rd., |
| 2 (nest?) | 16 April | SJS, LC | White, TN | Central View |
| 1 | 1, 7, 11, 20 (2), 27 April | JCF et al. | DeKalb, TN | County House Rd. |
| pair with nest | 2, 8, 9 (2), 10, 13, 16, 17, 19-21, 2325, 28 (2), 29, 30 April | JCF | DeKalb, TN | Student's Home Rd. |
| 1 pr. w/ up to 4 y; another pr. nearby | 3, 5 (2), 7, 8, 9, 10 (2), 1120 (2 + y), 24, 27, 29, 30 May | JCF | DeKalb, TN | Student's Home Rd. |
| 1 | 4 May | JCF | DeKalb, TN | County House Rd. |
| 3 | 19 May | DAD, SJS | White, TN | Horton Rd., Hickory Valley Rd. (SBC) |
| 1 | 25 May | SJS | White, TN | Horton Rd. (Foray) |
Appendix B. Records of Cerulean Warblers at Known or Suspected Breeding Sites in the UCR during Spring and Summer 2007.
| Date | Number | Observer | Site |
| 20 April | 3 singing | SJS, LC | Martin Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN |
| 23 April | 1 | MJH | Love Colony Rd., DeKalb Co., TN |
| 26 April | 1 | RMD | Alpine, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY |
| 28 April | 2 singing | SJS, DAD | Northeastern Smith Co., TN (SBC) |
| 28 April | 1 | TLC, VC, LG, RG | Casey Cove Rec. Area, DeKalb Co., TN |
| 1 May | 17 singing | SJS | South-central Cumberland Co., TN, including Jewett Rd. (SBC) |
| 5 May | 1 singing | SJS | Rt. 214, Cumberland Co., KY (SBC) |
| 12 May | 1 singing | DAD | Water Plant Rd., Putnam Co., TN (SBC) |
| 12 May | 2 singing | BHS | Mill Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN (SBC) |
| 12 May | 31 singing | SJS | Western Putnam Co., TN (SBC) |
| 12 May | 2 | GC | Little Lick, DBNF, Pulaski Co., KY (SBC) |
| 17 May | 1 singing | SJS | Dorton Knob, Cumberland Co., TN |
| 20 May | 4 singing | JDF | Edgar Evins S. P., DeKalb Co., TN (point counts) |
| 20 May | 28 singing | SJS | Western Putnam Co., TN (CERW Survey) |
| 23 May | 5+ singing | KB, DS | Edgar Evins S.P., DeKalb Co., TN |
| 27 May | 1/1 singing | DAD, LJM | Webb's Camp Rd./Three Island Rd., White Co., TN (White County Foray) |
| 3 June | 35 singing | SJS | Frozen Head S.N.A., Morgan Co., TN |
| 5 June | 9 singing | SJS | Rt. 96, Martin Creek Rd., Hopewell Rd., Putnam Co., TN (point counts) |
| 6 June | 5 singing | SJS | Sullins Hollow Rd., Ensor Hollow Rd., Little Indian Creek Rd., Putnam Co., TN (point counts) |
| 7 June | 8 singing | SJS, JaF | Tightfit Rd., Anderson-Carr Rd., Putnam Co., TN (point counts) |
| 8 June | 11 singing | SJS | Broadwater Branch Rd., Carrington Rd., Brown Hollow Rd., McBroom Branch Rd., Putnam Co., TN (point counts) |
| 12 June | 4 singing | SJS, JEM | Jewett Rd. between Hinch Mt. and Dorton Knob, Cumberland Co., TN |
| 16 June | 9--7 singing | KB, JKS | Millennium Trail, Edgar Evins S.P., DeKalb Co., TN |
| 21 June | 1 singing | SJS | Lowe's Gap Rd., Bledsoe Co., TN |
Appendix C. Records of Swainson's Warblers in the UCR during Spring and Summer 2007.
| Date | Number | Observer | Site |
| 2 June | 6 seen/heard | TH (Beckham Bird Club) | Bee Rock, Pulaski Co., KY |
| 24 June | 3 | RMD | Little Lick, Pulaski Co., KY |
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