(1 December–28 February)
Stephen J. Stedman
Department of English
Box 5053
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN 38505
Introduction
The last month of the second millennium and the first two months of the third millennium saw some noteworthy ornithological events take place in the Upper Cumberland Region (UCR), an area encompassing ten counties in Kentucky (Adair, Barren, Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Metcalfe, Monroe, Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne) and sixteen in Tennessee (Bledsoe, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Scott, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, and White).
This report summarizes all data about Regional bird species available to the author for the winter of 2000-2001 and especially concentrates on the more common species, often unmentioned or mentioned but briefly in other summaries about birds (i.e., season reports published in The Migrant, The Kentucky Warbler, and North American Birds). The state and national reports cannot afford the space needed to treat common species in detail, so, by focusing on the common species, this report is intended as a supplement to, not as a replacement for, those ornithological summaries.
CBC: Data from three Regional Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) are noted below, usually in parentheses immediately after the name of each species. Data from a fourth Regional CBC in Warren Co., TN, were not collected this winter due to health problems experienced by two regular observers including the compiler. Three numbers follow "CBC" in the species accounts; these represent total individuals reported on the Regional CBCs in the following (north to south) order: Somerset (Pulaski Co.), KY (30 December 2000, the 5th CBC conducted at that site); Clay Co., TN (19 December 2000, the 2nd at that site); and Cookeville (Putnam Co.), TN (16 December 2000, the 38th at that site). The relatively low number of CBCs conducted thus far at the first two of the sites makes trend analysis of many species’ population numbers based on those CBCs’ data difficult or untenable at the present time.
WRS: Data from the Winter Roadside Survey (WRS) of birds undertaken in Putnam Co., TN, are also summarized below, usually in parentheses immediately after the name of the species. Two numbers follow "WRS" in the species accounts: the first number refers to the number of stops (of 500) on which the species was noted, and the second refers to the total number of individuals registered on the 500 stops of the WRS. Comparison with data from WRSs conducted in 1991 and 1996 is made for selected species, especially those in decline. Some species that appear to have increased in numbers on the WRSs may not actually have done so; rather, increases in the ability of the WRS observers (SJS and BHS) to detect wintering birds by sight and sound may account for some or all of the increase in numbers reflected on the WRSs. Thus, less emphasis is placed on increases than on decreases in population numbers of birds, but some mention of increasing trends on WRSs is still offered.
Weather: Temperatures this winter were benign during the first two weeks of December but turned bitterly cold for more than a month thereafter with only occasional short periods of warmish weather occurring until early February. Nearly all ponds and smaller lakes in the Region were frozen most or all of the period from mid-December until mid-January. Heavy rainfall during the season fell mainly during three well-spaced periods, one occurring 16 December (the date of the Cookeville CBC), one about 18 January, and one 14-16 February. The return to normally cold (even abnormally cold) winter conditions, after three consecutive mild winters, seemed, sadly, not to have halted the rapidly expanding population of southern pine beetles in the Region (see paragraph for Red-cockaded Woodpecker below), but the cold conditions may have affected birdlife, probably causing many individuals of some species (e.g., American Kestrels and Ruby-crowned Kinglets) to move south out of the Region during the worst of the cold weather and prompting others (e.g., Rough-legged Hawks, Horned Larks, American Tree Sparrows, and Lapland Longspurs) to move south into the Region in unusual numbers from more northerly latitudes.
Acknowledgments: Many observers submitted data during the winter. I thank them all, especially those cited below, for their willingness to share their bird records with me or with a public access forum (i.e., the TN-Bird listserv or BirdKy listserv). I also thank Roseanna Denton, Ginger Ensor, and Terry Thornton for prompt comments on early drafts of this report. Special thanks to Terry M. Campbell for acquiring information about the winter population of Bald Eagles on Dale Hollow Lake. Roseanna Denton and Terry Campbell also deserve thanks for sharing data from the CBC each compiles.
Abbreviations and Symbols: * = documentation on file with SJS; BSFNRRA = Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY and TN; CBC = Christmas Bird Count; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; m.ob. = many observers; WRS = Winter Roadside Survey.
Waterfowl through New World Vultures
The only Regional record of Greater White-fronted Goose took place at Cooley's Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 10 December 2000 (RMD), when one was noted.
Canada Geese (CBC: 332, 1, 579; WRS: 25, 453) are still increasing as permanent residents of the Region. The low number reported on the Clay Co., TN, CBC probably was weather-related. Two blue morph Snow Geese on the Cookeville CBC in Putnam Co., TN, 16 December 2000 were the only ones reported Regionally.
Mute Swans (CBC: 0, 0, 0; WRS: 1, 2) are making more Regional appearances each year and may someday breed in the Region as they do elsewhere in the Mid-South, such as in Memphis and Oak Ridge, TN. One was on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 4 December 2000 (DLR photo). Eight (apparently reduced to seven in January by an avid hunter) were present in Clay/Pickett counties, TN, during December 2000 and January 2001 (RCH). The swans in Pickett and eastern Clay counties this winter were preceded by three that wintered during 1999-2000 and two that wintered during 1998-1999 (fide RCH). Two Mute Swans were noted as flyovers 21 January 2001 in Putnam Co., TN (SJS), at a stop on the WRS, providing the third record for the county; another was at Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski Co., KY, 23 January 2001 (RMD).
A swan that was probably a Tundra Swan showed up on Dale Hollow Lake, Clay Co., TN, 24 January 2001 (DS, fide TMC) and stayed until mid-February, sometimes associating with a Mute Swan.
Wood Ducks (CBC: 0, 3, 21; WRS: 0, 0) were seldom reported during the coldest part of the winter (mid-December to mid-January). The local wintering population may have largely vacated the Region during that period in order to find open water, or it may have withdrawn to less frequented areas of remaining open water within the Region
Gadwalls (CBC: 2, 23, 14; WRS: 1, 14) were thinly distributed around the Region even during the coldest part of the winter. Gadwalls, and several other dabbling ducks listed below, were among the species that flocked to the small open area of the lake at Cane Creek Park in Putnam Co., TN, during the extreme cold period in early January. On 22 December 2000 two ponds in Pulaski Co., KY, harbored 116 Gadwalls (RMD).
American Black Ducks (CBC: 22, 16, 1; WRS: 1, 2) were present in mostly small numbers throughout the period, but 65 were counted at Waitsboro, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY on 31 December 2000, and 83 were at the same location on 4 February 2001 (RMD).
Mallards (CBC: 309, 167, 93; WRS: 8, 191) are easily the most abundant dabbling duck wintering in the Region. A female found on Clear Fork, Scott Co., TN, 23 February 2001 (SJS) provided the first record with full details for the BSFNRRA.
A fair-sized flock of Northern Shovelers (CBC: 0, 40, 0; WRS: 1, 2) used the sewage lagoons in Celina, Clay Co., TN (TMC), with some regularity early in the winter; otherwise only small numbers were reported at isolated sites.
Northern Pintails (CBC: 1, 1, 0; WRS: 0, 0) are usually quite scarce in the UCR during winter, and this season was no exception. Up to three were noted at Cane Creek Park in Putnam Co., TN, 21-22 & 28 January 2001 (SJS, WAW); six were at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 23 February 2001 (RMD); and the Regional high count was provided by 34 at Cooley’s Pond, Wayne Co., KY, 20 December 2000 (RMD).
Green-winged Teals (CBC: 0, 4, 0; WRS: 0, 0) were also scarce this winter; a few showed up on Cane Creek Park lake in Putnam Co., TN, during early to mid-January (SJS).
Canvasbacks rarely winter in the Region. Four migrants were present 4 December 2000 at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN (SJS), but a single male at the Celina sewage lagoons in Clay Co., TN, on several dates during January including 9 January 2001 (TMC) was probably wintering locally.
Redheads (CBC: 2, 0, 0; WRS: 0, 0) are Regionally rarish at any season, and few instances of wintering birds have been documented. This winter several records occurred: 4 December 2000 (2) Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN (SJS); 4 December 2000 (4) Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN (SJS); 4 January 2001 (1 male) Cane Creek Park, Putnam County, TN (SJS). The first two of these records clearly refer to late fall migrants, but the last record may have involved a wintering bird. Five spring migrants were noted 23 February 2001 at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN (SJS), and 10 migrants were at the same site 28 February 2001 (SJS, GKE, GSK).
Ring-necked Ducks (CBC: 0, 5, 11; WRS: 2, 8) are usually one of the more common wintering ducks of the Region, but numbers were below average based on the available information.
Lesser Scaups (CBC: 0, 191, 1; WRS: 0, 0) were present in fairly good numbers on Dale Hollow Lake, Clay Co., TN, at least in December; otherwise no other indicators of the species’ presence in any but small numbers were noted with the exception of an obvious migratory flock of 100+ at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 4 December 2000 (SJS).
Two reports of Surf Scoter included five (3 ad males, 1 im. male, and 1 female or immature) and one (female or immature) on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 3 & 4 December 2000 (DLR photo, on earlier date), respectively, and one at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 4 December 2000 (SJS).
A female Long-tailed Duck (formerly known as Oldsquaw) on Cane Creek Park lake, Putnam Co., TN, 17 November-16 December 2000 (SJS*, m. ob.) provided the first record for that county; this bird obligingly stayed on the lake until the day of the Cookeville CBC, also providing the first record of the species in the 38-year history of that CBC. [Note: Casteel (2001a) blemished this record in several ways: he provided an inaccurate ending date for the bird's stay; he claimed that a male was present on the only date (24 November 2000) that he and one other observer attempted to see the female, but no male was ever seen before, on, or after that date by any other observers, so it is extremely doubtful that a male was present at all; and he made it appear that the male was observed by SJS, who, however, made no such observation. Jackson (2001) also provided an inaccurate ending date for the bird's stay but correctly ignored the record of the male bird.] Another Long-tailed Duck was noted on Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 6 December 2000 (DLR photo).
Buffleheads (CBC: 0, 1, 10; WRS: 2, 3) winter thinly but regularly in the Region.
Common Goldeneyes (CBC: 0, 1, 0; WRS 0, 0) are rare during winter in the Region. The record on the Clay Co., TN, CBC was provided by a male on the mostly frozen lake at Standing Stone State Park in Overton Co., TN, 19 December 2000 (SJS). Three goldeneyes were on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 17 February 2001 (RMD).
Hooded Mergansers (CBC: 3, 18, 22; WRS: 4, 13) are widely distributed, regularly occurring winter ducks in the Region, but their numbers seldom get large enough for them to be called more than uncommon.
Common Mergansers (CBC: 1, 0, 0; WRS: 0, 0) get south as far as the Cumberland River in small numbers irregularly; south of the river they are decidedly rarish. The only reports came from the registration on the Somerset CBC in Pulaski Co., KY, 30 December 2000 (fide RMD) and from Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 7 December 2000 (DLR), a better than average showing for the species in a given winter.
Red-breasted Mergansers (CBC: 0, 0, 1; WRS: 0, 0) are very uncommon to rare during winter in the Region. A flock of 52 at Cane Creek Park, Putnam Co., TN, 4 December 2000 (SJS) established a new high count for the county; these were clearly migrants. The bird on the Cookeville CBC, the first to be registered on that count except for one previous count week record, was also probably a lingering migrant. Three near the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 26 January 2001 (SJS) are harder to categorize but possibly were moving south at that time also.
Ruddy Ducks (CBC: 0, 3, 18; WRS: 1, 3) might be increasing winter residents of the Region; at least this appears to be the case in Putnam Co., TN, where wintering was undocumented before the late 1990s but where it has occurred during each of the last two winters as well as this winter.
Ruffed Grouse sightings in the Region this winter were almost nonexistent, one in the BSFNRRA, Scott Co., TN, 23 February 2001 (SJS) representing the only report.
Only a few reports of Wild Turkeys (CBC: 14, 1, 0; WRS: 0, 0) were submitted, mainly from the CBCs.
Northern Bobwhites (CBC: 0, 0, cw; WRS: 0, 0) are notoriously hard to survey during winter. A few were noted at the Shipley Farm (SJS, GSK) and in Dry Creek Meadows (GKE) in Putnam Co., TN, during February, and 14 were seen at the Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski Co., KY, 19 February 2001 (RMD).
The only report of Red-throated Loon came from Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, where one was present 3-7 December 2000 (DLR photo).
The largest Regional assemblage of Common Loons (CBC: 0, 30, 0; WRS: 0, 0) was detected on Dale Hollow Lake during the Clay Co., TN, CBC 19 December 2000 (BHS, TMC; see parenthesis just above); the largest concentration on Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, this winter was 10, noted 11 January 2001 (SJS).
Cold and frozen conditions did not prevent a Pied-billed Grebe (CBC: 6, 17, 12; WRS: 1, 1) from spending most of the winter on Cane Creek Park lake in Putnam Co., TN; it remained throughout the coldest part of the season despite the fact that open water on the lake was often reduced to an area of less than half an acre. A fine count of 44 Pied-billed Grebes was made at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 4 February 2001 (RMD).
The flock of Horned Grebes (CBC: 0, 10, 1; WRS: 0, 0) that annually winters near the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, peaked at 340+ on 24 January 2001 (SJS). A visit to the Lillydale area of Dale Hollow Lake, Clay Co., TN, 27 January 2001 (SJS, TMC, SS, RS, WAW) revealed few Horned Grebes at that site, which usually hosts a wintering flock of 50-100; fewer Horned Grebes were also noted on Dale Hollow Lake during this year’s Clay Co. CBC than on last year’s CBC. Five Horned Grebes at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 28 December 2000 (RMD) weren't found at that site during the Somerset CBC two days later. The single Horned Grebe on the Cookeville CBC in Putnam Co., TN, 16 December 2000 (LP, JF, BHS) represented only the third registration on that CBC though the species has also occurred twice during count week of that CBC.
An Eared Grebe was noted at Barren River Reservoir, Barren Co., KY, 3 December 2000 (DLR photo), the only report of the season.
At least one Double-crested Cormorant was present irregularly in Putnam Co., TN, early in the season, being noted 11, 20, & 31 December 2000 (SJS); another cormorant visited Pumphouse Pond in Pulasksi Co., KY, 7 December 2000 (RMD). Cormorants seldom spend the winter in the Region, but a few invariably remain into December before heading south. Early spring migrant cormorants were represented by 10 flying north in a loose flock in Putnam Co., TN, 25 February 2001 (SJS).
Great Blue Herons (CBC: 5, 106, 16; WRS: 10, 12) were abundant, and presumably well-fed, at the national fish hatchery near Dale Hollow Dam on the Clay Co. CBC, as well as on the day before the count, 18 December 2000, when an even more impressive 138 were counted (BHS, TMC); no other noteworthy concentrations were reported. Nine Great Blues were observed sitting on or standing near nests at a rookery at Lee’s Ford Dock, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 9 February 2001, while 19, including a pair exhibiting courtship behavior, were present there 23 February 2001 (RMD). Three Great Blues were observed repairing nests at the small rookery near the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 17 February 2001, with 15 being present 25 February 2001 (SJS).
A Great Egret at Boring Pond in Putnam Co., TN, 12 December 2000 (SJS) provided the first winter record for that county.
Roosts of Black (CBC: 0, 0, 157; WRS: 16, 76) and Turkey (CBC: 0, 14, 250; WRS: 30, 43) vultures were reported from the following sites: Dale Hollow Dam in Clay Co., TN (TMC); City Lake in Putnam Co., TN (BHS, SJS); Algood in Putnam Co., TN (WAW); and Center Hill Dam in DeKalb Co., TN (JL, JNL). Numbers at the City Lake roost were quite variable during the winter, peaking at 250 individuals of both species 16 December 2000 (SJS, TMC).
Diurnal Raptors
Bald Eagles (CBC: 0, 3, 0; WRS: 0, 0) winter in moderately large numbers on Dale Hollow Lake and contiguous bodies of water in Clay, Fentress, Overton, and Pickett counties, TN, and in adjacent Clinton and Cumberland counties, KY. This year’s lake-basin-wide survey was conducted 12 January 2001 by six Corps of Engineers rangers, two TWRA employees, a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife employee, a Kentucky State Police employee, and a volunteer (AB, BBu, JB, SHa, SoH, JH, CN, GN, KK, MW, RW). In all, 33 eagles (17 adults, 15 immatures, 1 unknown) were located in KY and 58 (34 adults, 24 immatures) in TN during the survey, a good count; thanks to TMC and GN for providing this information. Eight Bald Eagles were counted during the survey of Cordell Hull Lake in Clay, Jackson, and Smith counties, TN (Knight 2001b). An immature Bald Eagle at Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 1 January 2001 (SJS, SHF, ILC) was not recorded during that lake's survey, which resulted in the sighting of just one adult (Knight 2001b). The survey of Lake Tansi, Cumberland Co., TN, led to the sighting of three adult Bald Eagles (Knight 2001b). The Mid-winter Bald Eagle count on Lake Cumberland in KY resulted in a count of 7 (5 adults and 2 immatures). An adult Bald Eagle was noted just below Great Falls, Rock Island State Park, White Co., TN, 14 January 2001 (GG), establishing the first record for that county.
Northern Harriers (CBC: 2, 4, cw; WRS: 2, 3) are thinly distributed raptors of the Region; no noticeable trend in their numbers is suggested by any data available this winter, but neither the CBCs nor the WRS provides many data about this raptor.
Sharp-shinned (CBC: 1, 1, 1; WRS: 3, 3) and Cooper’s (CBC: 3, 2, 4; WRS: 3, 3) hawks also tend to be thinly distributed, though the latter may be increasing, as it was not registered at all on WRSs in 1991 and 1996.
The Red-shouldered Hawk (CBC: 3, 6, 5; WRS: 17, 19) was twice as abundant on the WRS this year as it was during previous WRSs ( 1991: 6, 7; 1996: 8, 8), tentatively indicating a positive trend in its population numbers. An adult Red-shouldered Hawk was observed working on a nest in Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 25 February 2001 (WAW, CEW).
Red-tailed Hawks (CBC: 14, 23, 26; WRS: 25, 29) had an average winter on CBCs and the WRS.
Two light-morph Rough-legged Hawks were noted in Wayne Co., KY, 20 December 2000 (RMD). At least one and occasionally two dark-morph Rough-legged Hawks were observed in Bledsoe Co., TN, from early December 2000 until at least 7 January 2001 (BJ, RSh, DS); a light-morph Rough-leg was noted 5 February 2001 in the same county (KC). These last two sightings took place in the northern Sequatchie Valley, one of few favored wintering locations of this northern raptor in the southern part of the UCR. The second Putnam Co., TN, record of Rough-legged Hawk took place on Rt. 62 seven miles east of Monterey 17 February 2001 (BHS), when a light-morph adult was carefully described.
Golden Eagles (CBC: 1, 0, 0; WRS: 0, 0) are extremely rare winter residents of the Region, but hacking programs in the Southeast might be increasing their numbers; the Golden Eagle on the Somerset CBC in Pulaski Co., KY, 30 December 2000 (fide RMD) was an immature.
American Kestrels (CBC: 42, 33, 54; WRS: 29, 31) were well represented on CBCs; indeed, the 54 counted on the Cookeville CBC in Putnam Co. represented the high count for CBCs in Tennessee among counts reported in the national CBC database. However, kestrel numbers on the WRS indicated a downturn from earlier WRSs (1991: 52, 55; 1996: 56, 61). Possibly, cold weather reaching the Region soon after the Cookeville CBC caused part of the kestrel population to move south.
Crane through Gulls
The Sandhill Crane (CBC: 0, 115, cw; WRS: 0, 0) migration this winter generally adhered to expectations--smallish flocks of late fall migrants appeared into December while spring migrants began showing up in early February. Somewhat east of the main corridor of migration was a flock of 70 at Leatherwood Ford, BSFNRRA, Scott Co., TN, 9 December 2000 (RGE); there are few records from that area. Most unusual of all was a flock of 53 in Clay Co., TN, 3 January 2001 (TMC), probably flying northwest; if so headed, they were quite early for spring migrants and overlapping the period when southbound migrant cranes are reported. The peak day of the "spring" migration undoubtedly occurred 19 February 2001 when 4160 were counted in Pickett Co., TN (RCH, DH), 1550 were seen elsewhere in Pickett Co. (WHG), 1800+ were noted near the dam on Dale Hollow Lake, Clay Co., TN (TMC), 300+ were sighted near Rinnie in Cumberland Co., TN (TT), flocks were noted near Barnes Hollow, Putnam Co., TN (RWS), and 80 were in western Cumberland Co., TN (MH); some, but probably not too much, overlap among these records might exist.
American Coots (CBC: 1, 173, 9; WRS: 2, 3) were present in fair numbers on Dale Hollow Lake, as evidenced by the Clay Co., TN, CBC results. Elsewhere, the species is an uncommon wintering bird in the UCR.
Killdeers (CBC: 2, 24, 154; WRS: 9, 13) presented a bit of an interpretive problem this winter. Numbers on the Cookeville CBC in Putnam Co., TN, were high compared to numbers on most CBCs there, while numbers on the WRS in the same county were low compared to numbers on WRSs in 1991 (27, 93) and 1996 (22, 46).
Wilson's Snipes (CBC: 1, 0, 0; WRS: 0, 0) may have been driven south by the frozen conditions that prevailed across the Region from mid-December to mid-January. They are more often registered on the CBCs than on the WRS, but neither survey monitors snipe population numbers well. Eight, the Regional high count this winter, were noted around one pond in Pulaski Co., KY, 13 February 2001 (RMD).
American Woodcocks (CBC: 0, 0, cw: WRS: 0, 0) were not entirely absent from the Region this winter, but they were hard to find.
Bonaparte’s Gulls (CBC: 0, 18, 3; WRS: 0, 0) probably winter regularly in small numbers on the big lakes of the Region; otherwise, most records take place during inclement weather events in December when these gulls show up on moderate-sized lakes and ponds, stay a short while, and then leave, indicating that most are migrants. Forty at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 29 January 2001 (RMD) provided the Regional high count.
Ring-billed Gulls (CBC: 16, 352, 1; WRS: 0, 0) are common to abundant wintering birds on Dale Hollow Lake, TN and KY (see Clay Co. CBC data above), and Lake Cumberland, KY, where 2000 were counted 29 January 2001 (RMD); they are less abundant on Cordell Hull and Center Hill lakes, TN; and they are sporadic visitors elsewhere in the Region during winter. Thus, a count of 1000 at the Floating Mill Recreation Area, Center Hill Lake, DeKalb Co., TN, 17 February 2001 (SJS) was noteworthy.
Lone immature Herring Gulls (CBC: 0, cw, 0; WRS: 0, 0) at Dale Hollow Dam, Clay Co., TN, 18 December 2000 (BHS) and at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski Co., KY, 29 January 2001 (RMD) were the only larids of that species reported during the season.
Pigeons through Woodpeckers
Rock Pigeons (CBC: 156, 41, 115; WRS: 9, 41) remain common permanent resident species of the Region’s urban and agricultural areas. No data seem to indicate that any trend in the species’ population numbers is occurring.
Mourning Doves (CBC: 878, 98, 246; WRS: 72, 265) are abundant birds of the UCR; no discernible trend in their population is currently evident.
Barn Owl sightings in the Region are remarkably infrequent, so one present on the Cookeville CBC, Putnam Co., TN, 16 December 2000 (DLC, SHF, ILC) was most welcome and represented only the second record for that CBC. This owl was seen sporadically during January at the site (SJS*) where it was originally discovered.
Eastern Screech-Owls (CBC: 2, 6, 4; WRS: 0, 0) are the most common of the Regional owls; no trend in the population of this small nocturnal predator is evident from CBC data, but supplemental monitoring efforts on behalf of this species and of the two other common owls would be beneficial and not too difficult to achieve.
Great Horned Owls (CBC: 2, 0, 2; WRS: 1, 1) appear on CBCs and the WRS in low numbers, so a better monitoring technique needs to be implemented to survey the species’ population. The bird noted on the WRS was sitting on an old Red-tailed Hawk nest 24 January 2001 in western Putnam Co., TN (SJS).
Barred Owls (CBC: 1, 1, 0; WRS: 1, 1) are also poorly monitored by the CBC and WRS and would benefit from methodical night surveys conducted late in winter when breeding activity begins.
A Short-eared Owl at the Ano Strip Mines, Pulaski Co., KY, 10 December 2000 (RMD) was the only one reported Regionally.
A Long-eared Owl heard giving a cat-like call note at the Ano Strip Mines, Pulaski Co., KY, 24 December 2000 (RMD, SD) was also the only one reported.
A 100-stop (80 in TN and 20 in KY) survey for Northern Saw-whet Owls in the BSFNRRA last winter (1999-2000) resulted in records of 10 saw-whets (SJS; Stedman 2001). Fifty stops (40 in TN and 10 in KY) from last winter’s survey in the BSFNRRA were resurveyed during February 2001 (SJS; Stedman 2001), but no saw-whets were detected. Thus, no evidence of an irruption of this owl into the Region was brought to light this winter.
An immature male Calliope Hummingbird, first noted during late October 2000, was a daily visitor to feeders near Monterey in eastern Putnam Co., TN, until 19 December 2000 (BB, m.ob.); banded 25 November 2000 (CS*), the bird either departed on the last date noted or succumbed to extremely cold temperatures that night; this sighting represented the first in Putnam County and was also the second in Tennessee [Note: the third Tennessee occurrence of this western hummingbird was also registered this winter in Chattanooga]. Incidentally, a Rufous Hummingbird was present at Rockhold, Whitley Co., KY, during December 2000 (SH, fide RMD, m.ob); that county lies immediately east of the UCR in Kentucky.
The Belted Kingfisher (CBC: 10, 6, 7; WRS: 16, 16) population seems quite stable in the UCR, at least when numbers on the 2001 WRS are compared to numbers from earlier WRSs (1991: 14, 14; 1996: 19, 22).
Local Red-headed Woodpecker (CBC: 9, 0, 2; WRS: 9, 10) populations tend to fluctuate erratically, making assessment of the species’ population status difficult to make by any monitoring technique that does not cover an entire state or an even larger geographic area. Therefore, Regional CBC and WRS data reveal only the species’ continuing presence as an uncommon permanent resident of the UCR.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers (CBC: 47, 38, 50; WRS: 169, 196) are perhaps increasing in the Region. At least an increase is suggested by data from WRSs (1991: 95, 100; 1996: 144, 179).
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (CBC: 0, 13, 5; WRS: 15, 15) varied in numbers quite a bit on Regional CBCs in 2000, and they have varied quite a bit on WRSs (1991: 2, 2; 1996: 9, 9), making it hard to draw any conclusions about their Regional wintering population, which is probably not increasing as dramatically as WRS data indicate.
Downy Woodpeckers (CBC: 26, 37, 28; WRS: 88, 92) were present in good numbers on the CBCs and WRS, while Hairy Woodpeckers (CBC: 2, 5, 4; WRS: 21, 23) were less common but present in stable numbers relative to numbers on earlier CBCs and to numbers on the 1996 WRS (21, 21), but not the 1991 WRS (5, 5).
During 2000 Red-cockaded Woodpecker habitat in the Daniel Boone National Forest in McCreary Co., KY (and adjacent Whitley County outside the UCR) was severely degraded by the southern pine beetle outbreak, which continued nearly unabated throughout the winter. As a result, the remaining 15 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers of the Daniel Boone population are being relocated to Arkansas (Ouachita N. F.) and South Carolina (Sandhills N. F.) during March 2001 (fide LP). Consequently, the spring of 2001 will be the last season, for several decades at least, when this endangered woodpecker is present in the Region as a breeding permanent resident, a great loss indeed.
Northern Flickers (CBC: 17, 34, 43; WRS: 40, 42) are somewhat migratory; perhaps this behavior causes their population numbers to fluctuate more than population numbers of other permanent resident woodpeckers, as reflected by earlier WRS data (1991: 39, 47; 1996: 60, 65).
Pileated Woodpecker (CBC: 9, 19, 11; WRS: 55, 62) numbers increased on the WRS over numbers on WRSs in earlier years (1991: 45, 50; 1996: 42, 45) but not dramatically so.
Flycatcher through Warblers
Eastern Phoebes (CBC: 4, 16, 11; WRS: 9, 10) were present in good numbers on the December CBCs and remained fairly common during the January WRS coverage, suggesting that the cold winter did not affect them in an obviously negative manner.
The Regional population of Loggerhead Shrike (CBC: 0, 0, 6; WRS: 0, 0) continues to decrease. WRS data reflect a statistically significant decline (p = 0.0016) from 1991 (16, 17) to 1996 (2, 3) or to 2001 (Kenneth Morgan and Daniel L. Combs [Biology Department, Tennessee Tech University] analyzed the WRS shrike data; many thanks to each for conducting this analysis). The only encouraging news about the shrike was provided by the Cookeville CBC in Putnam Co., TN, where the highest count in more than half a decade was made. Near Hogue, Pulaski Co., KY, a shrike was observed casting a pellet (i.e., regurgitating the indigestible remains of prey items) 7 February 2001 (RMD*); this is a seldom observed behavior of a now seldom observed species in many parts of the Region. On 18 February 2001 two shrikes were at Hogue, Pulaski Co., KY (RMD), a site where the species has nested in the past.
The Blue-headed Vireo has been seldom--and in Kentucky never before-- encountered wintering in the Region, so one heard on Flat Rock Ridge Rd. about 5 miles northeast of Whitley City, DBNF, McCreary Co., KY, 10 January 2001 (S. Thomas [and W. Moore]; Palmer-Ball 2003) was quite noteworthy and probably represents the second winter-season record for the Region, the first occurring in Putnam Co., TN, 21 February 1998.
Blue Jays (CBC: 111, 59, 159; WRS: 321, 551) and American Crows (CBC: 483, 671, 1505; WRS: 354, 965) displayed increases in frequency (i.e., were seen at more stops than in 1991 and 1996), but not abundance (i.e., the total number of individuals was down), on the WRS, probably still not a good situation for the many nestling songbirds on which these species prey during the breeding season.
Very large flocks of Horned Larks (CBC: 331, 2150, 0; WRS: 10, 262) invaded the Region this winter, bringing with them at least one other small passerine of open fields (see Lapland Longspur below). The 2150 larks on the Clay Co., TN, CBC 19 December 2000 (RMD, m.ob.) may represent an all-time high count for the Region; 2000 of these were in Clay Co. and 150 in Overton Co. A flock of 800 larks on Old Mill Rd. in Putnam Co., TN, 20 December 2000 (SJS) easily established a new high count for that county, surpassing the previous high count by more than 750. At least 1000 Horned Larks were seen on Gastineau Rd., Pulaski Co., KY, 31 December 2000 (RMD).
An early Tree Swallow visited Cane Creek Park in Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN, 26 February 2001 (SJS).
The Regional Carolina Chickadee (CBC: 76, 70, 106; WRS: 161, 249) population seems quite stable, while the Tufted Titmouse (CBC: 50, 42, 103; WRS 185, 270) population in the Region may be increasing, if previous WRS results (1991: 96, 160; 1996: 130, 248) provide an accurate indication of its status.
This winter’s "echo" flight of Red-breasted Nuthatches (CBC: 1, 2, cw; WRS: 0, 0), following the good to excellent flight of last winter, was barely audible.
Numbers of White-breasted Nuthatches (CBC: 19, 42, 18; WRS: 126, 159) showed a modest increase over numbers registered on earlier WRSs (1991: 101, 121; 1996: 98, 127), but CBC numbers in Putnam Co. were down sharply from numbers recorded during several preceding CBC seasons.
Brown Creepers (CBC: 0, 1, 2; WRS: 2, 2) were noted in low numbers on CBCs and the WRS. Whether the cold winter affected their numbers is problematic but may be the case.
The Carolina Wren (CBC: 32, 61, 88; WRS: 212, 270) population in the Region remains stable; some mortality is expected from this cold winter and may be reflected in decreased population numbers on breeding bird surveys during summer 2001.
Winter Wrens (CBC: 1, 6, cw; WRS: 7, 7) were slightly less abundant this winter than they had been during several preceding winters. Whether this reduction in abundance resulted from harsher weather conditions this winter is hard to say.
Golden-crowned Kinglets (CBC: 5, 46, 28; WRS 26, 31) were present in lower CBC numbers at Cookeville than the numbers experienced during the previous three mild winters, but their CBC numbers parallel CBC numbers from colder winters prior to those three winters.
Ruby-crowned Kinglets (CBC: 2, 12, 4; WRS: 0, 0) were seen in lowish numbers on CBCs and were absent on the WRS, both monitoring techniques thus suggesting a negative response by the species to the cold conditions that set in during mid-December.
Eastern Bluebird (CBC: 176, 174, 326; WRS: 111, 275) numbers were moderately high on both CBCs and the WRS; if the cold weather affected the species negatively, next summer’s breeding bird surveys should reflect that fact.
Hermit Thrush (CBC: 3, 19, 2; WRS: 12, 15) numbers were a bit down on CBCs but strongly up on the WRS.
American Robin (CBC: 121, 2300, 276; WRS: 142, 464) numbers were moderately strong on CBCs and WRS.
Northern Mockingbird (CBC: 65, 37, 59; WRS: 103, 120) numbers remained relatively stable on CBCs and showed an increase over numbers on previous WRSs (1991: 58, 62; 1996: 78, 100).
Brown Thrashers (CBC: 5, 4, 10; WRS: 5, 7) wintered in the Region in the usual smallish numbers. Wintering thrashers were singing by 7 February 2001 in Putnam Co., TN (SJS, MPO, GSK), but no migratory influx was noted before the end of the period.
European Starlings (CBC: 3780, 460, 8374; WRS: 180, 2238) numbers do not appear to have declined on CBCs although they have done so somewhat on the WRSs. No large roosts were reported in the Region.
American Pipits (CBC: 0, 0, 80; WRS: 2, 15) are often absent from the Region or present in low numbers, rendering assessment of their status difficult.
Cedar Waxwings (CBC: 0, 722, 310; WRS: 9, 46) move about constantly during winter, seeking unexploited berry crops; thus the differences in CBC numbers noted is quite typical but makes assessment of the species’ population difficult. I will not hazard such an assessment here.
Yellow-rumped Warblers (CBC: 58, 234, 89; WRS: 198, 309) were present in moderate to high numbers throughout the Region this winter. Numbers on earlier WRSs (1991: 23, 24; 1996: 41, 56) were far lower. Obviously, some factor--probably abundance of food resources, particularly cedar berries--allowed butter-butts to survive the hardships of a cold winter in the Region in much larger numbers than have been present during some previous winters.
Pine Warblers (CBC: 0, 0, 4; WRS: 0, 0) were scarce during early and mid-winter, but by early February singing males were beginning to appear at favored sites, such as in northern Putnam Co., TN, 9 February 2001 (GKE) and along Clear Creek in Morgan Co., TN, 10 February 2001 (JR).
Towhee through Longspur
About Eastern Towhees (CBC: 39, 23, 33; WRS: 93, 120) it seems safe to say that the species’ population numbers are currently stable.
American Tree Sparrows (CBC: 2, 8, 0; WRS: 0, 0) began appearing in the Region during mid-December when eight were counted on the Clay Co., TN, CBC 19 December 2000 (RMD, m.ob) with one of these being present in Overton Co., TN (SJS*) and the others in Clay Co., TN (RMD). The Somerset CBC in Pulaski Co., KY, registered two 30 December 2000 (RMD); others were noted in Pulaski Co. during January, and seven were present there as late as 18 February 2001 (RMD). On the first day of the new millennium three were found in Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN (SHF*, ILC, SJS), providing the third county record; these birds remained until 5 January 2001. Two additional records in Putnam Co., TN, were made later in the season: 1-3 tree sparrows were found at Shipley Farm 3 & 12 January and 19 & 28 February 2001 (SJS, GSK), the last date providing a new late "spring" date for the county; and two appeared 29 January 2001 at Cane Creek Park (SJS), where there were no previous records. [Note: Casteel (2001b) noted that the invasion of American Tree Sparrows was the highlight of the winter season in middle Tennessee yet made no mention of any of the tree sparrow records from the Tennessee portion of the Upper Cumberland Region, most of which fell within middle Tennessee, a curious oversight.] All Regional records of this species involved just a few birds, unlike records in northern and central Kentucky, where hundreds of tree sparrows were occasionally encountered.
Chipping Sparrows (CBC: 2, 2, 0; WRS: 0, 0) were recorded only on CBCs this season; Chippies are generally recorded in very low numbers during winter, and this season was no exception.
Field Sparrow (CBC: 54, 95, 56; WRS: 38, 190) numbers were down some compared to numbers on the WRS of 1996 (57, 259) but up some compared to numbers on the WRS of 1991 (19, 139). The first singing birds were noted in Putnam Co., TN, 26 February 2001 (SJS).
The only record of Vesper Sparrow (CBC: 0, 0, cw; WRS: 0, 0) was provided by one seen 15 December 2000 in northern Putnam Co., TN (SJS, GKE), where it became a count week bird on the Cookeville CBC.
Savannah Sparrows (CBC: 1, 4, 0; WRS: 2, 3) are almost always scarce in the Region during winter. At least three that spent the season at Shipley Farm in Putnam Co., TN (SJS) represented a typically low number.
Fox Sparrows (CBC: 33, 6, 4; WRS: 8, 8) seemed well represented on the Somerset CBC; otherwise the usual lowish numbers prevailed.
Song Sparrows (CBC: 157, 184, 137; WRS: 178, 276) remain common and stable in population numbers.
Swamp Sparrows (CBC: 4, 4, 24; WRS: 8, 12) were uncommon this winter, probably being present in numbers approaching the low end of their abundance range.
White-throated Sparrows (CBC: 327, 276, 207; WRS: 114, 436) are the most abundant wintering sparrow in the Region as elsewhere in the Mid-South. Data from the WRS this year corroborated data from previous WRSs indicating that elevation plays a role in the species’ winter distribution in Putnam Co., TN, with highest concentrations being found at sites with elevation ranging from 500 to 900 feet (i.e., the portions of the county within the Nashville Basin and on the escarpment separating the basin from the Highland Rim) and lowest concentrations being found at sites with elevation ranging from 1600 to 2000 feet (i.e., on the Hartsell Bench and Cumberland Plateau).
White-crowned Sparrows (CBC: 35, 15, 4; WRS: 3, 7) were low on the WRS but otherwise not notably different in numbers this year than most previous ones.
Data for Dark-eyed Juncos (275, 243, 131; WRS: 26, 178) indicate no notable change in its Regional wintering population; WRS data again showed that juncos winter more abundantly at higher elevations (i.e., 1600-2000 feet [Hartsell Bench and Cumberland Plateau]) than lower ones (i.e., 500-1200 feet [Nashville Basin and Highland Rim]) in Putnam Co., TN. An individual of the "pink-sided" race was present at Mt. Zion in Pulaski Co., KY, 1-9 January 2001 (RMD photo*).
Lapland Longspurs (CBC: 2, 5, 0; WRS: 1, 1) accompanied Horned Lark flocks into the Region and were present in more areas in larger numbers than ever recorded previously. The Clay Co., TN, CBC 19 December 2000 witnessed the first Regional observations when three were noted in Clay Co. (RMD, AM) and two in Overton Co. (SJS*). The first-ever record for Putnam Co., TN, took place 20 December 2000 (SJS), while the high count for that county--or anywhere in the Region--was established by 85 observed 5 January 2001 on Old Mill Rd. (SJS, MAS). Thirty-five Laplands on Gastineau Rd., Pulaski Co., KY, 31 December 2000 (RMD) provided the high count for that county during the season.
Cardinal through Weaver Finch
Northern Cardinals (CBC: 277, 227, 255; WRS: 196, 309) remain widespread, common permanent residents of the Region, and the species’ population is quite stable.
Red-winged Blackbirds (CBC: 9, 5, 30; WRS: 2, 2) tend to be very unevenly distributed throughout the Region during winter, either being seen in large numbers occasionally, or, more likely, seen in low numbers or not at all, as indicated by CBC and WRS results.
Eastern Meadowlarks (CBC: 65, 101, 86; WRS: 60, 160) belong to the guild of grassland species undergoing long-term declines as the grassland habitat they require is reduced by conversion of farmland to housing developments and as farmland practices change, reducing acreage in pasture. Numbers on the Cookeville CBC in Putnam Co., TN, were about average, while numbers of the WRS equalled those of 1991 (61, 155) but were lower than those in 1996 (72, 315).
Rusty Blackbirds (CBC: 0, 0, 0; WRS: 0, 0) were represented by two Regional records: one at a feeder in Mt. Zion, Pulaski Co., KY, 25 January 2000 (RMD); and two or three 27 January 2001 at the Stone Farm, Clay Co., TN (SJS, SS, RS).
Common Grackle (CBC: 53, 2, 5025; WRS: 12, 46) numbers in winter are like Red-winged Blackbird numbers in winter, only more so. No large roosts were reported.
Brown-headed Cowbird (CBC: 114, 0, 2; WRS: 0, 0) numbers in winter are like Red-winged Blackbird numbers in winter, only less so. No large numbers or roosts were reported.
Purple Finch (CBC: 0, 1, cw; WRS: 21, 27) seemed nearly absent until the WRS routes began to be run in Putnam Co., TN; WRS results revealed that Purples were widely, if thinly, distributed, mainly where sweet gums were present.
House Finches (CBC: 455, 135, 115; WRS: 81, 233) continue to broaden their base of operations in the UCR. WRS data reveal that they are more frequently and abundantly encountered now than five or ten years ago (1991: 33, 158; 1996: 45, 212).
Pine Siskin (CBC: 0, 0, cw; WRS: 0, 0) numbers were so low that they were barely registered by the CBCs and not at all by the WRS. This season was clearly not an invasion winter. The only one in Pulaski Co., KY, was noted at Mt. Zion 22 February 2001 (RMD).
American Goldfinches (CBC: 218, 90, 81; WRS: 130, 213) were a bit below average in CBC numbers but high in WRS numbers.
House Sparrow (CBC: 72, 11, 99; WRS: 35, 49) numbers have declined a bit on the WRS since 1991 (54, 332) and 1996 (42, 219), but the number on the Cookeville CBC, Putnam Co., TN, was about average.
Cited Observers: Andy Barlow (AB), Betty Bright (BB), Jerry Brown (JB), Brian Bullock (BBu), Kevin Calhoon (KC), Terry M. Campbell (TMC), Daniel L. Combs (DLC), Ivan L. Cordrey (ILC), Roseanna M. Denton (RMD), Steve Denton (SD), Robert G. Emmott (RGE), Ginger K. Ensor (GKE), Susan H. Ford (SHF), Joyce Fry (JF), Gregg Garrison (GG), W. Howard Groce (WHG), Sondra Hafling (SHa), Sonya Hafling (SoH), Jeff Hancock (JH), David Hassler (DH), Robbie C. Hassler (RCH), Shirley Helton (SH), Michael Hodge (MH), Bonnie Johnson (BJ), Graham S. Kash (GSK), Kayl Kite (KK), Joe Liu (JL), Arlene Morton (AM), Gregg Nivens (GN), Craig Norris (CN), Jan North-Liu (JNL), Michael P. O’Rourke (MPO), Lynda Perry (LP), Jeanne Richardson (JR), David L. Roemer (DLR), Michael A. Sanders (MAS), Debbie Shannon (DS), Roi Shannon (RSh), Chris Sloan (CS), Rebecca Satterfield (RS), Steve Satterfield (SS), Barbara H. Stedman (BHS), Stephen J. Stedman (SJS), Danny Stone (DS), Terry Thornton (TT), Catherine E. Walden (CEW), Winston A. Walden (WAW), Mark Willis (MW), and Rob Winsett (RW).
Literature Cited
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