Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 16:35:28 -0700
Reply-To: "Michael C. Parrish" <pendragon1998@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From: "Michael C. Parrish" <pendragon1998@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Piedmont NWR, Jones Co. - 20 May 2006
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Yesterday (20 May 2006) I drove from Athens down to Piedmont National
Wildlife Refuge, located in Jones county, GA. I got there at 9:00
a.m., a little later than I intended to. While quite warm (little
above 90), it was a very nice, birdy day. Water is definitely a
requirement if you visit there.
Once I got there, I made a bee-line for the Lake Allison parking area.
I picked up several Wild Turkeys while driving in and when I opened my
door, I immediately heard an Acadian Flycatcher and saw a male Summer
Tanager, so I know things would be fun! I hiked the upper half of the
RCW trail, and looped back to the Lake via the gravel roads. While on
the trail, I got a number of warblers, including great looks at several
singing Yellow-breasted Chats (lifer #1 for the day). Upon reaching
the top of the rise and approaching the edge of the RCW colony, I
immediately heard that quirky, squeaky call of the Red-cockaded
Woodpeckers (lifer #2). The RCWs were very vocal and active and I
enjoyed long views of them foraging in the pines. As my hike
continued, I located a nest tree directly on the trail with adults
actively feeding the young at an impressive rate of once every ten
seconds or so. I maintained my distance while I watched (probably
grinning ear-to-ear), not wanting to disturb them, and finally moved
quickly past. I made by way along the gravel road back towards the
lake. I passed a large turtle laying eggs (some sort of pond turtle,
judging from the flippers) a good 1/4 mile up a rocky hill from the
lake. It was a longish walk for me back down to the lake, so I don't
know how in heck the turtle made it that far!
Next, I cruised over to Pond 2A and checked out the area around the
lake. Lots of daredevil Tree Swallows, but nothing unusual - until I
walked back to the car to leave. That was when I heard the sweet song
directing my attention to a first-year male Orchard Oriole (lifer #3).
I enjoyed him for a while, then headed down the road toward Little
Falling Creek to take a look at it. Good thing I did - I noticed a
little bird fly into a small tree. When I stopped to take a look,
there was a great little Bachman's Warbler (lifer #4 for the day). I
enjoyed a long look until a ranger on patrol drove past and scared it
away.
So anyway, I had a great trip down there. Thanks to all who offered
advice about the trip off-list. For those who are still interested in
my little excursion, here's a complete day list from my excursion. For
some reason, this is the first day I can remember in a long time that I
didn't see a Red-tailed hawk - the Broad-winged hawk made up for it
though :-)
Good birding,
-Michael
The following birds were seen at Piedmont NWR at the Lake Allison / RCW
loop or near Pond 2A. Birds sighted during the rest of the day are
noted as well.
Canada Goose
Wild Turkey
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture - roadside
Turkey Vulture
Broad-winged Hawk
Rock Pigeon - roadside
Eurasian Collared-Dove - Downtown Athens
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - home
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Red-cockaded Woodpecker - Lifer
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-eyed Vireo
American Crow
Purple Martin - roadside
Cliff Swallow - roadside
Barn Swallow - roadside
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling - roadside
Northern Parula
Yellow-rumped Warbler - (tattered little fellow)
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat - Lifer
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Bachman's Sparrow - Lifer
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird - roadside
Common Grackle
Orchard Oriole - Lifer
House Finch - roadside
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow - roadside
Number of Species: 54
Michael C. Parrish
Watkinsville, GA (Oconee Co.)
http://www.arches.uga.edu/~parrishm/
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