Lifebirds 240, 241 and 242

Lifebird 240 was the Loggerhead Shrike, which was hanging out in a field off Hwy 321 in Blount Co. near the Loudon Co. line. I first went on Saturday morning and was unsuccessful. I stayed for about an hour, walking back and forth along the area where it had been spotted and also walking down a side road. While I was on the side road, 2 other birders saw it on a wire on the main road. It didn't come back. I returned to the spot on Sunday afternoon and was fortunate enough to locate it right away. The light was poor; the shrike was partly backlit. I came back around 7:30 p.m. and had much better light and very good views.

Today I got American Golden-Plover and Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Rankin Bottoms. I would not have been able to ID these on my own, but some members of the Bristol bird club were present. I also saw 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, many Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, a green heron, and too many Killdeer to count.

It was a very pleasant afternoon. My husband and I stayed until sunset, then met some good friends for dinner. That a strong UT win makes for a great day.