Tennessee & Kentucky: Spring 2024

Waterfowl through Grebes

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck continued its rapid range expansion, with records from 16 Tennessee counties including multiple firsts (Warren, Henderson, Anderson, and Marion Cos) and notable high counts such as 21 at Walter S. Davis Blvd Marsh, Davidson Co on 20 May (ph. Frank Fekel, m.ob.). The seasonal high count at Ensley was 118 on 25 Apr (Jim Varner, Bob Foehring, Rob Harbin, Cliff VanNostrand). In Kentucky, the species was documented in at least seven counties, with a high count of 10 at Henderson, Henderson Co on 10 May (ph. David Stone). Seven Fulvous Whistling-Ducks were found at Ensley 19 Apr, with a single individual also seen on 2 May (ph. Adrian Hall, Rob Harbin, m.ob.). The exceptionally rare “minima” Cackling Goose in Williamson Co, TN continued through the season (m.ob.), apparently content to remain a resident of the area at this point.

A single Trumpeter Swan was reported northeast of Campbellsville, Taylor Co, KY 4 Apr (ph. Asher Higgins). Tundra Swans continued from winter and lingered into March in both states, the latest being two at Melton Hill Lake, Knox Co, TN 7 Apr (Pat Phillips).

A drake Cinnamon Teal was at Thorny Cypress WMA, Dyer Co, TN 11 and 14 Mar (ph. Kyle Bess, Mark Greene, Wade Baker), with another at Barkley WMA, Stewart Co, TN 24 Mar–2 Apr (ph. Alan Troyer, Rick Shipkowski, m.ob.). An adult male Eurasian Wigeon on Sevier Lake, Hawkins Co, TN 19–25 Mar (ph. Susan Hubley, Laura Tappan) was a first for that county and only the third record for East Tennessee.

Sea ducks were modestly represented, with three Surf Scoters at Radnor Lake, Davidson Co, TN 23 Apr (ph. Randy Herrod, Frank Fekel, m.ob.) and four White-winged Scoters on Chickamauga Lake, Hamilton Co 7–23 Mar (Elizabeth Wolfe, m.ob.). A single Long-tailed Duck lingered at Shelby Farms Park, Shelby Co through 23 Mar (ph. Cliff VanNostrand, m.ob.), while Kentucky recorded one at Lake Linville, Rockcastle Co 17 Mar (ph. Paula Frizell).

Late-season Common Goldeneye were notable in Tennessee, including a drake at Woods Reservoir, Franklin Co 11 May (ph. Tim Lenz) and two at Watts Bar Lake, Rhea Co 18 May (ph. Roi Shannon, Debbie Shannon). A single female even lingered to 30 May (ph. Garrett Teems). A pair remained until June in Kentucky (Mike Muller). Common Mergansers, now breeding regularly in east TN, were reported from 17 counties. Records were primarily in the plateau and mountains, with 22 at Emerts Cove, Sevier Co 2 Mar (Keith Watson).

Eared Grebe was reported in both states: one on the Ohio River, Jefferson Co, KY 13 Mar (ph. David Bailey), and one on  J. Percy Priest Lake, Davidson Co, last reported 23 Mar (ph. Steve Lasley, m.ob.).

Doves through Limpkin

White-winged Dove continued its pattern of regular, though localized, occurrence. In Tennessee, up to five were at Mud Island, Shelby Co 19 Apr (ph. Alan Troyer, Ruben Stoll, Mark A. Greene), with additional singles in Wilson Co 30 Apr (Randy Wegwerth) and Madison Co 17 May (Alan Troyer). A wintering bird in Blount Co was last reported 21 May (Sandy Graves). In Kentucky, up to two were present at the regular Lexington, Fayette Co site from 18 Mar onward (ph. Rex Graham, m.ob.).

A second TN state record of Broad-billed Hummingbird was documented in Tipton Co 19–22 Mar (ph. Paula Dycus, Mark A. Greene, m.ob.), perhaps the highlight of the season.

Virginia Rail was reported widely in Tennessee, including peak counts of seven at Meadow View Golf Course, Sullivan Co 13 Mar (Brookie Potter, Jean Potter), and smaller numbers across the state through May. Kentucky produced two records, one at Sauerheber between 9–18 Apr (David Stone, Alex Kochersperger, Julia Farmer), and an injured bird in Boone Co 1 May (ph. Maria Ackerson fide Kathy Caminiti). Sora was widespread, with a record Tennessee spring high count of 48 at Ensley, Shelby Co 26 Apr (Cameron Rutt).

Never expected, Common Gallinules were documented at several scattered sites across the region. In Tennessee, one continuing individual at Standifer Gap Marsh, Hamilton Co was last reported 11 Mar (Wolf Jedamski); one was at Gilbert Drive Wetland, Knox Co 13 Apr (Michael Ryon); and a single adult was observed 21, 24, and 27 May at Heritage Center Greenways Area, Roane Co (ph. Roger Kroodsma). In Kentucky, four were at Sauerheber 13 May (au. Robert Rold, Julia Farmer, David Stone), and a single bird was found at the Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg Co 30 May (ph. Robert Rold).

One adult Purple Gallinule was recorded in Tennessee at Gadwall Marsh, Perry Co 20–30 Apr (ph. Victor Stoll, Ruben Stoll, m.ob.). Another adult bird was found at Kyker Bottoms Refuge, Blount Co, TN 23–30 Apr (ph. Randy Winstead, m.ob.).

Reports of Limpkin were down sharply from 2023’s irruption. In Tennessee, three were at Duck River, Humphreys Co 2–14 Mar (Sue Bradley, Mary Ganaway, m.ob.); one persisted at Big Oak Lake, Maury Co 21 Mar (ph. Heather Davis); and a long-staying bird at Alcoa–Maryville Greenway, Blount Co remained 3 Mar–12 May (ph. Evan Kidd, m.ob.), joined briefly by another nearby on 5 May (ph. Liz Burton Hamrick). Kentucky produced no Limpkin reports this spring.

Shorebirds

Shorebirds arrived on schedule and in typical numbers, though a few early and high-count observations stood out. Black-necked Stilt made a notably early appearance in Tennessee, with one at Maynard C. Styles WTP in Shelby Co 8 Mar (ph. PJ Pulliam), the state’s second-earliest spring record. Of the more infrequent species, there were numerous American Avocets, with single birds at Heritage Landing, Hamilton Co, TN 24 Apr (ph. Ted Caldwell) and Humphreys Co 27 Apr (Ruben Stoll, ph. Daniel Redwine, Alan Troyer). Up to three were at Ensley, Shelby Co 28 Apr–6 May (ph. PJ Pulliam, Sophie Dismukes, m.ob.), with one lingering to 30 May (ph. Jim Varner, Cliff VanNostrand), two in Coffee Co 13 May (ph. Sally Edwards), and eight in flight over Marion Co 12 May (Kevin Calhoun). In Kentucky, three reports included 21 at Sauerheber 13 May (ph. Robert Rold, Julia Farmer, David Stone); one in Bath Co 30 Apr (ph. Steve Wilson); and one at Christian Co 16–17 May (ph. Teresa Graham, David Stone).

Whimbrels are rare migrants through the region. One was found at Cross Creeks NWR, Stewart Co 27 May (ph. Cyndi Routledge, Steve Routledge, Ruben Stoll); two at Chester Frost Park, Hamilton Co the very same day (Tim Russell), and a single bird was reported in Christian Co, KY 22 May (ph. Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.). Hudsonian Godwits provided an excellent showing in both states: 11 birds at Ensley 16–19 May tied the Tennessee high count (ph. Adrian Hall, Cameron Rutt, m.ob.), with five still present 20 May (Mary Randolph-Frye, Tommy Edwards). There were three reports from Kentucky: two south of Middleton, Simpson Co 17 May (ph. Roi Shannon, m.ob.), two different birds a bit further south in Simpson Co 20 and 22 May (ph. Roi Shannon, Tom Durbin), and one along Cox Mill Road, Christian Co 22–23 May (ph. Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., m.ob.).

Marbled Godwit was found in several Tennessee counties, including a high count of 13 in Roane Co 24 Apr (ph. Roger Kroodsma, m.ob.), nine in Lauderdale Co 20 Apr (ph. Daniel Redwine, Mark A. Greene, Ruben Stoll, Alan Troyer), and one in Stewart Co 15 Apr (ph. Ruben Stoll, m.ob.).

A vagrant Ruff was reported from Frogue Pond, Todd Co, KY 23 Mar (Marvin Beachy, ph. Rickey Shive).

Individual Sanderlings were reported from Chester Frost Park, Hamilton Co, TN 9 May (ph. Tim Lenz, m.ob.), Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery, Anderson Co, TN 16 May (Frank Bills), and from Duck River 23 May (ph. Daniel Redwine, Ruben Stoll). Kentucky reports included one at Sauerheber and two at Horseshoe Rd Sloughs, 9 and 10 May (David Stone); two at Kentucky Dam Village, Marshall Co 9–10 May (ph. Hap Chambers, m.ob.); and two in north Union Co 21 May (David Stone). Up to eight Wilson’s Phalaropes were at Ensley, Shelby Co 9 May (ph. Tricia Vesely, Dick Preston), with additional singles in Lauderdale, Stewart, and Humphreys Cos between 20 Apr and 9 May. There was a single report of three birds along Cox Mill Road, Christian Co, KY 16–17 May (Teresa Graham, David Stone). Red-necked Phalarope was represented by a single bird in Williamson Co, TN 24 May (ph. Hugh Middlebrooks).

Gulls through Pelicans

Gull diversity was good for the season, with several lingering winter birds and a few late-spring stragglers. A juvenile Black-legged Kittiwake photographed in Sumner Co, TN 13 Mar (ph. Tim Loyd), is the first spring record for the region. Laughing Gulls were reported widely across Tennessee, with single birds in Roane Co 27 Apr (ph. Roger Kroodsma), Davidson and Sumner Cos on 9, 14 and 25–26 May (ph. Ruben Stoll, Frank Fekel, Tim Loyd, m.ob.), at Chester Frost Park, Hamilton Co 7 and 9 May (ph. Jennifer Martin, Tim Lenz, m.ob.), and at Duck River 25 May (ph. Ruben Stoll, Victor Stoll). Franklin’s Gull was observed in Sumner Co, TN with two birds 7 May and one 17 May (ph. Tim Loyd). In Kentucky there was one account near Obion WMA, Fulton Co 22 May (ph. Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.). Herring Gull was reported from 17 Tennessee counties, with high counts of seven in Sumner Co 24 Apr (Tim Loyd) and Hamilton Co 30 Apr (Kristin Whitson, Stefanie Whitson). A single Iceland Gull was noted at Mallard Point Park, Sumner Co, TN 8 Mar (ph. Tim Loyd). One first cycle Glaucous Gull was found at the Calvert City Landfill, Marshall Co, KY 1 Mar (Mike Muller).

Terns were present in generally typical numbers, but a count of 53 Common Terns at Chester Frost Park, Hamilton Co 30 Apr (ph. Tim Lenz) was notable.

Several loons lingered from winter. Red-throated Loon was represented by up to six continuing birds at J. Percy Priest Lake, Davidson Co 2 Mar (Michael Smith, Phillip Casteel). Singles were found in KY at Barren River Lake, Allen Co 2 Mar (ph. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.), on Lexington Reservoir #4, Fayette Co 22 Mar (ph. Ronan O’Carra, Scott Marsh), and Freeman Lake, Hardin Co 31 Mar–1 Apr (ph. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Mark Monroe, m.ob.). A lingering Pacific Loon was reported in Hamilton Co TN multiple times 14 Mar–2 Apr (ph. Tim Lenz, m.ob.). Common Loon produced a strong seasonal high estimate of 100 at J. Percy Priest Dam, Davidson Co 15 Mar (Avery Fish).

There were unusually widespread reports of Anhinga in Tennessee this season. The highest counts included five at Duck River, where they are breeding, 27 Apr (ph. Alan Troyer) and five at Meeman-Shelby Forest, Shelby Co 22 May (Jim Varner, Cliff VanNostrand, m.ob.). Additional sightings came in from Knox, Davidson, Madison, Haywood, Fayette, and Dyer Cos. Similarly, Neotropic Cormorant showed a strong presence in Tennessee, with reports from Williamson, Sumner, Hamilton, Stewart, Humphreys, and Shelby Cos. A high count of six was recorded at Duck River 8 May (ph. Victor Stoll, Ruben Stoll), including two nestlings, confirming continued breeding there. Both Anhinga and Neotropic Cormorant are expected to continue to expand as average temperatures rise.

Rare in the region, individual Tricolored Herons were documented at Duck River 11–13 May (Ruben Stoll, Victor Stoll) and at Ensley 30 Apr (Jim Varner).

Glossy Ibis occurred in several TN locales: one at Melton Lake Islands, Anderson Co 24 Apr (ph. James Davis, Tara Davis); four on Swamp Road, Rutherford Co 28 Apr (ph. Hugh Barger, m.ob.); three at Duck River 26 Apr (ph. Julie Moore, Christie Jones, Kathie Kent), with a single bird continuing to 11 May (Cameron Rutt, Ruben Stoll); and one at Ensley 28 May (ph. Cameron Rutt, Jim Varner, m.ob.). Six White-faced Ibises were at Chickasaw NWR, Lauderdale Co, TN 20 Apr (ph. Daniel Redwine, Ruben Stoll, Alan Troyer); three were found at Melton Lake Islands, Anderson Co 24 Apr (ph. James Davis, Tara Davis).

Always very rare in the region, a Brown Pelican was present at Shelby Farms Park, Shelby Co, TN 5–7 May (ph. Liz Hall, Adrian Hall, m.ob.). In a bizarre twist, a Brown Pelican was also filmed at Kentucky Lake, Monroe Co, KY 9 May (ph. Cody Rowe) for “Kentucky Afield,” a local show produced by the KY Dept of Fish and Wildlife Resources. When the piece later aired, the bird was spotted by birder David Roemer, who contacted the host of the program and the details of the sighting were ascertained (https://ebird.org/checklist/S189474035).

Raptors through Painted Bunting

Swallow-tailed Kites are increasingly expected in the Sequatchie valley of TN in the fall, but rare and sporadic elsewhere and in other seasons. One was found at Melton Lake Islands, Anderson Co, TN 27 Apr (ph. Tara Davis, James Davis). In the west of the state, a count of 257 Mississippi Kites at Eagle Lake Refuge 14 May (Alan Troyer) established a new high count for TN.

A Swainson’s Hawk identified from a “what’s this bird” post online from Casey Co, KY 25 Apr (ph. Danielle True) constituted only the sixth state record. In TN, one Rough-legged Hawk lingering from winter at Jolly Landing, Lake Co was last reported on 9 Mar (ph. Wade Baker).

Tennessee’s wintering Burrowing Owl was last observed at its burrow at the restricted New Johnsonville TVA plant on 3 Apr (Tammy Ross, Liz Burton Hamrick fide Graham Gerdeman). Two Long-eared Owls were last reported at the known roost in Shelby Co, TN 27 Mar (Cliff Van Nostrand).

A Vermilion Flycatcher provided one of the most striking rarities of the season, seen briefly in Hamilton Co, TN 28 Apr (ph. Luke Thompson, Tim Lenz, m.ob.), it appears to be only the third record for east TN. A new state high count of 37 Western Kingbirds was set at President’s Island, Shelby Co 17 May (ph. Alan Troyer). Bell’s Vireo continued an apparent expansion in Tennessee with reports from Dyer, Madison, Montgomery, Stewart, and Shelby Cos. The highest count came from Thorny Cypress WMA, Dyer Co, with five on 30 Apr (ph. Mark A. Greene).

Once a prevalent breeding species, Bewick’s Wren is considered extirpated from the region. A vagrant bird was found at a private home west of Bowling Green, Warren Co, KY and seen by many 17–26 May (Valerie Brown, m.ob.). It is the same location where one occurred four years prior, in spring 2020. These are the only records of the species from either state in the past ten years.

Kentucky’s second state record of the introduced Eurasian Tree Sparrow occurred in Louisville, Jefferson Co 6 May (ph. Jackie Elmore). Given this species’ prevalence in Illinois and expansion to the St. Louis area, it is perhaps surprising they haven’t been found more frequently in the region.

Red Crossbill is extremely rare in the region outside of the high mountains of east TN. As many as ten continued from winter along Coxburg Rd, Benton Co, TN (ph. Daniel Redwine), where the presence of juvenile birds implied very rare breeding in the mid-state. Similarly, up to eight birds—also including juveniles—were reported at KY Dam Village SRP, Marshall Co, KY 8 Apr and 11 May (Marvin Beachy fide Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., ph. David Stone, m.ob.).

A report of 18 Grasshopper Sparrows at Middle Fork Bottoms SP, Madison Co, TN 17 May (ph. Alan Troyer) was the highest count in eBird for TN in the past decade. Though reported in single digits in suitable habitat across the state, according to eBird’s status and trends data, Grasshopper Sparrow observations in TN declined by 50% from 2012–2022, a timeframe during which the number of birders increased exponentially. (eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Available: http://www.ebird.org. Accessed: May 5, 2025).

Increasingly expected in low numbers during migration, only one Clay-colored Sparrow was found in the region, in Jefferson Co, KY 27 Apr (Michael Autin). Much less regular, a wintering Harris’s Sparrow continued at Lick Creek Farm, Perry Co, TN. It was last reported 21 Apr (ph. Alan Troyer, Ruben Stoll); one was also southwest of Cayce, Fulton Co, KY 2–9 Mar (ph. James Wheat, m.ob.).

Yellow-headed Blackbird is a rare vagrant to the region, yet there were reports from seven counties in TN, with two birds present in Somerville, Fayette Co 22 Apr (ph. Joanie Webb); one was also in KY at Sauerheber 30 Mar (David Stone).

Lastly, a Painted Bunting was reported in Jefferson Co, KY 4 May–24 Jun (ph. Catherine Shake, m.ob.). It is a state review list species, and very rare anywhere in the region outside of Shelby Co, TN.

Report edited by Andrew Keaveney, 4 May 2026.