A quick weekend trip down to my grandparents 200 acres of foothill country near Clinton, Tennessee (Anderson County) yielded a few birds but my primary focus on this trip was to find herps (salamanders, turtles, and lizards). The most noteworthy birds were a few warblers (Black and White, Yellow-rumped, Blue-winged, Yellow, Ovenbird, and Common Yellowthroat), Great Crested Flycatcher, Osprey, and some migrating Broad-winged Hawks.
The salamanders that my dad and I found were all either Southern Two-lined or Dusky. I don't know what specific species of Dusky they are - if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Other herps I observed but I was unable to get photos of include Wood Frog, Pickerel Frog, and a Hog-nosed Skink. The species I managed to get photos of are below.
I glanced out at the window feeder this afternoon and was surprised to see a Field Sparrow feeding in the tray in association with a handful of Dark-eyed Juncos. I was able to take a few quick photos of the bird through the window in the fading light. Unfortunately I didn't see this bird until after my local Christmas Bird Count's (Burlington) count day and week are past... This is only the second time I've found a Field Sparrow in the winter in Wisconsin. The last time being during the Great Backyard Bird Count in mid-February in 2002 or 2003.
