Hatchie NWR, TN: 4-19-18

Approximately 10,000 acres of bottomland forest remain at this NWR.  The Hatchie River is the only major stream in all of western Tennessee that has never been impounded, channelized, or otherwise modified.  The refuge provides an excellent example of the 25 million acres of bottomland hardwood forest that once dominated the Lower Mississippi Valley.  Bottomland hardwood forests make up ~ 80% of the habitat in this refuge.  These nutrient-rich and diverse ecosystems support a vast array of wildlife species.  Seasonal floodwaters bring large amounts of sediments and nutrients that settle into the ground.  When these floodwaters recede, the leaf litter decays, releasing nutrients and making these nutrients available to other plants.  The vegetation in these bottomland forests has adapted to this type of seasonal flooding over time.  Today the forest still slows ravaging floodwaters, filters sediments to improve water quality, and produces immense amounts of timber.  The refuge’s primary purpose is to provide habitat for migratory birds with a specific emphasis for providing food and sanctuary for wintering waterfowl.

Lincoln’s Sparrow

Male Prothonotary Warbler

Singing his beautiful song

Two color variations of Common Fleabane

Song Sparrow

Spotted Sandpiper

A breeding adult with its spots

A non-breeding adult (without spots- photo taken in FL last November)