Peabody WMA, Sinclair Unit

    Located in southern Muhlenberg County, the Sinclair Unit of the WMA is largely a grassland with isolated ponds and stands of saplings.  The topography is rolling, producing valleys and hills.  A $10.00 permit is required to enter the WMA property including the coal haul roads.  Permits are available at sporting goods stores throughout the western half of the state and are also available from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife in Frankfort.  Permits are valid for a period of 1 year beginning in March and ending in February.  A map is available upon request with the permit.  The permit is good for all sections of the Peabody WMA.

    In summer, there are several abundant species that are otherwise less common.  These include Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel, Orchard Oriole, and Blue Grosbeak.  These species may be found throughout the Unit.  Northern Harriers nest in low numbers and Short-eared Owls have been documented to nest here as well.  Summer specialties include Bell's Vireo, Willow Flycatcher, and Henslow's Sparrow.  These require more work to locate.

    Willow Flycatchers generally occur proximal to the many ponds and/or stands of willow trees that dot the area.  Any area with this habitat should be explored.  Listening for the song from the road is the best method of location.  Follow-up with a scope or binoculars is then in order.

    Bell's Vireos are associated with stands of saplings.  About any isolated sapling stand is a potential nesting spot for the species.  As above, locating the habitat and listening from the road for the unique un-vireo-like song is the best location method.  Once located, moving closer into the tick and chigger infested grassland is the best way to obtain a visual.

    Henslow's Sparrows are more difficult to find.  Like the previous 2 species, they are more easily located by song.  They tend to sing near sunset and just after sunrise, but will sing throughout the day, especially if it is cloudy.  Currently, the best location to find this species is at the end of road S-5.  I currently recommend that you not chase the sparrows through the grass/brush.  Instead, scan the grass looking for small birds singing the typical call.  They will throw their head back as they utter the second syllable.  Once located, zoom in, or if necessary, approach more closely a few paces at a time.  Note that the birds will sound close, but will actually may be 100 yards away or more.

    To reach road S-5 from Drakesboro, follow KY 176 east until you pass Goose Lake on the Right.  Immediately, turn right onto a gravel haul road.  (NOTE:  HAUL ROADS FOR FOR COAL TRUCKS.  DURING THE WEEK, THE TRUCKS ARE WORKING AND DRIVE FAST ON THESE ROADS.  GET OUT OF THEIR WAY.)  After turning right, you will face a T junction.  Turn right again and follow this road until you reach the top of a hill.  Here you could stop to overlook Goose Lake or you could proceed straight on the gravel road that now becomes officially Road S-1.

    Continue on Road S-1 to the second left that is posted S-2.  Turn left here and follow past several right turns to road S-5.  You might pick up Willow Flycatcher at this junction.  Turn right onto road S-5 and follow until you see a large lake/marsh below on your left and a stand of mixed saplings on the hillside on your right.  The saplings are full Bell's Vireos and Henslow's Sparrows nest on the hillside between the road and the lake as well as at the end of the lake (and road).

    In winter, the marsh bordering the lake may host LeConte's Sparrows and in migration it may host Rail Species and Marsh Wrens.  Wading is necessary to see these beauties.

    In winter, the area is known for its large raptor population and Short-eared Owls.  A good place to just park and "hawk watch" is the junction of road S-1 and S-2.  This is a high location that affords a terrific view.  This is one of the few reliable locations for Rough-legged Hawk in Kentucky.  You will be thrilled by the numbers of Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers.

    Short-eared Owls are normally best viewed by driving around the area beginning about 1 hour before sunset and continuing until darkness falls.

    If you have extra time, you might want to check out the large lake/marsh on the NW side of KY 176 that is reached by returning to the T intersection previously mentioned.  Follow this straight, then make a sharp left to cross over KY 176.  Follow this until you approach a bridge, then turn left onto a dirt lane that leads to a dirt parking area.  Great Blue Herons currently nest here, Least Bitterns and Common Moorhens formerly nested here.  There is some lowland woodland habitat where more common forest birds may be seen or heard and some scrub habitat appropriate for White-eyed Vireo and Yellow-breasted Chat as well.
 

Paradise Ash Basin

    The ash basin may be reached by returning to KY 176, proceeding east until you reach the TVA Power Plant.  Continue into TVA property until you reach the cooling towers and must turn right.  Turn right onto Riverside Road and follow briefly.  As soon as you pass under a coal conveyer, look for the second ash road on the right.  This road angles to the right and circles the ash basin.  For a while, you will see only Fragmities on the right and coal ash deposits on the left.  Bank Swallows nest in the deposits on the left.  Continue down this road until you get an opportunity to turn right.  Take the right turn and follow to an opening.  From here, you can scan the entire ash basin for shorebirds.  Spring and early summer are best for this facility.  If needed, you can continue straight until you rejoin the other side of the loop you left a moment ago.  Turn right on the loop and follow until you find a break in the Fragmities.  Scan the basin again from here to see birds that were too far from the other location.  Also, you can scan the lakes across the road for waterfowl, gulls, terns, cormorants, waders and swallows.  If you desire, you may drive around the lakes, but be advised that you will have to turn around and re-trace your route.