black-throated green warbler

Breaking News…Hummingbirds Are Not Coming This Year

Due to recent changes in immigration laws, and because of their aggressive nature and known drug trafficking activities Ruby-throated hummingbirds will not be allowed to cross the border into the U.S. this year. Many hummingbirds have been used as “mules” transporting small packages of drugs attached to their little bodies.  Put away your hummingbird feeders because they won’t be needed.  April Fools! 

Migratory Birds Being Seen this Week

This is the most exciting time of year for birdwatchers as migration brings neo-tropical songbirds into and through TN from Central and South America.  As of this morning here is a summary of what has been seen in our area this week:

Black and white warbler, Yellow-breasted chat, Black-throated green warbler, Chimney swift, Northern Parula, Blue-gray gnatcatcher, White-eyed vireo, Yellow-throated, Palm, and Yellow-rumped warblers, as well as Pine and Hooded warbler. The best time to look for these birds is in the first 4 hrs. of daylight because they migrate at night and settle down to rest and feed in the mornings. Without leaves on the trees yet there are far less obstacles for viewing.

For detailed up to date sightings and the locations to find and see birds download the E-bird app, or visit ebird.org

Wood Thrush Notes

Fall Migration is underway and while your seed birdfeeders will typically be a little slower now through October birdwatching in the area will be significantly more interesting. On your morning walks have your binoculars with you and ready because Warblers, Tanagers, Orioles, Grosbeaks, and Flycatchers are pouring through middle Tennessee on their return to Central and South America stopping to feed in the mornings on insects.

Mornings are the best time to see lots of different species because many of these migrants travel at night. They settle down to rest and feed in the morning. And mornings after a storm tend to be even better. Make time to visit one of the many great local birdwatching areas this fall to see some birds you may not have seen before. The usual local hot spots include:

  • Radnor Lake

  • Warner Parks

  • Bells Bend

  • Harpeth River Greenway

  • Shelby Bottoms

  • Hidden Lakes State Park

  • Gossett Tract State Park

  • Bowie Nature Park

  • Montgomery Bell State Park

The Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society is once again offering the first of 4 fall migration birdwatching walks at Radnor Lake beginning Wed. Sept. 22. If you have considered making birdwatching a new activity and don’t know where to start this would be a great opportunity for you to learn from some very experienced birders. For more information about the Nashville Chapter of TOS please visit their website, www.nashvillebirds.org