Migratory Bird Day at Bell's Bend Park

With the cicada emergence in full swing, you may have noticed a reduction in activity at your bird feeders.  Despite this slowdown, we are staying busy here at the Wood Thrush Shop with weekly specials on items ranging from birdhouses to wind chimes, with many things in between!

This weekend, specials include 25% off ATZ Classic Bluebird boxes, 20% off ALL Heartwood boxes, and 20% off Corinthian Bells wind chimes! Other items are on sale as well, and with Father’s Day around the corner, now is the time to get that gift for Dad!

In other news, Bell’s Bend Park will be celebrating Migratory Bird Day this Saturday with activities ranging from a sunrise hike to talks from guest speakers. The fun will begin at 5:30 in the morning with the sunrise hike hosted by Lise Brown, and go till 4 PM with guest speakers including Chris Sloan, Cyndi Rutledge and Debbie Sykes. Admission is free for all events!

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.

Northern Parula

Black-throated Green Warbler

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