Keepin' It Local

Birding in northeast Tennessee has hardly stopped. But organized field trips have pretty much gone away and each of us is left to our own habits. Mine is generally what I can see around the neighborhood. Or hear. I have had for three summers a red-winged hawk screaming about this same time of the summer which leads me to think in terms of a family being raised and taught to fly and hunt. Or my summer’s usual replay of a screech owl from probably my backyard but I’ve never looked much to find him. I like to listen.

There are places to visit (also mostly available on e-birds if you are inclined): Jacob’s Nature Park on King Springs road in Johnson City if the newest and fairly hot spot. Osceola Island downstream from TVA’s South Holston Dam is refreshing. The tail waters of Boone Dam at low water is a cinch for GBH and cormorant.

Two really underutilized spots are Steele Creek Park along the south side of Bristol, Tenn. Admission is required but the lake and walks are very relaxing and sometimes surprisingly productive. Also, White Top Creek Park across from Bristol Motor Speedway. A new park that was carved out of the BMS parking spaces that has a nice walk but you should start birding when you pull off the highway rather than wait. The surrounding terraced parking areas for the track should not be ignored! The best birding is usually along the back side of the park near White Top Creek.

Johnson City parks are iffy. Winged Deer is on again off again. Willow Springs seems to have gotten quiet. But, as always, give it try! We’ve had gulls and terns show up around the county.
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