Why you should take a trip to Seven Islands State Birding Park

Seven Islands State Birding Park

Why we love it: Some of the best bird-watching around

Closest town: Kodak, Tenn.

Drive time from Chattanooga: 2 hours

You wouldn't necessarily think a great crested flycatcher would hang out with a tufted titmouse, or a golden-crowned kinglet with a common snipe and a Carolina chickadee (OK, maybe that last one), but at Seven Islands State Birding Park, it's not unusual to encounter those species of birds in the same visit.

Stretching along the French Broad River just past Knoxville, Seven Island's 416 acres are known as a treasure trove for all levels of birders. More than 190 species have been spotted in the park. And this time of year, when the leaves fall away, the barren landscape is prime for a game of "I spy" as many species head even farther south for the season.

On the lookout

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology refers to white-crowned sparrows as the surest sparrow identification in North America. That's not because they're common, though they are this time of year, especially at Seven Islands; it's because of their ornamental accessories. While this bird prefers to dress in neutral colors, it combines them into a striking design, from the top of its zebra-striped cap to its tweed jacket-like wings set against an icy-gray body.

Bird banding

On Dec. 5, the park is giving guests the opportunity to meet some of its wild feathered friends in person. Bird banding, or the attachment of small marker devices, allows us to learn more about birds - everything from migration to lifespan and social structure - and a session that morning from 8-11 will offer visitors the chance to get in on the action. Be sure to wear good walking shoes or boots and weather-appropriate clothing, as you'll be led on a 1-mile hike to the nets used to catch the birds.

American beauty

While once so prevalent its springtime blooms appeared like snow over the landscape, the American chestnut has sadly fallen from its reign as the nation's mightiest tree. The species used to account for one in four hardwoods in the eastern part of the country, but a disease began spreading among them in the early 1900s, and now they're almost an elusive memory. Almost. In conjunction with the American Chestnut Society, Seven Islands hopes to help restore the tree to its throne. A seed orchard established at the park will incubate the strongest of seedlings until they can in turn plant the seeds for other orchards across the region, and eventually forests the continent over.

All access

The park features 8 miles of natural trails for your bird-watching or hiking adventures, but an in-the-works addition means those in wheelchairs will soon have an easier time joining in. Once complete, the ADA trail will take visitors across the river to Newman's Island via a fully accessible pedestrian bridge. Whether you opt for the mowed paths that tour you around the park or the paved one that leads down to the river, be sure to look up from the trail - the park offers pastoral views of the countryside and surrounding Smoky Mountains.

Monarch, my monarch

With over 130 acres of native pollinator habitat, the park is working to help support these often unsung heroes even more. The two official monarch waystation sites in the works mean monarch butterflies of all stages will have a safe place to rest as they make their annual trek to Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains and back. The park also plans to begin beekeeping.

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