This fall , there are plenty of places to perch and see some beautiful-even rare-migrating birds. For directions to these popular birdwatching sites or to see a detailed list of what species can be seen during the fall, check out the Tennessee Ornithological Society's Chattanooga Chapter at chattanoogatos.org.
Glossy Ibis. (Plegadis falcinellus) A wading bird in the ibis family Threskiornithidae. This is the most widespread ibis species, breeding in scattered sites in warm regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas.Tenessee River Gorge
This 25,000-acre canyon is habitat for neo-tropical songbirds and is a migratory pathway for raptors and songbirds. The best spot is near the Pot House, a field station managed by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. Every year, a few pairs of cerulean warblers and American redstarts breed at this spot.
Raccoon Mountain
The mountaintop visitor center offers a full view of the Tennessee River Gorge. Keep an eye out for migrating hawks, falcons and eagles in the fall.
Craven 's House
On the wooded slopes of Lookout Mountain, this is a top spot in the fall to see migrating Philadelphia vireos and Connecticut warblers. Broad-winged hawks are also known to pass by.
Brainerd Levee
The city-owned levee is one of the most important stopping points in eastern Tennessee for shorebirds migrating between Canada and South America. In the fall, keep an eye out for marsh species such as bitterns, rails, common moorhen or glossy ibis.