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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Fall Flight

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.

photo 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.