Tennessee is home to hundreds of year-round + migrating bird species, each with their own characteristics, habits, and songs. You’ve likely seen more of them lately — at your feeders, on your fence posts, or swooping overhead.
Since so many birds are active right now, you may be wondering what they all are — and you don’t need a lot of expensive gear to figure it out. The most important things are your own two eyes...and a little curiosity.
Here are some tips + tricks below to get started birdwatching.
A little bit of preparation goes a long way — i.e., you don’t need to drop your tax return on binos (although it couldn’t hurt to look).
There’s an app for that
Websites + apps have made birdwatching more accessible than ever. Here are a few we recommend:
- Merlin: This free identification app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology includes photos, an identification tool, and a database of songs + calls for every bird you’re likely to come across in your area.
- ebird.org: Also from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, ebird is a great website for birders to find birds, keep track, explore the latest sightings + contribute to science. The best part of ebird is the hotspots locator. Chattanooga has many local spots where birders have seen more than 100 species.
B(u)y the book
Armed with a good field guide, a little knowledge can go a long way. Here are a few of the most popular guides:
- “The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America” by David Allen Sibley
- “Peterson Field Guide to Birds” by Roger Tory Peterson
- “Peterson Field Guide to Feeder Birds of Eastern North America” by Roger Tory Peterson
Feed the birds
The easiest way to view birds is to bring them to you. We recommend local business The Happy Birdwatcher Co., which carefully curates blended birdseed that attracts the birds you want to see in your own backyard. Bonus: This business recently had its “Shark Tank” debut.
Your new best birdie
Local experts + hobbyists will love to show you the ropes. Link up with Chattanooga Audubon Society, Reflection Riding, or the Chattanooga Birding Club so you don’t fly solo.
Bonus: You can also check out the upcoming Spring Migration Birding Walk with Barbara Johnson on Saturday, April 12 — tickets are free + all ages and experience levels are welcome to join.
Ready to meet our local feathered friends for yourself? Check out this map for birding trails in the area — each location lists the types of birds you’re likely to see during your trip.
