Upcoming Field Trips
Thursdays, April 12, 19, 26, and May 3, 8:00 am
Sharp's Ridge Walks
Leader: Tony Headrick (Cell 865-621-9836)
Meet at the ranger's house. The walk will be along the road in Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park. Spring migrants are the objects of this field trip. Orioles, grosbeaks, warblers, and other spring migrants are expected. Call Tony if you have questions. If you are new to birding, or to KTOS field trips, please join us. This is a great place to immerse yourself in birds. Directions and birding information are available at http://www.tnbirds.org/birdfinding/SharpsRidge.htm.
Saturday, April 28, 8:00 am
Yuchi Wildlife Management Area
Leaders: Bernie Swinney (area manager) and Tony King (865-988-6172)
Smith Bend/Yuchi Refuge is a "must see" birding site in East Tennessee. Varied habitats, including wetlands, river front, upland woodlands, grasslands, cedar glades, and bluffs, make this 2,500 acre area a great place to see many species of birds. KTOS provided funds to help Yuchi several years ago, so we have a special connection with this place. Bernie Swinney, the manager of the refuge, will be our "local guide" and join Tony King in leading this trip. For more information, see: http://www.tnwatchablewildlife.org/watchareadetails.cfm?
uid=09071611212262890®ion=Yuchi_Refuge&statearea=East_Tennessee
We will meet at the Ruby Tuesday in Lenior City, 120 Interchange Park Dr Lenoir City, TN 37772 (exit 81 off I-75) at 8:00 am for carpooling or caravaning. Bring your lunch and drink. Give Tony a call (865-988-6172) to let him know if you will be able to join us on this special trip, so we don't leave anyone behind.
Saturday, May 5, 7:45 p.m.
Foothills Parkway Walk/Drive for Chucks & Whips
Leader: Mike Nelson, madbirder@surfbrider.com
This evening trip will focus on listening for Whip-poor-wills and Chuck-will’s-widows along the Foothills Parkway. We will begin at the base of the Parkway at U.S. Route 321 near Walland. Meet at the parking area/turnaround located shortly after you turn south off of Route 321 (right turn coming from Maryville).
Saturday, May 12, 9:00 a.m.
Bluebird Box Monitoring at Seven Islands
Leader: Billie Cantwell, bfcantwell@gmail.com
Do you want to learn how to properly monitor songbird nest boxes? Would you like to have your own bluebird trail? Come to Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge and observe what we do to check the nest boxes. Most people are hesitant about looking into their nest boxes, but monitoring your boxes regularly can give bluebirds a greater chance of survival. We will be walking around the refuge, so please wear proper footwear and bring your binoculars. Meet at the parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and bring water and a snack.
For site information and directions, visit: http://www.tnbirds.org/birdfinding/SevenIslands.htm.
Sunday, May 13 and May 20, 8:00 a.m.
Spring Migrants along Sharp's Ridge
Leader: Mike Nelson, madbirder@surfbirder.com
Did you miss the April weekday walks or Saturday field trips at Sharp’s Ridge this year? Fortunately, you have two more weekend opportunities to observe spring migrants at the park. Meet at the J.B. Owen overlook.
For site information and directions, visit: http://www.tnbirds.org/birdfinding/SharpsRidge.htm.
Saturday, May 26, 4:00 p.m. (birding) and 6:00 p.m. (wine tasting)
Bird Watching and Wine: A Perfect Pairing
Leaders: Billie Cantwell, bfcantwell@gmail.com & Mike Nelson, madbirder@surfbrider.com
Join KTOS for its first-ever birding and wine tasting fundraiser. After spending a few hours enjoying Billie's beautifully landscaped and bird-friendly yard, we will learn about and taste some bird-centric wine. All proceeds from this event will benefit KTOS.
The cost for the wine tasting is $35 per person and is limited to 14 people. Attendees should bring a small dish to share. Mike will talk through each of the wines and explain their relation to birding. The event will be held at Billie’s house at 1613 Cove Creek Lane, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Reserve your spot by emailing Billie (see address above) or by calling (865) 212-9797 or (865) 567-4273.
Past Field Trip Reports
Content coming soon.
