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Birdwatching Through the Seasons
One of the many reasons we love having the Great Smoky Mountains in our backyard is that we get to enjoy incredible natural scenery in every season. And being surrounded by nature means being surrounded by all the creatures that call this land home.
As late Spring transitions to Summer, local flora and fauna are alive with energy all around Blackberry. It’s the perfect time of year for birdwatching!
You’ll hear and see birds even if you’re not looking for them, but for those guests with a particular interest, birdwatching can be enjoyed with a guide who will point out local species, tune your ear to the calls you hear and what bird they’re coming from, and provide insights that will leave you eager to connect with the birds in your area when you return home.
Bird migrations assist in the majority of the bird sightings and shift as the seasons change, but did you know that insects and grub in trees affect the birds and where they can be located in the area? Because of our location, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forest greenery, there are roughly 20-30 species of birds that nest at Blackberry Farm year-round! These include Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, Eastern Phoebe, Carolina Chickadee and Blue Grosbeaks. Summer exclusives include Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks and Red-winged Blackbirds, as they favor the cool mornings that lead to warm afternoons.
Whether you set off on a guided exploration, or grab birdwatching gear and hiking maps to go forth on your own adventure, mid-morning to early afternoon is best, especially during migration or in-between seasons. But we’re particularly lucky that no matter what time of day or year you venture out on the Farm, a treasure hunt for birds awaits.
Birdwatching is exciting for all ages and a fun activity to do at home. Do research on what birds can be found in your area, make your own guide filled with possible sightings and tips for where find them, and enjoy searching the skies!