The states in the southern U.S. are in the Mississippi, Central, or Atlantic flyway of migrating birds, providing great opportunities to view migratory and nonmigratory birds throughout the year. Read through the list below to see what annual festivals are held in your state and maybe you'll get to see some birds on your life list, meet other birders, or just brush up on your bird identification skills. SELECT A STATE TO VIEW FESTIVALS Select from the list of states below to see the birding festivals in that state Alabama | Arkansas | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Mississippi | North … [Read more...] about List of Birding Festivals in the South
bird watching
Wood Storks – Migratory Wading Birds at Tara
Have you seen a wood stork? Up until 2014, these wading birds were listed as an endangered species making them a rare bird to spot. Now they are considered threatened and are still an exciting bird to spot with their unique appearance and flight. You will find them in wetlands and cypress swamps. What Does a Wood Stork Look Like? These amazing birds with bald heads are around 3 feet long with a wing span of around 5 feet. That's a big bird! When in flight, they stretch their necks out and have their long legs extended behind them. Male and female wood storks look the same with the females being a bit smaller than the males. … [Read more...] about Wood Storks – Migratory Wading Birds at Tara
Bird Checklist for 2013-2017 at Tara
We've been keeping a checklist of the bird species seen at Tara in the spring and summer seasons over the last couple of years. If you are looking for a specific bird, this will help you plan your trip to Tara. To view even more data, visit the ebird checklist at: http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L343333 Birding Checklist for Those Spotted Spring and Summer BIRD SPECIESSummer 2013Spring 2014Spring 2015Spring 2016Spring 2017GEESE, SWANS, & DUCKSBlack-bellied Whistling DuckXXXXBlue-winged TealXXCanada GooseXXWood DuckXXXXXTURKEYSWild TurkeyXXXGREBESPied-billed GrebeXXXSTORKSWood StorkXCORMORANTSDouble-crested … [Read more...] about Bird Checklist for 2013-2017 at Tara
The Spring Migration of Birds
The spring migration of birds has begun! This is the time of year that birds that have been overwintering in Central and South America begin to return to our area. In the Mississippi Flyway Tara is fortunate to be right along a principal route of the Mississippi Flyway, which is a migratory route for neotropical birds and waterfowl that follows along the Mississippi River. We get a front and center seat to watch spring migration. Around 326 bird species use the Mississippi Flyway each year. Forty percent of all migrating waterfowl in North American use the Mississippi Flyway. That’s a lot of birds flying north! Birds at … [Read more...] about The Spring Migration of Birds
Fall Migration of Hummingbirds
The fall migration of hummingbirds means winter will be here sooner than we know it. Hummingbirds started migrating hummingbirds in the last several weeks and will continue to arrive in our neck of the woods for a while. There are two major migrations of ruby-throated hummingbirds – one in spring heading to northern states and one in fall heading south to warmer climates. The male hummingbirds are the first to arrive and are followed by females and juvenile males. There is a neat map online where you can track the migration of these birds each year. You can even report the birds that you see so that they show up on this … [Read more...] about Fall Migration of Hummingbirds
Brightly Colored Baltimore Oriole: A Favorite Feathered Visitor at Tara
The bright orange and black-colored Baltimore Orioles can be seen at Tara starting with spring migration in mid- to late-April. They are often found in open woodland or singing high in trees. They spend the winter in Florida, the Caribbean, northern South America, and Central America. Migration south starts in late summer. Food Baltimore Orioles feed on insects, berries, and nectar. During the spring, they mainly feed on fruits. We put out oranges sliced in half to attract the birds on the back porch of Tara Lodge. Nesting Females will nest high up in a tree, using found fibers, both natural and man-made to weave a hanging … [Read more...] about Brightly Colored Baltimore Oriole: A Favorite Feathered Visitor at Tara
