One of the most beautiful songbirds, the cardinal is abundant in the Tennessee region and can be found everywhere from suburbs to cities to forests.
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The robin is a familiar neighborhood bird across the entire continental U.S. You may see them more often in the South during winter months because robins migrate to warmer states to spend the winter. They’re easy to identify because no other North American bird is gray on the back and wings, with an orange breast. They can be found in all habitats, and their eggs are easy to spot because of their unique “robins-egg blue” color.
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The official state bird of Tennessee since 1933, the mockingbird is a year-round resident across most of the continental U.S. Its scientific name, Mimus polyglottos, means “many-tongued mimic”. This is because of the bird’s ability to mimic not only dozens of other bird calls but even man-made devices such as musical instruments, car alarms and cell phones. Perhaps the loudest of the songbirds, mockingbirds often sing early in the morning and on moonlit nights.
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The loud, clear song of this little brown bird is common across the entire Southeastern U.S. The Carolina wren can be seen in yards and gardens as well as swamps and woodlands. In Tennessee, they have a long nesting season, lasting from late March into August.
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One of the 10 most abundant birds in the United States, mourning doves can be found from southern Canada to Central America, and they nest all year round. The mourning dove lives in both rural and urban landscapes and is a frequent visitor to bird feeders. The distinctive, melancholy COOOO-coo-coo-coo-coo of its call is sometimes mistaken for the hooting of an owl.
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It’s always a good time for fun on the Tennessee Valley’s lands and waters. Not sure where to start? We have you covered! Check out some of the best recreational activities on our reservoirs. While you’re enjoying the lakes, trails, picnic areas and campgrounds, share your own stories and photos on Instagram using #TVAfun.
Get the all the latest news and inside information about recreation on TVA public lands and lakes.
TVA has taken steps to make many of the public lands it manages attractive to avian life—making for some great birdwatching destinations. Here are some of the top spots for birdwatchers on TVA reservoirs:
• Rankin Bottoms on Douglas
• Songbird Trail on Norris
• Chota Waterfowl Refuge on Tellico
• Hiwassee Refuge on Chickamauga
• Gunthersville State Park
• Muscle Shoals Reservation
• Duck River Unit, Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, Kentucky Reservoir
Read more about these destinations, and what you'll find there, by clicking here.