No longer just for the senior set, birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in Roane County. Life gets a little bit more interesting when you start paying attention to the wildlife around you, whether it’s a blue heron hunting near a fishing pier or a belted kingfisher chirping from the oak branches in your backyard. Learning to recognize more and more types of birds adds another whole level of enjoyment to spending time in the great outdoors! For more information on birding in Roane County and details on reported sightings over the last 30 days, click here.
Belted Kingfisher, Photo by Rick Mcculley
You’ll find hotspots for birdwatching in several wildlife areas and islands within Watts Bar Lake. Walk the Heritage Center Greenway, where you can spot Bald Eagles and hear the song of our state bird, the Northern Mockingbird. Bring patience and binoculars to the Rockwood Forest trail to spot gorgeous yellow and black throated green warblers. Challenge yourself to find and name at least a few of the 114 species of birds, including black crowned night herons and wood ducks, that can be found at Gupton Wetlands at Lakeshore Park. Roane County’s birdwatching spots protect species that are vulnerable to development and littering, making them prime locations to view even the previously endangered Osprey and Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle, Photo by Rick Mcculley
Lakeshore Park 
Great Blue Heron photographed at Lakeshore Park by Rick Mcculley
Gupton Wetlands
Female Pileated Woodpecker photographed at the Gupton Wetlands by Robert Hunt
Roane County Park
Red Shouldered Hawk photographed at Roane County Park by Aaron Brandon
Heritage Center Greenway Powerhouse Trail
Male Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker, Photo by Robert Hunt
Long Island WMA
American White Pelican, Photo by Rick Mcculley
Rockwood Forest
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Photo by Roger Ashley
Paint Rock Refuge
Osprey, Photo by Rick Mcculley
Thief Neck Island
Bald Eagle, Photo by Rick Mcculley
