Nature enthusiasts are invited to learn
more about the more than 200 species of birds that occur in West Tennessee
during the second annual Hatchie BirdFest Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1, in
Brownsville Tenn. The free event will
offer a variety of activities for all ages including hikes, educational
seminars and bird related booths.
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| Dr. David Pitts |
The BirdFest opens Friday evening at the
Ann Marks Performing Arts Center, Brownsville, when Dr. David Pitts will
present a program on "The Hummingbirds that Nest in Our Yards." Dr.
Pitts, a retired Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of
Tennessee, Martin, is a noted expert on the Eastern Bluebird. His research has also
concentrated on the Carolina Chickadees, Loggerhead Shrike and most recently Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Attendees will be allowed to ask questions during a Q&A session after the
presentation.
Following Friday evening's presentation,
the audience will adjourn to College Hill Center where they will be treated to
refreshments and performance by the Dirt Pilgrims, a quirky, acoustic folk band
from Jackson, Tenn.
Bird watching hikes on
Saturday and Sunday will be geared for
both beginners and experts. Excursions will originate at
the Delta Heritage Center and will visit
the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge as well as other areas in Haywood County. Hikes
begin at 7 a.m. Those wishing to participate, can pre-register online at
www.HatchieBirdFest.com.
Saturday’s speakers
will include Scott Somershoe (State
Ornithologist, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency), Tara Dowdy (Park
Ranger/Educator and Volunteer Coordinator for the West Tennessee National
Wildlife Refuge Complex) and Dick Preston (Member of the Memphis Chapter and State
Director, Tennessee Ornithological Society). Saturday seminars will be held at
the Delta Heritage Center and begin at noon. Sunday a special early morning excursion
will be led by Wildlife Biologist Bob Ford.
The weekend will also
include a photography exhibit and exhibitors representing the Tennessee
Ornithological Society, Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors
University, Tennessee Watchable Wildlife and more.
For more information about
the Hatchie BirdFest and a complete schedule, visit www.HatchieBirdFest.com
or call 731-779-9000.
