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• General Information
• Getting Involved
• Local Hotspots and Favorite Areas

General Information / Resources

• Overview of Blount County, TN on EBird
  • Bar Chart – Review the chart to see which species can be found at different times of the year, then click the “map” icon to see where (can apply additional filters from there)
  • “Species Map” – Plug in a species and put in Blount County as the location (again, can apply additional filters from there) to see where they have been seen historically.
  • Hotspot Map – reflects public hotspots and not all spots named below (and sometimes we use a weird shorthand or names other than the “official” hotspot name)
• Smokies Road Information – Resource for closures in the Park itself and on Foothills Parkway
• AllAboutBirds – Resource for identification and more information on species
• Ducks at a Distance
• Birding Ethics
• Ethical Bird Photography
• Fun With Speech-to-Text

Get Involved

• Knoxville Area Birding (sometimes called “KTOS”) – monthly meetings and occasional field trips/bird walks
• Birding for Science
  • Group Efforts
  • eBird Best Practices

Blount County Frequently-Birded Areas

This is not an exhaustive list of the various eBird hotspots, ephemeral ponds, seasonal pop-ups, and other nooks and crannies where folks regularly bird. However, this should represent some of the most frequently talked about in the group. To make the implicit explicit – we always want to be mindful of property, law, and safety wherever we bird!

Additions, thoughts, corrections, or links to other resources are most appreciated! Places below are listed by their eBird name or the most commonly used name, as some official hotspot names are not intuitive. Many include “also known as” to account for other unofficial appellations, shorthand, or frequent speech-to-text “corrections.”

Equipment needs – calls out when things like closed-toe shoes, binoculars, or a scope or “zoom-y” (more than a standard 300mm telephoto lens) camera, et cetera become more than just a “nice to have.”

Accessibility – a work in progress, how sites look from a “Birdability” perspective (can you bird from your car if needed, are there paved walkways, places to sit and rest if needed, et cetera). For now, if a location has no comment on it…unfortunately, it probably means that a certain level of mobility is required to get anything out of birding that location.

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Alcoa Duck Pond 

Also known as: ADP, The Duck Pond

Large pond located near Alcoa Elementary School, across the street from the Intermediate School, and not too far from Springbrook Park — it’s one of those “box of chocolates” spots where you never know what you’re going to get. Interesting waterfowl can sometimes be found on the water (especially in winter), and the area is often a stopover for migrating shorebirds. In the summer, it’s often a good, happening heron spot. While the pond itself gets the most attention, don’t ignore the inflow/outflow areas, the nearby brushy and wooded areas on either side of the pond, and the practice field and power line right-of-way on the Elementary School side. All of these spots are good for a variety of sparrows and warblers, and sometimes heron or shorebird surprises.

As of July 2023, the city has unfortunately taken down a good chunk of the brushy and wooded area between the practice field and Pistol Creek, which will likely have longer-term implications for what used to be the most productive sparrow and wren area.

Note: For those seeking Night-Herons on a late evening or nocturnal visit, please, please, please do not bring in outside lights or use flash photography!!!! It is profoundly sad that I need to call this out, but someone from outside of Blount County made some very poor decisions to try to get “good” photos in 2023 and caused a significant disturbance. Not only does this blatantly go against basic birding and photography ethics, there is simply no need for that. There is plenty of ambient lighting around the pond even at night, and the birds often hang out close enough to the lights that it’s easy to enjoy them and even get decent photos without needing to disturb the birds.

Parking: Main parking lot off of Springbrook Road, can also park on Park Road (near walkway) or off of Vose Street closer to the elementary school if school is not in session

Equipment needs: None required, though bins or a zoom-y camera are recommended for water sightings.

Accessibility: Designated accessible parking and restrooms near parking area. Birding the pond can be done from your car to an extent, though visibility from the main lot may be limited by vegetation at certain times of year. Paved walkway around the pond is relatively even. Benches available, and you can bring your own chair to sit and observe.

Other amenities: Restrooms, located on the side closest to the pool

Timing considerations: Proximity to the schools means that drop-off/pick-up times may make the area relatively busy. Parks and Rec sometimes schedule fishing tournaments which also draw crowds. Or you may find “There’s a sports-ball game happening on the killdeer field!”

Alcoa Greenway

Official eBird name is Maryville-Alcoa Greenway–Alcoa Section

Also known as: Alcoa Greenbelt, various specific place names

Verbiage can get confusing as the “Alcoa greenway” connects with other distinct areas like Alcoa Duck Pond and the “Blount Memorial Loop” area near US Foods, and the dividing lines are often debatable. “Other” stretches of the Alcoa Greenway are somewhat under-birded on their own, though they have some hidden treasures. Local Analiese Ashley first spotted a county-record Limpkin on one stretch of the greenway in July 2023! That bird seemed to disappear for a few months after September, but came back onto the radar where as of April 2024, it is still hanging out fairly reliably near the 2 mile marker, just off of the Hall Road access (near, but not on, the Blount Memorial Wellness Center Loop).

The field/meadow habitats near Louisville Road/Calderwood and the stretch of open area between McDonald’s and Rural King are good for warblers, sparrows, and American Goldfinches. Don’t assume that all doves are Mourning Doves at a glance, as Eurasian Collared-Doves are certainly possible. Various bridges where the greenway goes under the road are pockets for nesting swallows. Yellow-Crowned Night Herons can occasionally be found in Pistol Creek on this portion of the greenway.

Parking: Many accesses including Louisville Rd (off of Bessemer), near the Blount Memorial Loop, near the Dollar General off of Hall Road, and Alcoa Duck Pond. Can also park for Maryville Greenway near library or health center, and walk to Alcoa portion just past the PetSafe dog park.

Equipment needs: None required

Accessibility: Paved walkways, though a few bridge areas where the grade is a bit steep. Benches available at many areas of the greenway, and you can bring your own chair to sit and observe.

Other amenities: Port-a-potty and drinking fountain located near the parking area on Louisville Rd off of Bessemer

Timing considerations: Some areas of the greenway flood to the point of inaccessibility after heavy rainfall

Asbury Place Pond

Also known as: Pond off of Amerine Rd / Aldersgate / St. Clair Road, other designations

Private ponds on the property at Asbury Place Retirement Community. Best known as a place where Canvasbacks sometimes come in the winter (usually a single individual, historically male, though in 2022 the visitor was a female). Occasionally can find other interesting birds here and on the nearby pond just across the street off of Amerine Road. A bit more “meh” in summer.

Parking: St. Clair Lane

Equipment needs: None required

Accessibility: Can bird from your car. Paved walkway around pond, though good places to get from parking to the walkway are limited.

Beal Park

Official eBird name is Ft. Loudoun Lake–Henry Beal Park

Also known as: Henry Beal Park, Louisville Dog Park, park off of Topside Rd, speech-to-text often corrects to “Beale”

Modest park and surrounding area off of Topside Road in Louisville. The area within the park itself is technically George Creek, which feeds into Fort Loudoun Lake on the other side of Topside. The park itself has been known for some nesting Ospreys in summer, decent gull activity in the winter, Tree and Cliff Swallows in breeding season, and a predictable spot for herons. Potentially good Pipit and shorebird territory when water levels are lower.

A bridge on the righthand side of the park (when facing George Creek with your back to Topside Road) takes you across to the Louisville Dog Park and more of the park itself. The fields on that side are good for sparrows. A Sedge Wren stayed through the winter of 2021/2022, and historically it had proven a decent “return spot” in subsequent autumns. (As of November 2023, they unfortunately mowed all of the best habitat on that side — and it’s still not looking so hot as of spring 2024.) The paths going to the edge of the wooded area are on a bit of a steep hill. Respect posted signage/boundaries and do NOT venture onto private property.

Also nearby, though outside of the park proper, is another parking area and boat ramp catty corner to the park entrance on the other side of Topside Road, on actual Ft. Loudoun Lake. You can legally park there to view a portion from the lake right there, and then carefully walk the bridge and view more of the waters on both the lake and the creek on either side of Topside Road. (Respect posted signs and do not park on the actual bridge.) Bonus: The boat ramp parking doesn’t “close” at sunset the way the park does, making this a good spot to bird in the evenings for Nighthawks.

In the winter of 2023/2024, the field area on the dog park side got mowed down pretty severely. Time will tell if it recovers enough to allow for the same activity again. As of spring 2024, it’s not looking promising.

Parking: Gravel lots, one near dog park and other near pavilion. Please do NOT park on the grass. Parking also available at nearby boat ramp catty corner to park entrance.

Equipment needs: None required, though bins, a scope, or a zoom-y camera are beneficial for viewing the distant waters.

Accessibility: Technically accessible parking, though most walking paths are grass or gravel and some terrain is not even. Benches available and you can bring your own chair to sit and observe.

Other amenities: Port-a-potties located near gravel lot by dog park entrance

Timing considerations: Open year round — park itself is open dawn to dusk, boat ramp outside of the park proper is always open

Blount Memorial Wellness Center Loop

Official eBird name is Maryville-Alcoa Greenway–Blount Memorial Wellness Center Loop

Also known as: Blount Memorial Loop, US Foods, Kings Court, Associates Blvd.

The “loop” is a looped walkway around a large, manmade lake near US Foods, not far from the large pedestrian bridge on Alcoa Highway and (as the name suggests) across the street from the Blount Memorial Wellness Center. The walkway connects with the rest of the Alcoa Greenway on two different ends, at Kings Court (going past US Foods) and at the City of Alcoa pedestrian bridge that goes across Alcoa Highway to a “spur” of the greenway. There’s also a bridge to a modest island on the Associates Boulevard side. The lake itself is hit or miss most of the time, though in winter you may get some interesting waterfowl. The surrounding shrubby areas and the inflow/outflow portions of the creek (including “under the bridge” at Kings Court) are often productive for sparrows and warblers. In winter, large blackbird flocks (typically including Rusty Blackbirds) will often come here to roost at night.

For anyone looking for the Alcoa Limpkin, the bird as of March 2024 is still not actually at the “loop” area of the greenway, but is more reliably found off of the greenway proper, closer to the 2 mile marker and Hall Road overpass.

Parking: Near the cemetery next to US Foods (Kings Court), or near the City of Alcoa building on the other side (Associates Blvd).

Equipment needs: None required, but bins or zoom-y camera helpful for viewing across the lake. A scope may be overkill, but can’t hurt.

Accessibility: Paved walkways, accessible parking. Slope from Associates Boulevard side to the walkway is greater than 8%. Benches available on the walkway to the “island.”

Other amenities: Port-a-potty located on the City of Alcoa Building side, albeit with an unconventional “lock.”

Chilhowee Lake

Encompasses multiple eBird Hotspots. Sometimes jokingly referred to as the Southern Waters

Essentially the entire stretch of US 129 that runs along the lake on the southern part of the county – there are a few eBird hotspots in the general area.

Not always productive, but worth going out to look for waterfowl. According to the indomitable Randy Winstead, this is the best place in the county for Common Loons, and a good spot for Red-breasted Mergansers. May also get Common Ravens, Bald Eagles, and Ospreys (in season) along with other potential surprises. Be aware that most folks don’t have a phone signal out this way, and there are no gas stations past a certain point.

Parking: Various pull-offs along the route

Equipment needs: A scope is a must for most water sightings.

Accessibility: Limited birding can be done from the car along some pull-offs. You can bring your own chair to sit and observe.

Other amenities: Vault toilets just past where Foothills Parkway comes out at 129

Clayton Road/North Greenway

Official eBird name is Maryville-Alcoa Greenway–Clayton Rd/North Section

Also known as: Clayton Greenway, North Greenway, Clayton Road, Clayton Disc Golf Course, “Clayton Rd./North Section”

The northernmost part of the Maryville/Alcoa greenway system, including a portion that is relatively new. The main/longest continuing trail starts/ends north near Williams Mill Road and goes south, under Hunt Road, and across a large bridge to meet the “Alcoa” Greenway (folks can debate the exact borders). Don’t assume that all doves are Mourning Doves at a glance, as Eurasian Collared-Doves are certainly possible.

Near Clayton Road, the “winding path” and the area near the disc golf course is where most of the historical “action” has been documented. This area has been good for Eastern Meadowlarks, various sparrows (including Fox, White-crowned, Grasshopper, Vesper, and Lincoln’s), a variety of warblers, wrens, and American Woodcocks. Other sightings of note have included Clay-colored Sparrow, Marsh Wren, Sedge Wren, Dickcissel, and Barn Owl. The lack of streetlights on Clayton Road or the winding path part of the greenway makes for good evening birding, though you may want to bring a flashlight just in case.

When coming up the winding path to connect with the main greenway, you can either:

1. Turn left, which takes you to a shorter spur of the greenway that “bends” away from the river and ends in a nearby residential area. (Good area for sparrows.)
2. Continue across the bridge to the Clayton Homes side and the “newer” part of the greenway that connects to Alcoa and Williams Mill Road (noted above)

Note: The Disc Golf Course got named as a standalone hotspot. I’ve never really explored it beyond the portion directly near Clayton Road, so can’t really speak to other parts of the course.

Parking: Gravel pull-offs on Clayton Road, North Greenway Parking area off of Williams Mills Rd.

Equipment needs: None required

Accessibility: Accessible parking at main parking area off of Williams Mills Rd., paved walkway. “Winding path” to Clayton Road has some slopes and parking there is not fully accessible.

Timing considerations: Some areas of the greenway flood to the point of inaccessibility following heavy rainfall. There are no streetlights on Clayton Road or the winding path part of the greenway. Proximity to traffic on Pellissippi Parkway and other nearby roads can make birding by ear difficult at certain times of day.

Foothills Parkway

Encompasses multiple eBird Hotspots

Folks are usually talking about the “west” portion of the Parkway, which has plenty of pull-offs (some of which are their own designated hotspots). Many of these are hit or miss depending on time of year and time of day, but can be good for hawks or warblers during migration, and calling nightjars in spring. Note: there are no public restrooms or gas stations on the Parkway. It’s possible to make a nice trip out of going the entire west section of the Parkway and then continuing down to Chilhowee Lake. I’m not as familiar with the newer “east” portion of the Parkway, but it is also worth noting.

Parking: Various paved pull-off areas. Note that this is technically Park land and therefore parking for more than 15 minutes requires a parking tag.

Equipment needs: None required, though bins are strongly recommended for hawk watches

Accessibility: Most pull-offs have accessible parking. Much birding can be done from the car. You can bring your own chair to sit and observe.

Timing considerations: Sometimes closes during weather events.

Ft. Loudoun Lake

Encompasses multiple eBird hotspots

Recently, several hotspots were renamed on eBird to include “Ft. Loudoun Lake” at the beginning. The lake itself stretches over a vast territory all over the northern part of the county. There is some overlap with the “northern waters” designation, though again, not every hotspot with the “Ft. Loudoun Lake” designation is considered the “northern waters” by most — and of course, not all areas of the lake are covered by existing hotspots.

See references for Beal Park, Ish Creek Bay, Louisville Point Park, Poland Creek Campground, and Singleton Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park / Cades Cove

Encompasses multiple eBird hotspots

Safety warning: The park is in the heart of bear country, and venomous snakes are also a possibility in some areas, so take appropriate precautions. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts!

Volumes could be written about the various nooks and crannies of Cades Cove just by itself, let alone all of the various trails in the rest of the Park, though it would take someone far cooler than me to do it justice. Many trails and areas of the Park are under-birded, and there are undoubtedly many treasures yet to be uncovered.

The park as a whole is your best bet for possible Common Raven and (at higher elevations) Black-Capped Chickadee, and possibly Ruffed Grouse on some trails. Just about anywhere in Cades Cove has the potential for some Wild Turkeys, a variety of sparrows, and Eastern Meadowlarks. The one downside to birding in the Park is a lack of cell phone signal, which means that there’s usually a delay between someone seeing something and being able to let others know (or, if someone outside of the park sees something, people birding in the park may not get the message until they have a signal again).

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but some key spots include (with eBird links where applicable):

Heritage Drive

Also known as: South Heritage Drive

Not a hotspot, but these ponds on private property (road view only) have been offered up by Julie as a spot to find potentially interesting waterfowl.

Equipment needs: Binoculars or a zoom-y camera strongly recommended

Accessibility: Bird by car

Ish Creek Bay

Official eBird name is Ft. Loudoun Lake–Ish Creek Bay

Also known as Ish, Ish Boat Ramp, Scenic Point, speech to text often changes to Fish Creek Bay

Almost always included when folks talk about the “Northern Waters.” A large bay area with many different coves and potential vantage points; prime location for waterfowl, gulls, terns, and occasional American White Pelicans and shorebirds (notable recents include American Avocet and Dunlin). There are two main locations where folks view this “hotspot” from:

1. Scenic Point Drive – on private property. We are tentatively “allowed” to park JUST inside of the gate and watch the water from the pull-offs, but stay on the road (do not walk onto the grass anywhere as this is private property). A scope, binoculars, or a zoom-y camera are a must.
2. “Boat ramp” area, which is TVA land and can be freely walked. Folks park at the actual TVA Access ramp lot and then go into the woods. From here, you have some more choices!
   • To see the larger bay area, including the area visible from Scenic Point, most of the viewing is using the path on the RIGHT if you are facing the water from the parking area. The path diverges/converges multiple times, but ultimately no matter which way you go, they take you in the same general direction
   • There is another path to the LEFT/more towards the back of the parking lot. The waters on that side are not quite as reliably productive (and is not the same area visible from Scenic Point), but still sometimes yield interesting surprises. The path includes a narrow wooden “bridge” (basically a single but sturdy 4 x 4 embedded in the ground) over the creek, takes you to an old railroad bridge that overlooks the creek on both sides, and ends at the old railroad overpass that you can see from the boat dock area.

When folks talk about “the island,” it’s alternately an island or a peninsula depending on water levels. It’s visible from Scenic Point at a distance, though birders will often go into the woods from the boat ramp side for a better view, especially when birds are on the “island.”

While the waters get most of the spotlight, don’t ignore the woods near the boat dock, which are a great place for woodland birds including (in season) kinglets, various woodpeckers (including occasional Red-headed Woodpecker), occasional Red-Breasted Nuthatch, and thrushes.

Parking: Ish Creek Boat Ramp area

Other amenities: Boat ramp

Equipment needs: A scope or very zoom-y camera are a must for most water sightings. Closed-toe shoes are very strongly recommended in the woods on the boat ramp side.

Accessibility: Can bird from your car at Scenic Point, and to an extent at the boat ramp (though there may not be as much to see from there). Can set up chairs at boat ramp side.

Jarvis Park

A relatively recent (and sadly under-birded) hotspot, not far from Maryville College Woods. This park may not always have the most unique species, but is a nice edge/woodland habitat worth exploring, great for days when you want to get out “into the woods” but don’t have a lot of time or don’t have the capacity to travel far. Boasts decent warbler and flycatcher activity during breeding season and is occasionally a spot to hear Great Horned Owl. Adjacent fields are on private property, but you can stand in the open area just across the wooded bridge to stand and watch/listen for swallows and sparrows.

Parking: Paved lot

Accessibility: Accessible parking in lot. Trails are not paved, but for the most part are relatively even. Several benches available.

Kyker Bottoms Refuge

Also known as: KB, Kyker, various interpretations from autocorrect or speech-to-text

Safety warning: TWRA land, be aware and dress accordingly during hunting seasons! Wild Boar have also been sighted here. Trails are loosely maintained and occasionally overgrown, and there are some hidden “holes” and loose rock in some areas of the levees.

One of the most species-rich birding areas in Blount County. Entire pages could be (and have been) dedicated to talking about the ins and outs of Kyker Bottoms and specific locations therein – see the other links above, especially Randy’s phenomenal site!

The least you need to know is that you’ll often hear folks refer to a North Side and a South Side, with Nine-mile Creek being the dividing line. The interior is closed to the public from November 15th – end of February, but there are two viewing areas (both on the “South Side”) that can be accessed in the winter: the main observation deck (called the “overlook” by some) on Big Gully Road, and the aerie located off of a gravel pull-off on Garland Drive. You can also park in either parking lot and look/listen as long as you do not go past posted signs.

Because it is TWRA land, there is seasonal hunting at this location. Most hunting activity is in the “upland” areas of the “North Side,” but it’s good practice to dress accordingly regardless. In the spring, summer, and fall, you’ll also want to dress and prepare for ticks, who are abundant.

Recently, the hard-working folks at Kyker have blazed some new trails on the north side that are not on the existing maps, affectionately known by some as Winstead Way and Howdeshell Highway. These are both near the furthest eastern point of the North Side.

Parking:

• South Side: Gravel parking lot off of Garland Road, paved parking lot off of Big Gully near observation tower, small gravel lot in pull-off leading to aerie
• North Side: Off of Lanier Road, or park near pull off at Garland Road just before guardrail and walk on designated path to the “back end way” to Least Bittern Levee

Timing considerations: Interior is closed to the public November 15-end of February and can only be viewed from observation decks on “South Side.” See TWRA website for hunting season information. Gets VERY tick-y in warmer months. Staff quite rightfully do not mow during prime breeding season, so some paths can get very overgrown by late summer.

Equipment needs: Scope, bins, or zoom-y camera are a must from the observation deck, “nice to have” elsewhere. Dress appropriately during hunting season or periods of high tick activity. Closed-toe shoes are very strongly recommended.

Accessibility: Can bird from your car in the main lots. Theoretically can drive up and park close to the observation deck off of Big Gully, which has a ramp and areas to set up a chair. Interior trails often hilly, overgrown, muddy, or full of obstacles.

Meadowbrook and Surrounding Neighborhood

Also known as: Grove Street, Fletcher Street

Not a “hot spot.” This neighborhood in Alcoa is worth noting as an area where Eurasian Collared-Doves can be seen semi-reliably (at least as of fall 2023). Link above shows general area-ish — they can really be found anywhere in that general neighborhood with enough persistence. Grove Street gets the most press, but anywhere near the Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Meadowbrook Christian Church, and surrounding streets appears to be fair game.

Accessibility: Bird from car

Equipment needs: Binoculars or a zoom-y camera are recommended for the best chance at spotting something

Phelps Dairy Farm Pond

Also known as: Phelps Pond

Roadside seasonal pond that folks often check as they are driving up Lowes Ferry Road or Ralph Phelps Road. As its name suggests, it’s located on a cattle farm, so it’s road view only, but occasional surprises pop up there (including various shorebirds and less-common herons or Egrets) and make it worth checking out. Don’t ignore the field on the other side of Ralph Phelps Road, which has a few smaller areas that become mudholes or ephemeral ponds in the right conditions and can attract interesting shorebirds.

Accessibility: Birding by car

Equipment needs: A scope, binoculars, or a zoom-y camera are recommended for most sightings.

Pistol Creek Wetland Center

Also known as: the Wetland Center, Pistol Creek Boardwalk

A modest and unobtrusive wetland area with a designated boardwalk. (Do stay on the boardwalk, no matter how tempting it may be to stray.) Its fields often contain a good amount of sparrow activity, beautiful jewelweed patches that attract Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in season, and the wetlands and surrounding woody/shrubby areas occasionally yield pleasant surprises including infrequent or rare warblers during migration. Note: While this is located near the end of the Maryville Greenway, it does not currently connect to it directly.

Parking: Paved lot off of Montvale Station Road

Accessibility: Can technically bird from your car. Accessible parking and walkway, slight slope from parking lot down to boardwalk. Boardwalk and walkway are reasonably wide, although spots to turn around are few and far between.

Equipment needs: None required

Poland Creek Campground and Recreation Area

Also known as: Poland Creek, Poland Creek Campground

Sometimes included in the “Northern Waters” designation, a nice little spot to check for waterfowl, herons, Bald Eagles, and (seasonally) gulls and Osprey. Most folks look out from the boat dock area, but you can also cross Lowes Ferry Road and look out at the cove and the fields on the other side (keep on the other side of traffic guard rails for safety).

The campground area is technically for registered campers only, and that rule should be respected. During the off season, staff may occasionally welcome birders onto the “other side” (please don’t do so unless expressly invited while they are on site). Alternatively, when waters are lower, it’s also possible to walk on the exposed mud and rocks to get a better view of the cove closer to Holston College road.

One local eBird user appears to be using this hotspot exclusively as the location to notate any new birds added to their life list, usually as single-species “incidental” reports. It is not clear if these sightings are actually at the Poland Creek Campground and Recreation Area, or just somewhere vaguely nearby. Therefore, some observations noted at this hotspot may need a dose of salt when considering location.

Parking: Paved lot off intersection of Lowe’s Ferry Road (at T-intersection with Old Lowe’s Ferry)

Other amenities: Port-a-potty located near parking area, boat ramp

Timing considerations: Open dawn to dusk. Somewhat underbirded in summer, partly because it gets very “people-y” and makes it harder to assess and enjoy bird activity.

Equipment needs: A scope, binoculars, or a zoom-y camera are recommended for most water sightings. May want muck boots or shoes you don’t mind getting dirty if wandering out onto the mudflats and rocks during winter.

Accessibility: Can bird from your car, though viewing may be limited depending on how “people-y” it is at the time. Can set up chairs.

Roy Goddard Road

Not a “hot spot.” Private fields visible from a narrow road in Louisville, suitable for “drive-by-birding.” Fields on this road have historically been spots to look and listen for Dickcissels, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolinks, and Loggerhead Shrike.

Accessibility: Bird from car

Sam Houston School Road Pond

Naming conventions vary, but also include “pond near Eagleton Elementary” and “pond across from Eagleton Elementary”

Another “not a hot spot.” Roadside pond across from Eagleton Elementary School, located off of Sam Houston School Road. Occasional spot for interesting herons and shorebirds. (NOT to be confused with being anywhere near Sam Houston Elementary School, which is about eight miles away.)

Accessibility: Bird from car

Singleton Park

Official eBird designation is Ft. Loudon Lake–Singleton Park

Modest park in Louisville (almost in Alcoa), just off of Topside Road. Somewhat under-birded in general as it is not the most unique or productive location, but notable as a spot for herons including Black-Crowned Night Heron (moreso in winter). When waters are low, the mudflats have recently proven a decent shorebird location. It’s a bit like Miser Station in that one can view the waters from either side of Topside Road, but there’s an added benefit to having two different vantage points for the north side: TVA Lab Road or the boat ramp. The portion of the park off of TVA Lab Road has some shrubby areas that have proven good for warblers and vireos in season.

Parking: Gravel lot and paved lot near TVA Lab road, paved lot near boat ramp

Equipment needs: A scope, binoculars, or a zoom-y camera are recommended for water sightings.

Accessibility: Can bird from your car, though may not be much to see from there. Accessible parking, benches, and paved walkway on TVA Lab Road side.

Other amenities: Boat ramp

Southern Waters

A more recent appellation, in contrast with the Northern Waters (where there’s a lot more action and ergo a lot more talk about them). Refers to the area of the Little Tennessee River / Chilhowee Lake on the southern end of the county.

Stilt Pond

An ephemeral pond located off of Lowes Ferry Road, in a cow field between Windy J Farms Road and Ralph Phelps Road. No Stilt sightings have been reported since 2016, but an occasional spot to check for shorebirds and ducks in the spring, fall, and winter.

Note: Despite the official eBird name, this is NOT on “Old Lowes Ferry Road” — which is a separate street about a mile and a half away. I’ve submitted a ticket requesting a name change and haven’t heard back yet.

Accessibility: Bird from car

Springbrook Park

Not a standalone “hot spot.” Modest park near the Alcoa portion of the Maryville-Alcoa greenway, just north of Alcoa Duck Pond. Fair to middling for general birding, but one of the areas where — in winter — you may get a veritable “blackbird party” including large flocks of mixed Red-Winged and Rusty Blackbirds.

Parking: Near recreation center or on Dalton street

Equipment needs: None required

Tesla Road

Also known as Tesla Boulevard, Tesla, Tesla and Faraday

Another “not a hotspot.” Maps officially call it a Boulevard on one end and a Road by the other end, so both designations are technically correct. There is a lot of construction in the area, but folks occasionally bird just off of some of the pull-offs. Historically, some interesting sparrows have been found in area, which includes fields, edge habitat, and brush along the road. The retention pond — just south of the southern bend in the road — has been visited by some notable shorebirds and occasionally has ducks or herons. Don’t ignore the brushy area near the intersection of Tesla and Faraday, or the little alcove just off of the roundabout on Faraday. Faraday is a convenient conduit to get to Alcoa Duck Pond from here.

As of winter 2023, there are plans to do a lot more development in the birdiest parts of this area, so the future of this spot is uncertain.

Parking: Various pull-offs

Equipment needs: A scope, binoculars, or a zoom-y camera are useful when viewing the retention pond

Townsend Visitor’s Center

Just became an official hotspot in March 2023. The experience here for fall Common Nighthawk migrations is unparalleled. Kat has documented as many as 800+ birds flying over in a single evening, and evening totals of 200-300 are not uncommon. Nearby fields (when the grasses are allowed to grow) historically yielded some fantastic grassland jewels including Bobolinks and various sparrow. Unfortunately, in more recent years, these areas are often mowed and occasionally closed to the public or for events only. The future of the fields remains unclear due to periodic “leasing” to local cattle farmers and increased festival activity.

Parking: Paved lots on either side of visitor’s center. Recommend parking in the back lot when the center is open to be considerate to visitor’s going inside the building.

Other amenities: Can use restrooms in Visitor’s Center when open

Timing considerations: Field and surrounding area is un-birdable when events are going on.

Universal Street

Not a hot spot, but located near-ish to the Alcoa greenway just north of Alcoa Duck Pond. Usually refers to the open field across from the City of Alcoa services center and credit union. Wintering spot for Wilson’s Snipes, and a good spot for sparrows.

Parking: At City of Alcoa lot, cross street carefully

US-411 Pond

Also known as: 411 pond, various interpretations by auto correct and speech to text

Roadside pond off of US-411, near the Loudon County line. On private property, so the only viewing available is by pulling off the side of the highway (carefully) and viewing at a distance with scope, binoculars, or a very zoom-y camera. Sometimes there’s barely anything out on the pond — and the owners recently started puting out decoys, so be careful! — but occasionally yields nice surprises such as rare ducks or geese. You may also get Eastern Meadowlarks, and seasonally a Kestrel or Merlin. Most folks go there on their way to or from Kyker Bottoms Refuge.

Accessibility: Birding the pond can be done from your car

Equipment needs: A scope, binoculars, or a zoom-y camera are a must — and watch out for decoys!

Weatherspoon Road

Boat dock near the “other” end of Lowe’s Ferry Road. Nice access to a portion of Fort Loudoun Lake, an occasional spot for interesting gulls and/or waterfowl.

White’s Mill Refuge

Also known as: White’s Mill, WMR

Wildlife refuge similar to Kyker Bottoms, albeit a bit smaller (52 acres), not quite as “productive” in terms of raw number of species, and more likely to get very overgrown by midsummer. Somewhat underbirded as a result, but well worth a visit, especially in spring when the paths are clear and the area easier to explore. Because it is TWRA land, there is seasonal hunting there, so take appropriate precautions. It is also closed at certain times of year, but does not have any special viewing areas.

Parking: Grass lot just off of White’s Mill Road (not gravel or paved) – there’s a not-insubstantial hill, so tread carefully if the weather has been wet.

Timing considerations: Interior is closed to the public November 15-end of February. Gets extremely overgrown and tick-y by midsummer.

Equipment needs: Dress appropriately during hunting season or periods of high tick activity. Closed-toe shoes are very strongly recommended

Windy J Pond

Also known as: Windy J, Windy J Farms, speech to text often changes to “Wendy”

Safety warning: Do NOT touch the cattle fence as it is electric/live!

Affectionately known by the name of the street it’s located on, Windy J Farms Road in Louisville. Conveniently off of Lowes Ferry Road. On private property, but the homeowners welcome birders to view from the road and are very friendly – if they or any neighbors pass by, they’ll appreciate you pointing out any interesting birds you are currently seeing. A lively spot for waterfowl in winter, occasional shorebirds, and more rare/infrequent herons. Notable sightings have included Snowy Egret, Wilson’s Phalarope, Stilt Sandpiper, Short-Billed Dowitcher, and Little Blue Heron.

Parking: Pull off on the side of the road (carefully)

Equipment needs: A scope, binoculars, or a zoom-y camera are a must