Providing unique birdwatching experiences since 2013.
April 26-28, 2024 Schedule
Friday, April 26 | Saturday, April 27 | Sunday, April 28
Information about the 2024 Hatchie BirdFest will be updated as it is confirmed.
Save the Date and Plan to Join Us!
All times are listed for Central Time Zone
2023 Hatchie BirdFest is an in-person events, a few pre-recorded and Live Facebook sessions may be available. Some events may require registration. Most events are free. Schedule details will be added as they are confirmed.
All in-person events originate at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, Brownsville. In-person hikes and nature walks will require participants to pre-register.
We arein the Central Time Zone and all virtual (Facebook Live) event times are listed in Central time.
The schedule is subject to change and many in-person events are subject to weather conditions, as well.
Experienced and beginner birders are invited to join leading bird experts on hikes in the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge and other areas in Haywood County, Tenn. Please choose the hike that is best for you; taking into account the time the hikes will spend in the field.
Participants will caravan or carpool during the hikes/walks. This also means you will be able to leave the group at any point.
There are no costs for the guided hikes, but space is limited. Please pre-register to guarantee your spot on the hike of your choice. And come prepared - this includes binoculars, bug spray and staying hydrated. Extra water is always good to have.
All participants must read and sign a Liability Release for the hikes/nature walks. You will be asked to confirm that you have read and understand all the risks before submitting your registration form.
Friday, April 26
11th Annual Hatchie BirdFest Kick-Off
LOCATION:
Historic Temple Adas Israel
140 North Washington
Brownsville TN 38012
The Dirt Pilgrims
In Concert 5:30 pm
The “Dirt Pilgrims,” a folk-Americana cover band, was started by three professors from Jackson State Community College, James Mayo, Associate Professor of English, John Koons, Associate Professor of Biology, Bob Raines, Professor of Psychology, and Victor Garcia, the JSCC Web Administrator and Adjunct Professor, in 2007. They share a love of acoustic music, and perform an eclectic mix of songs written by some of their favorite artists: Woody Guthrie, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Hank Williams, Flogging Molly, The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Josh Ritter, Old Crow Medicine Show...
“Dirt Pilgrims blends bluegrass, folk, country, and rock elements into a fusion of mellow acoustic brilliance.” Matt Meyer, musician and music promoter.
Feature Presentation
6:30 pm:
200 Years -Birds of the Hatchie
with Bob Ford
Much has changed since Brownsville established its charter 200 years ago. Including the area’s bird life. Carolina Parakeets and Passenger Pigeons were here, both are now extinct, never to be seen again here or elsewhere. Other birds are new arrivals to the area from distant places around the world, such as Eurasian Collared Dove. Still others we consider common today were rare 200 years ago. The Friday night presentation will explore how bird population and distribution has changed in 200 years and what may happen in the coming years.
Saturday, April 27
Remember: All in person events begin at the WT Delta Heritage Center. Please be prepared to caravan for hikes/walks and bring plenty of water, bug spray and your binoculars. Also note in-person hikes/walks and sessions require pre-registration and signing a Waiver Release. Facebook Live sessions will be available on the Hatchie BirdFest Facebook Page.
5:30 am CT
Legend of the Nightjar
Wildlife Biologist Bob Ford
Join Bob virtually (Facebook Live) for an early morning outing listening for the nightjar.
7:30 - 11 am CT
Bird Hike / Nature Walk
Led by birding experts, this hike is good for all experience levels. Please come prepared to spend the morning in the field. This includes binoculars, bug spray and staying hydrated, extra water is always good to have.
Participants will meet at the WT Delta heritage Center and caravan to select spots on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge and other Haywood County locations.
This is usually a 4 hour adventure. Because you will be caravanning, for those who do not wish to stay out that long, you are welcome to leave at any point.
8 - 10 am CT
Photography Nature Walk
Led by Lee Marlar
This is a photography opportunity to learn tips and tricks for photographing wildlife, especially birds. Bring your camera and binoculars.
This class will concentrate on the Oneal Lake area of the Hatchie NWR. Participants will caravan from the the WT Delta Heritage Center.
8:30 - 11 am CT
Bird Hike / Nature Walk
Led by birding experts, this hike is good for all experience levels, especially those just starting or concerned with staying in the field for long periods. This walk will last approximately 2.5 hours.
Participants will meet at the WT Delta heritage Center and caravan to select spots on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Because you will be caravanning, for those who do not wish to stay out that long, you are welcome to leave at any point.
Please come prepared. This includes binoculars, bug spray and staying hydrated, extra water is always good to have.
12:00 pm (noon) CT
Birds of Prey
Live bird demonstrations that utilizes injured birds of prey including the Bald Eagle.
Presented by David Haggard,
Ranger Naturalist, Tennessee State Parks
1 - 3 pm CT
Lunch on your Own
Food Truck onsite or drive into town.
Enjoy lunch and shopping in historic downtown Brownsville.
3:30 pm CT
Better Birding with Binoculars
Presented by Sandra Silverstein
In “ Bird Watching”, the goal is to identify a bird and maybe take a picture for confirmation or maybe just to observe the beauty of the bird. However, before a bird can be identified, a birder needs to observe carefully using binoculars. Though some birds have specific sounds, it is still easier if you will invest in good binoculars in order to see them clearly. This session is for the beginner and those wanting a refresher course on binocular use.
4:30 pm CT
TBA
6:30 pm CT
Nocturnal Walk: Sunset at Oneal Lake
Meet at Oneal Lake to watch the sunset and night critters come out. Experience the lake after dark with self-guided tours around the lake. Be on the lookout for bats and otters among others. Be sure and bring mosquito repellent and a flashlight.
This is always a favorite event for attendees and perfect for all age groups. If you don’t wish to walk the 2 miles around the lake, you are welcome to drive - just be aware of those walking and use extreme caution.
Sunday, April 28
7:30 - 11 am CT
Birding with Bob
Our annual caravan to check out Bob Ford’s favorite Birding spots begins at the WT Delta Heritage Center. Meet up for orientation about what the morning will entail and to be sure you are a part of the caravan. You don’t want to miss out.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON at WILLOW OAKS FLOWER FARM
Willow Oaks Farm - 2351 TN-54, Brownsville, TN 38012
Sunday afternoon sessions will be held at Willow Oaks Flower Farm, Brownsville. Sarah & David Levy will welcome us to their greenhouses and outdoor spaces for seminars.
Shop & Learn
Beginning at 1:00 pm, experts will be on hand to help you select the perfect plants to attract birds, butterflies and wildlife to your backyard habitat and answer your planting questions.
2:00 pm CT
Unique Relationships of Flora & Fauna
Join us as we take a closer look at the unique and oftentimes specialized relationships of plants, pollinators, and wildlife, and the role we can play to support these connections through stewardship.
Presented by Celeste Scott
UT Extension Horticulture Specialist
Celeste Scott is a native West Tennessean raised on a production row crop and beef cattle farm. Her passion for plants began early in life collecting plants from friends and family, working at local garden centers and managing a vegetable truck crop patch. Celeste attended Middle TN State University for her undergraduate degree in Plant & Soil Science, and attained her Master’s degree from the University of TN Martin in Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her career in agriculture began with TN Farmers Co-operative followed by service with UT Extension as a County Agent. Celeste is now the UT Extension Horticulture Specialist in West TN. She is married, has 2 young children, and spends her free time with soil under her nails.
4:30 pm CT
Field & Forest Ecology Walk
Join Bob Ford, via Facebook live, as he explores and shares portions of the Hatchie Wildlife Refuge that many have never seen.
5:30 pm CT
Bob’s “Wrap-up on the River”
Join Bob Ford, via Facebook live, down on the river. Bob will wrap-up the 2023 event with the list of birds seen over the weekend and other highlights of this year’s Hatchie BirdFest.
Before you register for the 2024 Hatchie BirdFest - be sure and read this LIABILITY WAIVER AGREEMENT. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@hatchiebirdfest or call 731-779-9000.