Located about 25 minutes from Knoxville, Seven Islands State Birding Park is a hidden gem. It is not overly crowded. In fact, when I arrived there at 9 am on Sunday morning, there were only two other cars in the parking lot. Although this could be related to how religious the local community is attending the Sunday morning mass. Regardless, I took advantage of that.
It was really cold, I mean freezing cold. I was glad to have worn a hat today. I started out on a paved walkway leading through a barn with some educational signs about birds. You can hear bird songs everywhere. No wonder this was called a birding park. High grass with vast opportunities for nesting combined with forested area next to the river attracts birds even in the "off-season".
I was hoping to walk in the sun to warm up. I soon reached a bridge with a great view on both sides. I can only imagine how beautiful it would be here in the summer with foliage intact.
I continued along the trail that split into two to go around the island next to the water. Frost was covering the naked branches and grass creating intricate shapes of sharply formed icicles.
I finished the circle on the island spending a few moments with a deer who was cautious initially, but continued her breakfast after I stood still for a while.
I then continued my walk along the mainland part of the park. It was finally warming up. Soon more people appeared as I was finishing my walk returning to the parking lot. What a great morning!
No comments:
Post a Comment