Thursday, April 10, 2025
Nature lovers and birdwatchers are invited to experience the beauty of West Tennessee at the 12th Annual Hatchie BirdFest, taking place from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27 in Brownsville. This three-day festival will offer a range of activities for all ages and experience levels, including nature walks, educational demonstrations, and a celebration of Earth Day in the downtown area.
The event kicks off on Friday with the Kayak Oneal Lake outing, a community-driven initiative to improve the area around Oneal Lake within the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Hosted by the Hatchie River Conservancy and Ford-BlueOval City, participants can enjoy kayaking, assist with litter cleanup, and explore the local ecosystem. Pre-registration is required for kayak rentals from Blues City Kayaks, though volunteers wishing to help along the shoreline are welcome to join without registering. The event starts at 10:00 AM.
Friday evening marks the start of the official BirdFest activities with an opening reception at the historic Temple Adas Israel, located at 140 North Washington. Tennessee’s oldest synagogue, renowned for its exquisite stained-glass windows and superb acoustics, sets the stage for a night of culture and music. At 5:30 PM, Dirt Pilgrims, a folk-Americana band from Jackson, Tennessee, will perform a mix of original songs and covers.
Following the performance, Jenni Veal, Outdoor Tourism Development Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, and wildlife biologist Bob Ford will host a presentation on “Birding as Outdoor Recreation.” The session will explore the growing popularity of birdwatching, the travel patterns of birdwatchers, and the state’s support for birding tourism. It will also delve into Tennessee’s birding history, including the selection of the Mockingbird as the state bird.
On Saturday morning, early risers can enjoy a virtual tour of the Hatchie Refuge via the event’s Facebook page, focusing on nocturnal birds such as the Whippoorwill, examining their behaviors, habitats, and unique calls.
Outdoor enthusiasts can gather at the Delta Heritage Center at 7:30 AM for a guided nature walk. Experienced bird guides will lead attendees through the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 200 bird species. A specialized photography walk will also be available for those looking to capture the beauty of the birds and surrounding wildlife. Both hikes and the photography walk require registration.
At noon on Saturday, the Birds of Prey program will feature live bird demonstrations, showcasing injured birds involved in the rehabilitation and education programs at Reelfoot Lake State Park. This event is a great introduction to birding, especially for children.
In the afternoon, Jennalyn Speers will host an artist talk about her exhibit, “Birds and Plants,” which highlights the connection between local wildlife and flora. Afterward, attendees can enjoy a butterfly and wildflower hike, as well as learn about the Protect Our Aquifer initiative.
From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, Earth Day activities will take place in downtown Brownsville, organized by Main Street Brownsville. Visitors can explore a range of local vendors, enjoy food trucks, and participate in Earth Day activities for children, all accompanied by live music.
As the sun sets on Saturday evening, visitors can take a self-guided walk around Oneal Lake to observe the nocturnal behavior of the local wildlife.
On Sunday, wildlife biologist Bob Ford will lead casual hikes through the area, offering a relaxed exploration of the environment. In the afternoon, entomologist Joy Layton will present a seminar at Willow Oaks Farm (Hwy. 54 North), discussing native bee species and the impact of invasive honeybees. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the farm’s greenhouses and shop for local goods.
The Hatchie BirdFest offers a weekend of discovery, education, and connection with nature, providing a perfect opportunity to experience the wonders of West Tennessee.
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