Inspiration for column started with arrival of dark-eyed junco
The dark-eyed junco, affectionately known as “snow bird,” is a winter resident in Unicoi County.
By Bryan Stevens …
Feathered Friends
American crow’s dark reputation arises more from plumage than behavior
By Bryan Stevens
There’s something rather autumnal about watching a flock of American crows glean the last scattered kernels …
Barn owl adds to ghostly reputation of its kin
Photo by mikezwei from Pixabay • The barn owl is the most widespread of the world’s owls. Almost exclusively …
Regional Fall Bird Count finds 129 species
Photo from Pixabay • A red-headed woodpecker clings to the trunk of a tree. During the recent Fall Bird …
Speedy merlin a feisty member of world’s family of falcons
Photo by Gary Chambers from Pixabay • The merlin is a small but compact falcon, built for speed and …
Ospreys are fall migrant through the region
Photo by Ganossi/Pixabay • An osprey dines on a freshly caught fish.
The day after the yearly Autumnal Equinox …
Use caution when sick birds appear at feeders
Photo by Georgia Lens/Pixabay • House finches, as well as other flocking birds, are vulnerable to communicable disease. Congregating …
Two state-affiliated warblers spend little time in Tennessee
Photo by GeorgeB2/Pixabay • Although discovered by Alexander Wilson near Tennessee’s capital city in 1811, the Nashville warbler spends …
Nighthawks share autumn skies with other migrants
A common nighthawk perches on a low clump of vegetation during a rest period. Nighthawks are known for migrating …
Vireos, hummingbirds are evidence that fall migration has commenced
Every ruby-throated hummingbird that visits your sugar water feeder endured an arduous journey of hundreds of miles to make …
Common yellowthroat among recent avian visitors
Photo by James DeMers from Pixabay • A male common yellowthroat sports a black mask that provides dramatic contrast …
Long-running count tallies summer’s nesting bird species
Photo by Jean Potter • Counters found 116 species on the recent Carter County Summer Bird Count, including 13 …
Pandemic disruption blamed for absence of downtown pachyderms
Iris, inspired by Tennessee’s state flower, is painted with a floral theme. Iris and her kin will not roam …
Erwin couple glimpses odd bird at Unaka’s Beauty Spot
Photo by Amy Tipton • Erwin couple Paul and Amy Tipton recently discovered this American woodcock at the Unaka …
Unicoi proud to offer annual Freedom Fest with fireworks
By Richard Rourk
Staff Writer
The skies will light up on Sunday, July 4, above Unicoi.
With some regional …
Orioles among New World’s most vibrant birds
Photo by Michael McGough from Pixabay • The Baltimore oriole is a bird with a taste for sweets. Citrus …
Indigo bunting’s blue appearance a mere trick of the light
Photo by Jim Hudgins/USFWS • Only the male indigo bunting has the vivid blue plumage that gives the bird …
Erwin Record partners with Chamber to offer Job Fair
By Richard Rourk
Jobs are rebounding according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports 8.1 million …
Jonesborough plans to plant for Arbor Day
From Staff Reports
The Town of Jonesborough and the Tree and Townscape Board will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree …
Hermit thrush willing to brave East Tennessee winters
By Bryan Stevens
Karen Miller sent me an email about a winter visitor in her yard at her home in …