Shorebird Workshop

Lesser Yellowlegs by Alan Lenk

Rankin Bottoms, Tennessee
September 6, 2020

Solitary Sandpiper by Simon Thompson 

Register by clicking the ‘book now’ button above, or by contacting the Ventures office. We accept credit cards for an additional fee (2.9% for MC, Visa, Discover; 3.9% for AmEx), but you may also pay by bank transfer, cash, check, or money order. This Venture is limited to 12 participants

Departure: We will meet at 7 AM at the Pilot Truck Stop, which is adjacent to Exit 24 off I-40 West. To reach this spot, head west from Asheville on I-40 for 15.4 miles to Exit 24 and turn north onto NC 209. Drivers will be given directions from here to Rankin Bottoms. Price: $55 Unfortunately, our picnic lunches are not currently included in our day trips (until further notice)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rankin Bottoms is one of the best places within a 2-hr drive of Asheville for finding shorebirds. A walk along the lakeshore and other viewing spots may be muddy, so bring appropriate footwear! Don’t forget binoculars and a scope (if you have one), and as it is late summer, sun protection and a refillable water bottle will be essential.

Rankin Bottoms is a Wildlife Management Area on the shores of Douglas Lake at the confluence of the Nolichucky and French Broad Rivers near Newport, TN. When the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) performs its annual draw down of the lake in late summer, the exposed mudflats attract a variety of migrating shorebirds and waders. Some days during late summer can be absolutely spectacular here! Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral and Least Sandpipers and Black-crowned Night-Heron are just a few of the more common birds we should see. Buff-breasted Sandpipers, although uncommon, are seen here every year along with Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, and more. Rarities and surprises occur here as well – we have had both American Avocet and Red Phalarope here on past tours!

Prothonotary Warblers breed here and there may still be a few around. We’ll also keep our eyes peeled for any other early songbird migrants, as well as any gulls or terns (Black, Forster’s and Caspian are possible).

Join us for this unique and educational Venture at one of the best shorebirding spots in our area.