Creating Memorable Birding Experiences Since 2013.
April 24-26, 2026 Schedule
Friday, April 24 | Saturday, April 25 | Sunday, April 26
PRE-REGISTER NOW - to know when updates happen.
All times are listed for Central Time Zone
Hatchie BirdFest is primarily an in-person festival, with a few pre-recorded and/or LIVE Facebook sessions available online.
Some events will require advance registration, while most are free to attend. Schedule details will be updated here as they are confirmed.
All in-person events start at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.
Guided hikes, nature walks, and certain specialty programs require pre-registration to participate.
We are in the Central Time Zone and all virtual (Facebook Live) event times, if applicable, are also 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 the region. 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 24
Check-In & Exhibitors
Arriving early? Check-in and exhibitors will be on site Friday at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center to welcome guests and kick off the weekend.
Exhibitors will be available from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, offering information, resources, and opportunities to connect before the festival begins.
Stop by the front desk to pick up event materials, get weekend details and learn more about the exciting activities planned for Hatchie BirdFest 2026.
13th Annual Hatchie BirdFest
Hatchie BirdFest Kick-Off
Reception, Music, and Guest Speakers
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:
Migratory Landbird: How in the world do they fly across the Gulf of Mexico?
Guest Speaker: Mark Woodrey
Woodrey will discuss the amazing story of how migratory songbirds successfully migrate north across the Gulf of Mexico in spring and how they make their southern journey in fall. Attendees will learn about the tools and techniques scientists use to understand this interesting phenomenon as well as learn about the strategies these birds use to make this long, non-stop journey back and forth across the Gulf of Mexico.
Mark Woodrey is currently an Associate Research Professor in the Mississippi State University Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture where he works out of the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. His interest in birds began at the age of 10 when he and his grandfather would go on Sunday morning walks across their farm to “run” their beagles. Birds were a common theme on these walks with his grandfather pointing out the many birds they encountered on these walks. His 30+ year professional career has focused on applied coastal ecology, avian/wildlife conservation biology research, and developing monitoring programs. In addition to developing and maintaining a long-term tidal marsh bird ecology and conservation program for the Gulf of Mexico region, he has conducted research across the southeastern U.S. studying a variety of topics including Neotropical landbird migration, Swallow-tailed Kite nesting ecology, winter grassland bird management, the ecology of Interior Least Terns, and the application of decision science to natural resource management decisions. The primary focus of his MSU Coastal Avian Ecology Lab is to provide science-based data to increase our understanding of the birdlife across the Gulf of Mexico region, better inform land management activities for birds, and support current bird conservation efforts across the U.S. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening with native plants and reading his eclectic book collection. Recently he’s gone “all-in” on learning to sketch birds and learning to play the guitar.
Saturday, April 25
Remember: All in person events begin at the WT Delta Heritage Center, 121 Sunny Hill Cove, Brownsville TN.
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.
5:30 am CT
Song of the Whippoorwill: Listening for Night Birds
Led by Bob Ford, Wildlife Biologist and Hatchie River Conservancy Director
FACEBOOK LIVE: Join Bob on our Facebook page for a virtual journey to listen to the sounds of the night birds. You’ll hear the whippoorwill and other birds as Bob tells you about their habits, habitat and how to distinguish their calls.
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 Walk with Watt Wallace
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.
10:30 am CT
Plant Photo Walk
Led by Kelly Blumenthal, Nature Photojournalist and Conservation Photographer
Discover nature’s colorful palette, textures, and patterns by photographing plants close up. While starting at the American Lotus flowers of Oneal Lake, we will continue our walk to photograph native wildflowers in the habitat near the lake of the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. A refuge that is an unchanged and biodiverse landscape.
All lens types and cameras welcome from smartphones, macro and kit lenses. This will be a 30 minute to an hour walk. Spaces is limited to 8-10 participants. Families welcome, recommended for kids 8+
ABOUT KELLY: “Placing nature center stage” is my reason for being, as we are all intertwined with the earth’s beauty and benefit from the calm and joy it brings! Creating a bridge between art and the natural world is the essence of my work.” Kelly grew up climbing trees, while occasionally falling out of them and running barefoot. Growing up with her grandfather, a forester - she carries his sense of calm and nature wisdom. You’ll find this infused into her art. She is a published nature photojournalist and conservation photographer. Her work includes astrophotography, and chasing the Aurora Borealis! Kelly is a contributor to the Tennessee Conservationist magazine, and a member of the Memphis Astronomical Society, Tennessee Craft, and Artists’ Link Memphis. Having a background in anthropology and art shapes her viewpoint to see the world through a wholistic lens - to connect others to the beautiful biodiversity of our world! Follow along on her nature journeys on Instagram: @artlivesinnature or www.artlivesinnature.com
12:00 pm (noon) CT
Birds of Prey
Live bird demonstrations that utilizes injured birds of prey including the Bald Eagle.
Presented by Dustin Crowell, Ranger, Tennessee State Parks
1:30 pm CT
TBA
2:30 pm CT
TBA
3:30 pm CT
Led by Allan Trently, West Tennessee Stewardship Ecologist
State Natural Areas Program
Learn more about area butterflies and wildflowers during this afternoon hike around Oneal Lake on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Expert guide and state Ecologist, Allan Trently, will help you identify butterflies and wildflowers and recognize the habitats that are best for them.
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 26
7:30 - 11 am CT
Birding with Bob
Our annual caravan to check out 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, 1 - 4 pm, 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
Take it Outside!
Led by Bob Raines
A discussion about recent research in psychology which shows that spending time in nature can be good for your mental health.
5:30 pm CT
“Wrap-up on the River”
FACEBOOK LIVE: Bob will wrap-up the 2025 event with a live Facebook post. He’ll count the species experienced this weekend and other highlights.
Before you register for the 2026 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.