The diverse natural landscape of aquatic and grassland habitats makes Seven Islands State Birding Park a premier birding destination with more than 220 species of birds sighted. The park encompasses 416 acres along the French Broad River in Knox County, approximately 19 miles east of Knoxville. This peninsula of land features more than nine miles of natural trails, rolling hills, and views of the Smoky Mountains. In addition to being a wildlife refuge popular for hiking and wildlife observation, the park is a research and educational facility for schools and other groups and a demonstration area for land use and habitat management techniques. Songbirds, hawks, and waterfowl can be seen along the meadow trails and several old barns are a favorite refuge for Barn Owls. For paddlers and anglers, there is a small canoe/kayak launch that provides access to the French Broad River.
The lands comprising the Seven Islands State Birding Park were acquired in 2002 as a wildlife refuge through a cooperative effort of the Seven Islands Foundation, a non-profit land conservancy, and the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department. The vision, goals, and objectives of the Seven Island Foundation included preservation of this property as a wildlife sanctuary and refuge. The state of Tennessee will continue to manage this as a state park for native flora and fauna and low impact, non-consumptive, outdoor activities for the enjoyment of the wildlife diversity and natural beauty of Seven Islands. Seven Islands became the 56th Tennessee State Park in July 2014.
The photos below of the Yellow Breasted Chat and Indigo Bunting were taken by Becky Boyd, a park visitor and photographer.
