Date: 9/2/25 6:24 am From: Duncan, Scot via groups.io <scotduncan99...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] TVA Wetlands Trails -NO PUBLIC ACCESS
Good to have the heads up now, though a little late. When lands become
private or are private, flagging it as such should be a top priority for
eBird reviewers to prevent unfortunate outcomes (arrests, confrontations
with police/security/land owners, hazardous conditions) for
well-intentioned birders from outside the area who have no way to know the
lands are private if they are unmarked as such on eBird or with on-site
signage. I've birded there recently, without knowing any better.
As for the eBird users, we have a responsibility to notify eBird reviewers
if there are similar conditions that future birders should know about. In
Mason's case, he quickly and responsibly removed his eBird list from this
location when he learned that the land was private and before RBA alerts
went out.
On Tue, Sep 2, 2025 at 8:09 AM Damien J. Simbeck via groups.io <tnbarredowl=
<aol.com...> wrote:
> Just for clarification, Mason, as have other birders, birded this area
> because it is an eBird Hotspot. No intentional trespass was involved. I
> will work to remove this Hotspot since the property is no longer publicly
> accessible. I just wanted to make sure others did not trespass after
> receiving eBird rare bird notifications. Yesterday was a holiday and
> luckily the area was not being patrolled. I want to help other birders
> avoid any legal problems. This was always a great fall birding location and
> I definitely miss spending time there. I wish it was still publicly
> accessible.
>
> Damien Simbeck
> Killen AL
>
> Sent from my (non-Apple) phone. You can teach an old dog new tricks!
>
> On Mon, Sep 1, 2025 at 9:11 PM, Damien J. Simbeck via groups.io
> <tnbarredowl...> wrote:
> Earlier today Mason Currier birded the TVA Wetlands Trails area and posted
> results on eBird, including some nice finds. I just wanted to remind other
> birders that TVA sold this property several years ago and we (local
> birders) have not been able to secure permission for public access.
> Therefore, DO NOT go birding in this area. It was always a great place to
> enjoy fall migration, but it is now off limits. Future plans include
> possible industrial or residential developments.
>
> Damien Simbeck
> Killen AL
>
> Sent from my (non-Apple) phone. You can teach an old dog new tricks!
>
>
>
>
