Date: 9/2/25 6:37 am From: Damien J. Simbeck via groups.io <tnbarredowl...> Subject: Re: [ALbirds] TVA Wetlands Trails -NO PUBLIC ACCESS
I haven't figured out the Hotspot review process in eBird yet (and may not be the Hotspot reviewer). I will work to try to get the site renamed to indicate no public access, but until I can get this done, I just wanted others to be aware of the situation. Also, kudos to Mason for changing his eBird location.
Damien Simbeck
Killen AL
Sent from my (non-Apple) phone. You can teach an old dog new tricks!
On Tue, Sep 2, 2025 at 8:24 AM, Duncan, Scot via groups.io<scotduncan99...> wrote: 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.
Scot
R. Scot Duncan, Ph.D.Conservation biologist, author, advocate, and birder.https://www.rsduncan.com/ Author of Southern Wonder and Southern RiversExecutive Director, Alabama AudubonFor Alabama Audubon matters, please use <Scot...>
On Tue, Sep 2, 2025 at 8:09 AM Damien J. Simbeck via groups.io <tnbarredowl...> 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!
