Birds of the Smokies
May 7, 2027 - May 9, 2027 | Adults | $580
Sorry, this program is FULL. Please email mail@gsmit.org to be added to the waitlist.
From high, exposed peaks to warmer, sheltered lowlands, around 240 species of birds have been found inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including 60 year-round residents. Get to know this abundance of avifauna during a spectacular weekend of discovery, exploration, and learning.
Expect to:
- Learn to recognize bird species through habits, habitats, and physical and behavioral characteristics.
- Visit diverse habitats across the national park, from open meadows to forested slopes
- Gain insight into bird ecology, migration patterns, and nesting behaviors.
- Enjoy camaraderie with fellow bird enthusiasts of all experience levels.
By the end of the weekend, your head will be abuzz with birdsong, and your eyes will have grown accustomed to searching out birds in forests and fields. You won’t know all 240 species, but you will have a better understanding of what to look for the next time you’re looking for a flying friend.
This course is part of Tremont’s Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program, which consists of eight core courses. You have the option to enroll in individual courses or complete all eight to earn certification awarded by the University of Tennessee.
Registration includes instruction, food, and lodging in our dorm inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Photos by Jennifer Brigati, Susan Eison, Kathleen Reilly, Logan Rosenberg, Erin Rosolina, and Amy Wilson.
Cover photo by David Bryant.
Birds of the Smokies at a Glance
Date: May 7, 2027 - May 9, 2027
Ages: Adults
Location: Tremont’s Smokies Campus
9275 Tremont Road
Townsend, TN 37882
Cost: $580
Registration includes instruction, food, and lodging in our dorm inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Already Registered? Check out the welcome letter for a tentative schedule, packing information, and other essential details for your Tremont program.
Meet Your Instructor
Tyler Thomas
Tyler Thomas is the Manager of Science Literacy and Research at Tremont. He earned a B.S. in Environmental and Field Biology at Ohio Northern University and a M.S. in Biology from Plymouth State University. For the past decade, he has been working in environmental
education, ecotourism, and field research in New Hampshire, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. His research interests have included horseshoe crabs, birds, sharks, butterflies, and salamanders.
YOUR HOME BASE IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
At Tremont, the setting is part of the experience. Nestled inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our Walker Valley campus is surrounded by forest, mountain streams, and opportunities for discovery around every corner. From shared meals and cozy accommodations to spaces for learning and gathering, get a feel for the place before you arrive.
YOUR HOME BASE IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
At Tremont, the setting is part of the experience. Nestled inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our Walker Valley campus is surrounded by forest, mountain streams, and opportunities for discovery around every corner. From shared meals and cozy accommodations to spaces for learning and gathering, get a feel for the place before you arrive.
