It’s that time of year when you can see several bird species migrating south for the winter. Marion County Naturalist Marla Mertz tells KNIA/KRLS News that she saw a flock of about 200 American Pelicans flying over Knoxville on Thursday. She says that many are dotting Lake Red Rock, especially in the White Breast area off of Highway 14.

Mertz says this is also the time to look for egrets, great blue herons, and hummingbirds. She explains hummingbirds are especially territorial this time of year. Mertz adds that some people are having problems with bees in those hummingbird feeders. She says if you’re trying to change feeders, you should do so during the coldest part of the day when bees are most docile. If you have hummingbird feeders, you should keep them up. Mertz says hummingbirds need the energy on their journey south.