The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University since 1888
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University since 1888
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt Hustler
The official student newspaper of Vanderbilt University

IN PHOTOS: Bird Club takes off for the semester

During its first excursion of 2026, the Vanderbilt Bird Club spent a chirpy morning at Cornelia Fort Airpark.
Royce Yang
A killdeer stands on the airpark asphalt, as photographed Feb. 7, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/Royce Yang)
Byline photo of Royce Yang
By Royce Yang, Staff Photographer
Feb 15, 2026

While much of the Vanderbilt student body was still firmly nestled in their roosts on a Saturday morning, Vanderbilt Bird Club was already wide awake and scanning the horizon. It kicked off its spring semester with an expedition to Cornelia Fort Airpark, a decommissioned airfield that has traded planes for predators and prey. 

Over the course of the day, club members navigated the former runways and grassy fields to appreciate the diverse avian life that has reclaimed the site. 

The flock assembles 

The hike began by getting members of the club to the airpark. Students gathered on campus to coordinate rides. Soon thereafter, the convoy departed in vehicles driven by the Bird Club executive team. 

During its first excursion of 2026, the Vanderbilt Bird Club spent a chirpy morning at Cornelia Fort Airpark.
Royce Yang
Bird Club members gather at E. Bronson Ingram Circle before departure, as photographed Feb. 7, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/Royce Yang)

 

Eyes on the prize 

Once in the field, members scanned tree lines and the open sky for movement. Some pointed binoculars at distant perches, while others used telephoto lenses to capture the moment. The group spent much of the morning with their necks craned in various directions while tracking flight paths and debating species identification. The vast, flat clearing of the former airfield provided an unobstructed panorama convenient for spotting any movement in the area. 

During its first excursion of 2026, the Vanderbilt Bird Club spent a chirpy morning at Cornelia Fort Airpark.
Royce Yang
Two birdwatchers observe local waterfowl, as photographed Feb. 7, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/Royce Yang) 

Winged wonders 

The lack of man-made aviation meant that feathered creatures of various sizes and shapes now control the airspace at Cornelia Fort Airpark. Hence, the excursion was a chance to witness their takeoff sequences and communication patterns in live action. This morning’s checklist included several species that call the airpark home. 

During its first excursion of 2026, the Vanderbilt Bird Club spent a chirpy morning at Cornelia Fort Airpark.
Royce Yang
A killdeer stands on the airpark asphalt, as photographed Feb. 7, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/Royce Yang)

With migration season approaching later in the spring, the club plans to host additional outings. For now, it returns to Vanderbilt with memories of Nashville’s wilder residents. No ruffled feathers here, just a soaring start to the new semester. 

Bird Club members walk along a former taxiway at Cornelia Fort Airpark, as photographed Feb. 7, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/Royce Yang)
Bird Club members walk along a former taxiway at Cornelia Fort Airpark, as photographed Feb. 7, 2026. (Hustler Multimedia/Royce Yang)
About the Contributor
Royce Yang
Royce Yang, Deputy Photography Editor
Royce Yang (‘27) is majoring in political science in the College of Arts and Science while minoring in music performance and legal studies. He can occasionally be observed curating an extensive collection of Bach or attempting to identify helicopters around the Medical Center based on their noise. You can reach him at [email protected].