River/Riparian birding habitat

Jonathan Creek Embayment

Kentucky · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jonathan Creek Embayment is a productive birding destination in Kentucky, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, and Killdeer among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/20/2026Clarks River NWR--Environmental Education and Rec. Area1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

4/20/2026Clarks River NWR--Environmental Education and Rec. Area1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/18/2026Little Bear Creek (Marshall Co.)4 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/12/2026Land Between the Lakes NRA--South Bison Range1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/10/2026Moss Creek Day Use Area1 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/9/2026Old Ferry Road past Craven’s Bay Road LBL1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

14/15/2026

Killdeer

44/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

24/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

Forster's Tern

234/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

Black Vulture

24/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Bald Eagle

14/15/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Fish Crow

34/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

44/15/2026

Purple Martin

64/15/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

34/15/2026

Carolina Wren

14/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jonathan Creek Embayment for birding?
The best months to visit Jonathan Creek Embayment for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Jonathan Creek Embayment?
Notable species at Jonathan Creek Embayment include Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jonathan Creek Embayment?
Birding at Jonathan Creek Embayment is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jonathan Creek Embayment?
Jonathan Creek Embayment offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.