Lake birding habitat

Lake Barkley - Dam

Kentucky · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Barkley - Dam is a productive birding destination in Kentucky, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts American Woodcock, Great Blue Heron, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

4/18/2026Haddox Ferry Boat Ramp & Industrial Ponds1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/17/2026Haddox Ferry Boat Ramp & Industrial Ponds2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/13/20261Home--Calvert City, KY (Marshall County)1 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

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

4/9/20267348 Benton Rd, Paducah US-KY 36.98532, -88.495941 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

24/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

54/16/2026

American White Pelican

124/16/2026

Osprey

14/16/2026

Common Grackle

54/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Barkley - Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Barkley - Dam for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Barkley - Dam?
Notable species at Lake Barkley - Dam include American Woodcock, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, European Starling, American Robin. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Barkley - Dam?
Birding at Lake Barkley - Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Barkley - Dam?
Lake Barkley - Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.