Forest and lake landscape at Land Between the Lakes

Land Between the Lakes

Kentucky · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetlandGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, December-February

Entrance Fee

Free (some attractions have fees)

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

Land Between the Lakes is a 170,000-acre national recreation area nestled between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, creating an inland peninsula rich in forest, wetland, and grassland habitats. Winter brings impressive concentrations of Bald Eagles to the lake shores.

The area's diverse habitats support breeding Cerulean Warblers, Wild Turkeys, and Red-headed Woodpeckers in summer, while the Hematite Lake area and Woodlands Nature Station offer excellent year-round birding with accessible trails.

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

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

4/20/2026Woodlands Trace, Dover, Tennessee, US (36.604, -87.95)3 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

Mourning Dove

4/20/2026

American White Pelican

34/20/2026

Osprey

24/20/2026

Bald Eagle

14/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/20/2026

American Crow

4/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

4/20/2026

Barn Swallow

24/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/20/2026

Carolina Wren

4/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

44/20/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/20/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/20/2026

Orchard Oriole

4/20/2026

Pine Warbler

14/20/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

4/20/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

4/20/2026

Summer Tanager

4/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

4/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    The January eagle weekend event offers guided viewing at prime locations along the lakes

  2. 2

    Hematite Lake trail is one of the best spots for migrating warblers in April and May

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Land Between the Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Land Between the Lakes for birding are April-May, December-February. The best seasons are Spring and Winter.
What birds can I see at Land Between the Lakes?
Notable species at Land Between the Lakes include Bald Eagle, Wild Turkey, Red-headed Woodpecker, Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Canada Goose, Belted Kingfisher, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports forest, wetland, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Land Between the Lakes?
Birding at Land Between the Lakes is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Land Between the Lakes?
The entrance fee at Land Between the Lakes is Free (some attractions have fees). Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at Land Between the Lakes?
Land Between the Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.