River/Riparian birding habitat

Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge

Kentucky · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Kentucky, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

8/17/2026Jonathan Creek Embayment--Mermie Road Viewing Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

68/17/2026

Bald Eagle

18/17/2026

American Crow

18/17/2026

Wild Turkey

58/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

48/17/2026

American Goldfinch

28/17/2026

Field Sparrow

18/17/2026

Indigo Bunting

18/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

258/13/2026

Caspian Tern

58/13/2026

Forster's Tern

38/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

158/13/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

28/13/2026

Great Egret

38/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

28/13/2026

Black Vulture

28/13/2026

Osprey

48/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

18/13/2026

Cliff Swallow

358/13/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

18/12/2026

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 Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge?
Land Between the Lakes - Long Creek Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.