Lake birding habitat

McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884)

Kentucky · Southeast

Habitat
LakeGrasslandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) is a productive birding destination in Kentucky, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake and grassland 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

Loading map...

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

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/16/2026145 Kelsey Cir, Russellville US-KY (36.8253,-86.8311)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

14/21/2026

Mourning Dove

34/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/21/2026

American Crow

14/21/2026

Tree Swallow

14/21/2026

Purple Martin

74/21/2026

Barn Swallow

24/21/2026

Northern House Wren

14/21/2026

Carolina Wren

14/21/2026

European Starling

504/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/21/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/21/2026

American Robin

24/21/2026

House Sparrow

44/21/2026

House Finch

24/21/2026

American Goldfinch

14/21/2026

Field Sparrow

14/21/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/21/2026

Song Sparrow

24/21/2026

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 McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) for birding?
The best months to visit McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884)?
Notable species at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, grassland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884)?
Birding at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884)?
McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.