Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade

North Carolina · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

LakeRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Killdeer, and Wilson's Snipe among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Killdeer Wilson's Snipe Lesser Yellowlegs Least Sandpiper

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/20/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/20/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/18/2026Jordan Game Land--Transis Camp Rd (general area)1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/14/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)8 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/14/2026Jordan Game Land--Transis Camp Rd (general area)1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/12/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Fish Crow

557/20/2026

Mississippi Kite

17/20/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

Osprey

27/19/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/19/2026

Black Vulture

17/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/19/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Wood Duck

97/18/2026

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/18/2026

Killdeer

37/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

187/18/2026

Bald Eagle

37/18/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

47/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in North Carolina

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Outer Banks refuge famous for wintering waterfowl and migrant shorebirds.

Airlie Gardens

Forest birding hotspot in North Carolina with 248 recorded species.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

River/Riparian birding hotspot in North Carolina with 271 recorded species.

North Carolina Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in North Carolina →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade for birding?▼

The best months to visit Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade?▼

Notable species at Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade include Canada Goose, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade?▼

Birding at Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade?▼

Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.