Lake birding habitat

Falls Lake - Ellerbe Creek RR Grade

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/31/2026Lake Crabtree Nature Trail--Southport Entrance1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/30/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026Brumley Nature Preserve--North1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/29/2026Falls Lake--Ellerbe Creek RR Grade1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/29/2026Falls Lake--Old Weaver Trail (Wake Co.)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/29/2026Dan K. Moore Freeway, Cary, North Carolina, US (35.838, -78.778)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

405/30/2026

Mallard

135/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

35/30/2026

Mourning Dove

115/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Chimney Swift

75/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

35/30/2026

Killdeer

155/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/30/2026

Least Sandpiper

15/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

285/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

95/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Great Egret

105/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

285/30/2026

Black Vulture

45/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

105/30/2026

Osprey

85/30/2026

Bald Eagle

35/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/30/2026

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 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.