River/Riparian birding habitat

Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Wood Duck, Mallard, and Great Blue Heron 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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/3/2026Falls Lake--Rolling View1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Butner Game Land--Brickhouse Rd. (Granville Co.)2 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

6/1/2026Falls Lake--Old Weaver Trail (Wake Co.)2 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

6/1/2026Falls Lake--Old Weaver Trail (Wake Co.)3 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

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

5/29/2026Lake Orange1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/28/2026Falls Lake--Ellerbe Creek RR Grade2 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/28/2026Butner Game Land--Brickhouse Rd. (Granville Co.)1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/28/2026Butner Game Land--Brickhouse Rd. (Granville Co.)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

26/3/2026

Chimney Swift

16/3/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

26/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/3/2026

Black Vulture

86/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/3/2026

Osprey

16/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/3/2026

White-eyed Vireo

36/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/3/2026

Blue Jay

16/3/2026

Fish Crow

16/3/2026

Barn Swallow

16/3/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/3/2026

Carolina Wren

46/3/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

26/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

56/3/2026

Blue Grosbeak

36/3/2026

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 Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment for birding?
The best months to visit Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment?
Notable species at Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment include Wood Duck, Mallard, Great Blue Heron, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment?
Birding at Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment?
Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.