Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Eno River SP--Few's Ford4 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/2/2026111 Harkness Circle, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US (35.965, -79.043)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/1/2026Falls Lake--Ellerbe Creek RR Grade1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

23/5/2026

Mallard

23/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

43/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/5/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

Brown Thrasher

13/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/5/2026

American Robin

23/5/2026

American Goldfinch

43/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

43/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

263/5/2026

Song Sparrow

63/5/2026

Swamp Sparrow

23/5/2026

Eastern Towhee

33/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

53/5/2026

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.