Lake birding habitat

Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Gadwall, Mallard, and Killdeer 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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/14/2026Guilford County Farm/Howerton Rd. (Guilford Co.)1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

7/13/2026Lake Brandt--Palmetto Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

427/19/2026

Killdeer

97/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

77/19/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Great Egret

37/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/19/2026

Blue Jay

17/19/2026

American Crow

27/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

97/19/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/19/2026

Mallard

47/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/18/2026

Fish Crow

47/18/2026

Wood Duck

27/14/2026

Carolina Wren

17/14/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/14/2026

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 Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats?
Notable species at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats include Gadwall, Mallard, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats?
Birding at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats?
Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.