Lake Crabtree County Park

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Crabtree County Park is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Double-crested Cormorant, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/4/2026Jordan Lake SRA--Ebenezer Point20 observed

Canada Goose (moffitti/maxima)

Branta canadensis

3/4/2026Martin Luther King Jr Park2 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/1/2026Yates Mill County Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/27/2026field across the street from the entrance to my street1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

2/25/2026Jordan Lake SRA--Seaforth1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

Gadwall

43/5/2026

Mallard

13/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

133/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

33/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

93/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

213/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

43/5/2026

Black Vulture

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

83/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

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 Crabtree County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Crabtree County Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Crabtree County Park?
Notable species at Lake Crabtree County Park include Mourning Dove, Double-crested Cormorant, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Crabtree County Park?
Birding at Lake Crabtree County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lake Crabtree County Park?
Lake Crabtree County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.