Lake birding habitat

Lake Crabtree County Park

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

6/1/2026Jordan Game Land--New Hope Creek (Chatham Co. Seasonal Mudflats)10 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/1/2026Lake Crabtree Nature Trail--Southport Entrance1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

6/1/2026Jordan Game Land--White Oak Creek Marsh & Seasonal Mudflats3 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

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

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/1/2026Holiday Acres Lake (Private Property)1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/31/2026Bird Forest1 observed

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

5/30/20261228–1616 Tody Goodwin Rd, Apex US-NC 35.72290, -78.983791 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/30/2026Juniper Level Botanic Garden1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

155/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/30/2026

American Robin

35/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Chimney Swift

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

105/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

45/30/2026

Eastern Phoebe

35/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Fish Crow

25/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/30/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

15/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/30/2026

Carolina Wren

25/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

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 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.