a bird standing in a body of water

Yates Mill County Park

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 8:00 AM - sunset

About This Location

Yates Mill County Park is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

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

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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/29/2026Dan K. Moore Freeway, Cary, North Carolina, US (35.838, -78.778)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Chimney Swift

16/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Fish Crow

26/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

16/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/1/2026

Purple Martin

116/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

36/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/1/2026

Carolina Wren

26/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

26/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

16/1/2026

House Finch

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Yates Mill County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Yates Mill County Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Yates Mill County Park?
Notable species at Yates Mill County Park include Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mallard, American Woodcock, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, European Starling. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Yates Mill County Park?
Birding at Yates Mill County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Yates Mill County Park?
There is no entrance fee at Yates Mill County Park. Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM - sunset.
What amenities are available at Yates Mill County Park?
Yates Mill County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.