Forest birding habitat

Brainerd Levee

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Brainerd Levee is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/31/2026Spinmaker

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/31/2026Volkswagen Wetland1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/31/2026Standifer Gap Marsh1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/30/2026Cohutta Beaverdale Rd (Cohulla Creek), Cohutta, Georgia, US (34.944, -84.906)2 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/29/20266915 Spinmaker Cove, Ooltewah US-TN 35.12100, -85.09725

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/29/2026North Chickamauga Creek WMA--Varner Tract1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

85/28/2026

Green Heron

25/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Osprey

25/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/28/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

55/28/2026

Cliff Swallow

75/28/2026

Northern House Wren

15/28/2026

European Starling

55/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

45/28/2026

American Robin

25/28/2026

Field Sparrow

15/28/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

85/28/2026

Common Grackle

65/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/28/2026

Wild Turkey

15/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Carolina Wren

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Brainerd Levee for birding?
The best months to visit Brainerd Levee for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Brainerd Levee?
Notable species at Brainerd Levee include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Brainerd Levee?
Birding at Brainerd Levee is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Brainerd Levee?
Brainerd Levee offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.