Lake birding habitat

Eagle Lake Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Eagle Lake Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

7/18/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Marsh1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

7/17/2026Mississippi River--Mud Island--Greenbelt Park1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/6/2026Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/5/2026Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pectoral Sandpiper

17/16/2026

Caspian Tern

17/16/2026

Great Egret

17/15/2026

Mississippi Kite

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/12/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/12/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

107/12/2026

White-eyed Vireo

87/12/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/12/2026

American Crow

17/12/2026

Carolina Chickadee

37/12/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/12/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

47/12/2026

Carolina Wren

67/12/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/12/2026

Wood Thrush

27/12/2026

American Goldfinch

27/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/12/2026

Hooded Warbler

37/12/2026

Northern Parula

87/12/2026

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 Eagle Lake Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Eagle Lake Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Eagle Lake Refuge?
Notable species at Eagle Lake Refuge include Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Eagle Lake Refuge?
Birding at Eagle Lake Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Eagle Lake Refuge?
Eagle Lake Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.