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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/30/2026Alonzo Weaver Park1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/20261215 Misty Isle Dr, Memphis US-TN 35.17304, -90.051591 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/30/2026Meeman-Shelby Forest SP--Pioneer Springs Trail1 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

5/29/2026Shelby Farms Park--Mid-South Raptor Center Area1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

5/28/2026Meeman-Shelby Forest SP1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/27/2026Juice Meadow, Memphis US-TN (35.1462,-89.7999)3 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/27/2026Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/27/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Marsh1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/26/2026Ensley Bottoms--Greater Ensley Bottoms2 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/26/2026Ensley Bottoms--Greater Ensley Bottoms1 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

5/26/2026Ensley Bottoms--Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/25/2026Robco Lake/Coro Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

15/30/2026

Wild Turkey

55/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

25/30/2026

Killdeer

25/30/2026

Great Egret

75/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

Barred Owl

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Wood Thrush

15/30/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/30/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

15/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Northern Parula

25/30/2026

Blue Grosbeak

15/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

45/30/2026

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 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.