Forest birding habitat

Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 316 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts American Kestrel, Marsh Wren, and White-crowned Sparrow 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

357/19/2026

Canada Goose

127/19/2026

Wood Duck

17/19/2026

Mallard

17/19/2026

Mourning Dove

57/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

557/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

57/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/19/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

607/19/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

127/19/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Green Heron

17/19/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

Black Vulture

37/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/19/2026

Mississippi Kite

407/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

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 Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) for birding?
The best months to visit Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)?
Notable species at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) include American Kestrel, Marsh Wren, White-crowned Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, American Pipit. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)?
Birding at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)?
Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.