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

Tennessee · Southeast

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Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

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

American Kestrel Marsh Wren White-crowned Sparrow Eastern Meadowlark American Pipit

Live Bird Data

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

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/28/2026Mt. Moriah Rd at Lenox Office Park1 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

65/31/2026

Wood Duck

105/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

45/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/31/2026

Mallard

65/31/2026

Hooded Merganser

55/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

65/31/2026

Killdeer

45/31/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

15/31/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

American Crow

45/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/31/2026

European Starling

125/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

125/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

45/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elevation-diverse Appalachian park with northern breeding species and rich warbler variety.

Amnicola Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 203 recorded species.

Barkley Wildlife Management Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 205 recorded species.

Tennessee Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Tennessee →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.