Lake birding habitat

Herb Parsons Lake

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Herb Parsons Lake is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bufflehead among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

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

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026My Yard1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

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

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/24/2026Riverwood Lake1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/24/2026Riverwood Lake1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/24/2026Riverwood Lake1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/24/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Marsh1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/24/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Marsh1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

5/24/2026Shelby Farms Park--Amphitheater Loop1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/23/20267471 Harding Cove, Germantown US-TN 35.11322, -89.813991 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

35/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/31/2026

House Finch

45/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/31/2026

Canada Goose

75/30/2026

Mallard

85/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Purple Martin

25/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

55/30/2026

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 Herb Parsons Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Herb Parsons Lake for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Herb Parsons Lake?
Notable species at Herb Parsons Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Herb Parsons Lake?
Birding at Herb Parsons Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Herb Parsons Lake?
Herb Parsons Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.