Grassland birding habitat

J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Northern Bobwhite, Turkey Vulture, and American Crow 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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/19/2026Old Hickory Lake--Lock 3 Recreation Area4 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/19/2026Old Hickory Lake--Lock 3 Recreation Area3 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

7/18/2026Couchville Cedar Glade SNA2 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/18/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/18/2026Corporate Drive Pull-off At BNA1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/18/2026J. Percy Priest Lake--Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/17/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

27/18/2026

Wild Turkey

57/18/2026

Mourning Dove

147/18/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/18/2026

Chimney Swift

27/18/2026

Killdeer

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

7/18/2026

Great Egret

37/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

57/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/18/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

17/18/2026

American Crow

27/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

37/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area for birding?
The best months to visit J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area?
Notable species at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area include Northern Bobwhite, Turkey Vulture, American Crow, Carolina Wren, Field Sparrow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area?
Birding at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area?
J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.