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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

6/1/2026Nation Homestead, Vine1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Belmont-Hillsboro Patch (rough location)1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/30/2026Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/30/2026Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/30/2026Shelby Bottoms Nature Center1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Lytle Park/Ravenwood1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Radnor Lake SP1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/27/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

15/31/2026

Wild Turkey

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Great Egret

55/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

35/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

45/31/2026

American Goldfinch

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/31/2026

Orchard Oriole

45/31/2026

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.