Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek

Tennessee · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

LakeRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, Downy Woodpecker, and Pileated Woodpecker among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Ring-billed Gull Downy Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Northern Flicker Eastern Phoebe

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

5/31/2026Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, Eva US-TN 36.08201, -87.988501 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/31/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit2 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Big Sandy BBS stop 351 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/30/20267630–7898 Old State Route 1, New Johnsonville US-TN 35.98571, -87.942202 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/30/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Heron Island Roost Viewing Area1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/30/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Pool 51 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

35/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

35/30/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/30/2026

Carolina Wren

45/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

65/30/2026

House Finch

45/30/2026

American Goldfinch

35/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/30/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

55/30/2026

American Redstart

15/30/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

25/30/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
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 Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek for birding?▼

The best months to visit Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek?▼

Notable species at Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek include Ring-billed Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek?▼

Birding at Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek?▼

Kentucky Lake - Beaver Dam Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.