Urban Park birding habitat

Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

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

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

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

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

5/28/2026Meeman-Shelby Forest SP1 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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

45/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

25/31/2026

Canada Goose

75/31/2026

Wood Duck

115/31/2026

Mallard

15/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

25/31/2026

Green Heron

25/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Barred Owl

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park for birding?
The best months to visit Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park?
Notable species at Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park include American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Red-tailed Hawk, White-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park?
Birding at Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park?
Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.