green trees beside body of water during daytime

Radnor Lake State Park

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 6 AM to dark

About This Location

Radnor Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, and Lesser Scaup 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/20/2026River Plantation Sec. X,VI,VII1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/19/2026BNA Drive pullout, US (36.139, -86.697)3 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/19/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark5 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

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

American Coot

Fulica americana

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

97/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

47/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/20/2026

Green Heron

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Black Vulture

27/20/2026

Bald Eagle

17/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

57/20/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

27/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/20/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

37/20/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Radnor Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Radnor Lake State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Radnor Lake State Park?
Notable species at Radnor Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, European Starling, House Sparrow, Common Grackle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Radnor Lake State Park?
Birding at Radnor Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Radnor Lake State Park?
There is no entrance fee at Radnor Lake State Park. Hours: Open daily, 6 AM to dark.
What amenities are available at Radnor Lake State Park?
Radnor Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.