Reelfoot Lake State Park

Tennessee · Southeast

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Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Reelfoot Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bufflehead, American White Pelican, and Red-bellied 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

Bufflehead American White Pelican Red-bellied Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/17/2026Buckelew Slough (private, roadside viewing)1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

4/17/2026US-KY-Hickman-8402-8426 Sutton Rd - 36.5436x-89.38632 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/14/2026Buckelew Slough (private, roadside viewing)1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

4/5/2026Glory Hole kayaking trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

24/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Purple Martin

64/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/18/2026

Barn Swallow

304/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

104/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

White-eyed Vireo

24/18/2026

Blue Jay

44/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

14/18/2026

American Robin

14/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

34/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

604/18/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/18/2026

Common Grackle

84/18/2026

Northern Parula

24/18/2026

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

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

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

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Reelfoot Lake State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Reelfoot Lake State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Reelfoot Lake State Park?▼

Notable species at Reelfoot Lake State Park include Bufflehead, American White Pelican, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Reelfoot Lake State Park?▼

Birding at Reelfoot Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Reelfoot Lake State Park?▼

Reelfoot Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.