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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Reelfoot Lake--Snider Basin & Joe Basin1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

5/28/2026Sanders Chapel Rd, Union City US-TN1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/25/2026Reelfoot-Indian Creek #7 Watershed Lake2 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

5/22/2026Reelfoot Lake SP--Keystone Pocket1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Carolina Chickadee

15/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/28/2026

American Robin

25/28/2026

House Sparrow

15/28/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/28/2026

Common Grackle

25/28/2026

Great Egret

35/27/2026

Bald Eagle

25/27/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/27/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/27/2026

Carolina Wren

25/27/2026

Eastern Bluebird

35/27/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

25/27/2026

Northern Parula

25/27/2026

Mallard

105/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/22/2026

Blue Jay

15/22/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/22/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

25/22/2026

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.