Lake birding habitat

Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Bufflehead, and Mourning Dove 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

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/21/2026Reelfoot Lake SP--Kirby Pocket Day Use Area2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/20/2026Bogota WMA--Pool 1 area1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/14/2026Reelfoot-Indian Creek #5 Watershed Lake1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/10/2026Reelfoot Lake SP--Keystone Pocket3 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/10/2026Robinson Bayou (private transient fields)--Hoecake Rd north to Baptist Church Rd, Hampton Rd east to Paschall Rd2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

17/11/2026

Osprey

17/11/2026

American Robin

37/11/2026

House Sparrow

67/11/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/11/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk for birding?
The best months to visit Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk?
Notable species at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk include Bald Eagle, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk?
Birding at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk 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 - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk?
Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.