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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/29/2026Bessie Glover Rd (private, roadside viewing)12 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

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

5/23/2026Tumbleweed WMA--East Unit, Parker Rd.1 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

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.