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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/14/2026Buckelew Slough (private, roadside viewing)30 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

4/5/2026Glory Hole kayaking trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

24/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/14/2026

Carolina Wren

14/14/2026

American Robin

44/14/2026

House Sparrow

54/14/2026

Song Sparrow

14/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/14/2026

Common Grackle

84/14/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

14/14/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

84/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/14/2026

Mourning Dove

14/10/2026

Northern Flicker

14/10/2026

Blue Jay

14/10/2026

American Crow

24/10/2026

Fish Crow

14/10/2026

Purple Martin

14/10/2026

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.