Forest birding habitat

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Black Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

7/18/2026Couchville Cedar Glade SNA2 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/18/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/18/2026Corporate Drive Pull-off At BNA1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/18/2026J. Percy Priest Lake--Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/17/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/16/2026

Black Vulture

67/16/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/16/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/16/2026

Blue Jay

17/16/2026

American Crow

17/16/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/16/2026

Purple Martin

17/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/16/2026

Carolina Wren

27/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/16/2026

American Robin

17/16/2026

Field Sparrow

17/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

247/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/16/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/16/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/16/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shelby Bottoms Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Shelby Bottoms Nature Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center?
Notable species at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center include Mallard, Black Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center?
Birding at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center?
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.