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

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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

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

5/31/2026Bells Bend Park1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Belmont-Hillsboro Patch (rough location)1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/30/2026Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/30/2026Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/30/2026Shelby Bottoms Nature Center1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/30/2026Lytle Park/Ravenwood1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Radnor Lake SP1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/27/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/26/2026J. Percy Priest Lake--Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp51 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/26/2026J. Percy Priest Lake--Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/26/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

Black Vulture

15/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

House Sparrow

45/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Chimney Swift

55/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

American Crow

35/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

55/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/30/2026

Carolina Wren

35/30/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/30/2026

American Robin

55/30/2026

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.