Urban Park birding habitat

Shelby Park and Bottoms

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Shelby Park and Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Mallard 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

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Killdeer

45/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

American Crow

35/31/2026

Purple Martin

105/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/31/2026

House Sparrow

25/31/2026

Field Sparrow

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

255/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shelby Park and Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Shelby Park and Bottoms for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Shelby Park and Bottoms?
Notable species at Shelby Park and Bottoms include American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Red-tailed Hawk, White-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shelby Park and Bottoms?
Birding at Shelby Park and Bottoms is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Shelby Park and Bottoms?
Shelby Park and Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.