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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/17/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Cornelia Fort Airpark2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/17/2026Old Hickory Lake--Lock 3 Recreation Area2 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

7/16/2026Couchville Cedar Glade SNA1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/16/2026Walter S. Davis Blvd. Marsh3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/17/2026

Mallard

147/17/2026

Killdeer

127/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/17/2026

Great Egret

47/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Purple Martin

157/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

57/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/17/2026

Indigo Bunting

47/17/2026

Wood Duck

27/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/17/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/17/2026

Barn Swallow

17/17/2026

Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid)

17/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Green Heron

17/17/2026

American Crow

37/17/2026

European Starling

107/17/2026

Common Grackle

37/17/2026

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.