Wetland birding habitat

Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/29/2026Lawson-Poindexter Rd Farm Pond (restricted access; roadside viewing)2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/26/20263334–3398 Vanleer Hwy, Charlotte US-TN 36.19618, -87.363951 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/25/2026Gip Manning1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/25/2026Liberty Park and Marina1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/24/2026Shelton Ferry WMA1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/24/2026Shelton Ferry WMA1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

155/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

25/30/2026

Killdeer

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Black Vulture

105/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

45/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/30/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/30/2026

Blue Jay

35/30/2026

American Crow

85/30/2026

Tree Swallow

45/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area?
Shelton Ferry Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.