River/Riparian birding habitat

Steele Creek Park

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Steele Creek Park is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser 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

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/30/2026Boone Lake--Herb Hodge Rd.2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/30/2026Boone Lake--Herb Hodge Rd.13 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/29/2026JCPW Storage Facility - 1711 E Main St, Johnson City, TN1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/24/2026Sycamore Shoals SHP1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

5/22/2026South Holston Lake--Musick's Campground1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/21/2026Cherokee NF--Panhandle Rd.

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/21/2026Cherokee NF--Wilbur Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/20/2026Duncan’s Retreat2 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/20/2026Cherokee NF--Panhandle Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Fish Crow

15/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Steele Creek Park for birding?
The best months to visit Steele Creek Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Steele Creek Park?
Notable species at Steele Creek Park include Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Steele Creek Park?
Birding at Steele Creek Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Steele Creek Park?
Steele Creek Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.