Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road

Georgia · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road is a productive birding destination in Georgia, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Killdeer 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/4/2026Carter's Lake Visitor Center1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/3/2026445 Riveredge Ln, Ellijay US-GA (34.6633,-84.5194)2 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/2/20264166–4198 Airport Rd SE, Dalton US-GA 34.72806, -84.882351 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/1/2026Carter's Lake Powerhouse Road2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

2/21/2026Our house in Calhoun1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

2/21/202670 Reservoir Road, Chatsworth, Georgia, US (34.61, -84.689)8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

Wood Duck

13/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

23/5/2026

Osprey

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

Fish Crow

13/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/5/2026

Tree Swallow

13/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/5/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

American Goldfinch

13/5/2026

Field Sparrow

13/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road for birding?
The best months to visit Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road?
Notable species at Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Killdeer, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road?
Birding at Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road?
Carters Lake - Hidden Pond Trail, Re-reg Dam, and Reservoir Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.