Lake Barkley - Dam

Kentucky · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Barkley - Dam is a productive birding destination in Kentucky, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts American Woodcock, Great Blue Heron, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/6/2026LBL - Kuttawa Landing Ramp1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

2/25/2026Birmingham Point1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

2/22/2026WastePath/Clean Earth Facility (restricted access, roadside viewing)2 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

2/21/2026Little Bear Creek (Marshall Co.)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

2/21/2026Little Bear Creek (Marshall Co.)1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

2/21/2026KY Dam Visitors Center1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

2/21/2026WastePath/Clean Earth Facility (restricted access, roadside viewing)4 observed

Iceland Gull (thayeri/kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

2/21/2026WastePath/Clean Earth Facility (restricted access, roadside viewing)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Woodcock

42/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

62/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

European Starling

72/28/2026

American Robin

152/28/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

32/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

252/28/2026

Canada Goose

22/26/2026

Mallard

122/26/2026

Song Sparrow

32/26/2026

Northern Cardinal

22/26/2026

Rock Pigeon

32/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

402/21/2026

American Herring Gull

32/21/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

12/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

122/21/2026

American White Pelican

112/21/2026

Black Vulture

22/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

32/21/2026

Bald Eagle

22/21/2026

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 Lake Barkley - Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Barkley - Dam for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Barkley - Dam?
Notable species at Lake Barkley - Dam include American Woodcock, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, European Starling, American Robin. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Barkley - Dam?
Birding at Lake Barkley - Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Barkley - Dam?
Lake Barkley - Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.