The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884)

Kentucky · Southeast

EasyView on eBird
Habitat
LakeGrasslandUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) is a productive birding destination in Kentucky, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake and grassland 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

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Notable Species

Common LoonBald EagleDouble-crested CormorantRing-billed GullBufflehead

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails

More in Kentucky

Land Between the Lakes

Kentucky's inland peninsula with wintering Bald Eagles and breeding forest birds.

Ballard Wildlife Management Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Kentucky with 231 recorded species.

Barren River Lake SRP

Lake birding hotspot in Kentucky with 205 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) for birding?▼
The best months to visit McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884)?▼
Notable species at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, grassland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884)?▼
Birding at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884)?▼
McElroy Lake (transient, park ONLY along gravel field entrance at south end of lake. Do not go around owners buildings or equipment or walk through crops. Do not walk onto the property west of Highway 884) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.