Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Gadwall, Mallard, 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

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

3/5/2026Guilford County Farm/Howerton Rd. (Guilford Co.)1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Guilford County Farm/Howerton Rd. (Guilford Co.)1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/3/2026Lake Townsend--Marina1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026Lake Townsend--Marina1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/1/2026689–733 Benaja Rd, Reidsville US-NC 36.25312, -79.681071 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/1/2026689–733 Benaja Rd, Reidsville US-NC 36.25312, -79.6810712 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

542/21/2026

Mallard

22/21/2026

Killdeer

22/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1102/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

22/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/21/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Blue Jay

12/21/2026

American Crow

102/21/2026

Fish Crow

152/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

12/21/2026

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 Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats?
Notable species at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats include Gadwall, Mallard, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats?
Birding at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats?
Lake Brandt - Horsepen Creek Mudflats offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.