Salem Lake

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Salem Lake is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, and Muscovy Duck 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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/1/20261565 Union Cross Rd, Winston-Salem US-NC 36.07259, -80.110671 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

2/24/2026Paschal "Pat" W. Swann Water Treatment Plant (Outside Fence Only)2 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

2/23/2026Salem Lake--Marina1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

2/21/2026Belews Lake--Pine Hall Access Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Graylag Goose

23/2/2026

Canada Goose

103/2/2026

Muscovy Duck

33/2/2026

Mallard

23/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

163/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

483/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/2/2026

American Crow

43/2/2026

Fish Crow

23/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/2/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/2/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

13/2/2026

Carolina Wren

23/2/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

123/2/2026

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 Salem Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Salem Lake for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Salem Lake?
Notable species at Salem Lake include Graylag Goose, Canada Goose, Muscovy Duck, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salem Lake?
Birding at Salem Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salem Lake?
Salem Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.