Yates Mill County Park

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 8:00 AM - sunset

About This Location

Yates Mill County Park is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/4/2026277 Springhill Lane, Garner, North Carolina, US (35.616, -78.583)1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026Lake Crabtree County Park1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/3/2026121 Kintyre Drive, Clayton, North Carolina, US (35.568, -78.527)20 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/1/2026Yates Mill County Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/27/2026field across the street from the entrance to my street1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

2/25/202627562, New Hill US-NC 35.58112, -78.963231 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

2/23/2026Mid Pines Rd.5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

Bufflehead

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

53/5/2026

Black Vulture

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

83/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

33/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

Fish Crow

13/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

63/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Yates Mill County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Yates Mill County Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Yates Mill County Park?
Notable species at Yates Mill County Park include Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mallard, American Woodcock, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, European Starling. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Yates Mill County Park?
Birding at Yates Mill County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Yates Mill County Park?
There is no entrance fee at Yates Mill County Park. Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM - sunset.
What amenities are available at Yates Mill County Park?
Yates Mill County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.