Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 316 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts American Kestrel, Marsh Wren, and White-crowned Sparrow 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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Robco Lake/Coro Lake1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/4/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Gardens1 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/4/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Gardens1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/1/2026Rivergate Road2 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

3/1/2026Rivergate Road3 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/1/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Gardens1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026Neighborhood Spot7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Kestrel

43/1/2026

Marsh Wren

13/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

83/1/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

43/1/2026

American Pipit

32/28/2026

Canada Goose

62/27/2026

Northern Shoveler

3602/27/2026

Gadwall

22/27/2026

Mourning Dove

22/27/2026

Wilson's Snipe

92/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

32/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Savannah Sparrow

102/27/2026

Song Sparrow

22/27/2026

Swamp Sparrow

52/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

22/27/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

402/22/2026

Mallard

62/22/2026

Killdeer

32/22/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) for birding?
The best months to visit Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)?
Notable species at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) include American Kestrel, Marsh Wren, White-crowned Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, American Pipit. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)?
Birding at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits)?
Ensley Bottoms - Maxson Wastewater Lagoons/Earth Complex (The Pits) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.