J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Northern Bobwhite, Turkey Vulture, and American Crow 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

3/6/2026Cabin1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/6/2026Murfree Spring Wetlands at the Discovery Center1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

3/5/2026Gateway Island1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

3/5/2026J. Percy Priest WMA--Field Trial Area1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/5/2026J. Percy Priest WMA--Field Trial Area2 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/5/2026J. Percy Priest WMA--Field Trial Area1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/5/2026J. Percy Priest WMA--Field Trial Area2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Shelby Park--Sevier Lake area1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

3/4/2026J. Percy Priest WMA--Field Trial Area1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

3/4/2026J. Percy Priest WMA--Field Trial Area1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/4/2026J. Percy Priest WMA--Field Trial Area1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/3/2026Shelby Bottoms Greenway--Phase 31 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

3/3/2026Shelby Bottoms Nature Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

Field Sparrow

33/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/5/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

13/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

113/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

23/5/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/5/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

33/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area for birding?
The best months to visit J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area?
Notable species at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area include Northern Bobwhite, Turkey Vulture, American Crow, Carolina Wren, Field Sparrow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area?
Birding at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area?
J. Percy Priest Wildlife Management Area - Field Trial Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.