Nickajack Dam - North Side

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Nickajack Dam - North Side is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Lesser Scaup, Pied-billed Grebe, 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

Bewick's Wren

Thryomanes bewickii

3/5/2026400 Birmingham Hwy, Chattanooga US-TN 35.00822, -85.392171 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

3/5/2026Aetna Mtn powerline site - TRGT property4 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

2/27/2026Stevenson Municipal Park (NABT 43)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Lesser Scaup

12/26/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

102/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

72/26/2026

Black Vulture

62/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

112/26/2026

Osprey

22/26/2026

Bald Eagle

12/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/26/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/26/2026

American Kestrel

12/26/2026

American Crow

62/26/2026

Fish Crow

12/26/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

12/26/2026

European Starling

42/26/2026

Eastern Bluebird

22/26/2026

American Robin

12/26/2026

White-throated Sparrow

32/26/2026

Song Sparrow

12/26/2026

Palm Warbler

42/26/2026

Pine Warbler

22/26/2026

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 Nickajack Dam - North Side for birding?
The best months to visit Nickajack Dam - North Side for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Nickajack Dam - North Side?
Notable species at Nickajack Dam - North Side include Lesser Scaup, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nickajack Dam - North Side?
Birding at Nickajack Dam - North Side is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nickajack Dam - North Side?
Nickajack Dam - North Side offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.