The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk

Tennessee · Southeast

EasyView on eBird
Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Bufflehead, and Mourning Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Bald EagleBuffleheadMourning DoveRed-bellied WoodpeckerBlue Jay

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/27/2026Madie Thompson Rd, Tiptonville US-TN (36.2799,-89.4343)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

83/5/2026

Bufflehead

12/28/2026

Mourning Dove

42/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

12/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

12/28/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

22/28/2026

Brown Creeper

12/28/2026

Carolina Wren

12/28/2026

European Starling

42/28/2026

American Robin

52/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

152/28/2026

Common Grackle

52/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

22/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

32/28/2026

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Visitor Center

More in Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elevation-diverse Appalachian park with northern breeding species and rich warbler variety.

Amnicola Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 203 recorded species.

Barkley Wildlife Management Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 205 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk for birding?▼
The best months to visit Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk?▼
Notable species at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk include Bald Eagle, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk?▼
Birding at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk?▼
Reelfoot Lake State Park - Ellington Visitor Center & Boardwalk offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.