Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Black Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

3/4/2026J. Percy Priest Lake--Hurricane Creek Boat Ramp1 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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026Bells Bend Park37 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

3/3/2026Vantage Pointe Apartments1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

43/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/5/2026

Barred Owl

13/5/2026

American Crow

53/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/4/2026

Carolina Wren

13/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

American Goldfinch

23/4/2026

Field Sparrow

23/4/2026

Fox Sparrow

13/4/2026

White-throated Sparrow

103/4/2026

Song Sparrow

23/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

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 Shelby Bottoms Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Shelby Bottoms Nature Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center?
Notable species at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center include Mallard, Black Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center?
Birding at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center?
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.