Shelby Park and Bottoms

Tennessee · Southeast

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

Urban Park

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Shelby Park and Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Mallard among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

American Robin Northern Cardinal Blue Jay Red-tailed Hawk White-breasted Nuthatch

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

3/6/2026Cabin1 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

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

Birding Tips

1
Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.
2
Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

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

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

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shelby Park and Bottoms for birding?▼

The best months to visit Shelby Park and Bottoms for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Shelby Park and Bottoms?▼

Notable species at Shelby Park and Bottoms include American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Red-tailed Hawk, White-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports urban park habitats.

How difficult is birding at Shelby Park and Bottoms?▼

Birding at Shelby Park and Bottoms is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Shelby Park and Bottoms?▼

Shelby Park and Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.