Birding
Land Between the Lakes boasts 300 miles of undeveloped, natural shoreline and offers a front row seat to a spectacular migratory bird show during the winter months. With its proximity to the Mississippi Flyway, a vast bird migration route that stretches from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, Land Between the Lakes is an ideal destination for birdwatching, hosting up to 250 species of birds.
Before you set out for your birding adventure, make sure to bring your binoculars, map, camera, birding checklist, directions to viewing areas, and weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and check the Alerts page for information on important notices and closures. Happy birding!
Wildlife Viewing
Learn more about birding and wildlife viewing hotspots at Land Between the Lakes.
Events Calendar
Nature Station naturalists host a variety of programs on native bird species throughout the year.
Bald Eagle Info
Learn about bald eagle life history, viewing tips, and fun facts.
Recommended Birding Spots
- Kentucky Dam/Barkley Dam
- Hematite Lake and Trail
- Long Creek Wildlife Refuge
- Empire Point
- Bobcat Point
- Honker Lake, Bay, and Trail
- Woodlands Nature Station Backyard
- North/South Trail from Sugar to Smith Bay
- Shaw Branch Road —FS RD #153/134 — from Hwy US68/KY80 to Energy Lake
- Elk & Bison Prairie
- Fort Henry Trails
- Click here for more wildlife viewing hotspots at Land Between the Lakes!
A note from the field
“We stopped at one of the old log landings on the Pryor Creek Oak Grassland Demonstration Area. We observed 4 Prairie warblers singing along with a Great-crested Flycatcher. The Prairie warblers’ song goes up the scale while Great-crested makes the ‘Reap’ call sound.
I heard Prairie warblers at other areas that we have done timber management adjacent to Grassland openlands that includes the Demumbers Creek area. Also heard in the Crossroads project area.”
Turn up your volume and listen to Prairie Warblers and a Great-crested Flycatcher. Recorded by Elizabeth Raikes.

Pryor Creek Oak Grassland Demonstration Area. Photo by Elizabeth Raikes
MOBILE FROM HERE DOWN
Birding
Land Between the Lakes boasts 300 miles of undeveloped, natural shoreline and offers a front row seat to a spectacular migratory bird show during the winter months. With its proximity to the Mississippi Flyway, a vast bird migration route that stretches from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, Land Between the Lakes is an ideal destination for birdwatching, hosting up to 250 species of birds.
Before you set out for your birding adventure, make sure to bring your binoculars, map, camera, birding checklist, directions to viewing areas, and weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and check the Alerts page for information on important notices and closures. Happy birding!
Wildlife Viewing
Learn more about birding and wildlife viewing hotspots at Land Between the Lakes.
Events Calendar
Nature Station naturalists host a variety of programs on native bird species and wildlife viewing. Check the events calendar for information on upcoming programs.
Recommended Birding Spots
- Kentucky Dam/Barkley Dam
- Hematite Lake and Trail
- Long Creek Wildlife Refuge
- Empire Point
- Bobcat Point
- Honker Lake, Bay, and Trail
- Woodlands Nature Station Backyard
- North/South Trail from Sugar to Smith Bay
- Shaw Branch Road —FS RD #153/134 — from Hwy US68/KY80 to Energy Lake
- Elk & Bison Prairie
- Fort Henry Trails
- Click here for more wildlife viewing hotspots at Land Between the Lakes!
A note from the field
“We stopped at one of the old log landings on the Pryor Creek Oak Grassland Demonstration Area. We observed 4 Prairie warblers singing along with a Great-crested Flycatcher. The Prairie warblers’ song goes up the scale while Great-crested makes the ‘Reap’ call sound.
I heard Prairie warblers at other areas that we have done timber management adjacent to Grassland openlands that includes the Demumbers Creek area. Also heard in the Crossroads project area.”
Turn up your volume and listen to Prairie Warblers and a Great-crested Flycatcher. Recorded by Elizabeth Raikes.

Pryor Creek Oak Grassland Demonstration Area. Photo by Elizabeth Raikes