Birdwatching in Radnor Lake State Park is an adventure for the whole family. Importantly, it doesn't require any special skills or equipment except for curiosity and a pair of binoculars.
For over 100 years, this hardwood forest and the lake have attracted more than 20 species of songbirds. The area is a great place for spotting all the warblers of Tennessee, including Connecticut and Mourning warblers—frequent guests in early May. During the spring and fall migration, unusual guests like Louisiana and Northern waterthrush, Least flycatcher, and Yellow-bellied flycatcher are also spotted along the trails of the park. Besides them, owls, herons, and waterfowl are year-round residents of the park.
The peak seasons for birdwatching on Radnor Lake are spring and fall. Due to the migration, the area near the lake is crowded not only with tourists but hundreds of birds. The best days to visit Radnor Lake State Natural Area for migration-watching are the last two Wednesdays in April and September and the first two Wednesdays in May and October. On these Wednesdays, the Tennessee Ornithological Society usually runs birding trips. What an excellent chance for birdwatching enthusiasts not just to observe but to hear more about species from professionals!
Fees and hours
The admission to Radnor Lake State Park is free, but you need to pay for the birdwatching tour. The park is open from 6 am to dark all year round.
Practical info
What species of songbirds can be found at Radnor Lake State Park?
Over 20 different species of songbirds can be observed at Radnor Lake. The popular bird-watching spot is famous for the greatest songbird migration in Tennessee, including all the warblers of Tennessee, such as Connecticut and Mourning warblers. The park is also a habitat for year-round resident birds like Owls, herons, and waterfowl. Show more
When is the best time to visit for birdwatching?
Birdwatching enthusiasts should plan their visit to Radnor Lake during the peak seasons, late April to early May and late September to early October. Bird species such as Louisiana and Northern waterthrush, Least flycatcher, and Yellow-bellied flycatcher are seen during the spring and fall migration. The park offers birding trips on specific Wednesdays in April, May, September, and October, led by the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Show more
Where exactly in Nashville is Radnor Lake State Park located?
Situated in the southeastern region of Nashville city, the 2320 acre Radnor Lake State Park is located at 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220. It takes around 20 minutes to reach downtown Nashville, and the driving time from Nashville International Airport is 35-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Show more
Can you birdwatch without any special skills or equipment?
One need not possess any specific expertise or equipment to explore Radnor Lake State Park's bird population. Birdwatchers of all levels can observe the birds by following the hiking trails and listening to their songs. A pair of binoculars and unaffected curiosity will be sufficient to observe different birds in the hardwood forest and lake, attracting birders for more than a century. Show more
Are there any specific days to visit for guided birdwatching tours?
Even though guided bird watching tours are available throughout the year, it is best to plan the trip on specific days to observe and learn from professionals. The Tennessee Ornithological Society leads birding trips on the first two Wednesdays in May and October and the last two Wednesdays in April and September. The admission charges are applicable for guided bird watching tours. Show more
