Birding & Wildlife
Reedy Creek is one of Charlotte's best birding parks: a mix of upland forest, pine woods, floodplain and ponds that draws warblers, tanagers and flycatchers in summer, kinglets and sparrows in winter, and owls and woodpeckers all year.
What's here
- The iron bridge where the South Fork, Sierra Loop and Robinson Rockhouse trails meet: the preserve's top birding spot.
- The pine forest by the picnic shelters, good for nuthatches and kinglets.
- Feeders at the nature center's habitat garden.
- Ponds for turtles, dragonflies and wading birds.
Good to know
Early morning is best for birds, especially in spring and fall migration. Bring binoculars, walk quietly, and check the feeders at the nature center before heading into the woods.
Where to look
The Carolina Bird Club singles out the junction of the South Fork, Sierra Loop and Robinson Rockhouse trails, around the iron bridge, as the best birding in the park: in summer look for hummingbirds and warblers there. The Robinson Rockhouse Trail can produce Kentucky and hooded warblers in breeding season. The pine forest near the picnic shelters is reliable for nuthatches all year and kinglets in winter.
Through the seasons
Summer brings tanagers, warblers and flycatchers to the breeding forest. Winter visitors include brown creepers, kinglets and sparrows. Year-round residents include nuthatches, woodpeckers and owls, which you may hear calling at dusk near the end of park hours.
Other wildlife
Dragonfly Pond lives up to its name in summer, and turtles bask on its logs. You may also see deer and squirrels in the forest, and hear frogs along the creek after spring rains.
Beavers
Beavers are at work in the preserve: visitors have photographed a large stick lodge at the edge of a pond along the nature trails. Look for gnawed stumps and fresh-cut branches near the water, and visit at dusk, when beavers are most active, for the best chance of seeing one swim.
Birding tips
Arrive when the park opens at dawn, when birds are most active. Spring migration (April and early May) and fall migration (September and October) bring the most variety. The habitat garden's feeders are a good place to show kids birds up close before a walk.
See the rest of the park
Birding is one of 6 featured areas at Reedy Creek Park.