Big Ridge Birding
Birding at Big Ridge
Common loons sometimes visit during the winter and can be seen on Norris Lake.
The trails are good places to see migratory birds in the spring and fall. Over 110 species of birds have been observed here throughout the year, but the fall is the most popular time.
Featured Birds
- Great Blue Heron
- Bald Eagle
- Osprey
- Belted Kingfisher
- Wood Duck
- Canada Goose
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Bald Eagle
- Gull
- Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Common Loon
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Great Horned Owl
- Warblers
- Golden-crowned Kinglet
- Hermit Thrush
- Carolina Wren
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Eastern Towhee
- American Woodcock
- Goldfinch
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
- Northern Cardinal
- Eastern Bluebird
- Blue Jay
- Red-tailed Hawk
Responsible Birding
- Do not endanger the welfare of birds.
- Tread lightly and respect bird habitat.
- Silence is golden.
- Do not use electronic sound devices to attract birds during nesting season, May-July.
- Take extra care when in a nesting area.
- Always respect the law and the rights of others, violators subject to prosecution.
- Do not trespass on private property.
- Avoid pointing your binoculars at other people or their homes.
- Limit group sizes in areas that are not conducive to large crowds.
Birding Locations
A hiking map is available at the park.
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Fisherman’s Trail
Featured birds: Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Gull, Woodpecker, Northern FlickerThis short and easy trail begins near the back entrance of the park and takes you to an area of Norris Lake known as Poor Land Valley.
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Softball Field
Featured birds: American Woodcock, Goldfinch, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Northern CardinalThis site offers both open field and edge habitat. You can often see American woodcocks perform their aerial displays here at dusk during late winter and early spring.
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