Cedars of Lebanon Birding

Tall trees in a forest, blue sky with clouds above.

Bluebird perched on a wooden post with a blurred green background.

Birding at Cedars of Lebanon

Cedars of Lebanon is within a 10,000-acre state forest in the state's Inner Central Basin.

Characterized by thin limestone soils and little surface water, the area is forested with eastern red cedar or by hardwoods on low hills or where deep soils occur. Forests are interspersed with extensive level open cedar glades, unique habitats that support rare or endemic plants, and attract birds of open country such as indigo bunting, prairie warbler, field sparrow, and yellow-breasted chat. Adjacent oak-hickory woods are home to forest species such as barred and eastern screech owl, tanagers, vireos, and several warblers.

At least 162 species have been recorded.

Featured Birds

Summer Tanager
Prairie Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow-breasted Chat
Field Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-tailed Hawk
Wild Turkey
Common Nighthawk
American Woodcock
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Kentucky Warbler
Warblers
Eastern Screech-Owl
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Tufted Titmouse
Red-headed Woodpecker
White-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Black-and-White Warbler
Ovenbird
Cooper’s Hawk
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Great Crested Flycatcher
Wood Thrush
Barred Owl
Pileated Woodpecker
Chuck-will’s-widow
Canada Goose
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Prothonotary Warbler
Migrating Warblers
Double-crested Cormorant
Cattle Egret
Osprey
Horned Lark
Great Blue Heron
Killdeer
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Caspian Tern
Common Tern
Blue Grosbeak
Yellow-breasted Chat
Indigo Bunting

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.  

Cedar Run Trail

Featured birds: Summer Tanager, Prairie Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Field Sparrow

In fields behind the nature center, this trail forms a large loop routing through open meadows and a cedar forest. The meadows are actively managed to promote native grasses and flowering plants in an effort to improve habitat for quail and other wildlife. Level to gently sloping terrain and mowed grass surface provide an excellent trail for runners. Parts of this trail may be shared with horseback riders.
Dixon Merritt Trail

Featured birds: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Kentucky Warbler, Warblers, Carolina Wren, Red-shouldered Hawk

This short trail winds through cedar woodlands between Cedar Forest Road and the open grasslands. Hidden behind Picnic Shelter 1, the mostly level path travels about 0.20 miles to a small loop before returning the same way. Along the loop, you’ll find a wet-weather wash and a small seasonal pond, which may host amphibian eggs in the spring. The trailhead has been relocated to the edge of the parking lot of Shelter 1.

Accessibility
Hidden Springs Trail (south portion/road)

Featured birds: White-eyed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Black-and-White Warbler, Ovenbird

When starting at the picnic area and using Susie Warren Trail/Cedar Forest Road, the route travels through oak-hickory forest, large open cedar glade, and road edge. 
Old Hickory Lake Lock 5 Refuge: Access on east side of Hwy 231

Featured birds: Waterfowl, Mallard, American Coot

The site consists of tree-lined river and creek banks with cultivated fields that are subject to flooding in the winter. The main waterfowl area consists of five ponds totaling around 41 acres on the north side of the Cumberland River at the Hunter's Point bridge. 

TN Wildlife Resources
Old Hickory Dam, "Snow Bunting" Peninsula: Old Hickory Beach

Featured birds: Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Osprey, Killdeer

A large part of Old Hickory Lake can be scanned from this area, with cormorants, grebes, gulls and many winter ducks observed, and occasional sightings of rare species. Large breeding colonies of wading birds are found on the lake. Over 185 species have been observed. 
Percy Priest Lake: Dam Overlook

Featured birds: Great Egret, Common Loon, Black-crowned Night Heron, Caspian Tern, Forster's Tern

The dam area provides extensive views of the lake, where a variety of winter and transient waterfowl stop over. The adjacent Stones River Greenway provides a mix of woodland and shrubland species. Ninety-four species of birds were identified. 

TN Wildlife Resources