Shelley Lake Birding

Shelley Lake in Raleigh, North Carolina, stands out as a surprisingly rewarding spot for birding despite its location as a popular urban park. This 53-acre flood control lake is encircled by about two miles of paved, scenic trails that offer easy access to diverse habitats, including open water, wooded edges, and grassy areas. Birdwatchers frequently spot iconic residents like the resident pair of Bald Eagles, whose nest draws eager observers especially in winter and early spring, along with a thriving Great Blue Heron rookery that fills the treetops with their stately presence.

Waterfowl:

Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are common around the lake.

Bufflehead ducks (Bucephala albeola) migrate south from northern breeding grounds and are abundant in NC inland waters, such as Shelley Lake, from fall through spring 

Hooded mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus)

Cormorants:

Double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) are commonly seen on anything sticking out of the water.

Herons:

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)

Great egret (Ardea alba)

Birds of Prey:

Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus)

In spring of 2018, a pair of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nested high in the trees along Shelley Lake.  The nest is very high up and hard to see clearly, but it was exciting to see the eagles here.

External Links:

Raleigh Parks website: https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/shelley-lake-park