Brainerd Levee

35.04003 , -85.21128

United States of America (USA)

The Brainerd Levee is a popular walking/cycling trail that runs along the top of the levee bordering South Chickamauga Creek. Most of the birding is done between 0.4 and 1.0 miles, as this section of the trail overlooks a marshy area with mudflats (dependent on seasonal conditions). If water levels are ideal, shorebirds are often the main target at this location during the spring and fall. Late summer can produce wandering herons and egrets (Great Egrets and Little Blue Herons are fairly regular in July/August, while rarer waders have also shown up). Winter often produces good conditions for dabbling ducks (the water is not deep enough to provide significant habitat for diving ducks). A scope is highly recommended (especially for shorebirds), but binoculars will suffice in a pinch.

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 35.0400/-85.2113 (2021-02-08 20:49:05 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Brainerd Levee" (2021-02-08 20:49:05 )

Edited by David Hollie on 2021-09-02 18:21:59
The Brainerd Levee is a popular walking/cycling trail that runs along the top of the levee bordering South Chickamauga Creek. Most of the birding is done between 0.4 and 1.0 miles, as this section of the trail overlooks a marshy area with mudflats (dependent on seasonal conditions). If water levels are ideal, shorebirds are often the main target at this location during the spring and fall. Late summer can produce wandering herons and egrets (Great Egrets and Little Blue Herons are fairly regular in July/August, while rarer waders have also shown up). Winter often produces good conditions for dabbling ducks (the water is not deep enough to provide significant habitat for diving ducks). A scope is highly recommended (especially for shorebirds), but binoculars will suffice in a pinch.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Not available yet
  • Timing and strategy

Most of the good birding is during spring/fall (shorebirds) and winter (waterfowl and other wetland birds). Birding is usually best in the wetlands behind Boyd Buchanan School (first visible near the 0.4 mile marker). A moderate walking pace will get you to a view of the wetlands in about 10 minutes. On clear days, the visibility can be poor in the evenings because a lot of the good vantage points for shorebirds are westward facing.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by David Hollie on 2021-09-02 19:37
Most of the good birding is during spring/fall (shorebirds) and winter (waterfowl and other wetland birds). Birding is usually best in the wetlands behind Boyd Buchanan School (first visible near the 0.4 mile marker). A moderate walking pace will get you to a view of the wetlands in about 10 minutes. On clear days, the visibility can be poor in the evenings because a lot of the good vantage points for shorebirds are westward facing.
  • How to get there

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Not available yet

This site is walking only. Once on the trail, it is a well-maintained, flat gravel trail, but the initial part requires a set of steps so this location is not ideal for handicap access. 

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by David Hollie on 2021-09-02 19:37
This site is walking only. Once on the trail, it is a well-maintained, flat gravel trail, but the initial part requires a set of steps so this location is not ideal for handicap access. 
  • Other attractions

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Not available yet

The parking area is right next to a BP gas station which has restrooms.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by David Hollie on 2021-09-02 19:38
The parking area is right next to a BP gas station which has restrooms.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Not available yet
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Brainerd Levee - Orniverse