Chilatchee Creek Park and Campground sits adjacent to the 27-mile-long Dannelly Reservoir. The woods are a pine-oak mix of varying densities. The central part of the park is largely open, mature canopy with a grassy understory, while the periphery of the park is all-ages, with dense under- and mid-stories. From spring through fall there are numerous White-eyed Vireos, Carolina Wrens, Hooded and Kentucky Warblers and Common Yellowthroats in the understory. Indigo Buntings, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and Blue Grosbeaks are easy to find here, too.

Canopy species present include Northern Parulas, Yellow-throated and Pine Warblers, Brown-headed Nuthatches, Yellow-throated Vireos, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Barred Owls, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Orchard Orioles. You can find Wild Turkeys and Northern Bobwhites all around the property. At the northeast corner of the property is a picnic area with a wooden deck that overlooks a patch of mixed woods; it's a good spot to take a quick survey of what's in the area. From here, a sandy dirt path leads to a small pier with a good view of the Dannelly Reservoir. Winter brings a few gulls, Forster's Terns, some waterfowl and Bald Eagles.

Chilatchee Park and Campground is level and open, with paved roads throughout, and can be birded comprehensively in a couple hours. The campground is popular with boaters and fishermen, and the 33 campsites are in steady demand. There is a fee for campsites, so birders are advised to request free short-term admission at the gate.

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Chilatchee Creek Park is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

Listed in:

• Ecotourism