As the largest body of standing water in the City of Martinsville, Lake Lanier is a boon to county birders; it is essentially the only spot to find waterbirds in the city. Resident species like Mallard, Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, and Belted Kingfisher can be seen here, and there is also a small population of Mute Swans that breed here. The best time to visit is in winter, which offers the chance at waterfowl; American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, Canvasback, Greater Scaup, and Red-breasted Merganser have all been recorded, with other species awaiting detection. In the warmer months, swallows can be found coursing over the lake, and checking it in migration could yield uncommon migrants like Bank or Cliff Swallow. While the water is the main attraction at Lake Lanier, its location in a wooded suburb makes it a good spot to seek out both woodland species and those that frequent developed areas. Some of the houses around the lake have feeders, and most of the common backyard species can be ticked here with ease. In winter, this is augmented by the typical winter woodland suite, including both kinglets, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Dark-eyed Junco, and White-throated Sparrow. During the breeding season, the surrounding woods are a great place to look and listen for woodland breeders such as Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Red-eyed Vireo, and others. The woods also host more uncommon species, including Red-headed Woodpecker, while Brown-headed Nuthatches can often be found foraging in the pines that line the lake. On Sam Lions Trail, just west of where it intersects Lakeview Trail, the road passes a sheltered, swampy cove that is a good place to look for herons and Wood Ducks. While none have yet been reported from here, the wooded subdivisions dotted with older, tall trees and snags are an excellent set-up for breeding Mississippi Kites.
Accessibility: Lake Lanier is located in the southeastern corner of Martinsville, only a short distance off US-58. Situated in the midst of several wooded housing developments, the lake itself is private. However, it is ringed by publicly accessible walking trails and easily accessible for birding. There is parking on the eastern side of the lake along Lakeview Trail, as well as at the southeast corner just before the dam, at the bend in Corn Tassel Trail. Both of these parking areas provide access to the walking trails. The roads around the lake are quiet and low-traffic, and it is also possible to get a good view of the water by driving slowly across the dam at the southern end (Corn Tassel Trail), and along Sam Lions Trail at the northern end.
eBird Hotspot: Lake Lanier
—Matt Anthony