Wetland birding habitat

Barkley Wildlife Management Area

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Barkley Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/31/2026Big Sandy BBS stop 61 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/29/2026Paris Landing State Park, Buchanan US-TN 36.44047, -88.082081 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

5/29/2026Land Between the Lakes NRA--Gray's Landing Access1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/25/2026Lake House1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/23/2026Branden Spring4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

125/30/2026

Wood Duck

25/30/2026

Mallard

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Green Heron

15/30/2026

Great Egret

55/30/2026

Black Vulture

35/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

45/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/30/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

15/30/2026

Northern Parula

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

55/30/2026

Wild Turkey

15/25/2026

Killdeer

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

55/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Barkley Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Barkley Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Barkley Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Barkley Wildlife Management Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Barkley Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Barkley Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Barkley Wildlife Management Area?
Barkley Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.