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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/13/2026Cross Creeks NWR2 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

7/13/2026Barkley WMA1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/13/2026Barkley WMA9 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

17/13/2026

Wood Duck

217/13/2026

Wild Turkey

27/13/2026

Mourning Dove

87/13/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

37/13/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/13/2026

Killdeer

17/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/13/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/13/2026

Green Heron

27/13/2026

Great Egret

57/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/13/2026

Osprey

17/13/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/13/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/13/2026

Barred Owl

17/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

67/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

47/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

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.