River/Riparian birding habitat

Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian 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

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

5/31/2026Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, Eva US-TN 36.08201, -87.988501 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Big Sandy BBS stop 351 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/31/2026Big Sandy BBS stop 61 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/30/2026New Johnsonville WTP1 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

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

5/29/20266700–6938 Big Sandy River Rd, Camden US-TN 36.12139, -88.183822 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

5/25/2026Johnsonville SHP1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/25/2026Paris1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/24/2026Harmon Creek WMA1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

5/23/2026Broadway Ave, Holladay US-TN (36.0172,-88.0034)1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/23/2026Paris1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/23/2026Paris1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/23/2026Paris1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/31/2026

Kentucky Warbler

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/31/2026

Northern Parula

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Purple Martin

25/31/2026

Carolina Wren

25/31/2026

European Starling

25/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats for birding?
The best months to visit Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats?
Notable species at Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats?
Birding at Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats?
Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.