The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
River/Riparian birding habitat

Big Sandy River - Big Sandy Flats

Tennessee · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions
Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Belted KingfisherYellow WarblerSong SparrowGreat Blue HeronCedar Waxwing

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

4/15/2026Paris1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/14/2026Paris1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

4/14/2026Paris1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/10/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/10/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/7/2026Paris Landing SP19 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elevation-diverse Appalachian park with northern breeding species and rich warbler variety.

Amnicola Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 203 recorded species.

Barkley Wildlife Management Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 205 recorded species.

Tennessee Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Tennessee →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.