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

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/8/2026Paris1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

7/8/2026Paris1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

97/8/2026

Mourning Dove

57/8/2026

Great Egret

37/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/8/2026

Black Vulture

197/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/8/2026

Osprey

77/8/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/8/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/8/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/8/2026

American Kestrel

17/8/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/8/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

17/8/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/8/2026

Eastern Kingbird

57/8/2026

White-eyed Vireo

27/8/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/8/2026

Blue Jay

67/8/2026

American Crow

37/8/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/8/2026

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.