Forest birding habitat

Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Mourning Dove, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/14/2026Buckelew Slough (private, roadside viewing)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/14/2026Buckelew Slough (private, roadside viewing)30 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

4/5/2026Glory Hole kayaking trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

14/10/2026

Mourning Dove

24/10/2026

Killdeer

24/10/2026

Great Egret

44/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/10/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/10/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/10/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/10/2026

American Crow

14/10/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/10/2026

Horned Lark

24/10/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/10/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

54/10/2026

Carolina Wren

34/10/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/10/2026

Field Sparrow

14/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit?
Notable species at Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit include Mallard, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Loggerhead Shrike, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit?
Birding at Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit?
Black Bayou Refuge - Main Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.