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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Reelfoot Lake--Snider Basin & Joe Basin1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/29/2026Bessie Glover Rd (private, roadside viewing)12 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/29/20261307 Fowler Rd, Union City US-TN (36.4756,-89.1236)1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

5/28/2026Sanders Chapel Rd, Union City US-TN1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/25/2026Reelfoot-Indian Creek #7 Watershed Lake2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

15/22/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/22/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/22/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/22/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/22/2026

Blue Jay

15/22/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/22/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/22/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/22/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/22/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

25/22/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

85/22/2026

Indigo Bunting

115/22/2026

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.