Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit

Tennessee · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Greater White-fronted Goose among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Snow Goose Ross's Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Gadwall Mallard

Live Bird Data

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

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

25/30/2026

Common Gallinule

15/30/2026

Least Tern

25/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/30/2026

Great Egret

35/30/2026

Osprey

65/30/2026

Bald Eagle

55/30/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

45/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

35/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/30/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

25/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/30/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Wood Duck

105/26/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

25/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/26/2026

Barred Owl

25/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/26/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
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 Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit for birding?▼

The best months to visit Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit?▼

Notable species at Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit?▼

Birding at Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit?▼

Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.