Forest birding habitat

Black Bayou Refuge - Phillipy Unit

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/10/2026Reelfoot Lake SP--Keystone Pocket3 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/10/2026Robinson Bayou (private transient fields)--Hoecake Rd north to Baptist Church Rd, Hampton Rd east to Paschall Rd2 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

7/5/2026Lake County - Joe Shenk Road near Flowers Sheep Ridge Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/10/2026

Great Egret

27/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/10/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

17/10/2026

Barn Swallow

157/10/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/10/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/10/2026

Dickcissel

27/10/2026

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 - 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.