Wetland birding habitat

Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This wetland 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/9/2026Cross Creeks NWR2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

357/9/2026

Mallard

27/9/2026

Mourning Dove

77/9/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/9/2026

Killdeer

17/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

137/9/2026

Little Blue Heron

37/9/2026

Snowy Egret

37/9/2026

Green Heron

27/9/2026

Great Egret

207/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

117/9/2026

Black Vulture

17/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/9/2026

Osprey

67/9/2026

Bald Eagle

17/9/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/9/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

17/9/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/9/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/9/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge?
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.