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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/12/2026Land Between the Lakes NRA--South Bison Range1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/11/2026N South Trail, Dover US-TN 36.52168, -87.919582 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/7/2026Paris Landing SP19 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

4/3/2026Paris Landing SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

154/7/2026

Wood Duck

44/7/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/7/2026

Mourning Dove

24/7/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

24/7/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

64/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

604/7/2026

Great Egret

14/7/2026

Great Blue Heron

64/7/2026

Black Vulture

44/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/7/2026

Osprey

54/7/2026

Bald Eagle

14/7/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/7/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/7/2026

Tree Swallow

14/7/2026

Barn Swallow

34/7/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/7/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

44/7/2026

Carolina Wren

24/7/2026

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.