Wetland birding habitat

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 235 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

4/9/2026Hatchie NWR--Windrow Rd.1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/9/2026Hatchie NWR--Windrow Rd.1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/9/2026Hatchie NWR--O'Neal Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

104/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

44/16/2026

Killdeer

54/16/2026

Wilson's Snipe

194/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

24/16/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

14/16/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

34/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

114/16/2026

Least Sandpiper

14/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/16/2026

Great Egret

14/16/2026

Black Vulture

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Bald Eagle

24/16/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/16/2026

Eastern Kingbird

54/16/2026

White-eyed Vireo

24/16/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

34/16/2026

Blue Jay

14/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

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 Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Hatchie 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 Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge?
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.