Lake birding habitat

Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel 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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Reelfoot Lake--Snider Basin & Joe Basin1 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

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

5/22/2026Reelfoot Lake SP--Keystone Pocket1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Carolina Chickadee

15/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/28/2026

American Robin

25/28/2026

House Sparrow

15/28/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/28/2026

Common Grackle

25/28/2026

Wood Duck

45/27/2026

Least Tern

15/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

85/27/2026

Great Egret

125/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

125/27/2026

Black Vulture

45/27/2026

Osprey

155/27/2026

Bald Eagle

45/27/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/27/2026

Barn Swallow

45/27/2026

Carolina Wren

35/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

45/27/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

15/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge?
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.