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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/14/2026Reelfoot-Indian Creek #5 Watershed Lake1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/19/2026

American Kestrel

17/19/2026

Horned Lark

17/19/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

47/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

47/19/2026

Carolina Wren

17/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

37/19/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/19/2026

American Goldfinch

67/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

37/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/19/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/19/2026

Summer Tanager

17/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/19/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/19/2026

Indigo Bunting

87/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/11/2026

Osprey

17/11/2026

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.