Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing)

Tennessee · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing) is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Bald Eagle Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Horned Lark European Starling

Live Bird Data

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/29/2026Bessie Glover Rd (private, roadside viewing)12 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/29/20261307 Fowler Rd, Union City US-TN (36.4756,-89.1236)1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

105/26/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

25/26/2026

Great Egret

115/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/26/2026

Osprey

35/26/2026

Bald Eagle

15/26/2026

Barred Owl

25/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/26/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

25/26/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/26/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/26/2026

American Crow

35/26/2026

Carolina Chickadee

35/26/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/26/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/26/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

55/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

155/26/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

35/26/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elevation-diverse Appalachian park with northern breeding species and rich warbler variety.

Amnicola Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 203 recorded species.

Barkley Wildlife Management Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 205 recorded species.

Tennessee Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Tennessee →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing) for birding?▼

The best months to visit Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing)?▼

Notable species at Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing) include Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Horned Lark, European Starling. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing)?▼

Birding at Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing)?▼

Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.