Forest birding habitat

Phillipy Pits (roadside viewing)

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/17/2026Buckelew Slough (private, roadside viewing)1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

4/17/2026US-KY-Hickman-8402-8426 Sutton Rd - 36.5436x-89.38632 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/14/2026Buckelew Slough (private, roadside viewing)1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

4/8/202611282 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

4/5/2026Glory Hole kayaking trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

24/18/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

14/18/2026

Great Egret

104/18/2026

Black Vulture

14/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

14/18/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/18/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

24/18/2026

Blue Jay

14/18/2026

American Crow

24/18/2026

Fish Crow

14/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

44/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

54/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

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.