Wetland birding habitat

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 211 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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/30/2026N. Garrett Sawmill Rd/Elam Rd (north to Rives)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

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

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

5/28/2026Sanders Chapel Rd, Union City US-TN1 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. 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 Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Reelfoot 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 Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge?
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.