Coastal birding habitat

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Green-winged Teal, and Red-shouldered 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

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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/24/2026Ten Mile Pond CA1 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

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

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd for birding?
The best months to visit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd?
Notable species at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd include Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd?
Birding at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd?
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island Unit - Walnut Log Rd offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.