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

Loading map...

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

    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.