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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/14/2026Reelfoot-Indian Creek #5 Watershed Lake1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/10/2026Reelfoot Lake SP--Keystone Pocket3 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/10/2026Robinson Bayou (private transient fields)--Hoecake Rd north to Baptist Church Rd, Hampton Rd east to Paschall Rd2 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

7/5/2026Lake County - Joe Shenk Road near Flowers Sheep Ridge Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/14/2026

Great Egret

17/14/2026

Mississippi Kite

37/14/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

37/14/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/14/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

67/14/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/14/2026

White-eyed Vireo

47/14/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/14/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/14/2026

Blue Jay

17/14/2026

American Crow

27/14/2026

Fish Crow

47/14/2026

Carolina Chickadee

37/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/14/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/14/2026

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.