Wetland birding habitat

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

4/16/2026Crappie Hollow (Blood River)2 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

4/15/2026Paris1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/14/2026Paris1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

4/14/2026Paris1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/11/2026N South Trail, Dover US-TN 36.52168, -87.919582 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/7/2026Paris Landing SP19 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

4/3/2026Paris Landing SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

194/7/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/7/2026

Common Loon

94/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

104/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/7/2026

Osprey

14/7/2026

Bald Eagle

24/7/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

24/7/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/7/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/7/2026

Northern Flicker

14/7/2026

Blue Jay

14/7/2026

Fish Crow

14/7/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/7/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/7/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/7/2026

Cliff Swallow

44/7/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/7/2026

Carolina Wren

24/7/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/7/2026

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 Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit?
Notable species at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit?
Birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit?
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.