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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/13/2026Cross Creeks NWR2 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

7/13/2026Barkley WMA1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/13/2026Barkley WMA9 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/8/2026Paris1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

7/8/2026Paris1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

27/7/2026

Mourning Dove

37/7/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/7/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/7/2026

Black Vulture

47/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/7/2026

Osprey

77/7/2026

Bald Eagle

27/7/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/7/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/7/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

47/7/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

47/7/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/7/2026

White-eyed Vireo

37/7/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

47/7/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/7/2026

Blue Jay

27/7/2026

American Crow

77/7/2026

Tufted Titmouse

37/7/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/7/2026

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.