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 Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Big Sandy BBS stop 351 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/31/2026Big Sandy BBS stop 61 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/29/2026Paris Landing State Park, Buchanan US-TN 36.44047, -88.082081 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

5/29/2026Land Between the Lakes NRA--Gray's Landing Access1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/25/2026Lake House1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/25/2026Paris1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/24/2026Harmon Creek WMA1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/23/2026Branden Spring4 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/23/2026Paris1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/23/2026Paris1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

5/23/2026TVA Harmon Creek Management Unit1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

5/22/2026TVA Harmon Creek Management Unit1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/20/2026Paris Elementary School1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

55/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/30/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/30/2026

Carolina Wren

15/30/2026

Kentucky Warbler

15/30/2026

Northern Parula

45/30/2026

Pine Warbler

35/30/2026

Scarlet Tanager

25/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

45/30/2026

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.