Wetland birding habitat

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit - Pace Point

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit - Pace Point is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Gadwall 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/23/2026Branden Spring4 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/23/2026Paris1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/23/2026Paris1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/23/2026Paris1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/20/2026Paris Elementary School1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/19/2026Paris1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Black Vulture

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

45/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

155/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/31/2026

American Robin

35/31/2026

House Finch

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/31/2026

Orchard Oriole

45/31/2026

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 - Pace Point for birding?
The best months to visit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit - Pace Point 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 - Pace Point?
Notable species at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit - Pace Point include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit - Pace Point?
Birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit - Pace Point 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 - Pace Point?
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Big Sandy Unit - Pace Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.