River/Riparian birding habitat

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/12/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

4/11/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/11/2026Wee Nook1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

4/11/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/11/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit5 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/10/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/10/2026Kentucky Lake--Beaver Dam Creek1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/4/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Pool 111 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/4/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Pool 114 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

64/1/2026

Mourning Dove

44/1/2026

Killdeer

124/1/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

124/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/1/2026

Great Egret

1004/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

44/1/2026

Osprey

24/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/1/2026

Northern Flicker

14/1/2026

Blue Jay

24/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

44/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/1/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

44/1/2026

Carolina Wren

54/1/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 for birding?
The best months to visit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5?
Notable species at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5?
Birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5?
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.