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

Loading map...

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

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

5/31/2026Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park, Eva US-TN 36.08201, -87.988501 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/31/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit2 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/31/2026Big Sandy BBS stop 351 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/30/20267630–7898 Old State Route 1, New Johnsonville US-TN 35.98571, -87.942202 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/30/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Heron Island Roost Viewing Area1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/30/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Pool 51 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/30/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

35/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/30/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Great Egret

45/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

115/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/30/2026

American Crow

45/30/2026

Barn Swallow

25/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

65/30/2026

Carolina Wren

35/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/30/2026

Orchard Oriole

35/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/30/2026

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.