River/Riparian birding habitat

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pump Station Road (North)

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pump Station Road (North) is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Ruddy Duck 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

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

Mallard

15/29/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/29/2026

Killdeer

25/29/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

105/29/2026

Little Blue Heron

25/29/2026

Snowy Egret

305/29/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

55/29/2026

Great Egret

185/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

55/29/2026

American White Pelican

195/29/2026

Osprey

45/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/29/2026

Fish Crow

35/29/2026

Tree Swallow

45/29/2026

Purple Martin

25/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/29/2026

Barn Swallow

35/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/29/2026

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 - Pump Station Road (North) for birding?
The best months to visit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pump Station Road (North) 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 - Pump Station Road (North)?
Notable species at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pump Station Road (North) include Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pump Station Road (North)?
Birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pump Station Road (North) 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 - Pump Station Road (North)?
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pump Station Road (North) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.