Lake birding habitat

White Lake Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

White Lake Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/10/2026Robinson Bayou (private transient fields)--Hoecake Rd north to Baptist Church Rd, Hampton Rd east to Paschall Rd2 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

7/5/2026Lake County - Joe Shenk Road near Flowers Sheep Ridge Road1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

7/3/2026790 Sand Bluff Road, Ripley, Tennessee, US (35.865, -89.554)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/30/20263675 SR-104, Dyersburg US-TN 36.02335, -89.322742 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

27/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

87/5/2026

House Sparrow

17/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/5/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/4/2026

Mississippi Kite

27/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/4/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

17/4/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/4/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/4/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/4/2026

Fish Crow

17/4/2026

American Robin

17/4/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

37/4/2026

Northern Parula

17/4/2026

Summer Tanager

27/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/4/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit White Lake Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit White Lake Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at White Lake Refuge?
Notable species at White Lake Refuge include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at White Lake Refuge?
Birding at White Lake Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at White Lake Refuge?
White Lake Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.