Kyker Bottoms Refuge

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Kyker Bottoms Refuge is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This forest 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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/1/2026Concord Park--The Cove1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

2/28/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Cades Cove1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

2/28/2026Concord Park--The Cove1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/25/2026Lenoir City Park2 observed

Black-legged Kittiwake

Rissa tridactyla

2/23/2026Concord Park, Knoxville US-TN 35.86165, -84.126811 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

2/22/2026Concord Park--Boat Launch5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

43/3/2026

Northern Shoveler

203/3/2026

Gadwall

603/3/2026

American Wigeon

33/3/2026

Mallard

43/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

103/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

203/3/2026

Mourning Dove

13/3/2026

Killdeer

13/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

93/3/2026

Northern Harrier

13/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/3/2026

American Kestrel

13/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/3/2026

American Crow

43/3/2026

Carolina Wren

13/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

123/3/2026

Swamp Sparrow

23/3/2026

Eastern Towhee

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kyker Bottoms Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Kyker Bottoms Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Kyker Bottoms Refuge?
Notable species at Kyker Bottoms Refuge include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kyker Bottoms Refuge?
Birding at Kyker Bottoms Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kyker Bottoms Refuge?
Kyker Bottoms Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.