The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Rankin Bottoms

Tennessee · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Rankin Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Mourning Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Canada GooseRock PigeonMourning DoveKilldeerGreat Blue Heron

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/6/2026Douglas Dam--Headwaters1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

2/27/2026US-25E Lake Overlook2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/26/2026285 Rabbit Patch Lane, Bean Station, Tennessee, US (36.272, -83.288)7 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

2/23/2026282 Heath Chapel Rd, Bean Station US-TN 36.28481, -83.362824 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elevation-diverse Appalachian park with northern breeding species and rich warbler variety.

Amnicola Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 203 recorded species.

Barkley Wildlife Management Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 205 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rankin Bottoms for birding?▼
The best months to visit Rankin Bottoms for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Rankin Bottoms?▼
Notable species at Rankin Bottoms include Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Great Blue Heron. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rankin Bottoms?▼
Birding at Rankin Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rankin Bottoms?▼
Rankin Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.