Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 307 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/4/2026Tennessee NWR, Duck River Bottoms1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/20261261–2083 Cuba Landing Rd, Waverly US-TN 35.86073, -87.829052 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

3/1/2026Tennessee River--Lady's Bluff Small Wild Area1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

3/1/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Pool 2/Clear Lake1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/1/2026Tennessee River--Lady's Bluff Small Wild Area2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/1/2026Tennessee River--Lady's Bluff Small Wild Area6 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

3/1/2026Tennessee River--Lady's Bluff Small Wild Area5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

352/26/2026

Gadwall

752/26/2026

American Wigeon

2/26/2026

Mallard

652/26/2026

Northern Pintail

752/26/2026

Green-winged Teal

162/26/2026

Hooded Merganser

82/26/2026

Killdeer

222/26/2026

Ring-billed Gull

112/26/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/26/2026

Great Egret

32/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

52/26/2026

Black Vulture

72/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

22/26/2026

Northern Harrier

12/26/2026

Bald Eagle

22/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/26/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/26/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/26/2026

Northern Flicker

22/26/2026

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 for birding?
The best months to visit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit 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?
Notable species at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit?
Birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit 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?
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.