Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian 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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/6/2026Tennessee NWR--Duck River Unit--Refuge Rd. Wildlife Loop1 observed

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 Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

23/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

753/4/2026

Gadwall

133/4/2026

American Wigeon

2003/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

353/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

153/4/2026

Bufflehead

43/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

93/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/4/2026

American White Pelican

753/4/2026

Black Vulture

23/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/4/2026

White-throated Sparrow

103/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/4/2026

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 - Pool 5 for birding?
The best months to visit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 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 - Pool 5?
Notable species at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5?
Birding at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 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 - Pool 5?
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge - Duck River Unit - Pool 5 offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.