Birding

Refuges are some of America’s birdiest places because they provide nesting, feeding, and breeding grounds for countless species. Tennessee NWR is no different with over 316 species of birds expected. Please by aware some areas of the refuge are closed seasonally from Nov. 15th – Mar. 15th to provide sanctuary for migrating and wintering species.

A favorite event among visitors is the annual Hummingbird Banding Day that takes place each August. Offering a rare chance to see this tiny species up close, visitors learn how the birds are safely captured, banded, and released by licensed banders. 

Discover what birds to look for on the refuge in our bird brochure.

Some location suggestions include the following:

• V.L. Childs Observation Deck – located 1.5 miles from the Visitor Center. Open year round with spotting scopes and interpretive signs. 
• Duck River Bottoms Overlook – Off Birdsong Road or highway 191. Open year round providing an excellent view overlooking the Tennessee River and Duck River Bottoms. Deck located at end of ¼ mile hiking trail.
• Pintail Point Observation Blind – In Duck River Bottoms off Haul Road. Open year round providing views of waterfowl in the winter and many other birds in other seasons. Blind located at end of short 150 yard trail.
• Blue Goose Boulevard Interpretive Drive – In Duck River Bottoms off Refuge Lane. Closed from November 15 through March 15 allows visitors to view wildlife with interpretive signs explaining the habitat types in the bottoms and refuge management practices.

You can find a map in our general brochure.