Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery

Site Directions: From I-75 north of Knoxville, take Exit 122, TN 61, Norris-Clinton. Turn west (left if from I-75 North) onto Hwy 61 towards Clinton. Go about 3.8 miles and take the first left after crossing the large bridge over the Clinch River. This road is not well marked - watch for the TWRA Hatchery and Wildlife Observation Area signs. If you go through a stoplight after crossing the river, you have gone too far. Shortly after turning off of Hwy 61, you will arrive at the hatchery gate on the right.
Lat: 36.1210°N Long: -84.1153°W
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday
Seasonality: year round
Fees: none

Site Description: The fish hatchery is operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for rearing cool water fish. It is also a productive place for shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. Although not required, checking in at the hatchery office (on the left immediately after entering the hatchery site) is recommended. Hatchery personnel are often aware of unusual birds.

Bird the area by slowly driving the gravel roads on the dikes around the ponds. The dikes without gravel roads can be slippery, so please avoid driving on them. By staying in your car, you can sometimes observe shorebirds and other birds at close range. At other times, it may be necessary to get out of the car to view birds.

Wildlife to Watch: Regularly observed shorebirds include Killdeer, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary, Spotted, Semipalmated, Least, White-rumped and Pectoral Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitcher and Short-billed Dowitcher.

Canada Geese and Mallards are numerous throughout the year and Wood Ducks are present during the late summer and early fall. Blue-winged Teal are usually present in late spring and early fall. From fall through spring, other regularly observed ducks include American Wigeon, American Black Ducks, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and Lesser Scaup. Several other ducks occur less frequently. In September 2009, a Glossy Ibis was seen for several days.

eBird hotspot species list (opens eBird)

NOTE: Please refer to TWRA Hunting Guide about hunting seasons and public access dates. Access dates vary by site.

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Bird list of Eagle Bend Fish Hatchery from eBird submissions

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