Rare Canvasback Ducks Spotted in Tennessee Region

Distinctive winter waterfowl make appearance at local pond

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Birders in the Elizabethton, Tennessee area have reported an unusual number of canvasback ducks in the region this winter, with sightings at the Erwin Fishery Park pond and other local waterways. Canvasbacks are considered rare visitors to the area, with the last significant sightings in 2014 and 2024.

Why it matters

The appearance of canvasbacks, a striking and distinctive duck species, is noteworthy for local birders and nature enthusiasts. Their presence indicates changes in regional waterfowl migration patterns, potentially due to recent winter storms or other environmental factors.

The details

Canvasbacks, known for their unique sloping bill profile and striking white and black plumage, have been spotted at the Erwin Fishery Park pond and other locations in the Elizabethton and Kingsport areas of northeast Tennessee. Birders say the ducks have remained at these sites long enough for enthusiasts to observe them. Canvasbacks typically nest in prairie potholes across the U.S. and Canada, making their appearance in this landlocked Tennessee region unusual.

  • In February 2024, a small flock of canvasbacks and redheads spent several weeks at the Erwin Fishery Park pond.
  • In January and February 2014, a small flock of canvasbacks and redheads spent several weeks at the Erwin Fishery Park pond.
  • On February 11, 2026, the author was able to observe the canvasbacks at the Erwin Fishery Park pond.

The players

Rick Knight

A member of the Elizabethton Bird Club who noted the increased presence of canvasbacks in the region at a recent online meeting.

Joe McGuiness

An Erwin resident and fellow member of the Elizabethton Bird Club who alerted the author to the canvasbacks at the Erwin Fishery Park pond.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The appearance of these rare and distinctive canvasback ducks in the Elizabethton region is an exciting development for local birders, highlighting the dynamic nature of regional waterfowl populations and the importance of observing and documenting changes in bird migration patterns over time.