Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Greater Scaup, and Lesser Scaup 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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

3/4/2026Union Camp1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/4/2026Foley3 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/4/2026Foley1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/4/2026Foley2 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

3/4/2026Dauphin Island--Pelican Bay and Spit1 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/3/2026Foley1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/2/2026Foley1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

2/25/2026601 West Orchid Avenue, Foley, Alabama, US (30.411, -87.694) Jordan's1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

22/21/2026

Greater Scaup

32/21/2026

Lesser Scaup

82/21/2026

Mourning Dove

72/21/2026

Killdeer

22/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

12/21/2026

Sanderling

22/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

22/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

22/21/2026

Brown Pelican

52/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Blue Jay

22/21/2026

Carolina Chickadee

32/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

12/21/2026

Purple Martin

12/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

22/21/2026

Carolina Wren

32/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

22/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Mourning Dove, Killdeer. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.