Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, 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

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/4/202635671, Tanner US-AL (34.5984,-86.9033)

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/3/2026Swan Creek WMA1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

2/28/2026Village Creek and environs1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2/28/2026Wheeler NWR--Visitors Center (NABT 16)9 observed

LeConte's Sparrow

Ammospiza leconteii

2/28/2026Dogwood Flat Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

93/3/2026

Northern Shoveler

303/3/2026

Gadwall

1503/3/2026

Mallard

23/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

303/3/2026

American Coot

703/3/2026

Sandhill Crane

63/3/2026

Killdeer

13/3/2026

Wilson's Snipe

13/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

123/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/3/2026

Great Egret

133/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

43/3/2026

Osprey

13/3/2026

Bald Eagle

33/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Northern Flicker

23/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/3/2026

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 Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.