Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Canada Goose

23/4/2026

Wood Duck

43/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

283/4/2026

Bufflehead

13/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

American Coot

703/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

Wilson's Snipe

603/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/4/2026

Great Egret

23/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

53/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/4/2026

Hermit Thrush

13/4/2026

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 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp for birding?
The best months to visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp?
Notable species at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp?
Birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.