Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Whooping Crane, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Hooded Merganser

22/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

32/28/2026

Great Egret

62/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

American White Pelican

72/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

52/28/2026

Northern Flicker

32/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

12/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

32/28/2026

Carolina Wren

42/28/2026

Brown Thrasher

22/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

42/28/2026

Eastern Towhee

12/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

42/28/2026

Snow Goose

1502/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

142/28/2026

Gadwall

1252/28/2026

Green-winged Teal

1502/28/2026

Bufflehead

62/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

82/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing for birding?
The best months to visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing?
Notable species at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing include Hooded Merganser, Whooping Crane, Ring-billed Gull, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing?
Birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.