Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Mourning Dove

42/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

32/21/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/21/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

12/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

32/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/21/2026

Blue Jay

22/21/2026

Carolina Chickadee

22/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

32/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

12/21/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

12/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

22/21/2026

Brown Creeper

22/21/2026

Marsh Wren

12/21/2026

Carolina Wren

32/21/2026

European Starling

22/21/2026

Brown Thrasher

12/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

22/21/2026

American Robin

62/21/2026

Chipping Sparrow

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 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms?
Notable species at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms include Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms?
Birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.