Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - White Springs Dike

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - White Springs Dike is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

Canada Goose

13/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

163/1/2026

Gadwall

83/1/2026

Mallard

133/1/2026

Bufflehead

383/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

153/1/2026

Mourning Dove

33/1/2026

Killdeer

13/1/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

13/1/2026

American Herring Gull

23/1/2026

Great Egret

43/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/1/2026

Osprey

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

43/1/2026

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