Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This forest and 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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

3/5/2026Saugalock Forest Reserve (Private Property - limited access by written permit only)1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

3/5/2026byard - 32.622x-85.4731 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026byard - 32.622x-85.4735 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/1/2026Super Sod of Opelika (restricted access)1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

3/1/2026Super Sod of Opelika (restricted access)2 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

3/1/2026byard - 32.622x-85.4731 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

2/28/2026Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika1 observed

Eastern Towhee (White-eyed)

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

2/26/2026Tuskegee NF1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

2/26/2026Tuskegee NF3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/5/2026

Wood Duck

163/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Black Vulture

13/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

43/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

33/5/2026

Blue Jay

43/5/2026

American Crow

43/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

43/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika for birding?
The best months to visit Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika?
Notable species at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika?
Birding at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika?
Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.