Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge/NERR

Mississippi · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge/NERR is a productive birding destination in Mississippi, with 263 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Osprey, and Bald Eagle 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

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/5/2026Fieldworth Rd, Moss Point, MS2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

3/1/202616871 Dauphin Island Parkway, Coden, Alabama, US (30.341, -88.126)20 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/1/2026Brisbane Dr., Mobile Co. AL1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

3/1/2026Shell Belt Road, Coden3 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

2/28/2026Grand Bay NWR/NERR--Savanna Trail4 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

2/27/202616871 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Coden US-AL 30.34215, -88.126001 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

2/27/202616871 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Coden US-AL 30.34215, -88.126001 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

2/27/202616871 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Coden US-AL 30.34215, -88.126001 observed

Sandhill Crane (Mississippi)

Antigone canadensis

2/25/2026Paul Warren Rd11 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

2/24/2026Presleys Outing area4 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

2/23/2026Pascagoula Johnston yard1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

2/22/2026Presleys Outing area1 observed

Barn Swallow (American)

Hirundo rustica

2/22/2026Presleys Outing area4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

23/4/2026

Osprey

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/4/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

43/4/2026

Sedge Wren

23/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/4/2026

Cedar Waxwing

33/4/2026

Swamp Sparrow

43/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/4/2026

Pine Warbler

53/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

33/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Blue Jay

23/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/3/2026

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