Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit

Mississippi · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit is a productive birding destination in Mississippi, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, and Pileated Woodpecker 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

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

3/5/2026Keesler AFB1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

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

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

2/28/2026Bayview Ave.--shrimp boat harbor area1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

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

Sandhill Crane (Mississippi)

Antigone canadensis

2/25/2026Paul Warren Rd11 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

2/24/2026Home - Pointe Aux Chenes1 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

Black Vulture

33/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/5/2026

Hermit Thrush

13/5/2026

Bachman's Sparrow

33/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

23/5/2026

Swamp Sparrow

33/5/2026

Eastern Towhee

23/5/2026

Common Yellowthroat

13/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

43/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

33/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

43/2/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

23/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/2/2026

Song Sparrow

13/2/2026

Pine Warbler

23/2/2026

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 Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit?
Notable species at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit include Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Hermit Thrush. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit?
Birding at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit?
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Gautier Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.