Wetland birding habitat

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Greater Scaup, and Lesser Scaup 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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/20/2026Alabama Marine Resources Center2 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

7/18/2026Lewis Smith Dr Residence1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/17/2026Pizarro1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/15/202617351 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola, Florida, US (30.281, -87.516)1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/12/2026DI Pelagic, 7/12/26, Hour 84 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/11/2026Dauphin Island-Tern Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Willet

17/16/2026

Osprey

17/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/16/2026

Blue Jay

27/16/2026

Carolina Wren

147/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/16/2026

House Finch

27/16/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

37/11/2026

Laughing Gull

147/11/2026

Sandwich Tern

57/11/2026

Royal Tern

27/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/11/2026

Brown Pelican

87/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/11/2026

Mourning Dove

27/11/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/11/2026

Green Heron

17/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/11/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/11/2026

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 Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Mourning Dove, Killdeer. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.