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

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

5/31/2026Dauphin Island--Audubon Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/30/2026Fort Morgan State Historic Site1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/22/2026Fort Morgan--Mobile Point1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

5/22/2026Bon Secour NWR--Pine Beach Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

46/1/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/1/2026

Common Gallinule

16/1/2026

Laughing Gull

26/1/2026

Caspian Tern

16/1/2026

Sandwich Tern

16/1/2026

Green Heron

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Brown Pelican

36/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

26/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

36/1/2026

Blue Jay

36/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

46/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

36/1/2026

Purple Martin

16/1/2026

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 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.