River/Riparian birding habitat

Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/15/20269 20th Avenue Southeast, Decatur, Alabama, US (34.585, -87.05)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/12/2026Wheeler NWR--Blackwell Swamp (NABT 26)3 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

7/12/2026Wheeler NWR--Blackwell Swamp (NABT 26)1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/9/2026311 Loch Lomond Dr, Madison US-AL 34.73791, -86.765341 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

7/8/2026Wheeler NWR--Wildlife Observation Pool4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

47/16/2026

Killdeer

17/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/16/2026

Great Egret

147/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/16/2026

Osprey

47/16/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/16/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/16/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/16/2026

Blue Jay

57/16/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/16/2026

Purple Martin

2007/16/2026

Barn Swallow

47/16/2026

Carolina Wren

17/16/2026

European Starling

57/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

47/16/2026

American Robin

27/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.