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

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

6/1/2026Wheeler NWR--Blackwell Swamp (NABT 26)1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

6/1/2026Wheeler NWR--Blackwell Swamp (NABT 26)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/1/2026Wheeler NWR--Blackwell Swamp (NABT 26)2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

6/1/2026Home

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/29/2026Wheeler NWR--Hiking Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/28/2026

Wood Duck

25/28/2026

Mallard

25/28/2026

Mourning Dove

75/28/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

45/28/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Killdeer

25/28/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/28/2026

Little Blue Heron

25/28/2026

Snowy Egret

15/28/2026

Great Egret

15/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/28/2026

Black Vulture

15/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Osprey

55/28/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

55/28/2026

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.