Wetland birding habitat

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, Great Blue Heron, and American Kestrel 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

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/30/20262503 Bob Wade Lane, Harvest, Alabama, US (34.822, -86.659)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

56/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

36/2/2026

European Starling

506/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

56/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/1/2026

Little Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Great Egret

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/1/2026

Blue Jay

16/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

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 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower for birding?
The best months to visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower?
Notable species at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower include Sandhill Crane, Great Blue Heron, American Kestrel, Eastern Meadowlark, European Starling. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower?
Birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.