Wetland birding habitat

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Ring-necked Duck 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 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

Wood Duck

37/12/2026

Common Gallinule

37/12/2026

Snowy Egret

17/12/2026

Great Egret

27/12/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/12/2026

Purple Gallinule

17/12/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/11/2026

White-eyed Vireo

27/11/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/11/2026

Purple Martin

107/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

87/11/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/11/2026

House Finch

27/11/2026

American Goldfinch

57/11/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/11/2026

Northern Parula

17/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/11/2026

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 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp for birding?
The best months to visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp?
Notable species at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp?
Birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Blackwell Swamp offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.