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

Loading map...

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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/30/2026home1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

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

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

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

Tufted Titmouse

46/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/1/2026

Carolina Wren

26/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

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 - 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.