Coastal birding habitat

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Whooping Crane, and Ring-billed Gull 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

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

Rock Pigeon

25/31/2026

Osprey

55/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

45/31/2026

Killdeer

85/31/2026

Little Blue Heron

75/31/2026

Snowy Egret

25/31/2026

Great Egret

155/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

55/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

35/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

125/31/2026

Pine Warbler

15/31/2026

Summer Tanager

35/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

75/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing for birding?
The best months to visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing?
Notable species at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing include Hooded Merganser, Whooping Crane, Ring-billed Gull, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing?
Birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Limestone Bay/Arrowhead Landing offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.