Wetland birding habitat

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

7/19/2026Wheeler NWR--Buckeye Unit4 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/15/20269 20th Avenue Southeast, Decatur, Alabama, US (34.585, -87.05)1 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

Western Cattle-Egret

17/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

57/19/2026

Great Egret

67/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

17/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/19/2026

American Crow

27/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

307/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

37/19/2026

American Goldfinch

97/19/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

17/19/2026

Summer Tanager

27/19/2026

Indigo Bunting

67/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/15/2026

Osprey

17/15/2026

Blue Jay

27/15/2026

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 - Rockhouse Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms?
Notable species at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms include Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms?
Birding at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms?
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.