Wetland birding habitat

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - White Springs Dike

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - White Springs Dike is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Mallard

37/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/18/2026

Snowy Egret

17/18/2026

Great Egret

147/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

37/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/18/2026

Carolina Wren

67/18/2026

American Goldfinch

57/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

307/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

67/18/2026

Summer Tanager

47/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

57/18/2026

Blue Grosbeak

47/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

137/18/2026

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