Forest birding habitat

Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This forest and 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

4/14/2026Saugalock Forest Reserve (Private Property - limited access by written permit only)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/14/2026Saugalock Forest Reserve (Private Property - limited access by written permit only)1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

4/13/2026Tuskegee National Forest Ranger Station3 observed

White-eyed Vireo (White-eyed)

Vireo griseus

4/13/2026Tuskegee NF4 observed

Eastern Bluebird (Eastern)

Sialia sialis

4/13/2026Tuskegee NF2 observed

Carolina Wren (Northern)

Thryothorus ludovicianus

4/13/2026Tuskegee NF5 observed

Northern Cardinal (Common)

Cardinalis cardinalis

4/13/2026Tuskegee NF2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/7/2026I-85 S, Lanett US-AL 32.82177, -85.213571 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

4/6/2026Dean Road House1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

4/6/2026Sod Farm (private Restricted)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/14/2026

Wood Duck

814/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

Chimney Swift

24/14/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

14/14/2026

Killdeer

34/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/14/2026

Black Vulture

24/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/14/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/14/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/14/2026

White-eyed Vireo

34/14/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

14/14/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

24/14/2026

Blue Jay

14/14/2026

American Crow

24/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika for birding?
The best months to visit Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika?
Notable species at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika?
Birding at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika?
Wood Duck Nature Preserve of Opelika offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.