Coastal birding habitat

Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island

Georgia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island is a productive birding destination in Georgia, with 269 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Mottled Duck, and Common Gallinule 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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/16/2026Saint Simons Island--Goulds Inlet1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/14/2026Little Saint Simons Island--Main Beach7 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

6/14/2026Little Saint Simons Island--Main Beach5 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

6/14/2026Little Saint Simons Island--Main Beach1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

6/11/2026Auto selected 31.21452, -81.295031 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/10/2026Little Saint Simons Island--Main Beach1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

6/9/2026Little Saint Simons Island--Main Beach2 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

6/9/2026Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, Sapelo Island US-GA 31.32438, -81.29189208 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

306/12/2026

Anhinga

16/12/2026

Glossy Ibis

16/12/2026

Tricolored Heron

26/12/2026

Green Heron

26/12/2026

Great Egret

26/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/12/2026

Osprey

76/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

126/12/2026

Mottled Duck

26/9/2026

Mourning Dove

26/9/2026

King Rail

16/9/2026

Common Gallinule

156/9/2026

Purple Gallinule

16/9/2026

Least Bittern

16/9/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/9/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

46/9/2026

Killdeer

16/8/2026

Laughing Gull

26/8/2026

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 Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island for birding?
The best months to visit Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island?
Notable species at Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Mottled Duck, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island?
Birding at Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island?
Altamaha Wildlife Management Area - Butler Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.