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

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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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

8/23/2026Little Saint Simons Island--Myrtle Pond North Dike1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

8/16/2026Jekyll Island--Horton Pond1 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

8/12/2026Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, Sapelo Island US-GA 31.32438, -81.291892 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

8/12/2026Little Egg Island Bar Natural Area (no public access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

708/18/2026

Clapper Rail

28/18/2026

Common Gallinule

158/18/2026

Anhinga

38/18/2026

Glossy Ibis

18/18/2026

Tricolored Heron

18/18/2026

Barn Swallow

28/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

18/18/2026

Royal Tern

18/11/2026

White Ibis

18/11/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

18/11/2026

Little Blue Heron

28/11/2026

Green Heron

28/11/2026

Great Egret

98/11/2026

Osprey

18/11/2026

Carolina Wren

18/11/2026

Indigo Bunting

18/11/2026

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.