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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

4/21/2026Little Saint Simons Island--Main Beach

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

4/21/2026Broadfield Loop Trail, Brunswick, GA1 observed

Song Sparrow (melodia/atlantica)

Melospiza melodia

4/21/2026Backyard

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

4/21/2026Backyard

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/20/2026Clayhole Swamp WMA1 observed

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

4/19/2026Little Egg Island Bar Natural Area (no public access)1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/19/2026Altamaha WMA--Butler Island2 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

4/19/2026Paulks Pasture WMA1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

4/18/2026Broadfield Loop Trail, Brunswick, GA1 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

4/17/2026Altamaha WMA--Butler Island West of I-953 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

4/17/2026Altamaha WMA--Butler Island West of I-952 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mottled Duck

24/21/2026

Common Gallinule

34/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/21/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

14/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/21/2026

Glossy Ibis

164/21/2026

Snowy Egret

74/21/2026

Great Egret

14/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/21/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

74/19/2026

Wood Duck

24/19/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/19/2026

Anhinga

34/19/2026

Little Blue Heron

14/19/2026

Tree Swallow

54/19/2026

Barn Swallow

34/19/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

14/19/2026

American Wigeon

14/19/2026

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.