The Binocular Site
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is comprised of 35,000 acres along the Tennessee River near the city of Decatur, Alabama. It was established by an Executive Order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, as a habitat and resting area birds migrating through the eastern part of the United States. Approximately 4,085 acres of the refuge are located within Redstone Arsenal.
Located within the refuge are four other wildlife refuges: Fern Cave, Key Cave, Sauta Cave, and Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge. Wheeler Refuge administers these four areas. Fishing and hunting are allowed in Wheeler NWR on a limited basis.
Hunters under the age of 16 must pass a state-approved hunting education course before being allowed to hunt. Wheeler has a total of 14 boat ramps available. There are also several miles of hiking trails throughout the refuge.
Wheeler NWR is a wintering area that supports thousands of waterfowl each year. It is the southernmost wintering area for Southern James Bay Canada geese, as well as Alabama's largest duck population. Also found in the refuge are 155 species of fish, 47 species of mammals, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 285 species of other birds, including the Carolina parakeet, western meadowlark, Savannah sparrow, hermit thrush, and the cerulean warbler.
The state bird of Alabama is the Northern Flicker and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Alabama here.
The photo above is from Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. You can learn more about this great location here.
If you've visited the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Alabama birding location below.
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