Wheeler NWR – Blackwell Swamp (NABT #26)

Wheeler NWR – Blackwell Swamp (NABT #26) – 15 April, 2023 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This area has been getting more attention lately as a prime birding spot.  There is flooded woodland and marsh habitat here, which can be explored by car, on foot or by canoe.  A variety of wetland species may be present, including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron and, perhaps, some other less common species, such as Snowy Egret or Little Blue Heron. Common Gallinule is now a regular in this area, Anhinga a possibility, and you might get a glimpse at an alligator 😊. We may also encounter some waterfowl, including Wood Duck and Blue-winged Teal. There should be songbird migrants around by this time, including such returning breeders as Prothonotary Warbler and Common Yellowthroat.  This is also good woodpecker habitat, especially for Pileated and Red-headed. To get to our meeting place, take County Line Rd south off I-565, head south 5.5 miles and turn left on Jolly B Rd; there is a 2-story house, with a white fence on the left just before the turn.  From here it’s about a mile to a gravel parking area on the right. We’ll explore several areas, including a tree-lined refuge road near the parking area (we’ll likely walk it), which is good for songbirds, other wooded spots and several viewing areas on both west and east sides of the swamp (time permitting). – Tom Ress, Leader (256-233-3057; resscat@aol.com).