Central Loop, North Alabama | Limestone | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring | Summer | Winter
White Springs Dike (Site #20, Central Loop) on Wheeler NWR is one of the premier birding sites of the Tennessee River Valley in Alabama. The dike runs between a de-watering area on the north side and the Tennessee River on the south. Intrepid birders can walk for more than eight miles along the dike, getting excellent views of waterfowl and shorebirds on either side. Search for neotropical migrants in the woodland bordering the dike and listen for Yellow and Prothonotary warblers which nest in the area. Other surprises that turn up on occasion include American Bittern and Sora. Birders should note – it requires extensive walking to access the best birding; however, the diversity of species that can be seen is well worth the hike.
GPS: N 34.6290, W 86.9520
Fee: Free
Amenities: Parking, Hiking
Contact Info:
US Fish & Wildlife (USFWS)
In north Decatur, AL at the intersection of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alternate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end of the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses the Tennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72 north across the river 2.0 miles to the pullout on the right (east) side of the road.
Amenities Available:
Nearby Sites
Decatur Hospitality Nature Park
The Decatur Hospitality Nature Park (Site 17, Central Loop), nearby US Highway 31 Causeway, and the Decatur Boat Harbor provide a great opportunity to scan the waters of the Tennessee River for winter waterfowl and shorebirds. This area is one of th …
Round Island Recreation Area
Round Island Recreation Area (Site #22, Central Loop) provides access to the north side of the Tennessee River and an excellent vantage point for viewing winter waterfowl as well as cormorants, loons, and grebes. The pine woodland that surrounds the …
Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area
Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area (Site # 21, Central Loop) on the Tennessee River is managed for waterfowl and small game, although it supports many more species. Mudflats can be covered with shorebirds, serving as a key attraction to this area in …
Wheeler NWR – Arrowhead Landing
Arrowhead Landing (Site # 23, Central Loop) is located on Limestone Bay, another corner of the fertile Wheeler Reservoir and the Tennessee River. There is an outstanding view of the bay and the wooded areas on Beaverdam Peninsula. Watch the open wat …
Wheeler NWR – Beaverdam Peninsula Tower
A visit to the Beaverdam Peninsula Tower (Site #24, Northeast Loop) in the summer may make visitors wonder why the tower is even mentioned. This broad observation platform sits in wheat and corn fields dotted with a few Red-winged Blackbirds. While a …
Wheeler NWR – Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk
The Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk (Site #25, Central Loop) leads the visitor into the heart of the largest Tupelo Swamp in Alabama. While exploring the boardwalk, watch the canopy for active flocks of Tufted Titmice, Red-eyed Vireos, and warblers. The sw …