Sandhill Cranes descending on Wheeler NWR. Photo by Carol Gordon, Audubon Photography Awards.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
January 24 to 26, 2025
L to R: Whooping Crane, by Karen Willes; Rusty Blackbird, by Shari McCullough; Sandhill Cranes at Wheeler, by Lisa Flannagan. (Audubon Photography Awards)
Trip Leader: Melanie Furr, Director of Education, and Dottie Head, Sr. Director of Operations
Virtual Pre-trip Orientation and Workshop: Thursday, January 16, at 7:00 PM (via Zoom)
Group Size: Limited to 15 participants
Registration Fees
Join Birds Georgia staff Melanie Furr and Dottie Head for a short, but magical trip to see the Sandhill Cranes at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, Alabama. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 as a wintering area for ducks, geese and other migratory birds. Today, the refuge attracts thousands of wintering waterfowl and cranes each year. The refuge is also a winter home to the endangered Whooping Crane who first arrived in 2004.
In addition to the cranes, we can expect to see a variety of wintering waterfowl, including Greater White-fronted Geese, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and many more! American White Pelicans, Rusty Blackbirds, and other over-wintering birds are also likely.
We will meet up at the Visitor’s Center at 1:00 PM CST (note the time change from EST) on Friday, January 24 to begin our exploration, spending the afternoon exploring the visitor center and nearby trails. We’ll be treated to views of thousands upon thousands of Sandhill Cranes as well as possible Whooping Cranes, Snow Geese, and other waterfowl and upland species.
On Saturday morning, we’ll get an early start and head back over the refuge to be in place to witness the spectacle of thousands of Sandhill Cranes flying in from their overnight roosting spots along the river and ascending on the corn fields of the refuge. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sounds of thousands of honking cranes!
We’ll visit several other hot spots in and around the refuge and Decatur/Morgan, Alabama area in search of additional birds. Sunday morning will be another early start as we head back over to the refuge, visiting various sites to sweep up any target birds we may have missed. We’ll wrap up the trip around noon on Sunday.
For more information, please e-mail Melanie Furr or Dottie Head.
Virtual Pre-trip Orientation and Workshop: Thursday, January 16, at 7:00 PM (via Zoom)
Group Size: Limited to 15 participants
Registration Fees
- Master Birders in good membership and volunteer standing: $295
- Birds Georgia Members: $320
- Non-members: $370(includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Join Birds Georgia staff Melanie Furr and Dottie Head for a short, but magical trip to see the Sandhill Cranes at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, Alabama. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 as a wintering area for ducks, geese and other migratory birds. Today, the refuge attracts thousands of wintering waterfowl and cranes each year. The refuge is also a winter home to the endangered Whooping Crane who first arrived in 2004.
In addition to the cranes, we can expect to see a variety of wintering waterfowl, including Greater White-fronted Geese, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and many more! American White Pelicans, Rusty Blackbirds, and other over-wintering birds are also likely.
We will meet up at the Visitor’s Center at 1:00 PM CST (note the time change from EST) on Friday, January 24 to begin our exploration, spending the afternoon exploring the visitor center and nearby trails. We’ll be treated to views of thousands upon thousands of Sandhill Cranes as well as possible Whooping Cranes, Snow Geese, and other waterfowl and upland species.
On Saturday morning, we’ll get an early start and head back over the refuge to be in place to witness the spectacle of thousands of Sandhill Cranes flying in from their overnight roosting spots along the river and ascending on the corn fields of the refuge. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sounds of thousands of honking cranes!
We’ll visit several other hot spots in and around the refuge and Decatur/Morgan, Alabama area in search of additional birds. Sunday morning will be another early start as we head back over to the refuge, visiting various sites to sweep up any target birds we may have missed. We’ll wrap up the trip around noon on Sunday.
For more information, please e-mail Melanie Furr or Dottie Head.
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
Additional Details
Price Includes:
Price does not include:
Lodging Information:
Birds Georgia will reserve a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Decatur, AL for those who are interested in reserving a room at a group rate of $124/night plus tax. A group booking link will be provided upon registration so that you can reserve a room.. The Holiday Inn Express provides basic and clean accommodations, including an in-room mini fridge and coffee maker, as well as a complimentary breakfast. Participants are welcome to consider other hotels or private rental units in the area, such as houses and condos, through providers like VRBO, Airbnb, private rental companies, etc. Please contact us with any questions about lodging.
Meals:
Meals are on your own for this trip, but we will plan an optional evening gathering on Friday and Saturday evenings at local, Decatur restaurants. A hot breakfast is provided at the hotel, and we will take a 1.5 to 2 hour lunch break each day. We tend to split up into smaller groups for lunch and meet back up for afternoon birding. You are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the refuge.
Pace:
Each day will require an early start (leaving the hotel pre-dawn in order to be on the refuge when the cranes begin arriving each morning. We will need to drive 15 to 20 minutes each morning to reach our destination. The birding will be easy to moderate walking on flat terrain, but we will be covering a lot of ground. There may be times you are required to stand for an extended period of time. Sturdy walking shoes are hiking boots are recommended.
Weather:
Weather in Alabama this time of year can be hard to predict. One should plan for anything from breezy mornings in the 20’s or 30’s all the way up to the 60’s. Rain is common this time of year, so pack a rain coat and waterproof footwear. Weather in the area can change quickly, so the group should be prepared to adjust plans as needed. We’ll send a final email before the trip with any additional guidance based on the weather forecast.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by December 1, 2024, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). If notice of cancellation is received between December 2 and December 24, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
- One full day (Saturday) and two half-days (Friday and Sunday) of guided birding with Birds Georgia staff
- Admission to all fee-based birding sites, including Wheeler NWR and any other sites.
- Guides will bring a spotting scopes for group use. Please feel free to bring your own if you have one.
- Loaned binoculars are available for use during the trip with advance notice.
Price does not include:
- Transportation and travel fees not specified above
- Lodging
- Meals, beverages, etc.
- Travel insurance, recommended
- Medical costs
- Souvenirs
- Other incidentals participants may wish to purchase
Lodging Information:
Birds Georgia will reserve a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Decatur, AL for those who are interested in reserving a room at a group rate of $124/night plus tax. A group booking link will be provided upon registration so that you can reserve a room.. The Holiday Inn Express provides basic and clean accommodations, including an in-room mini fridge and coffee maker, as well as a complimentary breakfast. Participants are welcome to consider other hotels or private rental units in the area, such as houses and condos, through providers like VRBO, Airbnb, private rental companies, etc. Please contact us with any questions about lodging.
Meals:
Meals are on your own for this trip, but we will plan an optional evening gathering on Friday and Saturday evenings at local, Decatur restaurants. A hot breakfast is provided at the hotel, and we will take a 1.5 to 2 hour lunch break each day. We tend to split up into smaller groups for lunch and meet back up for afternoon birding. You are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the refuge.
Pace:
Each day will require an early start (leaving the hotel pre-dawn in order to be on the refuge when the cranes begin arriving each morning. We will need to drive 15 to 20 minutes each morning to reach our destination. The birding will be easy to moderate walking on flat terrain, but we will be covering a lot of ground. There may be times you are required to stand for an extended period of time. Sturdy walking shoes are hiking boots are recommended.
Weather:
Weather in Alabama this time of year can be hard to predict. One should plan for anything from breezy mornings in the 20’s or 30’s all the way up to the 60’s. Rain is common this time of year, so pack a rain coat and waterproof footwear. Weather in the area can change quickly, so the group should be prepared to adjust plans as needed. We’ll send a final email before the trip with any additional guidance based on the weather forecast.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by December 1, 2024, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). If notice of cancellation is received between December 2 and December 24, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
L to R: Blue-winged Teal, by Phillip Sicran; Green-winged Teal, by Gerald Lisi; Greater White-fronted Geese, by Sharon Dobben (Audubon Photography Awards.)
