Sandhill Cranes descending on Wheeler NWR. Photo by Carol Gordon, Audubon Photography Awards.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
January 8 to 11, 2026
L to R: Whooping Crane, by Karen Willes; Rusty Blackbird, by Shari McCullough; Sandhill Cranes by Sandra Swain. (Audubon Photography Awards)
Trip Leader: Adam Betuel and Gabe Andrle
Virtual Pre-trip Orientation and Workshop: TBD
Group Size: Limited to 16 participants
Registration Fees
Join Birds Georgia for our first event of our Centennial year! To kick things off, we are offering an exciting and unique visit to northern Alabama and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is well-known as being a wintering hotspot for ducks, geese, hardy songbirds, and receiving top-billing, the cranes. The refuge attracts thousands of Sandhill Cranes each year and among the bugling gray and red beauties, one can often find a few of the United States rarest species, the Whooping Crane.
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, Bulfflehead, Common Goldeneye, and more. American White Pelicans, Rusty Blackbirds, American Pipits and other over-wintering birds are also likely.
While the birding will be fantastic, for this year’s trip, we have arranged a special engagement. On Friday, January 9, our Birds Georgia participants will be part of an exclusive event with staff from the International Crane Foundation, renowned wildlife photographers, and other bird enthusiasts. Participants will be able to learn about the cranes of the world, the conservation threats the North American species face, and the amazing lives they live. It will be a special opportunity that will set the stage for a wonderful weekend in crane country. This year’s trip also coincides with the refuges annual crane festival, providing the opportunity to take part in other exciting events centered on some of the United States most charismatic avifauna.
For more information, please email Adam Betuel or Gabe Andrle.
Virtual Pre-trip Orientation and Workshop: TBD
Group Size: Limited to 16 participants
Registration Fees
- Birds Georgia Members: $450
- Non-members: $510 (includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Join Birds Georgia for our first event of our Centennial year! To kick things off, we are offering an exciting and unique visit to northern Alabama and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is well-known as being a wintering hotspot for ducks, geese, hardy songbirds, and receiving top-billing, the cranes. The refuge attracts thousands of Sandhill Cranes each year and among the bugling gray and red beauties, one can often find a few of the United States rarest species, the Whooping Crane.
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, Bulfflehead, Common Goldeneye, and more. American White Pelicans, Rusty Blackbirds, American Pipits and other over-wintering birds are also likely.
While the birding will be fantastic, for this year’s trip, we have arranged a special engagement. On Friday, January 9, our Birds Georgia participants will be part of an exclusive event with staff from the International Crane Foundation, renowned wildlife photographers, and other bird enthusiasts. Participants will be able to learn about the cranes of the world, the conservation threats the North American species face, and the amazing lives they live. It will be a special opportunity that will set the stage for a wonderful weekend in crane country. This year’s trip also coincides with the refuges annual crane festival, providing the opportunity to take part in other exciting events centered on some of the United States most charismatic avifauna.
For more information, please email Adam Betuel or Gabe Andrle.
Leadership Giving Circle members receive exclusive benefits, including early access to our travel program registration, discounts on store purchases, and access to special Leadership Circle trips.
To learn more, visit our Leadership Giving Circle page.
To learn more, visit our Leadership Giving Circle page.
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.
L to R: Northern Pintail, by Angela Vogel: American White Pelican, by Jorga Feldman; Whooping Crane, by Joshua Pelta Heller. (Audubon Photography Awards)
Schedule at a GLance
Thursday, January 8
Friday, January 9
Saturday, January 10
Sunday, January 11
- Arrival Day. We will have an early start on Friday morning so you will probably want to arrive on Thursday afternoon/evening. We will schedule an optional dinner with Adam and Gabe at a location TBD>
Friday, January 9
- Friday morning we plan on diving right in, searching for the great flocks of waterfowl this area holds. We will undoubtedly see cranes and a variety of wintering songbirds as we stop by the refuge visitor center.
- Timing is still be finalized but, in the afternoon or early evening, we will join International Crane Foundation staff for an exclusive event.
Saturday, January 10
- This day will be shaped heavily by what we spot the morning before and if any rare birds are being seen in the general vicinity. The group will make time for extended looks at Sandhill Cranes as they return from their evening roost to forage, specifically target Whooping Cranes if good looks have not been achieved yet, and enjoy Snow Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, and the massive American White Pelican.
- If there are events that fit with our schedule, we will also effort to attend some of the great events being held as part of the Festival of Cranes 2026!
Sunday, January 11
- We will have one final morning soaking up the concert of crane and waterfowl calls, chasing missing targets, or looking for uncommon species in the region. The goal will be the wrap by lunch time at the latest.
Additional Details
Price Includes:
Price does not include:
Lodging Information:
Birds Georgia will reserve a block of rooms for those who are interested in reserving a room at a group rate. 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 Thursday and will share details for Friday and Saturday evenings at local restaurants. Breakfast is provided at the hotel, and we will take a lunch break each day. Participants can split up into smaller groups for lunch and meet back up for afternoon birding or opt to stick with the guides. 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 likely 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, 2025, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). If notice of cancellation is received between December 1 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.
- Two full days (Friday & Saturday) and one half-day (Sunday) of guided birding with Birds Georgia staff
- Admission to all fee-based birding sites, including Wheeler NWR and any other sites.
- Admission to a special International Crane Foundation event
- 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.
- Birds Georgia staff will also handle all eBird, the sharing of a trip report, and a Google photo album
Price does not include:
- Transportation and travel fees not specified above (carpooling encouraged once the birding starts)
- Lodging (Adam and Gabe have secured a block of rooms that will be shared with the group should you choose to stay there)
- Meals, beverages, etc. Adam and Gabe will make recommendations for meals should you wish to join them/the group
- Travel insurance, recommended
- Medical costs
- Souvenirs
- Other incidentals participants may wish to purchase
Lodging Information:
Birds Georgia will reserve a block of rooms for those who are interested in reserving a room at a group rate. 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 Thursday and will share details for Friday and Saturday evenings at local restaurants. Breakfast is provided at the hotel, and we will take a lunch break each day. Participants can split up into smaller groups for lunch and meet back up for afternoon birding or opt to stick with the guides. 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 likely 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, 2025, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee). If notice of cancellation is received between December 1 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.)
