Birding at Ebenezer Swamp
Walk the boardwalk through 60 acres of wetlands on the Alabama Birding Trail — spot warblers, herons, and wildlife in a serene wooded swamp setting.
Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve is one of the finest birding sites in Shelby County and a designated stop on the Alabama Birding Trail. The 0.6-mile boardwalk trail through a 60-acre wooded wetland offers peaceful, accessible birding in a setting that feels genuinely wild despite being just minutes from the University of Montevallo campus.
The Boardwalk
The self-guided boardwalk keeps visitors above the water on an easy, flat path through the heart of the swamp. The structure is well-maintained and suitable for birders of all ages and mobility levels. The walking itself is effortless — the challenge is slowing down enough to notice everything happening around you.
Species to Look For
Ebenezer Swamp’s wetland habitat supports an impressive diversity of bird species. The following are frequently observed:
Warblers (spring and summer)
- Prothonotary Warbler — one of the swamp’s star species, a brilliant gold bird that nests in tree cavities over water
- Northern Parula — tiny, colorful, and vocal in the canopy
- Yellow-throated Warbler — yellow throat patch, often high in the sycamores
- Common Yellowthroat — low in the vegetation, distinctive black mask
Herons and Waterbirds
- Great Blue Heron — regular throughout the year
- Wood Duck — cavity nesters in the swamp
Other Wetland Species
- Barred Owl — often heard and sometimes seen
- Red-shouldered Hawk — common throughout Alabama swamps
- Various woodpecker species
Best Seasons
Spring (March–May) is the prime birding season, when migrating warblers arrive and resident species are in full song. Summer remains productive for breeding birds. Fall migration brings additional species through. Winter offers a quieter visit with a different set of species.
Practical Details
The preserve is located approximately 6 miles northeast of the University of Montevallo campus on Spring Creek Road. It is managed by the university, open to the public from dawn to dusk, weather permitting, and free of charge. After heavy rainfall, portions of the boardwalk may be temporarily flooded.