Alabama’s Black Belt is one of the most rewarding (and underrated) birding regions in the Southeast. In summer, the landscape of open pasture, catfish ponds, wetlands, and scattered woodlots creates an ideal habitat for a wide variety of birds. Expect hot weather, quieter song activity —but also some standout species like the Scissor-tailed Kite.

Summer birding here is all about open-country species and waterbirds. Early mornings and evenings are best, as birds are less active during peak heat. Backroads around places like Greensboro, Eutaw, and Demopolis can be especially productive.

Information about the terrain and possible mobility challenges are included in each trip description in the Full Event Details PDF. If you have additional questions about accessibility, please send us an email: info@alaudubon.org

Yes! All events are open to everyone, regardless of their knowledge or experience with birds and birding. We even have a few events that are specifically designed for those who are newer to birding. All of our guides are experienced in teaching people of all skill levels on how to find and identify birds and use basic birding gear.

• 100% refund if requested in writing (including email) on or before June 30, 2026. 

• 50% refund if requested in writing (including email) before July 16, 2026. 

• After July 17, 2026, no refunds will be issued, even for those who do not attend the event. 

While unlikely, it is possible that an event may be cancelled (e.g., due to low enrollment, extreme weather, boat mechanical failure). If an event is cancelled by Alabama Audubon, you will be notified via an email from us as soon as possible, and you will be offered the choice of a full refund or the opportunity to donate your registration fee to our Black Belt initiative.

Yes. Call our Financial and Administrative Director, Keith Wolfe-Hughes, at 205.719.3678 ext 9 for assistance with changing your registration.  Please note that changes may require payment of additional fees if the costs of events are different than your original registration. Registration for additional events is subject to availability. 

Unfortunately, there is no automated way to maintain waitlists with the current registration platform, and manually maintaining dozens of waitlists is impractical. While cancellations are rare, we recommend checking back regularly to see if space has become available. Caps on the number of guests are firm to help ensure quality experiences for registered guests.  

Please call all our Financial and Administrative Director, Keith Wolfe-Hughes, at 205.719.3678 ext 9 for help with any ticket questions. 

All finalized location meeting places and GPS coordinates will be emailed before the festival in an Information PDF.

We strongly encourage using Google Maps and downloading the app. Internet connection can be spotty in some rural areas. A final PDF will be sent with the specific address for the event meeting spots.

We recommend downloading the PDF to have on hand in case internet service is not functional.

All events are rain or shine. Please dress accordingly and prepare for wet weather. Trips will be cancelled only under the circumstance that weather events make conditions unsafe.  

All events are al carte! To maximize your enjoyment of the festival, ensure you have sufficient time to travel between events. Outings are in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings, but because start/finish times vary, the gap between your events for travel. Travel times between these areas vary, so plan accordingly.

• Please visit the Lodging page for areas to stay.

• Regardless of where you stay, consider reducing your driving time/distance by lodging near the events you will attend, especially those early in the morning or late in the day.     

The weather changes frequently, so be prepared for a variety of conditions. Checking the forecast 24-48 hours in advance can help you plan. Hot, humid, rainy, dry, windy, calm—they can all happen on the same day! Bring and use sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.). Bring insect repellent, especially if you are out early or late in the day. Bring rain protection for both yourself and your gear. Dress in layers, bring water, and snacks.

While binoculars or other optical gear are not necessary to enjoy birding, they do enhance the experience. Guests are expected to bring their own binoculars. But, as noted in the event descriptions, for several events designed for new birders or the “bird curious,” we will have loaner binoculars available.  

We are excited to bring an all-star lineup of birding guides from the local area and across the Southeast. Your guide(s) will be listed on the Info PDF.

Meals are not provided unless explicitly stated in the event description.

The Alabama Black Belt offers plenty to do for non-birders, including fishing on the Tombigbee River or Lake Demopolis, relaxing at local catfish ponds, and enjoying slow outdoor time on the water. You can explore scenic backroads or visit places like Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge for easy trails, river scenery, and picnic spots.

History and culture are also a big part of the region, the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail offering museums, walking trails, and powerful Civil Rights landmarks. Magnolia Grove also offers historic tours and special exhibits.

On Saturday, August 1, in Greensboro, there will also be an artist market at Sumac Cottage, offering a chance to browse local work and handmade goods. Visitors can also spend time walking through the town’s historic downtown, Greensboro Antiques, cafés, and restaurants that highlight the character of the Black Belt.

If you have any specific questions about the event that haven’t been answered above, send us an email: info@alaudubon.org