- This event has passed.
Field Trip: Ebenezer Swamp and Limestone Park
March 9, 2019, 7:00 am–12:00 pm
Explore this remarkably diverse habitat just a short drive south of the city. Our first stop will be the Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve, a Tupelo gum swamp located near Montevallo on Spring Creek. Extensive, handicap-accessible boardwalks through the swamp provide the birder with intimate views of the diverse plant and bird life of this upland hardwood swamp. The unpaved trail leading to the boardwalk passes through open fields and hardwood and pine thickets. Rich with warblers, woodpeckers, long-legged waders, and woodland songbirds, the swamp will be a fascinating place for our morning stroll.
Our second stop will be nearby Limestone Park, which provides some of the best birding opportunities in the area thanks to a rich mix of habitats, including a Tupelo gum swamp, old fields, wetlands, oak-hickory woods, and ponds. A prairie restoration project led by Birmingham Audubon members Ken Wills and Dick Mills attracts grassland sparrows and American Goldfinches. Water birds, shorebirds, waders, and raptors all show up here regularly, including rarities seldom seen elsewhere in central Alabama. This City of Alabaster park is especially welcoming to birders thanks to a handicap-accessible observation deck that provides excellent views of the wetlands and adjacent swamp. The deck was built as a joint project of the City of Alabaster and Birmingham Audubon.
The details: Meetup is at 7 a.m. at the Alabaster McDonald’s (205 South Colonial Drive), located just off I-65 (Exit 238) on US 31. From there, we’ll carpool and caravan to the swamp entrance and arrive around 7:30 a.m. In the case of inclement weather, the event may be cancelled. You may contact the count leader the morning of the event if the weather is questionable.
As always, remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, a full tank of gas, insect repellent, rain gear, sunblock, and seasonally appropriate attire.
(Questions about accessibility? Email us for more information about how we can meet your needs.)
The birds: We expect to find wintering and resident songbirds and sparrows. You can find the most recent eBird report for Ebenezer here.
Trip leader: Greg Harber leads this trip. His cell number is 205-807-8055 (day of field trip only, please). For more information, email the Outreach & Communications Director.
