AUDUBON OUTING
FOREVER WILD FIELD TRIAL AREA
$35 / SPACE IS LIMITED
REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, MARCH 22 AT 12AM
Join us on a special self-driven, full-day field outing to the State Cattle Ranch, now known as the Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area, in Hale County, Alabama—we will be celebrating the first days of spring! Unlike earlier trips this year, this exclusive experience will be leaping into spring migration with priority access to areas of the property not normally seen by most visitors. You can expect to experience incredibly diverse habitat and a high variety of bird species as breeding season commences—expect a lot of song!
The tour will be led by Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard through restored prairies, farmland, wetlands, and forests that smatter the area, and participants will have the chance to experience the fascinating birds and ecology of Alabama's historic Black Belt Region. The State Cattle Ranch has limited public access, so this outing is a special opportunity to explore one of the most well-managed and preserved grassland areas in the state in search of some of our favorite Black Belt birds!
The property, formerly a cattle ranch, is now a habitat restoration area and provides a unique opportunity to observe plant and animal species limited to pristine grass and scrubland habitats. As we approach spring, many of the sparrows that winter here will have begun leaving, but we still have a chance to find Swamp, Song, Lincoln’s, Grasshopper, and maybe even a LeConte’s Sparrow in the beautiful grasslands.
Breeding birds such as Eastern Meadowlarks and Red-winged Blackbirds should also be quite prevalent here. Cedar Waxwings, Alabama Audubon’s Bird of the Year, and American Robins should be prevalent in large flocks in the surrounding cedars as they prepare to head to their breeding grounds. Early migrants might be present, too! Northern Parulas, Yellow-throated Vireos, and Black-and-White Warblers could be found while an early Indigo or Painted Bunting or White-winged Dove isn’t out of the realm of possibilities!
AMERICAN ROBIN
Shari McCollough / Audubon Photography Awards
TRIP LEADERS
The contact leader for this trip is Andrew Lydeard / 703-606-8956. Please contact by phone on the day of the trip only.
NEED-TO-KNOW
REMEMBER This is a FULL DAY, SELF-DRIVING trip, so be sure to bring plenty of snacks, water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Please bring your own lunch—we will break for lunch and restrooms between 11AM & 11:30AM.
DETAILS We will meet at the Jack's in Greensboro and drive to the ranch, occasionally stopping and walking to look for birds in different habitats. We will be given access via a gate that will be opened for our visit, and we'll drive around the area to search different habitats.
REQUIRED Participants must complete the mandatory online waiver when registering. Please do not request registration for others when submitting your request.
ACCESSIBILITY No more than 3 miles on foot will be walked over the course of the entire day with plenty of chances for breaks. Much of the birding can be done stationary or by car. When walking here, the terrain is slightly too moderately sloped, and weather conditions may make the ground wet and slippery. There are restrooms available at the large pavilion where we'll eat lunch.
CANCELLATION The tour will only be cancelled in the event of hazardous conditions. Refunds will only be issued if the trip is cancelled by ALABAMA AUDUBON. In the event of inclement weather, or if you need to cancel at the last minute, please text your trip leaders, as the main office will be closed.
WHERE TO MEET & WHEN
MEETING POINT
JACK’S
1490 State Street
Greensboro, AL 36744
MEETING TIME
The group will meet promptly at 7AM.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
Through more than seventy-five years of conservation work in one of our nation’s most ecologically rich states, Alabama Audubon has seen firsthand how diversity strengthens natural communities. This same principle applies to human communities, which is why our organization is committed to providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all Alabamians to learn about and enjoy wild birds, their habitats, and the natural world. One of the best ways to support that belief is by valuing and actively seeking to strengthen diversity among our staff, our board, and our membership. To that end, Alabama Audubon welcomes everyone to participate in our work, and strives to make our programs, classes, and events welcome, inclusive, and accessible to all.