PAINT ROCK DAY 2
EXCLUSIVE BIRD BANDING EXPERIENCE
THIS EVENT IS FULL / REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
Join us for an exclusive bird banding experience at the picturesque Paint Rock Preserve to watch science in action with the knowledgeable Dr. Ruby Hammond! Participants can choose one of two mornings to attend a private banding session in the heart of northwestern Alabama and will be treated to an exclusive tour of the banding station to witness avian conservation and research in action. Those that sign up will travel to the station by UTV for a presentation and banding demonstration by Dr. Hammond and her team, where we'll observe the delicate process of banding and gain insights into the scientific methods used to track and study birds.
After some time spent at the banding station, guests are invited to join a short birding walk with our own Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard. We will traverse through the preserve in search of migratory songbirds that will be breeding or passing through this area during migration.
Paint Rock Forest Research Center is part of the Nature Conservancy's Sharp Bingham Preserve and remains one of the most biodiverse regions in the entire southeastern US, so it's a phenomenal place to bird during all seasons, especially during spring. Threatened species such as Cerulean Warblers breed in the ravines in the area in small numbers, and it's an important stopover area for many species that breed further north of here such as Swainson's Thrushes, Black-throated Green Warblers, and Canada Warblers while other neotropic migrants such as Hooded and Kentucky Warblers, Red-eyed Vireos, and Wood Thrush should all be in attendance!
All proceeds from this event will contribute to the conservation initiatives of both Alabama Audubon and the Paint Rock Forest Research Center and are greatly appreciated.
SWAINSON’S THRUSH
Mick Thompson
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 Please wear appropriate hiking shoes that can get muddy or wet as conditions may be slippery. A rain jacket or umbrella may be useful if the weather is uncooperative. Turkey hunting may be active in near the preserve.
***NOTE While we do not anticipate encountering hunting parties during this event or on the preserve, it is recommended that participants wear orange if they have some.DETAILS We will travel to the station by UTV and will be available to take participants back upon request. There are no restrooms available at the banding station, so please plan ahead before your arrival.
REQUIRED Upon arrival, there will be a waiver packet for registrants to sign.
ACCESSIBILITY For the walk portion, we will walk less than a mile on moderately sloped terrain that may be slippery and not accessible to all people.
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
Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Preserve
0.3 miles south from the intersection of US Hwy 72 and AL Hwy 65
Paint Rock, AL 35764
MEETING TIME
We will be meeting promptly at 8AM in the preserve parking lot, and then we will caravan to the banding station by UTV. Please try to arrive early to avoid extra trips for the drivers.
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.