Summer Tanager by Greg Harber

Our destination this day is Bull's Gap, in the southern reaches of the Talladega National Forest east of Sylacauga. The elevation is approximately 1400 feet at the gap, and 1800 feet at the ridge, a gain of 400 feet over the span of 1-2 miles - so some exertion is required during the uphill segments. Our target birds will be Blue-headed Vireos, Ovenbirds, Black-throated Green Warblers and both tanager species - all of which nest in this area. We will also visit a couple of Red-cockaded Woodpecker clusters in hopes of seeing these federally endangered birds.

Meeting Location & Time: Our meeting place will be the Publix at the Village at Lee Branch at 7:00 a.m. We will carpool and caravan from there to our second gathering site in Sylacauga, at the McDonald's (8:00 a.m.).

Bring a picnic lunch and we'll have lunch in the field. Be sure to bring snacks and plenty to drink, and dress for the weather. Sometimes the morning temps in early June can be on the cool side, whereas afternoons can be warm.

Location Address for First Meeting Place (Publix): 410 Doug Baker Blvd, Hoover, AL 35242, United States

Location Address for Second Meeting Place (McDonald’s): 701 W Fort Williams Street, Sylacauga, AL 35150, United States

Target Bird Species: Blue-headed Vireo, Ovenbird, Black-throated Green Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager

This event is free but registration is required.

Field Trip Leaders Name: Greg Harber (205) 807-8055 / Hans Paul (205) 807-7357

Please contact your field trip leaders day of the vent for questions or concerns.

Accessibility: This event will cover up to 2 miles on hard-packed dirt with up and down elevations. There are no restrooms or benches at this location.