The Tombigbee River in west Alabama will be part two of our Birding by the River summer trip series. The beauty of birding west Alabama in late summer – a time of post-breeding dispersal and early migrants – is that one never knows what to expect, and several times we have seen unexpected species. Past years this trip has included Sandhill Crane, Black Tern, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole and Lark Sparrow, to name but a few. We may also have distant views of Wood Storks and both kite species.
Our first birding destination will be the Howell Heflin Lock and Dam on the banks of the Tombigbee River east of Gainesville on AL Hwy 39. We’ll spend about 90 minutes here, walking and birding along the access road (Turkey Paw Branch Road) and the lock facility. From here, and time permitting, we’ll travel north on County Road 20 a short way to the Pleasant Valley Cemetery area, where we can walk a dirt road looking for species typically found in bottomlands.
Following lunch in Gainesville at the Alabama Rib Shack (9316 State Street, Gainesville, AL), we’ll continue our Birding by the River adventure on the west side of the river, along County Road 85. Some years we have had luck finding kites coursing above the extensive fields at Tombigbee Farms, and Wood Storks flying the skies above the river to the east. We’ll then turn our focus to the direction of Epes, where we may see Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and Dickcissels. A stop to see the chalk-white cliffs of Epes is a must.
Meeting Time and Place: Our departure point today will once again be the McDonald’s on US 31 in Hoover, located at 1731 Montgomery Highway (US 31) across from the Galleria.
Plan to depart at 7:00 a.m. and caravan from there.
We’ll make a short stop at the rest area at mile marker 39 on I-20/59. We should arrive at the rest area about 8:15 a.m. and at the Howell Heflin Lock and Dam at approximately 9:00 a.m., should you wish to meet us at either of these two locations.
*Remember, this is a daylong affair, so plan accordingly and bring plenty of drinks and snacks in addition to a full tank of gas, insect repellent, rain gear, and appropriate summer attire, a hat and sunblock.
Spots are limited and registration is required.
Accessibility: This trip will entail a mix a roadside birding from the car and walking short distances (1/4 mile or so) along rural paved and dirt roads. The Alabama Rib Shack is handicapped accessible.
Trip Leader: Greg Harber, 205-807-8055 and Matt Hunter, 205-460-9546.
Picture Owner & Rights: Sarah Devlin // Baltimore Oriole