The fourth annual BLACK BELT BIRDING FESTIVAL in Greensboro, Alabama will take place on August 2-4, 2024. Highlighting the birds, history, and heritage of Alabama’s Black Belt region, the festival offers rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of many species of birds in a natural environment.
“As the Southeast’s largest prairie ecosystem, the Black Belt is unique unto itself. There is nowhere else you can find Wood Storks and Swallow-tailed Kites alongside Dickcissels and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. We are committed to fostering connections in the region so that more people, from all over, have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary place.” —Dr. Scot Duncan, Executive Director of Alabama Audubon
We are now taking pre-orders for festival t-shirts! Order now and pick up at the festival! Pre-order closes July 15.
Events
Registration IS NOW OPEN!
Please fill out the liability waiver below and register for each individual event you would like to attend - events are listed below.
Kick-off Party and Vendor Expo
August 2, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: 1202 Main Street, Greensboro, AL 36744
Join us in the Ballroom at Project Horseshoe Farm, a community health organization, for a FREE kick off party to celebrate the beginning of our 4th annual festival! With live Blues music by artists, archivists, and founders of the Alabama Blues Project, Debbie Bond and Radiator Rick, in the courtyard, and a vendor expo featuring our partners in conservation and more! Scot Duncan, Alabama Audubon’s Executive Director, will welcome attendees with a speech at 6:15, and guests are encouraged to meet and mingle and then explore Greensboro’s growing and eclectic dining options!
Morning Events
There are 9 morning events. Please note times of events and account for travel time between destinations.
There is also a Sunday morning event! Scroll to the bottom of the page to view that one.
Perry Lakes Park
August 3, 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Capacity: 30 / Cost: $30
Location: AL-175, Marion, AL 36756
One of the most popular birding sites in the Black Belt, Perry Lakes Park is a mix of bottomland forest, oxbow lakes, and swamp. A highlight is the restored fire tower, built by the internationally acclaimed Auburn University architecture program, Rural Studio, where birders can see eye-to-eye with birds in the canopy. Species we may see on this guided hike include Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Little Blue Heron, Northern Parula, Barred Owl, Red-eyed Vireo, and Summer Tanager. We plan to meet inside the park in the parking area about a half mile down the gravel road through the entrance gate.
Payne Lake Recreation Area
August 3, 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Capacity: 25 / Cost: $30
Location: 581 County Rd 71, Moundville, AL 35474
Payne Lake is an oasis for birds and birders in one of Alabama’s finest national forests. On this guided walk through longleaf pine forest and other habitats, we may see many warblers including Kentucky, Black-and-white, Prairie, Hooded, Swainson’s, and Northern Parula. Also abundant here are the Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Orchard Oriole. With luck, we might see one of the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers that nest nearby! Note: a day-use fee of $3 (cash only; bring exact change) is required for admission.
Old Cahawba Archaeological Park
August 3, 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Capacity: 25 / Cost: $35
Location: 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, AL 36767
Visit Alabama’s first capital and most famous ghost town, Old Cahawba. Situated between the Cahaba and Alabama Rivers and formerly inhabited by Mississippian Indian tribes, the once prominent town was abandoned shortly after the American Civil War. Birds we hope to see and hear on this guided hike through the ruins and bottomland forest include Orchard Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, various warblers and vireos, Summer Tanager, Broad-winged Hawk, Indigo Bunting, Acadian Flycatcher, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Entrance fee included in price.
M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area (Old State Cattle Ranch)
August 3, 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Capacity: 25 / Cost: $30
Location: 1132 County Road 73, Greensboro, AL 36744
One of the birdiest sites in the Black Belt, this site offers a mix of wetlands, grassland, and forest. Species we may see on this guided tour include Wood Stork, Anhinga, Blue-winged Teal, White Ibis, several heron and egret species, Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Common Gallinules, American Kestrel (southeastern race), Eastern Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Yellow Warbler, and Dickcissel. This is the best location for an unexpected species including early migrant shorebirds, ducks, and terns.
Selma: Bird walk on the Historic Edmund Pettus Bridge
August 3, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Capacity: 20 / Cost: $30
Bird where civil rights history was made! The three events known as the Selma to Montgomery March for Voting Rights took place on this bridge, first resulting in the Bloody Sunday brutalities by law enforcement against the marchers, the second march to the bridge by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the third complete march from Selma to Montgomery accompanied by 25,000 foot soldiers. On this guided walk across hallowed ground, we’ll look for birds on the river and in the forest canopy below the bridge. Possibilities include Cliff Swallows, Osprey, waders, and White-eyed, Yellow-throated, and Red-eyed Vireos. Note that it is a 45-minute drive from Selma to the Joe Farm in Newbern.
We will be joined by Terry Chestnut, a local icon, writer, activist, and tour guide from Selma. Terry’s father was Alabama’s first black lawyer who represented, Dr. Martin Luther King and the Freedom Fighters. Throughout Terry’s childhood, he was often with his father and Dr. Luther King and was even present on Bloody Sunday. We can not wait to see you, Terry!
Sumter Farm Morning Birding Tour
August 3, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Capacity: 25 / Cost: $30
Location: Geiger, AL 35459
The 11,000 acre farm managed by Hazel and Mitchell Bell in Geiger, Alabama, is a new and exciting addition to this year’s festival. The Bells are excellent stewards of the property, hosting scientists and nature-enthusiasts alike! Your birding guide will lead you through restored Black Belt prairie tracts, pasture, and several forest types, including longleaf pine savannah restorations. Expect to see Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, and Summer Tanagers among the cedar and hardwood groves while the restored pine savannahs already host a few pairs of Bachman’s Sparrows and Prairie Warblers. Prairie remnants featuring rare, endemic plants within the remnant prairie tracts on the property host breeding Northern Bobwhites, Orchard Orioles, and Yellow-breasted Chats. Species like Painted Buntings, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and Dickcissels have been recorded historically nearby and are all possibilities for the trip!
Driving Tour: Signature Black Belt Birds
August 3, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Capacity: 30 / Cost: $30
Location: We will meet in front of the Greensboro Opera House on Main Street, so please arrive a few minutes before 7:00 AM, so we can spend more time birding!
A guided driving tour of bird habitats of the Black Belt, including catfish ponds, fields, and forest edges. The event is designed for birding from the car with occasional stops and minimal walking. Possibilities include some of the specialty bird species that breed in the area: Painted Buntings, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Bald Eagles, Loggerhead Shrikes, Dickcissels, and Eastern Meadowlarks. The local catfish farms are reliable places to see a variety of wading birds such as Wood Storks, Great Blue and Little Blue Herons, Cattle, Great, and Snow Egrets, and even host the occasional Roseate Spoonbill! Vast grassland and cattle ranches nearby feed Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites.
Selma: Bird walk in Historic Old Live Oak Cemetery
August 3, 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
Capacity: 25 / Cost: $30
Location: 300 Dallas Ave, Selma, AL 36703
Cemeteries can be oases for birds in urban environments. Selma’s famous Old Live Oak Cemetery - complete with southern gothic grave markers - is no exception. Stroll beneath ancient live oaks and magnolias draped in Spanish Moss on a guided walk searching for Indigo Buntings, Northern Parulas, Great Crested Flycatchers, and typical southern town birds. Flyovers by Mississippi Kites, Chimney Swifts, and Anhingas are also possible. When not observing birds, we’ll see grave markers and monuments that reveal Selma’s complex history. Note that it is a 45-minute drive from Selma to the Joe Farm in Newbern.
The Joe Farm
August 3, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Capacity is limited. / Cost: $40
Location: Newbern, AL 36765
Spend a few hours as a guest of the Joe family on their multi-generational Black Angus cattle farm in Newbern. As we watch, the Joes will harvest hay which usually attracts Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites that dive after insects stirred up by the tractor—some at eye-level. As we wait for the kites, enjoy birding the nearby hedgerows and bottomland forest, and chat with the Joes and fellow nature lovers. Featured on Nat Geo’s Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper, and in numerous publications, including a cover story of the Bitter Southerner, the Joes are leading the way in showing how ecotourism can benefit the Black Belt and birds.
AFTERNOON EVENTS
We have two great indoor options to avoid the heat of the day. Visit with AWCs’s bird ambassadors then join us for the keynote address!
Birds of Prey with Alabama Wildlife Center
August 3, 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Location: This event will take place in Alabama Audubon's Greensboro office in the historic Martin-Stewart building, 1014 Whelan Street, Greensboro, AL 36744.
Meet the staff of the Alabama Wildlife Center and their bird ambassadors - live owls, hawks, kites, and falcons - and maybe even a vulture! AWC is Alabama’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility and cares for almost two thousand wild bird patients each year. The magnificent birds you will meet face-to-face have injuries preventing them from re-entering the wild, so they are used in education to heighten appreciation of Alabama’s native wildlife.
Keynote Address: Dr. DwaYne Estes
August 3, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Capacity: 125 / Cost: $15
Location: Greensboro Opera House, 1217 Main Street, Greensboro, AL 36744
The 2024 Keynote Address will be presented by Dr. Dwayne Estes, co-founder and executive director of Southeastern Grasslands Institute. Expect a fascinating presentation on grasslands, the most imperiled ecosystem in the eastern United States. Hear how SGI integrates research, consultation, and education to create innovative solutions to address the complex challenges of restoring the region’s grasslands.
EVENING EVENTS
There are 5 evening events. Please only choose 1 during the 4:00–7:30 PM timeframe.
Prairie Restoration at Contentment
August 3, 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Capacity: 50 / Cost: $30
Location: Greensboro, AL 36744
Enjoy the late afternoon as a guest of Elise Smith at Contentment, the eighty-acre property that she is transforming from agriculture back to native prairie with guidance from regional experts in prairie ecology and botany. We will also view the 19th century cabin used by famous ornithologist William C. Avery, who was Elise’s great-great uncle. Each year, the prairie shows signs of further rejuvenation due to the use of prescribed burning and the reintroduction of native plants. Previous year’s visitors can look forward to seeing what’s new!
Barton's Beach and Endangered Species Tour
August 3, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Capacity: 40 / Cost: $30
Location: 2202 SR-175, Marion, AL 36756
Did you know that Alabama is a global hotspot for freshwater animals? First, we will tour a world-class facility, the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center, where biologists are raising endangered mollusks for release into the wild to restore their populations and river ecosystems. Afterwards we will enjoy a hike in Perry Lakes Park to a nearby large sandbar (and local swimming hole!) on the Cahaba River, one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America.
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers & Longleaf Pine Fire Ecology
August 3, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Capacity: 30 / Cost: $30
Location: 581 Co Rd 71, Moundville, AL 35474 / GPS: 32.8872338425, -87.4430684997
The endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker is found only in a few pockets of the region’s remaining Longleaf Pine forests including here at Payne Lake Recreation Area in the Talladega National Forest. With your guide you will gather near the nesting trees of the woodpeckers and await their return to roost for the night. While waiting, we’ll learn from experts about the biology of the species and about the role that fire plays in maintaining these unique and threatened ecosystems. We’ll also see other species typical of the Longleaf Pine forest, possibly including Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Red-headed Woodpecker. If the woodpeckers return to the roost early, this excursion will not last the full three hours. Note: a day-use fee of $3 (cash only; bring exact change) is required for admission. You can also pay for a day pass in advance online at https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app.
Sumter Farm Prairie Restoration Tour
August 3, 4:45 PM - 7:30 PM
Capacity: 40 / Cost: $30
Location: Geiger, AL 35459
One of the most important ways to protect grassland birds is to protect and restore their native habitats. Sumter Farm managers Hazel and Mitchell Bell will lead a tour of Wild Horse Prairie, one segment of an 11,000+ acre farm which accounts for one of the largest and most diverse prairie remnants in the region. During the tour we are likely to see many bird species including Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Dickcissels, Prairie Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Eastern Meadowlark, Field Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, and Eastern Kingbird.
Owl Prowl at Sumter Farm
August 3, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Capacity: 25 / Cost: $30 // WAITLISTED // FULL
Location: Geiger, AL 35459
Owls live all around us, but are masters at hiding in plain sight! Join Alabama Audubon’s Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard at dusk for a walk in search of the amazing nocturnal predators that call the Black Belt home. Possibilities include Barred and Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-owls.
Sunday Morning Event
Sumter Farm Birds and Wildflowers Walk
August 4, 7:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Capacity: 30 / Cost: $30
Location: Geiger, AL 35459
Enjoy a leisurely morning, guided bird walk through the 11,000 acre farm in Geiger, Alabama, managed by Mitchell and Hazel Bell. Possibilities include Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Dickcissels, Prairie Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Eastern Meadowlark, Field Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike, and Eastern Kingbird. We will also admire the summer wildflowers and grasses that support Black Belt prairie birds, and the many pollinators and other insects upon which this unique ecosystem relies.
Join our friends on Saturday, 10:00-3:00, at the Sumac Cottage! Help paint a moveable mural, check out the art market and enjoy live music!
NOTE: All sales are final and support Alabama Audubon’s Black Belt Initiative. In the case of inclement weather or other unforeseen events, we may cancel or substitute itineraries.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, just give us a call or email Tim Higgins, Black Belt Coordinator, at tim@alaudubon.org.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Alabama Department of Tourism
Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
Innovate Alabama
Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation
Seek Alabama