EVENT CAPACITY: 45
EVENT COST: $95
Event/ Program Description : Join us this February on this special bus tour to the Black Belt region of western Alabama to see the winter birds and waterfowl that spend the cooler months in this area. Many birders in the state are familiar with the specialty breeding species like Painted Buntings or Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in the Black Belt during the summer, but few in the state experience birding in this historic area during the cooler months.
The pristine grass and scrubland ecosystems in the area are found nowhere else in the world and are wonderful refuges for many of Alabama's winter birds. We will search for American White Pelicans, Great Egrets, and Forster's Terns along the falls at Spillway Falls and search for songbirds such as Hermit Thrushes, Pine Warblers, and Blue-headed Vireos in the woods along the parking lot adjacent to the Tombigbee River.
Then, we will grab lunch at a local restaurant and then will explore the grasslands and wetlands of the old State Cattle Ranch near Greensboro, one of Alabama's best birding destinations. Red-tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, multiple sparrow species, and a mix of blackbird species are regulars here. Additionally, we'll be keeping our eyes out for rare flycatchers or songbirds that may overwinter in these unusual habitats!
LOCATION DETAILS: We will be parking at the Independent Presbyterian Church's parking lot at 3103 Highland Avenue, Birmingham, AL, 35205. The parking lot will be opened at 7:00AM, and we encourage you to arrive well before the expected departure time at 7:30AM so you can comfortably find a seat. Vehicles will be safe in the church parking lot for the duration of the trip.
Address:
Independent Presbyterian Church
3103 Highland Avenue
Birmingham, AL, 35205
TRAVEL INFORMATION : There will be a restroom on the bus. Lunch is included in the price - vegetarian options are available.
Accessibility : We will travel no more than a mile total for the entire day. Most of the birding will be done just off of the bus at areas with mostly flat terrain and ample seating at Spillway Falls. The Cattle Ranch is on mostly gravel terrain, but most of the birding will be done near the bus and requires little mobility to enjoy a great time! However, please be aware there still may be some obstacles such as sticks, rocks, or uneven terrain that may make mobility more difficult for some people.
*Important Notice About the Birding by Bus Trip
To ensure the trip is both enjoyable and sustainable, we need at least 20 passengers booked to account for any cancellations. While all tickets are non-refundable unless the bus company cancels, we plan to go rain or shine! If you need to cancel, your ticket fee will be considered a donation to support our organization’s mission, with refunds granted only under special circumstances.
Please secure your spot early and encourage your friends to join us for this exciting day of birding and exploration. Thank you for your understanding and support!
Picture and Owner: Andrew Lydeard // American White Pelicans