EVENT CAPACITY: 45
EVENT COST: $125
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: TBA Will update closer to time.
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.
Picture by Andrew Lydeard // American White Pelicans