Cost: $65
Capacity: 12 or a minimum of 6.
Event/ Program Description: Join Alabama Audubon on a self-driven, half-day field trip to the State Cattle Ranch, now known as the Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area, in Hale County, Alabama to welcome our winter birds back to Alabama! This outing will be led by Executive Director Dr. Scot Duncan and Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard through restored prairies, farmland, wetlands, and forests that smatter the area, and participants will have the chance to experience the fascinating birds and ecology of Alabama's historic Black Belt Region. The State Cattle Ranch has limited public access, so this outing is a special opportunity to explore one of the state's most well-managed and preserved grassland areas! Be sure to bring a lunch as we will take a break at the pavilion around mid-day to use the restrooms and eat.
The property was formerly a cattle ranch and is now a habitat restoration area that provides a unique opportunity to observe Black Belt prairie plant and animal species limited to pristine grass and scrubland habitats. Last winter, Andrew and graduate student Daniel Redwine broke the all-time state high count of LeConte's Sparrow here.
We also hope to find Sedge and Marsh Wrens, other sparrows such as Song, Swamp, Lincoln's, and maybe even a Sora or American Bittern near some of the ponds. Duck species such as Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, and Ring-necked Duck may also be present in some of the old catfish ponds while the shallow ponds offer good habitat for wading birds. The grasslands invite raptors such as American Kestrels, Cooper's Hawks, and a variety of Red-tailed Hawk subspecies to the area, and Barn Owls are known residents on the property.
LOCATION DETAILS / In-person : We will be eating around 11:00 am near the pavilions. Restrooms are available here.
TRAVEL INFORMATION: This is a self-catered, self-driven trip.
We will meet at Jack's in Greensboro promptly at 7:00 am and travel as a group to the cattle ranch, which is just a short distance away. If you need to eat or use the facilities at Jack's, please arrive with enough time before we depart. Please be aware that cell phone service is limited in this area.
Address:
Jack's
1490 State St, Greensboro, AL 36744
Coordinates: (32.69983, -87.59702)
Accessibility : We will walk short distances from our cars as a group to reach some of the better grassland habitats on the property. We will walk no more than 3 miles total during the field trip with most of the traveling on gravel or dirt roads that may be uneven and contain obstacles such as sticks, rocks, and roots. The terrain in this areas varies from flat to moderate in slope and may not be suitable for all people.
TRIP LEADERS: Your trip leader for this event is Andrew Lydeard // Please reach out on the day of with questions or concerns.
EMAIL: andrew@alaudubon.org
PHONE: (703) 606-8956
Please continue joining Alabama Audubon as a member or donor to help us continue to offer accessible, educational programs and events across the state. Your generosity enables us to advance research, education, and advocacy efforts to protect birds in Alabama and beyond.
Picture Credit // Owner Andrew Lydeard