Join Alabama Audubon in celebrating Birdability Week this year from October 20 - 26, 2025! This week-long event is dedicated to making birding accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of ability. Alabama Audubon Ambassador Barry Fleming will lead participants on an easy and mostly flat trail through the Wood Duck Heritage Preserve (also known as Siddique Nature Park) as we explore fall birding in Lee County, AL.
This location is one of the most reliable places in the state to find wintering waterfowl, wading birds, and songbirds and always has a variety of interesting species to observe and enjoy, including some of the best views of Wood Ducks and other waterfowl. Barry will provide tips, answer questions, and point out everything by site and sound that the preserve has to offer. New and bird-curious birders are encouraged to join. However, birders of all skillsets are always welcomed - the more eyes, the better! Loaner binoculars are available for those that need them!
Trip Leaders: Your trip leaders will be Alabama Audubon Ambassador Barry Fleming (flemiba@auburn.edu). Reach out to Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org) if you have any questions, concerns, or require special accessibility accomodations, so that we can better assist you.
Target Species:
Tennessee, Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, and American Redstarts
Wood Ducks (of course!)
Other duck species such as Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, and Redheads
Belted Kingfisher
Eastern Phoebes
American Goldfinches
Eastern Bluebirds
Address: Wood Duck Heritage Preserve / Siddique Nature Park
3600 Waverly Pkwy,
Opelika, AL 36801
Meeting Place & Time: We will meet promptly in the parking lot of the Wood Duck Preserve at 7:00am and work back to the blinds as a group.
This event is free but registration is required.
Accessibility : We will travel up to 1 mile total on mostly flat dirt and gravel walking paths that run adjacent to the pond. While the paths are mostly flat, debris like rocks, sticks, or other obstacles may be present that may be unsuitable for all people. Rainy weather this time of year may also create muddy and slippery areas along the trail, so good shoes are recommended. There are restrooms at the parking lot, and some seating in the bird blinds. However, there are not regular spots for resting along the trails, so please be prepared.
*Please Note: This event will only be canceled by Alabama Audubon in the event of unforeseen circumstances or threatening weather. Refunds (if applicable) will only be issued at the discretion of Alabama Audubon.