Field Trip: Bushy Creek Lake and Bankhead National Forest

Few areas in Alabama are more scenic than the lush woodlands of the Bankhead National Forest. On this field trip, we’ll visit one of the most scenic spots within those woodlands: Brushy Creek Lake. Together, we’ll stop at a scenic waterfall, take a look at several excellent birding locations, and enjoy a picnic on the shores of the lake.

As if you needed more incentive to join us, mid-April is also an ideal time for birding in the Bankhead. Participants on this trip can expect to see a good variety of colorful neotropical migrants and resident breeders, including several woodpecker species, both tanagers, Blue-winged and Prairie Warblers, Northern Parula, and more.

The details

Meetup is on the early side of 7 a.m., in the parking lot behind the Wells Fargo Bank in the Fieldstown Road Shopping Center, just off Exit 271 on I-65 North. (The address is 665 Fieldstown Road, Gardendale, AL 35071; GPS: 33.651578, -86.823121). From there, the group will caravan/carpool north to Cullman, at which point we’ll head west on U.S. 278 to Addison, then north on CR 41 to FS 266 (intersection GPS: 34.251357, -87.188649). As always, be sure to bring water, snacks, and weather-appropriate items (e.g., rain gear, sunscreen); since we’ll be picnicking for lunch, you’ll need to bring your own food as well!

Trip leader

Greg Harber (208-807-8055; please contact on the day of the trip only)