Field Trip: Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park

Early May is a great time to spot migratory songbirds, and Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park the perfect place to do it. Join us as we visit the park’s 2,140 acres of woodland habitat, bird various migration hotspots, and take in views of north Alabama’s beautiful mountain plateaus.

After a morning of birding and a noontime picnic lunch, we’ll also visit the home of Herb and Terry Lewis for a tour of their backyard bird habitat, which features a variety of native plants and water gardens.

Meetup directions

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 up I-65 and I-565 to Huntsville, then up U.S. 431 to Monte Sano. A full tank of gas is a must. Also note that admission to the park is $5 for adults, $2 for seniors. 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 also need to bring your own food! If you’re willing to make it a long day, we’ll likely stop at a local restaurant for dinner before sundown.

Trip leader

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