Join Alabama Audubon for a special access field trip to one of Alabama's most diverse prairies, Wild Horse Prairie, located in Geiger, AL. Wild Horse Prairie is owned and managed by Mitchell and Hazel Bell and is one of the pristine locations where our Conservation Team does winter sparrow banding, grassland bird surveys, and hosts events each year at the annual Black Belt Birding Festival. It has quickly become a favorite birding location for Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard, who will lead you through the grasslands, upland oak patches, and around the property in search of a variety of fantastic songbirds, many of which will be migrating through the area. We will meet at a local gas station before driving a few minutes down the road to bird the prairie and the surrounding area.
Trip Leaders: Your trip leaders will be Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org / 703-606-8956) and Black Belt Coordinator Tim Higgins (tim@alaudubon.org). Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or require special accessibility accommodations, so that we can better assist you.
Target Species:
Tennessee, Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, and American Redstarts
Lots of Indigo Buntings, maybe a Painted, and even a Lazuli (seen last year by Andrew here!)
Swainson's, Wood, and Hermit Thrushes
Red-shouldered, Red-tailed Hawks
Yellow-billed Cuckoos
Barred Owls
Dickcissels & Blue Grosbeaks
Registration Fee: Alabama Audubon Members $45.00 // Non-members $60.00
Meeting Time and Place:
We will meet at the M&M Mart in Geiger and depart promptly at 7 am for the prairie, which is about a 5-minute drive from the gas station. If you need breakfast, snacks, or to use the restroom, please arrive before our departure time, so that we can get to birding as soon as possible!
Address: M&M Market and Chevron
39336 AL-17
Emelle, AL 35459
Exact Coordinates: (32.830635, -88.309779)
Accessibility : We will travel up to 2 miles on gravel, dirt, or grass paths that may be uneven and have slight changes in elevation. Obstacles such as holes, sticks, and other debris may be present, which may not be suitable for all people. Please note that there are no restrooms in this area, so please plan to use the restroom at the gas station prior to our 7 am departure.
Please reach out to Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org) if you require any special accommodations, have questions, or cannot attend, so that we can better assist you on the day of the event.
*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.