EVENT CAPACITY: 15; minimum of 6 to go

Description : Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of Alabama's premiere destinations for birding, especially in summer when wading and marsh birds are actively breeding. The refuge spans over 11,000 acres in both Alabama and Georgia along the Chattahoochee River and includes hundreds of acres of pristine freshwater wetlands and marshes that are ideal for numerous species of specialist birds that rely on the ecosystems in this area to nest.

We will meet before the sun has risen, so that we can beat the heat and are in a prime location when the marshes come to life during the morning rush hour. This will be the best time to see baby King Rails, Gallinules, and more! From our meetup, we will caravan as a group to various locations within the Houston and Molnar Units of the refuge.
This event is limited to 15 participants before a waitlist opens, so be sure to sign up quickly!
*Minimum of 6 participants needed for the trip to make. Last day to register: 7/14/2025.

Target Species:
King Rails
Least Bittern
Purple and Common Gallinules
Anhingas
Prothonotary and Yellow-throated Warblers
Summer Tanagers
Common Ground Doves
Northern Bobwhites

Registration fee: Members $50.00 / Non-members $70.00

Meeting Time and Place:
We will meet at the Gator Stop Gas Station in Eufaula at depart promptly at 5:30AM as a group. Please arrive before this time if you need to use restrooms or grab breakfast, snacks, or gear from the store. Each vehicle will receive a walkie-talkie while we caravan, so that we can keep in touch. Carpooling at the gas station is recommended if possible.

Address: Gator Stop Gas Station, 1955 N Eufaula Ave, Eufaula, AL 36027

Accessibility : Accessibility: Most of this event will be caravan-style. Any travel away from the vehicles is optional and will total about 1.5 miles or less for the morning's outing. There will be restrooms at the gas station before the trip, but none available on the refuge. At around 8:30, we'll take a break for restrooms at Lake Point State Park before visiting our next location.

Please be sure to bring extra water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray for the morning. Loaner binoculars will be available if you need them! 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.

Picture Owner and Rights: Andrew Lydeard // King Rail