Join Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard for a journey in Talladega National Forest near Heflin, AL. The US Forest Service manages the trails and land in Talladega NF, including preserving and protecting the rare, expansive tracts of Longleaf Pine savannah here. These savannahs host large numbers of savannah specialists, including Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Alabama's only know population of Red Crossbills. We may also try to travel up to stake out a known population of overwintering Golden Eagles, but this is highly dependent on which gates and roads are opened by the Forest Service for public use. This self-driven trip will start early, so that we can get to reliable locations to find the woodpeckers and crossbills around sunrise. Participants will start by meeting Andrew in Heflin and traveling to various hotspots in the forest.
Trip Leader: Your trip leader will be Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org). Please reach out if you have questions about the event.
Target Species (* denotes rare species)
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers
Purple Finches
Red Crossbills
Dark-eyed Juncos
Hermit Thrushes
Eastern Screech-Owls
Palm, Yellow-rumped, and Orange-crowned Warblers
Registration fee: Alabama Audubon Members $35.00 // Non-members $50.00
Meeting Time and Place: We will meet at the Jack's Family Restaurant in Heflin, AL and depart promptly at 6:00AM. If you need to use the restroom or get breakfast before we leave, please arrive early, so the group does not leave without you.
Address: Jack's Family Restaurant
115 Ross St,
Heflin, AL 36264
Accessibility : Participants may travel up to 2 miles total during the duration of this trip on flat to moderatedly sloped surfaces on asphalt, dirt, and gravel. Due to the uneven terrain and potential hazards such as holes, roots, rocks, and other debris that may be on the trails, this trip may not be suitable for everyone. If you have questions or require accessibility accommodations that we may be able to assist with, please reach out to your trip leader. As always, remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, insect repellent, sun screen, and wear seasonally appropriate attire; Vortex binoculars can be loaned to participants if needed.
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.
Cancellation: 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.