Event Description: Ready to explore one of Tuscaloosa County’s best-kept birding secrets? Join us for a morning on Fosters Loop Road, a scenic mix of paved and dirt roads winding through a patchwork of Alabama habitats—think open fields, shady pine plantations, cypress swamps, and everything in between!
We’ll kick things off birding along roadside scrub, cropland edges, and enchanting pinewoods carpeted with Bracken ferns. From there, it’s on to wetlands thick with cattails and cypress, mixed woodlands, and even a few friendly rural yards. Expect to see a lively mix of feathered friends: buntings, vireos, warblers, sparrows, kingbirds, orioles, hawks, kites, herons, and more. It's the perfect blend of woods, water, and wide-open spaces!
Once we finish the loop from Fosters to Tuscaloosa, we'll head to Palmore Park for a bonus round of birding—scanning fields, swamp edges, and forest fringe. And the cherry on top? We’ll be just a stone’s throw from the legendary Dreamland BBQ .
LOCATION DETAILS: From I-20W/59S in Tuscaloosa, take Exit 71, proceed southwest on I-20W/59S for 9.3 miles to Exit 62 (Fosters). Exit right (NW) onto CR 10 and follow for 0.6 mile to the traffic light and service station. Visitor amenities are available here and in Tuscaloosa. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and hiking shoes or boots.
TRAVEL INFORMATION: *We will meet at the Chevron service station at 7:30 am, 14697 US Highway 11 at the traffic light in Fosters.
ADDRESS for Chevron: 13460 US-11, Fosters, AL 35463.
We will caravan by car from this point at the intersection of US 43/11 and CR 10. We will not return to Fosters, but end the morning in Tuscaloosa.
Accessibility: Almost all of the terrain will be paved roads and walkways on flat terrain, with some brief stretches of walking on dirt roads. Walking on grassy or gravel roadside shoulders is included.
*Please contact your field trip leader day of if needed. We reserve the right to cancel events due to hazardous weather conditions.
Trip Leaders: Matt Hunter / (205) 460-9546
Picture Owner & Credit: Indigo Bunting by Donald Wurio / Audubon Photo Awards