Old Cahawba Prairie Tract / Field Trip
FREE WITH REGISTRATION / SPACE IS LIMITED
REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 16 AT 12AM
We will journey to the site of Alabama's original capital, Cahawba, in Dallas County of the Black Belt Prairie Region. The site is now a ghost town and state archaeological park, populated by ruins, remnants, and memories. The site is little disturbed by visitors, so the native plants, birds, butterflies, and wildlife here are largely unimpeded. The town is low-lying, bounded on two sides by an oxbow in the Cahaba River and on third side by the Alabama River. The site is subject to seasonal flooding over the years, leaving the soil rich, dark, and fertile.
The abundant water and plant life provide superb habitat for a wide array of bird life. We expect virtually all the local breeding birds to be present in the area by the first week of May, and they should be in high breeding plumage and full song for us. Given the proximity to rivers and ponds, we'll expect swallows, some herons and egrets, Red-shouldered hawks, perhaps a Barred owl or two, a variety of woodpeckers, Belted kingfishers, Summer tanagers, Eastern towhees, Brown thrashers, and a decent selection of warblers and vireos. With luck, we'll see Anhingas and Mississippi kites, as both breed in the area. With the abundant water nearby, Bald eagles and Osprey are possible. If time permits, we'll spend the morning hours at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, enjoy a picnic lunch there, then move to the adjacent Prairie Preserve for the afternoon. We are more likely to find birds of open areas here, such as Eastern kingbirds and Red-tailed hawks.
ANHINGA
Anthony Sleiman/ Audubon Photography Awards
TRIP LEADERS
Paul Franklin, leader, (205) 542-7647, phfranklin36@gmail.com, and Marj Young, co-leader, (205) 515-8394, marjyoung@att.net, will lead this field trip. Please contact by phone on the day of the trip only.
NEED-TO-KNOW
REMEMBER As always, remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and wear seasonally appropriate attire. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended.
REQUIRED Participants must complete the mandatory online waiver when registering. Please do not request registration for others when submitting your request.
ACCESSIBILITY The terrain is relatively flat and easy to traverse. Hiking distances will likely be rather short, particularly in the morning and seldom leaving sight of the cars. Only the morning area will be accessible. Restrooms will be available only at the archaeological park office.
CANCELLATION In the event of inclement weather, or if you need to cancel at the last minute, please text your trip leaders, as the main office will be closed.
Where to Meet & When
Gather at 7:00 a.m. in the parking lot near the Chick-fil-A in McCalla. Travel south (west) on I-459 to Exit 1. The Chick-fil-A is on the north side of the exit, near the Target. Those not near Birmingham may meet us at the parking lot of the visitors center of Old Cahawba Archaeological Park at 9:00 a.m.
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