GUIDED WINTER BIRD HIKE
CHEAHA STATE PARK
FREE EVENT / SPACE LIMITED
REGISTRATION CLOSES DECEMBER 15 AT 12AM
Discover the beauty of Alabama's winter birdlife on a guided Birding Hike at Cheaha State Park, led by Cheaha State Park Naturalist, Kathryn Gray, and Alabama Audubon's Program Coordinator, Andrew Lydeard. Cheaha's peak offers several incredible views as the highest point in Alabama and is the southernmost tip of the Appalachian Mountain range. Whether you're an experienced birder or new to the hobby, Cheaha State Park is a phenomenal place to connect with nature and fellow enthusiasts. We'll hike through some of the park's diverse ecosystems, from forests to rocky outcrops, and enjoy the serenity of winter in the Appalachian foothills.
We'll likely spot a variety of winter bird species that spend the cooler months in the south, including White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Hermit Thrushes. The diverse array of plant life here provides a selection of foods, including many native berries and seeds, for these birds to help survive the cooler months of the year. We welcome you to join as we walk, watch, and wander through the eastern forests of Alabama for what will surely be a wonderful winter outing!
DARK-EYED JUNCO Jeremiah Zurenda / Audubon Photography Awards
TRIP LEADERS
The Audubon leader for this trip is Andrew Lydeard / (703) 606-8956. Please contact by phone on the day of the trip only.
Kathryn Gray may be reached at Cheaha.StatePark@dcnr.alabama.gov
NEED-TO-KNOW
REMEMBER As always, remember to bring plenty of water and wear seasonally appropriate attire, as mountain weather can be unpredictable and change quickly.
DETAILS We will start conclude our morning hike in front of the Interpretation Center by the Lake. There is a park entrance fee that can be paid at the Mountain Store.
Age 0-3: Free
Age 4-11: $2
12 and older: $5
Senior Citizen age 62 and older: $2 (Please show ID)
Parks for Patriots Veterans and Active Military: Free (Please show ID)REQUIRED Participants must complete the mandatory online waiver when registering. Please do not request registration for others when submitting your request.
ACCESSIBILITY We will walk about 2 miles on a moderate hike through the park. Much of the terrain will be rocky, covered in leaves, and potentially slippery during wet periods. Be sure to wear appropriate hiking or tennis shoes. Restrooms will be available in the park.
CANCELLATION In the event of inclement weather, or if you need to cancel at the last minute, please text your trip leader, as the main office will be closed.
WHERE TO MEET & WHEN
CHEAHA INTERPRETIVE CENTER at 9AM
33.474389, -85.821575
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
Through more than seventy-five years of conservation work in one of our nation’s most ecologically rich states, Alabama Audubon has seen firsthand how diversity strengthens natural communities. This same principle applies to human communities, which is why our organization is committed to providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all Alabamians to learn about and enjoy wild birds, their habitats, and the natural world. One of the best ways to support that belief is by valuing and actively seeking to strengthen diversity among our staff, our board, and our membership. To that end, Alabama Audubon welcomes everyone to participate in our work, and strives to make our programs, classes, and events welcome, inclusive, and accessible to all.