Description: Join Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard for a field trip to Hollin's Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Clay County, Alabama in search of some of the birds (and other wildlife) active at night, including nightjars, owls, mammals, frogs, and anything else patroling the forest under July's full moon, which is the moon phase when many nocturnal birds are most active.
In particular, nightjars should be actively hunting along the roads and still singing in open areas as they reach the peak of their nesting season. Most of our owl species will be concluding their nesting species, and we will search for multiple species on our route as youngsters are fed and get ready to disperse to new territories in fall. If we arrive early enough, we may even be able to catch a cluster of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers going to roost before sunset!
We will meet in Sylacauga before caravanning with walkie-talkies for a short distance to the WMA.
Target Species:
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Chuck-will's-widow
Common Nighthawk
Eastern Screech-Owl
Barred Owl
Great Horned Owl
Barn Owl
This event is limited to 15 participants before a waitlist opens, so be sure to sign up quickly!
Registration Fee: Members $30.00 / Non-members $50.00
MEETING LOCATION: We will meet at the Sylacauga Marathon and depart promptly as a group at 6:30PM for the location. Please arrive early if you need snacks, supplies, or a restroom break prior to leaving with the group. Participants will be given one walkie talkie per vehicle to keep in touch while caravanning on our trip.
ADDRESS: Marathon Gas Station, 1590 Old Talladega Hwy, Sylacauga, AL 35150
ACCESSIBILITY: Most of this program will be done just a few feet from our cars as we stop at various locations to listen (and possibly see!) some of our nocturnal friends. We will travel just far enough away from our vehicles to hear the sounds of the forest better, totaling no more than half a mile (0.5 miles) for the night from our vehicles. There is no restroom in the forest, so please plan accordingly. Participants should bring a headlamp or flashlight, but small flashlights will be available on loan if needed.
Please Note: The roads in the WMA are gravel and can have ruts, potholes, and unexpected debris after strong rains or seasonal erosion. The journey will be accessible for all vehicles, but we recommend traveling at a slow pace or using a vehicle with higher clearance if possible. Carpooling is also recommended to reduce the length of the caravan and space taken up when we stop. Please reach out to Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org) if you have questions about the event.
Cancellation: This event will only be cancelled by Alabama Audubon in the event of unforeseen circumstances or threatening weather. Refunds will only be issued at the discretion of Alabama Audubon. Please reach out to your leader if you require special accommodations or have questions regarding the trip.