Tag along with Program Coordinator, Andrew Lydeard, and local expert Alabama bird guide, Daniel Redwine, as we explore Key Cave National Wildlife refuge, Wilson Dam, and various locations in Lauderdale County as the spectacle of fall migration begins!
From grasslands to river bottoms, the Tennessee River Valley is one of North Alabama's biodiverse areas in the region, and some of the ecosystems of vitally important for Alabama's birds and other wildlife. Many ecosystems in this region provide water, food, and refuge to birds at a time of year when these resources are needed most. We will start at Key Cave NWR and travel along the trail through the grassland and along the road before caravanning to various stops in Lauderdale County and ending at Wilson Dam.
MEETING PLACE & LOCATION: We will meet at the Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge kiosk (coordinates below) promptly at 7:00 am before traveling as a group through the grasslands. Please grab water, snacks, or a restroom prior to the meetup time at 7:00 am, as there are no restrooms or places to load up on snacks/water near the site. If you leave your vehicle, please be sure to take water, snacks, bug spray, and your birding gear.
Parking Address: Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge Kiosk (type this exactly into your maps app!)
County Road 204
Lauderdale County, AL 35633
Coordinates: (34.763994, -87.785396)
Target Bird Species: Target Species -Dickcissels -Indigo Buntings -Grasshopper and Lark Sparrows -Migrating sandpipers and plovers -Wading birds such as egrets and herons -American White Pelicans
FIELD TRIP LEADERS: Andrew Lydeard // Co-Leader: Daniel Redwine *Please only contact your field trip leaders on the day of the event.
Accessibility: We will walk up to 2.0 miles on mostly flat but gravel, pavement, muddy, and wet surfaces. The event will cover moderate up and downhill elevation. There will be porta-potties and benches available.
Cancellation: This event will only be canceled by Alabama Audubon in the event of unforeseen circumstances. If you have questions about the program, please contact Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org).