Half-day Field Trip: Logan Martin Dam

Logan Martin Dam on the Coosa River is a magnet for birds of many species, as the shoals below the dam offer first-rate fishing for waders, gulls, ducks, cormorants and, most notably, bald eagles. This half-day trip will take us to an Alabama Power observation area overlooking the water just below the dam.

We’ll spend some time here and then stroll along a wooded trail that follows the river, looking for some of our winter land birds such as hermit thrush, winter wren, and yellow-rumped warbler. Later in the morning, we’ll cross the dam to the picnic area overlooking the deep water above the dam, where we’ll look for divers such as common loons and red-breasted mergansers, which are occasionally seen here in winter. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to scan the skies for bald eagles and also for red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, which are common here year round.

Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Eastwood Mall McDonalds, 1569 Montclair Road. We’ll take I-20 to the first Leeds exit (Exit 140), and then take 78 E to a right turn on Highway 25 S. at the old wooden railroad trestle in Leeds. We’ll stay on 25 S. for roughly 18 miles through very scenic country, passing through Sterrett and the small community of Calcis, and take a left fork onto CR 60. We’ll cross US 231 and stay on CR 60 (Kelly Creek Rd.) to the entrance to the lower dam parking lot on the right.

Bring: layered outerwear, snacks and beverages, and a picnic lunch.

Trip Leaders: Anne Miller (205-902-1389)
Susan Barrow (205 -253-8667)