BIG SIT & BIRDWALK WITH THE INTERNATIONALCRANE FOUNDATION
WHEELER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 2 AT 12AM
FREE EVENT / OPEN TO ALL AGES
Join Alabama Audubon and the International Crane Foundation for an unique and accessible bird-watching experience at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
Wheeler NWR boasts a range of habitat types that offer ideal locations for wintering waterfowl such as Sandhill Cranes and the Endangered Whooping Cranes to feed, rest, and roost. Additionally, the refuge provides nesting grounds for neotropical migrant birds and various resident wildlife species. This special event will kick off at the Outdoor Classroom Pavilion of Wheeler NWR, where participants will gather and move to the Observation Deck Building to learn about the refuge and the thousands of birds it hosts during winters and during breeding season in Alabama.
The event begins with a presentation by Travis Roddy from the International Crane Foundation, and a brief introduction by Alabama Audubon Program Coordinator, Andrew Lydeard. Participants can choose to engage in a 3-hour long Big Sit, where they'll have the chance to sit and observe birds alongside Travis and Andrew in the Observation Deck Building.
Andrew will also lead an optional accessible walk around the scenic boardwalk surrounding the Visitor Center that will last about an hour before returning to the Big Sit. This accessible, family-friendly event is open to all ages, inviting bird enthusiasts and nature lovers to connect with the beauty of avian life while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Wheeler NWR. Come join us for a morning of birdwatching, community, and education among the cranes!
WHOOPING CRANE Howard Arndt / Audubon Photography Awards
TRIP LEADERS
The leaders for this trip are Andrew Lydeard (703) 606-8956 and Travis Roddy (troddy@savingcranes.org).
Please contact by phone on the day of the trip only.
NEED-TO-KNOW
REMEMBER As always, remember to bring plenty of water and wear seasonally appropriate attire.
DETAILS & ACCESSIBILITY The Observation Building and Visitor Center is fully accessible, and there are restrooms at the Visitor Center. Walking will be done on mostly flat sidewalk or boardwalk terrain and be no more than a half mile total.
REQUIRED Participants must complete the mandatory online waiver when registering. Please do not request registration for others when submitting your request.
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
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge at 9AM
Outdoor Classroom Pavilion
1321 Visitor Center Road
Decatur, AL 35603
Please note that the Visitor Center does not open until 9am.
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.