Our destination today is James D. Martin Wildlife Park, located on a backwater of the Coosa River near the Gadsden Mall. Winter water birds will have arrived by the time of our visit (Ring-billed Gulls, American Coots and Hooded Mergansers, for example), while the small wooded island at the terminus of the boardwalk (handicap accessible) may host a variety of woodpeckers and both species of kinglets. Bald Eagles are a possibility here, and if the water levels are low, we may encounter a few shorebirds on the mudflats.

Trip Leaders: Co-trip leaders are Greg Harber (205-807-8055) and Grace Simms.

LOCATION DETAILS: There is no fee to enter the park, and for those who wish we may opt to have lunch at a local restaurant (Pruett's BBQ or Top O' the River, both located on US Hwy 411).

MEETING PLACE & TIME : We shall depart from the Birmingham Eastwood Chick-fil-A at 7:00 a.m. (1648 Montclair Rd, Irondale, AL 35210) and carpool/caravan to the James Dr. Martin Wildlife Park, located off I-759 at the Black Creek Parkway exit.

The address for the park is 1226 S 11th St, Gadsden, AL 35901 and we should expect to arrive there about 8:00 a.m. Feel free to meet the group at either site at the appropriate time.

This event is free but registration is required.

Accessibility : The boardwalk at the park are handicap accessible, while the trails on the islands and other areas of the park are hard-packed dirt paths (unless it's been rainy).