October Field Trip: Montgomery Area

Hooded Warbler by Debbie McKenzie.
October Field Trip Montgomery area birding sites Saturday, October 22, 2016, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Late October marks a period of transition in terms of bird migration. Many neotropical migrants are well on their way south by this point, and the first winter arrivals will begin to make an appearance. This trip, and the habitats we’ll visit will offer a chance to maximize our chances of finding those late migrants and early arrivals. Several birding sites are on the itinerary: Fort Toulouse, Lagoon Park, Powder Magazine, Rudder Road (Hope Hull). The first three offer the best opportunities for finding migrants, while the last one – Rudder Road – should yield a late shorebird or two, along with the possibility of early arriving waterfowl. Lagoon Park, with its expanded trail system, is a good place to stretch your legs, too!

We are very fortunate and grateful to Larry Gardella, a Montgomery resident and well-known birder, for guiding us to these sites. His extensive knowledge of Alabama’s bird life and the local birding scene will be invaluable to our foray into
the Upper Coastal Plain, so plan now to attend this trip! More information about Lagoon Park can be found here, on the Alabama Birding Trails website: http://alabamabirdingtrails.com/sites/lagoon-park/, while information about Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson information can be found here: http://alabamabirdingtrails.com/sites/fort-toulouseft-jackson/

TRIP PLANS:
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Alabaster McDonald’s at I-65, Exit #238, located at 205 S Colonial Drive , Alabaster AL 35007. The group will carpool and depart from here to our first birding destination, at Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Park near Wetumpka. Maps and directions will be provided. Bring plenty of water, snacks if you wish, and a lunch. Trip leaders: Matt Hunter, 205-915-8186, and Larry Gardella (334-450-9790).

November Field Trips at a glance:
November 5, Red Mountain Park
November 19, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge