EVENT CAPACITY: 12
EVENT COST: $550
Travel Description: Join Alabama Audubon for a self-driven, self-catered long weekend along the Mississippi River in northwestern Tennessee and southeastern Missouri as we explore one of North America’s most important migratory flyways!
Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard will guide participants around parts of Reelfoot Lake and adjacent wildlife management areas in Tennessee and in nearby Missouri in search of sparrows, hawks, owls, longspurs, and the thousands of waterfowl that spend winter in this region. As the arrival of spring nears, this area serves as a critical staging and stopover ground for hundreds of thousands of waterfowl that rely on Reelfoot Lake and the fertile floodplains of the river. Local experts in the area may join and help guide the group to specialty birds uncovered during the weeks prior to our arrival.
Reelfoot Lake covers nearly 15,000 acres and was formed by powerful earthquakes along the New Madrid Fault line in 1811-1812. These earthquakes, the largest in the eastern U.S., temporarily caused the Mississippi River to flow backward and led to land subsidence, flooding the surrounding forested area and creating the lake. The lake is a vital wintering and stopover ground for thousands of gulls, ducks, cormorants, geese, and American White Pelicans. Rarities such as Red-necked and Eared Grebes, Long-tailed Ducks, Pacific and Red-throated Loons, and other regionally unique species show up due to its proximity to the river.
The region also offers miles of open grassland and agricultural areas that are wintering grounds for multiple raptor species, including eagles in the dozens! Wildlife management areas (WMAs) and vast stretches along the river in both Tennessee and Missouri are known for their waterfowl numbers and are especially great for dabbling ducks and geese. Little River Conservation Area near Kennett, MO is known for flocks of Snow Geese that can reach up to 100,000 birds! Other highlights and target birds in these areas are Short-eared and Barn Owls, Lapland Longspurs, Leconte’s Sparrows, Rough-legged Hawks, Western Meadowlarks, and American Tree Sparrows.
Travel details: Meeting Time and Places
We will depart each morning from the Dyersburg Hampton Inn promptly at 7:30am after breakfast and return to the hotel each day around 5:00pm.
The Hampton Inn in Dyersburg, Tennessee will be our meetup and returning location each day, so we suggest booking your room here. Breakfast is included with your stay each morning at this hotel. We recommend booking your room early at this location to ensure you will be close to the group for seamless departures and returns.
Address:
Dyersburg Hampton Inn
2750 Mall Loop Road,
Dyersburg, TN 38024
(731) 285-4778
TRAVEL INFORMATION: Itinerary
Day 1 – Feb. 13, 2025
7:30am – Depart Dyersburg for Reelfoot Lake State Park (30-minute drive)
8:00am – 11:00am – Reelfoot Lake and State Park
11:00am – 12:00pm – Lunch at Boyette’s Dining Room
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitor and Raptor Center
1:30pm – 4:00pm – Black Water Bayou Refuge
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Reelfoot Lake Sunset and Roost Watch
5:30 pm – Depart for Dyersburg for dinner (30-minute drive)
Day 2 – Feb. 14, 2025
7:30am – Depart Dyersburg for Tumbleweed WMA (30-minute drive)
8:15am – 12:00pm – Tumbleweed WMA and surrounding area
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lunch in Dyersburg
12:45pm – 5:00pm –Bogota WMA
5:00pm – Depart for Dyersburg for Dinner (20-minute drive)
5:30pm – 6:30pm – Dinner
6:30pm – 8:30pm (**OPTIONAL EVENT**) – Owling at Tumbleweed / Bogota WMAs
Day 3 – February 15. 2025
7:30am – Depart Dyersburg for Little River Conservation Area (MO) (45-minute drive)
8:15am – 11:30am – Little River Conservation Area
11:30am – 12:30pm – Lunch in Kennett, MO
12:30pm – 5:00pm – Longspur, Pipit, and Horned Lark Hunt along the River
5:00pm – Head back to Dyersburg for dinner (35-minutes drive)
Trip Leader:
Your trip leader for this event will be Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard. Don't hesitate to get in touch with your leader by email at andrew@alaudubon.org with questions or comments regarding this event.
Accessibility:
Please note this is a self-driven, self-catered weekend event. This trip is designed with photographers and ‘slow birding’ in mind, so we can take in all the area has to offer! We plan to travel no more than two (2) miles total each day as a group, often much less. Most of the birding will be done via caravan or with only short distances traveled away from the vehicles. All vehicles will be provided with a walkie-talkie each day, so that we can all stay in touch and point out birds when caravanning.
Most of the terrain in this area is flat, but some of the travel may be on uneven surfaces that have obstacles such as roots, rocks, and other debris. Please do not hesitate to contact your leader if you require specific accessibility accommodations.
REMEMBER: Dress for the weather! This area can be mild in winter like Alabama or the equivalent of winter near the Great Lakes; it can also turn suddenly with weather out of the Midwest. We recommend traveling with multiple extra layers and bringing a change of clothing in case the weather turns on us while we are in the field. Hot Hands hand warmers are helpful in this region as is the appropriate winter gear such as wool socks, hats, and gloves. As always, remember to bring extra snacks, plenty of hydration, and sunscreen. Your leader will provide extra water and snacks during each day.
CANCELLATION: The event will only be canceled by Alabama Audubon in the event of unforeseen circumstances or hazardous conditions. Because Alabama Audubon will incur substantial costs prior to the commencement of the trip, please note we may charge a penalty if you must cancel with less than 21 days remaining.
When notice is received Penalty
More than 21 days prior to tour start date No penalty
Less than 21 days prior to tour start date $200