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Russell Bailey Memorial Labor Day Half Day Field Trip
September 7, 2015, 7:00 am–12:00 pm
Birmingham Audubon will hold its annual Russell Bailey Memorial Labor Day field trip on Sept. 7, 2015. Our day will begin at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens at 7 a.m. with a meet-up in the gardens’ parking lot. The gardens, a well known birding location in our metro area, are an important fall migration stop for many species and home to many resident woodland birds. We plan to spend up to 2 hours at the Gardens, and then drive to Lake Purdy for the remainder of the morning.
Lake Purdy for many years was the site of an unofficial Labor Day field trip led long time Audubon member Russell Bailey. This reservoir with its tributaries, mudflats and adjoining woods is another one of Birmingham’s prime birding locations. This diverse collection of habitat may host shorebirds, raptors, waders, and possibly early migrant songbirds. In addition to birding from the bridge, a stroll through the cemetery behind the near-by church may also be productive. We will also drive to the lake’s boat launch to search for ducks or other water birds
We will rendezvous at the Cox’s Creek Bridge on AL 119, located approximately 2.25 miles east of the U.S. 280 intersection, following our departure from the botanical gardens. Parking is available across the road in front of the sign for Bold Springs Presbyterian Church. As this is a half-day trip and temps may still be quite warm, please have water, juices and snacks on hand. Cameras and spotting scopes are welcome. Birmingham Audubon will have binoculars available to borrow for the event.
Both of our destinations on this trip are designated as sites on the Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail.
GPS for Birmingham Botanical Gardens: 33.490802 -86.776114
Botanical Gardens Address: 2616 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, 35223
WEBSITE: http://alabamabirdingtrails.com/sites/birmingham-botanical-gardens/
GPS for Bold Springs Presbyterian Church, 33.45080, -86.65530
CHURCH ADDRESS: 7544 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35238
WEBSITE: www.alabamabirdingtrails.com/sites/lake-purdy/
TRIP LEADERS: Matt Hunter, (205) 915-8186 (cell) and Maureen Shaffer (205) 822-8728 (h) or 205-222-2662 (cell)