Cost: Free
Capacity: 30
Russ Bailey was a long-time member of Birmingham Audubon, and “back in the day” when we held only one field trip per month, Russ would have an impromptu field trip on the Labor Day holiday. His philosophy was that with the southbound migration well underway, it was pointless to waste a perfectly good day of birding! Russ usually went to Lake Purdy to look for shorebirds, but the past few years the shorebirding there has been lackluster due to changing water levels in the lake. Therefore, this year we’re headed to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a well-known local birding hotspot.
The botanical garden’s woodland habitat and numerous walking trails will provide excellent birding opportunities as we search for colorful warblers, vireos, tanagers, and thrushes. You can read more about Birmingham Botanical Garden on the Alabama Birding Trails website.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an ideal spot to host a bird walk -- especially one intended for beginners. In its beautifully landscaped and wooded 40+ acres, the (mostly paved and easily accessible for most) paths offer an excellent complement of resident bird species, as well as good opportunities to spot migrants as they pass through, heading south for the colder months.
We would expect to see plenty of woodpeckers, nuthatches, Robins, Bluebirds, two or three species of hawks, multiple vireos, a few species of warblers, along with numerous Cardinals, Mockingbirds, Brown thrashers, Eastern towhees, some hummingbirds. This is an excellent opportunity to get into birding, or to get deeper into and better at birding, as you are escorted through the Gardens by your knowledgeable trip leaders.
Meet at the main gate of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens at 8:00 am.
The address is 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham AL 35223
LOCATION DETAILS: Parking is abundant, safe, and free at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Admission is free, and there are restrooms on-site. As the day may be quite warm, dress accordingly, and sunscreen and bug spray are wise choices. Feel free to bring water (though there are fountains onsite) and snacks. There are vending machines at the BBG, but you may wish to bring your own snacks and drinks.
ACCESSIBILITY: The main paths through the BBG are paved with asphalt and are flat or gently rolling, with the exception of one significant hill (which may be avoided). There are side paths, the majority of which are "improved" trails, mostly topped in crushed stone or the like. By and large, the property would be considered easily accessible for the majority of attendees.
TRIP LEADER: Linda Neighbors (205) 568-5554 // Hans Paul (205) 807-735
CANCELLATION The event will only be canceled in the event of hazardous conditions determined by staff or trip leaders. If you need to cancel at the last minute, please email or text your trip leaders.
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Picture Credit and Owner: Paul Franklin