Tom Imhof Beginner Bird Walk at Wheeler NWR

[Photo by Greg Harber]

Birmingham Audubon’s Tom Imhoff Beginner Bird Walk series continues in January, with a trip to Decatur’s Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re new to birding, returning after an absence, or just Interested in seeing some exceptional winter birds, we invite you to join us for an exciting day on the banks of the Tennessee River.

Located on the eastern edge of the Mississippi Flyway, Wheeler is renowned as a favorite resting place for a variety of migratory birds and winter waterfowl. Beginning with September’s influx of Blue-winged Teal, and continuing throughout October and November, the growth of winter waterfowl populations peaks in January. Together with gulls, wading birds, raptors, and others, these winter ducks contribute to a remarkable occurrence list that currently approaches three-hundred species.

Among the highlights of this annual trip, new birders can expect to see Canada Geese, Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, and a variety of gulls, ducks, pelicans. In recent years, Whooping Cranes have become increasingly probable, with numerous sightings since 2006. Twelve “whoopers” were recorded on this trip during the 2012–13 winter, and fourteen in 2013–14.

To reserve your spot on this free trip, please RSVP to our Outreach Director, Dr. Ansel Payne, via email: anselpayne@alaudubon.org. Please include your name, the expected number and ages of participants in your party, your cell number, email, and whether or not you’ll need us to provide binoculars.

On the morning of the trip, we’ll meet no later than 8 a.m. sharp in the Publix parking lot at Magnolia City Place, 655 Fieldstown Road, Gardendale, Alabama. From there, we’ll caravan north as a group up I-65 north to the Priceville exit (#334). We’ll reconvene at the Hardee’s restaurant located just off the exit at 9:30 a.m., before taking a short drive to the visitor’s center.

Hope to see you there!