Cost: Free
Capacity: 30
The Tombigbee River in west Alabama will be part two of our Birding by the River summer trip series. The beauty of birding west Alabama in late summer – a time of post-breeding dispersal and early migrants – is that one never knows what to expect, and several times we have seen unexpected species. Past years this trip has included Sandhill Crane, Black Tern, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole and Lark Sparrow, to name but a few. We may also have distant views of Wood Storks and both kite species.
Our first birding destination will be the Howell Heflin Lock and Dam on the banks of the Tombigbee River east of Gainesville on AL Hwy 39. We’ll spend about 90 minutes here, walking and birding along the access road (Turkey Paw Branch Road) and the lock facility. From here, we’ll travel north on County Road 20 a short way to the Pleasant Valley Cemetery area, where we can walk a dirt road looking for species typically found in bottomlands.
Following lunch in Gainesville at the Alabama Rib Shack (9316 State Street, Gainesville, AL), we’ll continue our Birding by the River adventure on the west side of the river, along County Road 85. Some years we have had luck finding kites coursing above the extensive fields at Tombigbee Farms, and Wood Storks plying the skies above the river to the east. We’ll then turn our focus in the direction of Epes, where we may see Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and Dickcissels. A stop to see the chalk-white cliffs of Epes is a must.
MEETING TIME AND PLACE Our departure point this day will once again be the McDonalds on US 31 in Hoover, located at 1731 Montgomery Highway (US 31) across from the Galleria. Plan to depart at 7:00 a.m. and caravan from there. We’ll make a short stop at the rest area at mile marker 39 on I-20/59. We should arrive at the rest area about 8:15 a.m. and at the Howell Heflin Lock and Dam at approximately 9:00 a.m., should you wish to meet us at either of these two locations.
TRIP LEADER Your trip leader for this event will be Greg Harber / 205-807-8055
ACCESSIBILITY This trip will entail a mix a roadside birding from the car and walking short distances (1/4 mile or so) along rural paved and dirt roads. The Alabama Rib Shack is handicapped accessible.
REMEMBER This is a daylong affair, so plan accordingly and bring plenty of drinks and snacks in addition to a full tank of gas, insect repellent, rain gear, and appropriate summer attire, a hat and sunblock.
REQUIRED Participants must complete the mandatory online waiver when registering. Please do not request registration for others when submitting your request.
CANCELLATION The event will only be canceled in the event of hazardous conditions. If you need to cancel at the last minute, please email or text your trip leaders.
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EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
Through more than seventy-five years of conservation work in one of our nation’s most ecologically rich states, Alabama Audubon has seen firsthand how diversity strengthens natural communities. This same principle applies to human communities, which is why our organization is committed to providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all Alabamians to learn about and enjoy wild birds, their habitats, and the natural world. One of the best ways to support that belief is by valuing and actively seeking to strengthen diversity among our staff, our board, and our membership. To that end, Alabama Audubon welcomes everyone to participate in our work, and strives to make our programs, classes, and events welcome, inclusive, and accessible to all.