North Alabama Birding Trail Visitor Guide

8/9/2019 North Alabama Birding Trail Visitor Guide

1/32

North Alabama

Birding Trail

North Alabama

Birding Trail

North Alabama

Birding Trail

North Alabama

Birding Trail

Fifty bird watching

sites in eleven

Alabama counties

Flock to the River Valley

Visitor Guide


2/32

For millions of years, the Tennessee River

has cut its way through the Cumberland

Plateau, carving the Tennessee Valley, one of

the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in

the south. Dense woodlands and rich waters

originally attracted prehistoric peoples and

started the long history of the area as a

commercial and cultural crossroads. Civil

War battles, engineering breakthroughs,

and trading links throughout the Mississippi

Basin have all contributed to a cultural rich-

ness which is complemented by a natural di-

versity of birds and other wildlife. Numerous

eastern woodland birds and waterfowl occurin abundance, joined by uncommon visitors

such as nesting Scissor-tailed Flycatch-

ers, vagrant gulls, sea ducks, grebes, loons,

shorebirds, and late fall vagrants en route to

the Gulf Coast.

Whether interested in a quiet morning walkor weeks of exploration, North Alabama is

sure to please. Landscapes in the region

range from tupelo swamps to blazing fields

of wildflowers, and towering forests of oak

and hickory to vast sheets of open water

replete with loafing waterfowl. As the

habitats vary through the valley, so do theseasons. Spring is heralded by the return of

neotropical songbirds that stop in while on

their journey northward. Summer is filled

with breeding woodland species such as

flashy Pileated and Red-headed woodpeck-

ers, boisterous Great-crested Flycatchers

and Carolina Wrens, and skulking Kentucky

and Swainsons warblers. In the fall, migrant

waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and a variety of

raptors return to spend the winter in the

valley, or at least pass through on their way

farther south. Once winters chill is in the

air, large roosts of Bald Eagles form and

stragglers from farther north can be found

with the abundant waterfowl and gulls.

Information

Restrooms

Handicap Access

Food

Parking

Canoeing

Boat Access

Fishing

Camping

Cabins/Lodge

Picnic Area

Hiking

Viewing Area

Lookout Tower

Biking

Water

Swimming

Beach Area

Visitors Center

Driving Trail

The symbols used here are those of the various signing (official and unofficial) used by the Forest Service in marking recreationand other accommodations throughout the national forests.Photo credits: Canal at Wheeler NWR/ADCNR, Keith Hudson. Cover images: Left column, (top) Birdwatching/Sumita Prasad, FERMATA, Inc.; (middle) SnowGeese/USFWS, Gary M. Stolz; (bottom) Bald Eagle/Walt Burch; (right) Belted Kingfisher/Alan Murphy. All plant line art: Mark Mohlenbrock/NRCS.2


3/32

The Northwest Loop of the North Alabama Birding Trail winds its way back and forth across Wheeler,

Wilson, and Pickwick Lakes, as it takes in an impressive variety of habitats and leads visitors to some

great birding. A main focus of the loop is three large reservoirs along the Tennessee River. Wilson Dam

and Waterloo, in particular, have been noted across the state for impressive congregations of winter

birds such as waterfowl, eagles, and gulls, as well as a long list of rare or vagrant species to the state.

Another site along this loop noted by avid birders is Leighton Ponds. This assemblage of flooded

sinkholes is one of the best sites for shorebird migration anywhere in interior Alabama. Farther down-

stream the historic Natchez Trace crosses through the far northwestern corner of Alabama offering

a wooded scenic byway complete with Barred Owls and Wild Turkeys. The nearby Rock Springs Nature

Trail is renowned for its concentrations of fall migrating hummingbirds. Each year, hundreds of Ruby-

throated Hummingbirds are joined by rare visitors from farther west.

If all this were not enough, Bankhead National Forest hosts some of Alabamas last great wilderness

areas providing extensive forested habitats for migratory and resident birds. Habitats in the nationalforest range from hemlock-cove hardwoods in lush canyons to fire maintained pine and oak woodlands.

Visitors can look forward to concentrations of wood warblers, including Cerulean, as well as numerous

vireos, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.

Add to these incredible avian attractions an area rich in history and culture. From the early Native

Americans who left us their mysterious mounds to the trials and tribulations of the Civil War, this

area has a great deal to offer. Enjoy world-renowned southern hospitality, and be sure to drop by theCoon Dog Cemetery for a bit of local flavor impossible to find anywhere else.

For tourist information contact:

Colbert County Tourism

& Convention Bureau

719 US Hwy 72 West

PO Box 740425

Tuscumbia, AL 35674

Phone: (256) 383-0783

(800) 344-0783

Fax: (256) 383-2080

www.colbertcountytourism.org

Florence/Lauderdale TourismOne Hightower Place

Florence, AL 35630

Phone: (256) 740-4141

(888) 356-8687

Fax: (256) 740-4142

www.flo-tour.org

Lawrence County Chamber

of Commerce

12001 AL Hwy 157PO Box 325

Moulton, AL 35650

Phone: (256) 974-1658

Fax: (256) 974-2400

www.lawrencealabama.com

Note: Icons correspond to local

tourist info sites shown on map

on pages 16 & 17.

Photo credits: (left) Wood Duck/Quincey Banks; (right) Cypress Swamp/ADCNR Photos; (bottom) water/Jeff Nadler

3

C

G

J

Northwest Loop


4/32

Site 2 Access: Free

GPS Coordinates: N 34.7940, W 87.3872

Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

TVA, SB 1H, PO Box 1010

Muscle Shoals, AL 35662-1010

Phone: (256) 386-2543

Give and Take

Hunters and anglers contribute

millions of dollars annually to the

protection and management of

wildlife habitat. These consumptiveusers of wildlife have long accepted

the need to pay for the privilege of

using wildlife resources. The obvious

example of this is hunting and fish-

ing licenses that must be acquired

annually. They also pay an excise tax

on hunting and fishing equipmentthat provides funds for wildlife con-

servation and habitat management.

Current trends in our society show

that more people are enjoying non-

consumptive uses of wildlife, like

birdwatching and photography.

One of the many challenges facing

wildlife managers in the 21st cen-

tury is securing continued funding

for important projects to meet the

needs of all users. One way non-

hunters can support conservation inAlabama in the short term is to pur-

chase a hunting and fishing license.

These funds will be used to continue

to conserve Alabamas precious

wildlife resources.

Site 1 Access: Free


Contact: ADCNR: Area Biologist

21438 Harris Station Road

Tanner, AL 35671

Phone: (256) 353-2634

Site 1: Mallard Fox Creek WildlifeManagement Area - Kiosk Site

Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter-section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter-nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south endof the Hudson Bridge just before it crossesthe Tennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alter-nate Hwy 72 west for 8.0 miles to CR 579.Turn right and drive 1.0 mile into the WMA.Follow the gravel road through the WMAabout a mile to the kiosk.

Description:A 1,483-acre Wildlife Manage-ment Area (WMA) along the southern shoreof Wheeler Lake that provides access to anumber of habitats including grasslands,agricultural fields, wildlife openings, andhardwood forest. This site offers numerousopportunities for viewing waterfowl, wadingbirds, woodland, and grassland songbirds.Scan the water for Wood Ducks and checkthe woodlands for mixed flocks of CarolinaChickadees and Tufted Titmice, migrant

warblers, and the occasional Downy Wood-pecker. The WMA is primarily managedfor Mourning Dove and small game hunting.This kiosk was provided by Nucor SteelDecatur, LLC as a contributing corporatepartner with Alabama Department of Con-servation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).

Site 2: Wheeler Dam SouthLanding

Directions: TVAs Wheeler Dam crosses theriver on AL Hwy 101. This site is the recre-ation area on the south side of the dam.Turn west off Hwy 101 and follow the road0.5 mile to the boat landing.

Description: Completed in 1936, WheelerDam was the first Tennessee ValleyAuthority (TVA) hydroelectric dam on theTennessee River. This dam impounds the67,100 acre Wheeler Lake, creating a poolof abundant habitat for waterfowl, wadingbirds, shorebirds, and gulls. Scan the waterfor Double-crested Cormorants and Com-mon Loons, as well as a variety of wintering

waterfowl during the colder months of theyear. Bird activity below the TVA dam picksup considerably when TVA moves waterthrough the dams turbines, producing richfeeding grounds for opportunistic Ring-billed, Bonapartes, and Herring gulls.

Great Blue Heron/William Gates

Osprey/William Gates

ADCNR Photos

4


5/32

Site 4 Access: Free, parking on the shoulder of

the road, no amenities


Site: Town Creek Marsh

Contact: Unmanaged site with no contact

Phone: None

Site 4: Town Creek Marsh

Directions: From the south side of WheelerDam on AL Hwy 101, continue south 2.9miles. Turn right (west) onto Fosters MillRoad, cross Town Creek and drive 2.1 milesto the bend in the road. The marsh is onthe right.

Description: This site is a small marsh in thebend of Fosters Mill Road, overlooking TownCreek. It is an excellent place to see railsfeeding on the mudflats during appropri-ate times of year. The marsh also supportsa variety of wading birds and waterfowl,

especially during the winter months. Fromthe roadside, scan the edges of the numer-ous reed beds for Virginia Rails. They cansometimes be seen wandering away fromthese thick reed beds, although they areoften seen probing along the edges orwading quietly from just inside the edge.The area beyond the marsh is also goodfor loafing wading birds like Great BlueHerons and many species of waterfowl inthe winter.

Site 5: Leighton Ponds

Directions: From the intersection of CR 22and CR 48 in Leighton, southeast of MuscleShoals, AL go 3 miles east on CR 22. Turnnorth (left) onto CR 69 (Fennell Road) andtravel 1.8 miles. Site is on the shoulder ofthe road with ponds and sinks on eitherside of the road. Just north of this area,Fennel Road intersects with CR 24. Go west

on CR 24 for 6 miles to Gnat Pond - anotherseries of roadside sinkhole ponds. Visitorsshould note - birding at these stops will befrom public right-of-way roadside only, withviewing overlooking private lands. As theland is private, appropriate courtesy shouldbe given for low visitor impact and no tres-pass. There is no onsite interpretation.

Description:The Leighton ponds sites are a

series of sinkholes and semi-floodedagricultural fields, which are excellent forwading and shorebirds. Scan the muddierareas for resident Killdeer alongsidemigrants such as Semipalmated Plover andLeast Sandpiper. In larger sinkholes, searchfor Green Herons, American Coots, andperhaps a Common Moorhen. Each pondcan vary greatly in the amount of water itholds, and therefore, the types of micro-habitats could range from mudflats to deep

water. Regular checking of this area is sureto turn up some real surprises.

Site 5 Access: Free, roadside viewing, parking

shoulder of road only, no amenities


Contact: Unmanaged site with no contact

Phone: None

Site 3 Access: Free


Contact: ADCNR Joe Wheeler State Park

201 McLean Drive

Rogersville, AL 35652

Phone: (256) 247-5466

Site 3: Joe Wheeler State Park

Directions: AL Hwy 101 crosses the river onWheeler Dam. From the north end of thedam go north 3.0 miles, turn right (east)on US Hwy 72 and drive 4.3 miles. Theentrance to the park is on the right.

Description:This resort park is completewith extensive facilities, including a resortlodge, restaurant, and marina. The parkprovides access to the north side ofWheeler Lake and associated backwaters,

which are often good for waterbirds. Thepark also holds several patches of decidu-ous hardwoods crisscrossed by marked for-est trails for woodland birding. As you walkthe trails, enjoy the cheery call-and-answersong of Red-eyed Vireos and the endlesshiccoughsof Summer Tanagers. Alongquiet backwaters look for Wood Ducks andCanada Geese with their downy young inthe summer. In the winter, when the water

dramatically recedes, these same areas arefilled with shorebirds probing the mud fortasty snacks.

Red-eyed Vireo/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Mike Hopiak

Common Yellowthroat/USFWS, Dave Menke

Green Heron/Ted Lee Eubanks, FERMATA, Inc.

5


6/32

6

Site 7 Access: Free





Phone: (256) 386-2543

Site 6 Access: Free





Phone: (256) 386-2543

Site 6: Wilson Dam VisitorCenter - Kiosk Site

Directions: TVAs Wilson Dam crosses theTennessee River between Florence andMuscle Shoals, AL. The Wilson Dam VisitorCenter is on the Muscle Shoals side of theriver at the dams southern end. The kioskat the Visitor Center will orient and guidevisitors to nearby trails and sites availablefor birding.

Description: This site is where TVAs hydro-electric dam impounds the 15,500-acreWilson Reservoir. This was the first damconstructed on the Tennessee River in Ala-bama. Construction began on the dam in1918, was completed in 1924, and acquiredby TVA in 1933. Together with Pickwickand Wheeler reservoirs, this dam madethe treacherous Muscle Shoals navigablefor river trade and transport. As with theother dams in northern Alabama, this siteis excellent for gulls, as thousands of Ring-

billed, Herring, and Bonapartes gulls arefound regularly. Birders should study thesegulls carefully and look for a surprise or twosuch as a Laughing or Great Black-backedgull, or even a Black-legged Kittiwake. Inlate summer, scan the wooded islands forBlack-crowned and Yellow-crowned NightHerons amongst the more common GreatBlue Herons and Great Egrets.

Site 7: Wilson Dam RockpileRecreation Area

Directions: From the Wilson Dam VisitorCenter (see directions Site 6), take

Reservation Road west for 0.3 mile.Turn right (north) at the TVA RockpileRecreation Area sign. Follow this road tothe recreation area below the dam.

Description:The Rockpile Recreation Areasits at the base of Wilson Dam. This areaprovides basic camping and picnicking fa-cilities in a wooded setting along the edgeof Pickwick Reservoir. Woodlands in thepark are attractive to numerous songbirds,

while the reservoir attracts a variety ofwaterfowl, wading birds, gulls, and raptors.Check around the campground for nestingGreat-crested Flycatchers, while a flash oforange/red may announce the arrival of aBaltimore or Orchard Oriole. Visitors maywant to bring a spotting scope to scan thenumerous gulls that line the rocky islandsbelow the dam.

Site 8: Tennessee ValleyAuthority Reservation

Directions: From the Wilson Dam VisitorsCenter (see directions Site 6), take Reser-vation Road west for 2.2 miles. Turn right(north) at the TVA Nature Trails sign.

Description: The TVA Reservation hostsa number of walking trails that meanderthrough woodland, fields, and along theTennessee River. This is one of the fewreliable areas in northern Alabama forSwainsons Warblers, which nest near theend of the 2.6-mile bicycle/jogging trail.Other species to look and listen for in sum-mer include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, AcadianFlycatcher, and Wood Thrush. Follow thetrail to the reservoir, and in the winter, lookfor Pied-billed and Horned grebes alongside

Buffleheads and Common Goldeneye.

Site 8 Access: Free





Phone: (256) 386-2543

Acadian Flycatcher/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Greg W. Lasley

Great Blue Heron with chicks/Quincey Banks

Adult Bonapartes Gull/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, J. Surman

6


7/32

7

Site 9 Access: Free


Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd.

Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243

Site 9: Key Cave NationalWildlife Refuge - Kiosk Site

Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy

72 and AL Hwy 20 in Florence, AL, travelwest on Hwy 20 for 2.0 miles to CR 2/Gunwaleford Road. Turn left and continuewest on CR 2/Gunwaleford Road for 4.0miles to CR 223. Turn left onto this gravelroad and head south for 1.5 miles until itsintersection with a second gravel road. Turnright and drive for 0.6 miles to the refugeon your left. Look for the concrete parkingsite and the birding trail kiosk.

Description: Key Cave National Wildlife Ref-uge (NWR) has large open fields managedfor warm season native grasses inter-spersed with small patches of deciduouswoodland and a seasonal sinkhole wetland.The refuge is gradually being convertedfrom crops to native warm season grass-lands. The benefit of this restoration isimmediately apparent from the dozens ofsinging Grasshopper Sparrows and Dickcis-

sels that can be heard calling across therefuge. The refuges primary purpose is toprotect Key Cave (not open to the public),which is home to the endangered AlabamaCavefish. This fishs global distribution islimited to this one cave where it is closelylinked to the unique ecology of seasonallyflooded waters beneath an active Gray Batroost. The Gray Bat droppings make a nutri-ent rich soup that supports the AlabamaCavefish as well as several endangered

cave crayfish and other invertebrates.

Site 10: Natchez Trace ParkwayRock Springs Nature Trail

Directions: From Cherokee, AL, at thejunction of US Hwy 72 and Natchez TraceParkway, go north on the Natchez TraceParkway for 9.8 miles to the parking areafor Rock Springs Nature Trail on the right.

Description: Situated along the NatchezTrace Parkway just north of the Tennes-see River, this idyllic wooded area holds a20-minute nature trail that follows ColbertCreek to Rock Springs. The creek is inter-mittently dammed by Beavers, creatingan impressive wetland abounding with avariety of resident and wintering birds. The

edges of the wetland hold an abundance oforange jewelweed, which attracts hundredsof Ruby-throated Hummingbirds each fall.Careful inspection of the area has turnedup several species that are only vagrantsto Alabama including Black-chinned andRufous hummingbirds. Check the NatchezTrace Parkway in spring and early summerfor neotropical migrants including White-eyed, Yellow-throated, and Red-eyed Vireosas well as several breeding wood warblerssuch as Hooded and Kentucky warblers andLouisiana Waterthrush. These waters alsosupport the huge, but rarely seen Hell-bender the largest species of salamanderin North America.

Site 10 Access: Free


Contact: National Park Service (NPS)

Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters

2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804

Phone: (800) 305-7417

Kentucky Warbler/Bob Sargent

Northern Harrier/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Robert E. Barber

The Karst Landscape at KeyCave NWR - Dissolving Bed-rock and Collapsing Soil

The term karst refers to a land-

scape that is pockmarked with sink-holes and numerous caves. Karst

areas usually host abundant springs.

These landscapes are formed when

water seeps through a thin layer of

soil into fractured bedrock, usually

made of limestone. Water moves

through fractured bedrock, andover tens of thousands of years it

dissolves and enlarges pathways

through the rock. Once formed,

these pathways act as drains,

diverting water underground.

Where are all the streams?

In karst landscapes, water flows be-

neath the soil through underground

streams in the limestone. When

these underground pathways are

large enough for a human to crawl

through, they are characterized ascaves. As the water continues to

travel through the rock, it will even-

tually reappear at lower elevations

as a spring.

Sinkhole at Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge/USFWS, Steve Seibert

7


8/32



Contact: National Park Service (NPS)

Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters

2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804

Phone: (800) 305-7417



Contact: ADCNR

PO Box 1314

Florence, AL 35630

Phone: (256) 760-8670

Site 11: Waterloo

Directions: From the junction of CR 14 andCR 1, just east of the town of Waterloo, go1.5 north on CR 1 to a TVA picnic area alongthe lakeshore on the left.

Description: The town of Waterloo sits a few

miles west of the Natchez Trace Parkwayin northwestern Alabama. The area is re-nowned for its concentration of Bald Eaglesthat congregate here in the winter months.Sightings of half a dozen eagles are quitecommon, and at times over twenty havebeen seen on a single gravel bank! Theeagles also nest in the area, so while theycan be seen year-round, their concentra-tions are most impressive in the winter.

Winter is also the best time for viewingwaterfowl. All three species of mergansersoccur regularly, with Red-breasted beingthe most numerous. During spring andsummer, listen for woodland species alongthe lake edge.

Site 12: Natchez Trace ParkwayColbert Ferry

Directions: From Cherokee, AL, at thejunction of US Hwy 72 and Natchez TraceParkway go north on the Natchez TraceParkway for 7 miles. Turn left at the ColbertFerry sign and follow the signs to the picnicarea and boat launch.

Description: Colbert Ferry provides accessto a number of wooded habitats, including

a Beaver pond with lots of standing deadtimber. Check this area for Red-headedand other woodpeckers. Closer to theshore, search the trees for White-breastedNuthatches year-round and Orchard Oriolesand Eastern Kingbirds in the summer.The park also provides excellent views ofPickwick Reservoir; in summer, watch forCliff and Barn Swallows foraging over openwater. In winter, scan the open water of thereservoir for Double-crested Cormorants

and Common Loons among the numer-ous diving ducks. Scan the trees along theshoreline for perched Bald Eagles. Anevening stroll is usually accompaniedby the calls of Barred Owls and EasternScreech Owls. The Natchez Trace Parkwaystretches 444 miles from Natchez, MS toNashville, TN with 33 miles of this NationalScenic Byway and All American Road inNW Alabama.

Site 13: Freedom Hills WildlifeManagement Area Walking Trail

Directions: From Cherokee, AL, at thejunction of US Hwy 72 and Natchez TraceParkway, go east on Hwy 72 for 2.4 miles toCR 21/White Pike Rd. Turn right onto WhitePike Rd. and head south 8.5 miles into the

WMA to the site marker. Continue on CR 21for another 2.5 miles to visit the famousCoon Dog Cemetery.

Description: This walking trail is one of manynumerous gravel and dirt hunter accessroads on the WMA, which leads visitors intoa variety of productive habitats rangingfrom old fields to mature hardwood forest.These habitats are interspersed with wild-

life openings planted for deer, turkey, andother game species. Search the scrubbyfields for Yellow-breasted Chats and IndigoBuntings, which can be heard much moreeasily than seen. In the forest, listen for theinsect-like buzzes and croaks of North-ern Parulas and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. Anocturnal visit should turn up Chuck-wills-widows as well as Barred Owls and EasternScreech-Owls.

Just down the road lies the famous KeyUnderwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery.These hallowed grounds have become thefinal resting place for raccoon hunting dogsfrom all across the South. Stop by and payyour respects to these great hounds andadmire the creative tombstones raisedto remember them. The grounds of thecemetery are also a good spot to listenfor Summer Tanagers and Yellow-billed

Cuckoos, joined in migration by a varietyof vireos and warblers.




4200 White Pike

Cherokee, AL 35616

Phone: (256) 359-6208

8

Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area/ADCNR Photos

Common Goldeneye/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Mike Hopiak

Bald Eagles/USFWS


9/32



Contact: U.S. Forest Service

District Ranger, Bankhead National Forest

PO Box 278, Double Springs, AL 35553

(205) 489-5111, www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama



Contact: U.S. Forest Service

District Ranger, Bankhead National Forest

PO Box 278, Double Springs, AL 35553

Phone: (205) 489-5111, www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama

Site 14: Bankhead NationalForest - Central Firetower -Kiosk Site

Directions: From the intersection of AL Hwy24 and AL Hwy 33 in Moulton, head southon Hwy 33 for 11.4 miles into BankheadNational Forest. The orientation kiosk islocated by the firetower.

Description: Bankhead National Forestencompasses 180,000 acres of publicland crisscrossed with hundreds of milesof deep canyons, providing an adventur-ous environment for hours or days ofexploration. Habitats in the national forestrange from old fields to mature pine andhardwood forests. The area is renowned for

its breeding Cerulean Warblers, which canbe found in several of the heavily woodedcanyon bottoms. Check amongst the pinesfor resident Pine Warblers and Brown-headed Nuthatches and explore the trailsat night for Chuck-wills-widows and BarredOwls. With so many impressive waterfalls,clear streams, and deep verdant forests toexplore, Bankhead National Forest is sureto be a favorite for many visits to come.

Site 15: Bankhead National ForestSipsey Wilderness Trailhead

Directions: From the Central Firetower Kiosk(see site 14), go 2.5 miles south on AL Hwy33. Turn right onto CR 60/Cranal Road andfollow it for 3.9 miles to the Sipsey Wilder-ness Trailhead, located near the SipseyRiver Picnic Area.

Description: Step back into primordial timeswith tinkling waterfalls and moss-coveredstones decorating one of the finest forestsAlabama has to offer. This verdant foresttrail rings each spring with the songs of Ce-rulean and Black-throated Green warblers,the cheery sounds of Summer and Scarlettanagers and the strident calls of Ovenbirdsas they forage about on the forest floor. Asyou explore this area, search the moist leaflitter for American Woodcock and Chuck-

wills-widows, birds with such incrediblecamouflage that you may only notice themas they explode from under your feet!

Endangered Species?

Many of the birds in Bankhead

National Forest are only temporary

visitors who come here to breed

and raise their young each summer,

when the weather is warm and the

insects are abundant. They head

south each fall when the woods

become too chilly to supply ample

food. On their journey, these birds,

known as neotropical migrants, may

fly over a thousand miles to seek

refuge in the warm, tropical climate

of Central and South America.

Each year, Cerulean Warblers breed

in the forest canopy along the

Sipsey River. Male Cerulean

Warblers are a real crowd-pleaser,with their cerulean blue head,

back, and wings that contrast with

a bright white belly and throat. The

females are less flashy, with the

same pattern repeated in muted

greenish-blue tones.

Bankhead National Forest is one of

the few places in Alabama that the

Cerulean Warbler can still call home.

Although these neotropical migrants

once flourished, studies indicate

that Cerulean Warblers have de-

clined at an alarming rate over thelast forty years. Researchers sug-

gest over 70% of the population of

this handsome bird has disappeared

due to habitat loss in both North and

South America.

9

Barred Owl/Walt Burch

Cerulean Warbler/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Bill Dyer


10/32

10 Waterfall at Hurricane Creek Park/John Wesley McCrary


11/32

Located in the heart of Alabamas Tennessee River Valley, the Central portion of the North Alabama

Birding Trail provides incredible birding for longtime residents or short-term visitors. With the pres-

ence of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge running between Decatur and Huntsville, birds and other

wildlife are guaranteed on any visit. The habitat diversity on Wheeler and this region should provide

the visitor with an astounding diversity of bird species as well.

Wheeler NWR is well-known for its impressive concentrations and diversity of waterfowl each winter.

The refuge has raised waterfowl-watching to an art form with its impressive interpretive facilitiesand improved wetlands. Add to this, flocks of wintering Sandhill Cranes, Tupelo Swamps ringing with

the songs of Prothonotary Warblers, and Ospreys fishing right next to the road. Youll soon extend

your stay.

Spring is, perhaps, the best time to visit, for wintering birds are about to leave and the summer resi-

dents have just arrived. This is the time to carefully check sites like Dancy Bottoms and Monte Sano

State Park for concentrations of wood warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles as they head northto nest and raise their young. It is not unusual to record over 100 species of birds in a single morning

at this time of year, including some of the states most uncommon species.

A break from the water and the woods is available at the 3M Wildlife Area and the Winfred Thomas

Agriculture Research Station where grassland and open country species including Dickcissel, Grass-

hopper Sparrow, and Northern Bobwhite dominate the landscape. With a little luck, visitors might even

spy a few Scissor-tailed Flycatchers.

Photo credits: (left) Yellow Warbler/Bob Sargent; (right) Swamp Sparrow/USFWS, John and Karen Hollingsworth; (bottom) grass/ADCNR Photos

11


Athens/Limestone County

Chamber of Commerce

101 Beaty St.

PO Box 150

Athens, AL 35612

Phone: (256) 232-2600

Fax: (256) 232-2609

www.tourathens.com

Cullman Area Chamber of

Commerce301 2nd Ave. SW

PO Box 1104

Cullman, AL 35056

Phone: (256) 734-0454

(800) 313-5114

Fax: (256) 737-7443

www.visitcullman.org

Decatur/Morgan County

Convention & Visitors Bureau

719 6th Ave. SE

PO Box 2349

Decatur, AL 35601

Phone: (256) 350-2028

(800) 524-6181

Fax: (256) 350-2054

www.decaturcvb.org

Huntsville/Madison County

Convention & Visitors Bureau

500 Church St., Suite 1Huntsville, AL 35801

Phone: (256) 551-2230

(800) space-4-U

Fax: (256) 551-2324

www.huntsville.org


tourist info sites shown on map

on pages 16 & 17.

B

D

E

I

Central Loop


12/32





Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243

Site 16: Wheeler National WildlifeRefuge Visitor Center

Directions: If approaching the refuge fromthe west from the intersection of US Hwy31 and AL Hwy 67 in southern Decatur, AL,travel east 1.9 miles to the entrance of theVisitor Center on the right. If approachingthe refuge from the east and I-65 from theintersection of Hwy 67 and I-65, take Hwy

67 and travel 2.8 miles west to the VisitorCenter on the left.

Description: Wheeler National WildlifeRefuges (NWRs) showpiece Visitor Cen-ter serves as the gateway to the NorthAlabama Birding Trail. The Visitor Centerhosts a series of interpretive exhibits thatexplain the refuges numerous residents,the ecology of these organisms, as well asinformation on the early human residents

of the Tennessee River Valley. After visitingthe Center, explore the short trails in thearea that lead to an impressive observa-tion building. This temperature-controlledfacility is ideal for watching the hundredsof geese, ducks, and Sandhill Cranes thatspend the winter on the refuge. With twostories and several spotting scopes for visi-tors use, the building is perfect for largegroups or introducing new birders to the

wonders of northern Alabamas birdlife.

Site 17: Decatur HospitalityNature Park - Kiosk Site

Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter-section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter-nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south endof the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses

the Tennessee River), take US Hwy 31 northacross the river for 1.7 miles. The park ison the left (west) at the north end of thecauseway.

Description: The Decatur Hospitality NaturePark, and nearby US Hwy 31 Causeway andDecatur Boat Harbor provide a great oppor-tunity to scan the waters of the TennesseeRiver for winter waterfowl and shorebirds.This area is one of the first sites to developmudflats in the fall as water levels beginto drop. Scan any suitable perches forOspreys which prey on the abundant fish.In years past, this area has turned up someexciting rarities for Alabama; be sure andcarefully scan the rafts of Canvasbacks,Common Goldeneyes, and mergansers forGreater Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks, scoters,and other surprises. At the day use park,be sure to check out the walking trail which

winds through an impressive bottomlandhardwood forest.



Contact: City of Decatur

Decatur CVB

Phone: (256) 350-2028

History of a River Crossing

The city of Decatur began as a sim-

ple Cherokee river-crossing. Over

time, more people learned of the

beauty of the Tennessee Valley, and

the river-crossing became a ferry-

crossing. Known first as McDaniels

Ferry, and then Rhodes Ferry,

Decatur was named after Commo-

dore Stephen Decatur in 1820 and

officially incorporated in 1826.

The town grew and prospered with

the increase of the railroad indus-

try. Decatur became the eastern

terminus of the first railroad west

of the Appalachians, the Decatur to

Tuscumbia line. The rail line carried

goods around the infamous Muscle

Shoals, but the presence of the rail-

way led to a dark time in the towns

history, as both the North and the

South fought for control of the line.

At the end of the Civil War, all but

four of the towns buildings had

been destroyed.

Once rebuilt, the town prospered

post-Civil War, and the Tennessee

River became a major artery for

trade in the area. The taming of the

Muscle Shoals and the development

of TVAs network of dams laid the

way for even more trade, as naviga-

tion was made easier. Decatur is now

linked to over 650 miles of naviga-

ble waterways, stretching from the

Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

Sandhill Cranes/Walt Burch

American Coots/USFWS

12


13/32



Contact: BP-Amoco Companies

PO Box 2215

Decatur, AL 25609

Phone: (256) 340-5356

Site 18: BP-AmocoEnvironmental Trail

Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter-section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter-nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end ofthe Hudson Bridge just before it crosses theTennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72west 4.7 miles to Finley Island Road. Turn

right onto Finley Island Rd. and go 0.9 mileto the signboard and marsh overlook on theleft (west) side.

Description: In the middle of the extensiveagricultural fields that lie just west ofDecatur, BP-Amoco has preserved a cornerof prime woodland and marsh habitat.This area is worth stopping to check formarshland residents such as Red-wingedBlackbirds and Common Yellowthroats dur-

ing spring and summer months. At othertimes of the year, the marsh could producea variety of waterfowl including WoodDuck and American Coots. Some carefulsearching could also turn up a Virginia Railor Sora. The neighboring woodlands host avariety of nesting songbirds, and the fieldsshould be checked for wintering sparrows.While not open to the general public, thenearby Wetlands Edge Learning Center is

available for school groups.

Site 19: 3M Wildlife Area -Kiosk Site

Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter-section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter-nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end ofthe Hudson Bridge just before it crosses theTennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72west 4.7 miles to Finley Island Road. Turnright onto Finley Island Rd, and go 0.9 mileto the parking area and grassland trails onthe right (east) side.

Description: This large open grassy area iscurrently owned by 3M and is a great ex-ample of early agricultural field succession.The company has plans to manage thisarea for native warm season grasses thatwill enhance the areas value for wildlife.Visitors should follow the trails through thegrassland, and look and listen for Dickcis-sels and Grasshopper Sparrows amongstthe numerous Eastern Meadowlarks.

Overhead, Purple Martins can be seensearching for insects, and LoggerheadShrikes may be seen flashing over grassesbefore dive-bombing for prey. Some ofthe rarer species that occasionally visitthe area include Scissor-tailed Flycatcher,Henslows Sparrow, and Bobolink.



Contact: 3M Company

1400 State Docks Rd., PO Box 2206

Decatur, AL 25609

Phone: (256) 552-6631

Industrial Cooperation

Since the creation of the Tennes-

see Valley Authority, industrial

companies have been attracted to

Northern Alabama for a number

of reasons, including affordable elec-

tricity. Over the years, a large por-

tion of Wheeler Reservoirs shoreline

was purchased by these industries.

Abundant water supply and access

to barge transport provide added in-

centives for these industries as they

continue to grow in this area.

In an attempt to give back to the

valley they now occupy, many

industrial giants are cooperating

with the Alabama Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources

to employ new conservation strate-

gies to manage current land hold-

ings for wildlife.

3M Corporation has shown steward-

ship by planting over 200 acres in

native warm season grasses on their

NABT site. Also, Nucor Steel Deca-

tur, LLC has been a valuable partner

with ADCNR providing funding and

materials for Mallard-Fox Creek

WMA site.

Grasshopper Sparrow/Walt Burch

Red-wing Blackbird/Ted Lee Eubanks, FERMATA, Inc.

13

Wildlife habitat along the Tennessee River/ADCNR, Keith Hudson


14/32



Contact: ADCNR

21438 Harris Station Road

Tanner, AL 35671

Phone: (256) 353-2634

Site 21: Swan Creek WildlifeManagement Area

Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter-section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter-nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end ofthe Hudson Bridge just before it crosses theTennessee River), take US Hwy 31 north for4.0 miles. Turn left (west) onto the ThomasL. Hammons/Harris Station Road. Follow

this road for 4.6 miles. Turn left (south)onto Dairy Road and go 0.7 mile to theboat landing.

Description: This state wildlife managementarea on the Tennessee River is managedfor waterfowl and small game althoughit supports many more species. Mudflatscan be covered with shorebirds, serv-ing as a key attraction to this area in the

fall. Search among the typical yellowlegsand Killdeer for unusual species such asAmerican Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, orBairds Sandpiper. The area is also good formigrant passerines in spring and fall whenbirds traveling to their winter and summergrounds stop over for a rest. During thistime, shorebirds and waterfowl can also at-tract hungry raptors such as Bald Eagles.

Site 22: Round IslandRecreation Area

Directions:In north Decatur, AL at the inter-section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter-nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south endof the Hudson Bridge just before it crossesthe Tennessee River), take US Hwy 31 northfor 8.1 miles. Turn left onto CR 25/NuclearPlant Road and go 6.8 miles. At CR 41/Cow-ford Rd., turn left and drive south 2 milesinto the park.

Description: The Round Island Recreation

Area provides access to the north side ofthe Tennessee River and an excellent van-tage point for viewing winter waterfowl aswell as cormorants, loons, and grebes. Thepine woodland that surrounds the campingarea is scattered with songbirds such asRed-breasted Nuthatches and numerouskinglets in winter. In summer, explore theriver and its numerous inhabitants via acanoe or just pick a quiet place under oneof the many trees to peruse the water.



Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority



Phone: (256) 386-2543



Contact: US Fish & Wildlife (USFWS)


Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243

Site 20: Wheeler NWR - WhiteSprings Dike

Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter-section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter-nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end ofthe Hudson Bridge just before it crosses theTennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72north across the river 2.0 miles to the pull-out on the right (east) side of the road.

Description: White Spring Dike on WheelerNWR is one of the premier birding sites ofthe Tennessee River Valley in Alabama. Thedike runs between a dewatering area onthe north side and the Tennessee River on

the south. Intrepid birders can walk for over8 miles along the dike, getting excellentviews of waterfowl and shorebirds on eitherside. Search for neotropical migrants in thewoodland bordering the dike and listen forYellow and Prothonotary warblers whichnest in the area. Other surprises that turnup on occasion include American Bitternand Sora. Birders should note - it requiresextensive walking to access the best bird-ing; however, the diversity of species thatcan be seen is well worth the hike.

American Bittern/Ted Lee Eubanks, FERMATA, Inc.

Greater Yellowlegs/Jeff Nadler

Double-crested Cormorant/Walt Burch

14


15/32





Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243





Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243

Site 23: Wheeler NWR -Arrowhead Landing

Directions: From I-565 west of Huntsvilletake Exit 2 and travel south .1 mile to theOld AL Hwy 20. Turn right and go 0.7 mile.Turn left (south) on a gravel road and follow

this road for 1.6 miles. Take the left fork atthe Wheeler NWR entrance sign and travelanother 0.4 mile to the landing.

Description: Located just off I-565, this siteprovides access to another corner of thefertile Wheeler Reservoir and the Tennes-see River. Watch the open water for raftsof Lesser Scaup, Red-breasted Mergansers,Green-winged Teal, Common Loons, andperhaps some surprises. At times of lowwater, check the mudflats for migrantshorebirds and the shallows for wadingbirds such as Great Blue Heron and GreatEgret. There is always the chance thatyou will hear the loud rattle of a BeltedKingfisher as it announces its presence anddarts on by.

Site 24: Wheeler NWR -Beaverdam Peninsula Tower

Directions: From the intersection of I-565

and Greenbrier Road, near Greenbrier, AL,take Exit 3 onto Greenbrier Road. Travel 1.8miles south to the road fork. Take the rightfork and travel 0.6 mile until the road turnssharply to the right, but continue straightahead onto the gravel road and take an im-mediate left. Tower will be visible a couplehundred yards farther along the gravelrefuge road on the right.

Description: A visit to the BeaverdamPeninsula Tower in the summer may makevisitors wonder why the tower is even men-tioned. This broad observation platform sitsin wheat and corn fields dotted with a fewRed-winged Blackbirds. While a visit in thesummer might not impress, once the windsof fall are in the air, this drastically changes.During the colder months, the broadobservation platform is situated right in thecenter of an all-the-birds-can-eat buffet.

Every morning and evening, hundreds ofSandhill Cranes and Snow Geese fill thefields, loafing about or picking at the seedsfrom last summers crop. This wonderfulconcentration of bird life should be checkedcarefully for unusual hangers-on such asGreater White-fronted and Ross geese.

Site 25: Wheeler NWR -Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

Directions: From intersection of I-65 andI-565 drive east towards Huntsville for 6.6miles. Take Exit 5 and travel on the over-pass north back over I-565, and continueon this road east paralleling I-565 on yourright. Continue for 0.4 miles until you reachCounty Line Road where you can turn rightand take another overpass back over I-565to the south side again. Take the first roadto your right after crossing over I-565 andcontinue back west for 2 miles until it deadends at the site.

Description: The Beaverdam SwampBoardwalk leads the visitor into the heartof the largest Tupelo Swamp in Alabama.While exploring the boardwalk, watch the

canopy for active flocks of Tufted Titmice,Red-eyed Vireos, and a variety of warblers.The swamp usually rings with the songs offrogs, insects, and numerous birds includ-ing Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great-crestedFlycatcher, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Attimes, the abundant standing dead timberattracts a variety of woodpeckers includingPileated, Red-bellied, and Downy. Later inthe day, there is a chance for the statelyBarred Owl, whose distinct hooting is moreoften heard deep inside the swamp.





Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243

Tupelo Swamp/ADCNR Photos

Snow Geese/William Gates

Great Egret/Ted Lee Eubanks, FERMATA, Inc.

15


16/32


17/32

Sweet as Tupelo Honey


18/32





Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243

Site 26: Wheeler NWR -Blackwell Swamp

Directions: The intersection of County LineRoad and I-565 west of Huntsville, AL, liesbetween I-565 Exits 5 and 7. Note: Thereis no interstate exit at the intersection, as

here US Hwy 72 parallels I-565. CountyLine Road may be accessed from I-565Exit 7 by traveling west on Hwy 72, or fromI-565 Exit 5 by traveling east on Hwy 72 fora short distance. From the intersection, gosouth on County Line Road for 5.9 miles.Turn left (east) on Jolly B. Road. To accessthe west side of Blackwell Swamp, continueon Jolly B. Road 0.6 mile to the WheelerNWR sign and continue on the refuge ac-cess road for another 0.8 mile to a small

canoe landing. To access the east sideof the swamp, turn left (east) on anotherrefuge access road off Jolly B. Road a fewhundred yards before the Wheeler NWRsign. This road will carry you to the northand east sides of the swamp. An easternviewing and canoe access point is 1.7 milesdown this road.

Description: The flooded woodland and

marsh of Blackwell Swamp can be exploredby car, on foot, or by canoe. This extensivearea hosts a variety of wetland speciesincluding Great Blue and Green heronsand Great Egret. The striking ProthonotaryWarbler can be plentiful in the spring whenthe males are actively singing from everyfeasible vantage point, in hopes of courtinga mate. With numerous dead trees in thearea, look for Red-headed and Pileatedwoodpeckers as they flash their red, white,

and black colors in this sea of green.

Site 27: Winfred ThomasAgricultural Research Station

Directions: From the intersection of I-565and US 231/431 (Memorial Parkway) inHuntsville, AL, take Exit 19B onto US231/431 and drive 12.5 miles north. Turnright (east) onto Walker Lane and go 0.6mile to the ARS sign and gate on the right.Visitors should note that the gate into thefield station is periodically closed, at whichtime only walk-in birding is allowed.

Description:The extensive grasslands and

agricultural fields associated with AlabamaA&Ms field station provide a rare area ofopen country filled with native birds. Birdthe area by making frequent stops, andlook for Grasshopper Sparrows, Dickcissel,and Eastern Meadowlarks. Scan the openagriculture fields for other sparrows suchas Chipping and Field. In winter, these fieldshost Northern Harriers and Short-earedOwls, which can be seen patrolling over theextensive grasslands. The star attraction atthe research station are the Scissor-tailedFlycatchers, which can be found in springand early summer perched on small treesand fences across the area.



Contact: Alabama A&M Research Station

372 Walker Lane

Hazel Green, AL 35762

Phone: (256) 372-4248

Pileated Woodpecker/Perry C. Covington

Dickcissel/USFWS, Steve Maslowski

Sweet as Tupelo Honey

The Water Tupelo, or Swamp Tupelo,

as some call it, is one of the few

trees in North America specially

adapted to grow in a constantly

flooded environment. These flooded

conditions create one of the most

distinctive habitats in northern

Alabama, the Tupelo Swamp. The

continuous flow of water brings a

steady stream of nutrients directly

to the roots of the tupelo. Leaves

and fruit that fall from the trees

absorb the water. In exchange,

these leaves and fruits release

tannins that color the water brown

and nutrients that continue to feed

the trees. The small dark blue fruits

are a favorite of Wood Ducks and

Wild Turkey, and they make an en-

ergy-rich contribution to their diet.

Grassland Birds are Declining

Across North America, grassland

bird species are declining. Although

not fully understood, in many cases,

these declines are due to loss of

breeding habitat. As more open

fields are paved or as invasive spe-

cies choke out native ones, these

birds are losing their homes. In an

attempt to reverse this trend, the

Alabama Department of Conser-

vation and Natural Resources is

working with numerous partners to

manage the remaining grasslands

primarily for native birds.

18


19/32



Contact: ADCNR

Monte Sano St. Park, 5105 Nolen Avenue

Huntsville, AL 35801

Phone: (256) 534-3757



Contact: ADCNR

2501 County Lake Road

Gurley, AL 35748

Phone: (256) 776-4905

Site 28: Madison CountyPublic Lake

Directions: In Huntsville, AL, from the inter-section of I-565 and US 431/231 (MemorialParkway), take I-565 east (it soon becomesUS Hwy 72) for 7.5 miles to Ryland PikeRoad. Turn left on Ryland Pike Road for 6.5miles (through Maysville where it becomesHurricane Creek Road) to County Lake

Road. At County Lake Road turn right anddrive 1.0 mile to Madison County Lake. Afterturning off US 72 it is also possible to followthe Madison County Public Lake highwaydirectional signs.

Description: Madison County Public Lake isbest known for its fishing, but it also servesas an excellent introduction to northernAlabamas birdlife. Scan the lake for win-tering waterfowl or perhaps a family of resi-

dent Canada Geese and their downy young.The woods around the lake host a varietyof warblers and vireos during migrationwhile resident favorites include NorthernCardinal and Blue Jay. From time to time,Ospreys may drop in for some fishing, andyou never know when a vagrant gull or ternmay turn up unexpectedly.

Site 29: Monte Sano State Park

Directions: In Huntsville, AL, from theintersection of I-565 and US Hwy 431/231

(Memorial Parkway), take Hwy 431 southfor 4.5 miles. Turn left on Monte Sano Blvd.and travel 2.6 miles to Nolen Ave. Turnright on Nolen Ave. and stay on Nolen untilyou enter the park. Follow the state parksigns to the Scenic Overlook.

Description: Monte Sano State Park sitsatop a remnant ridge of the CumberlandPlateau, giving a fantastic view of the sur-rounding valleys and plateaus that cover

northeastern Alabama. These islands in thesky are covered in thick hardwood forest,which is home to a number of neotropicalmigrants. As you explore the trails in thepark, look and listen for Indigo Buntings,Great-crested Flycatchers, and Red-eyedVireos. During migration, these can beaugmented with species that nest farthernorth. Raptors can be seen gliding past ateye level, soaring on warm air currents ris-

ing from the valley below.

Site 30: Hays Nature Preserve

Directions: In Huntsville, AL, from theintersection of I-565 and US Hwy 431/231(Memorial Parkway), take Hwy 431 southfor 10.7 miles. The Hays Preserve is on theleft (north) side of the road just after milemarker #324. Turn off just before crossingthe Flint River.

Description: The Hays Nature Preserve hostsseveral miles of paved trails that follow theFlint River and its associated oxbow lakesthrough low riparian habitat, old fields, anda golf course. This is an incredible area,easily accessible for birders near the largemetropolitan area of Huntsville. Speciesto look for along the river include GreatBlue and Green herons, Belted Kingfisher,and in winter, Wilsons Snipe. The edgesof woodland host Eastern Bluebirds, Song

Sparrows, and numerous other residentand migrant species.



Contact: City of Huntsville Recal. Services

308 Fountain Circle

Huntsville, AL 35801

Phone: (256) 427-5116

Flint River and bottomland forest/ADCNR Photos

Indigo Bunting/Walt Burch

Blue Jay/USFWS, Dave Menke

19


20/32





Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243

Site 31: Wheeler NWR -Cave Springs

Directions: From the intersection of I-65 andAL Hwy 67 (Exit 334) near Priceville, AL,go west on Hwy 67 for 0.5 mile. Turn right(north) onto Deere Road and go 0.5 mile.Turn right (east) onto Upper River Roadand go 3.5 miles to a paved road on the left

(north). Turn left onto the paved road andgo 0.1 mile. Cave Springs Swamp is to theright. Cave Springs Cave is located about100 yards to the southeast.

Description: The Cave Springs Cave hasbeen popular for thousands of years. Thecombination of shelter, fresh water, andabundant food has attracted humans andother wildlife to its safety. The caves cur-rent residents include several thousand

Gray Bats, an endangered species whosepopulation stronghold is in northeasternAlabama. Where the springs emerge fromthe cave, a family of Beavers has builta substantial dam, creating an area offlooded woodland and marsh, perfect forbirding. Check this area for Red-headed andRed-bellied woodpeckers, as well as Protho-notary Warblers and the occasional BeltedKingfisher. The deeper water can attract

Wood Duck and other waterfowl, especiallyin the winter.

Prothonotary Warbler/Walt Burch

Great Blue Heron/Quincey Banks20

Forest Elders


21/32

Site 32: Hurricane Creek Park -Kiosk Site

Directions: From the intersection of I-65 andUS Hwy 31 near Lacon, AL, take Exit 318and drive south on Hwy 31 South for 2.2miles to the park on the left.

Description: Hurricane Creek Park is knownfor its scenic deep canyon, which is heavilywooded with mature hardwoods. The parkoffers a number of trails, leading bird-ers through a landscape crisscrossed bystreams and waterfalls. As you walk thetrails, listen for Red-eyed Vireos and Great

Crested Flycatchers among the numerousNorthern Cardinals and Carolina Chicka-dees. Peer through the canopy for Red-tailed and Red-shouldered hawks soaringhigh overhead. During the winter, White-breasted Nuthatches and Yellow-rumpedWarblers join the cardinals and chickadees,while almost anything could appear duringmigration.

Site 32 Access: Modest Access Fee


Contact: Cullman City Parks and Recreation

PO Box 788, Cullman, AL 35056

Phone: (256) 734-9157

Northern Cardinal/Dave Menke

Escape to an earlier time

Throughout generations, the colos-

sal trees of Northern Alabamas

mature hardwood forests have stood

through considerable natural, histor-

ical, and cultural changes. Some of

these giants are old enough to have

witnessed the Civil War, while oth-

ers only date back to the taming of

Muscle Shoals. Because of the rich

habitat they provide, these elders

of the forest host special birds that

dont venture far from ancient limbs.

Listen before you look

Because the forests extensive

canopy creates a deep shade, spot-

ting birds can be difficult. Birders

should listen carefully to the variety

of sounds the forests residents

make. Familiarity with bird song will

reveal a birds identity quicker than

trying to discern it in a thick canopy

of green. Many birds are quiet in the

middle of the day, as they forage for

food or tend to their young. How-

ever, a visit early in the morning or

at the end of the day will ensure a

fantastic chorus of bird song.





Decatur, AL 35603

Phone: (256) 353-7243

Site 33: Wheeler NWR -

Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail

Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy31 and AL Hwy 67 in Decatur, AL, drivesouth on Hwy 31 3.5 miles through Flint Cityto Red Bank Road. Turn left onto Red BankRoad, just before the railroad overpass, anddrive 1.0 mile east on Red Bank Road, crossFlint Creek on Red Bank Bridge, then im-mediately turn left into the Dancy Bottoms

access area. The walking trail begins at thesmall parking area aside Flint Creek.

Description: Dancy Bottoms is an excel-lent area to visit during spring migrationwhen dozens of warblers, vireos, tanagers,thrushes, orioles, and grosbeaks fill thetrees. The area is also good for breedingspecies, including Barred Owl and Red-headed Woodpecker. Louisiana Waterthrushcan be heard singing along the trail as early

as March, and Kentucky Warbler, WoodThrush, and Acadian Flycatcher soon jointhem. The potential for this area to turnup unexpected species is very high withLincolns Sparrows, Mourning and Con-necticut Warblers all recorded recently.Warbler enthusiasts should check close tothe ground late in the spring.

Wood Thrush/Walt Burch

21

Great Crested Flycatcher/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Isidor Jeklin


22/32

Wood Duck/William Gates22

Northeast Loop


23/32

Alabamas northeastern corner has a wilder, more primitive side than much of the state, with theAppalachian chain rising in the east. Birds known for their vulnerability to disturbance thrive in this

corner of the state, with Cerulean Warblers nesting in remote valleys, Ruffed Grouse drumming from

wooded draws, and some incredibly endangered aquatic life hanging on in the Paint Rock River Valley.

This unique landscape is pock-marked with some of the most environmentally important cave systems

east of the Mississippi. These caves hold almost all of the hibernating Gray Bats in the world. Visitors

are drawn to the caves each summer when hundreds of thousands of these rare mammals can be seenleaving their roosts to start their evening hunt. Although their numbers once declined dramatically,

careful management is bringing them back from the brink.

Beneath the towering Cumberland Plateau, Guntersville Lake extends its thin arms up steep

valleys, forming even more habitat for winter waterfowl. You may see numerous Bald Eagles, some

of which have taken up residence around the lake due to the assistance from ADCNR. Each year, Gun-

tersville Peninsula, which lies at the heart of the Northeast Loop, provides some exciting rare birds

for the state. Previous celebrities have included Glaucous Gull, Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe.

Whether you are just looking to escape to the outdoors or looking for rare birds, this out-of-the-way

corner of the state is well worth exploring over and over again.

Photo credits: (left) American Redstart/USFWS, Steve Maslowski; (right) Gorhams Bluff/ADCNR Photos; (bottom) grasses/ADCNR Photos

23


DeKalb CountyTourist Association

1503 Glenn Blvd. SW

PO Box 681165

Fort Payne, AL 35968

Phone: (256) 845-3957

(888) 805-4740

Fax: (256) 845-3946

www.tourdekalb.com

Greater Jackson CountyChamber of Commerce

407 E. Willow St.

PO Box 973

Scottsboro, AL 35768

Phone: (256) 259-5500

(800) 259-5508

Fax: (256) 259-4447

www.jacksoncountychamber.com

Marshall County Convention

& Visitors Bureau200 Gunter Ave.

PO Box 711

Guntersville, AL 35976

Phone: (256) 582-7015

(800) 582-6282

Fax: (256) 582-3682

www.marshallcountycvb.com


tourist info sites shown on mapon pages 16 & 17.

F

K

H

Northeast Loop

Return of a Native


24/32



Contact: ADCNR, Lake Guntersville State Park

7966 Alabama Hwy 227


Phone: (256) 571-5444

Site 34: Guntersville State Park,Town Creek and Drive - Kiosk Site

Directions:From the intersection of US Hwy431 and AL Hwy 227 in Guntersville, AL,

take Hwy 227 east for 5.6 miles to the bird-ing trail orientation kiosk at the state park.

Description: Guntersville State Park is one ofthe premiere birding areas in northeasternAlabama. Renowned for its Eagle Aware-ness Weekends, the park is best visited inthe winter. During this time, look for densepopulations of waterfowl, and the chanceto spy a vagrant such as Red-neckedGrebe or an unusual gull. The woodlands

through the park should be checked duringmigration for a variety of warblers, vireos,tanagers and grosbeaks. Migration is alsothe best time to search for shorebirds onany exposed mudflats. Wading birds suchas Great Blue Heron and Great Egret occuryear-round and nest on islands in Gunters-ville Lake.

Site 35: Guntersville Peninsula

Directions: This site refers to the walkingtrails along the edges of Guntersville Penin-sula. Good places to access the trail includethe corner of AL Hwy 69/Henry Street andSunset Drive in western Guntersville, ALor the intersection of Sunset Drive and USHwy 431 in northern Guntersville, AL. Visi-tors should check the orientation map onthe birding trail interpretive sign located atthe Marshall County Convention and Visi-tors Bureau building at the southern end of

the US Hwy 431 River Bridge.

Description: The city of Guntersville sitson a peninsula that juts into GuntersvilleReservoir. The city has developed walkingtrails along the shoreline of the peninsula,providing public access to innumerable van-tage points to search the water for bird life.The reservoir is at its best in winter, whenwaterfowl is plentiful, often supporting

rafts of Red-breasted Mergansers, LesserScaup, Gadwalls, as well as Common Loonsand Hooded Grebes. The former marinaarea on the northeast side of the peninsulahas supported a number of unusualgulls and Red-necked Grebes have beenrecorded there as well. Other species tolook for during the year include Double-crested Cormorant, Osprey, and Bald Eagle,all of which nest nearby.



Contact: Marshall County CVB

200 Gunter Avenue


Phone: (256) 582-7015, (800) 582-6282

Guntersville State Park/Teaming with Wildlife

When the Alabama Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources

(ADCNR) began a Bald Eagle Resto-

ration Project in 1984, Bald Eagles

had not successfully nested in Ala-

bama since 1949.

Historically, Bald Eagles nested in

Alabamas Tennessee River Val-

ley. The population dwindled in the

1950s and 1960s due mainly to the

devastating effects of DDT poison-

ing. This chemical passes through

the food chain by accumulating

in fish, which in turn are eaten by

eagles. DDT in the eagles caused

eggshells to thin so that they broke

during incubation and failed to

hatch. The population plummeted,

wintering eagles in Alabama became

rare, and the breeding population

completely died out.

Thanks to ADCNRs restoration ef-

forts, Bald Eagle populations have

increased, and now these majestic

birds nest throughout the state. In

the fall, there is an influx of Bald

Eagles into Alabama from northern

states and Canada. These migrants

winter in Alabama, enjoying moder-

ate temperatures before returning

north in the spring. Once in danger

of extinction, Bald Eagles have made

a tremendous comeback, not only in

Alabama, but across the country.

Laughing Gull/Rob Tizard, FERMATA, Inc.

24


25/32




3696 Alabama Hwy 60


Phone: (256) 571-4280




3696 Alabama Hwy 60


Phone: (256) 571-4280

Site 36: Guntersville Dam South

Directions: From the intersection of US 431and AL Hwy 69 in Guntersville, AL go west

on Hwy 69 for 6.2 miles to CR-240/UnionGrove Rd. Turn right on CR-240/UnionGrove Rd. and travel 2.3 miles to CR-50/Snow Point Rd. Turn right and drive 3.4miles to the southern side of GuntersvilleDam. Note: this is for south dam accessonly there is no vehicular traffic allowedacross the dam.

Description: Guntersville Dam impounds the67,900-acre Guntersville Reservoir in north-eastern Alabama. The Tennessee ValleyAuthority manages the dam for electric-ity production and flood control. The dammakes an excellent vantage point to scanthe waters of the reservoir for waterfowl,wading birds, and gulls. Numerous GreatBlue Herons fish here, unaffected by theclose proximity to the dozens of anglers.The park below the dam also offers a boatramp where boats can be launched to visit

Painted Bluff, a few miles downstream. Thisimpressive red sandstone bluff is the pre-mier observation site for migratory raptors,which are attracted to the hot air thermalsthat are pushed off the water and over thebluff, providing ideal soaring conditions.This area can be comfortably scannedfrom a boat below the bluff. The area isespecially good for Peregrine Falconsand Bald Eagles, which have historicallynested nearby.

Site 37: Guntersville Dam North

Directions: From the intersection of US 431and AL Hwy 69 in Guntersville, go north onUS 431 for 14.9 miles to Guntersville DamRd. (Guntersville Dam Sign). Turn left ontoGuntersville Dam Rd. and go 3.8 miles tothe dam. Note: this is for north dam accessonly there is no vehicular traffic allowedacross the dam.

Description: The north side of GuntersvilleDam is similar to the south side and alsoprovides boat access to Painted Bluff a fewmiles downstream. However, the north sideof the dam is usually better for viewingBald Eagles. Active eagle nests have beenseen on the ridge just northeast of the damand in a small wet area northwest of thedam. Look for adult parents from January April and for recently-fledged juvenilesin April and May. Sometimes, juvenile birdswill stay in the area for several years, andmany more birds can often be seen duringthe winter when resident eagles are joinedby migrants from farther north.

Site 38: Goose Pond Colony

Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy72 and AL Hwy 279 in south Scottsboro,AL, head southeast on Hwy 279 (it willbecome Hwy 79 south) for 3.2 miles to EdHembree Drive. Turn left at Goosepond Dr.and the Goose Pond Colony sign. Follow theGPC signs 1.5 miles to the amphitheater.Park in the parking lot just south of theamphitheater.

Description: Goose Pond Colony is apublic recreational development, builton a peninsula on the northern side ofGuntersville Lake south of Scottsboro.This location makes for some excellentbirding especially during the winter. Stopat one of the numerous viewing points to

search the rafts of waterfowl for Com-mon Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, andCanvasback. At times, loons, grebes, andcormorants can be seen on the water, anda Bald Eagle may drop by for a meal nowand again. Explore the nature trails in thearea to see some of the numerous migrantand nesting songbirds ranging from IndigoBuntings to Eastern Kingbirds.



Contact: Goose Pond Colony

417 Ed Hembree


Phone: (256) 259-2884

Male Hooded Merganser, foreground/Quincey Banks

Bald Eagle/USFWS

Peregrine Falcon/USFWS, Craig Koppie

25

Welcome to the Nursery


26/32



Contact: North Sauty Creek WMA

ADCNR: Area Biologist

234 County Road 141

Hollywood, AL 35752

(for Sauta Cave NWR contact info see Site 16)

Site 39: North Sauty Creek WMA/Sauta Cave NWR

Directions:From the intersection of US Hwy72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro,AL, travel west on Hwy 72 5.9 miles. ForSauta Cave NWR access, park adjacent to

the metal gate at the small highway pulloff on the south side of Hwy 72 and walkthe road 300 yards to the cave. Continu-ing west on Hwy 72 for another 0.7 mileis a separate off-highway parking area forNorth Sauty Creek WMA with birding trailinterpretation and a short walking trail tothe west side of North Sauty Creek.

Description: Birders will revel in the excellentdisplay of waterfowl and wading birds thatoccupy the area, especially North SautyCreek. Park on the roadside and scan thecreek for waterfowl, shorebirds and wadingbirds especially during migration or in thewinter. A small heron rookery is located onone of the small islands. However, exerciseextreme caution when viewing from the roadshoulder since US Hwy 72 can be very busy.

Just across the highway is Sauta Cave

National Wildlife Refuge. Sauta Cave hasthe largest concentration of endangeredGray Bats in the world, and during the sum-mer, dusk emergences can total a quartermillion bats. This is the largest emergenceof bats east of the Mississippi River, aspectacular sight that must be seen to bebelieved. Visitors who bird for songbirds onthis small 264-acre refuge might find sum-mer residents like Summer Tanager andProthonotary Warbler.

Site 40: Roy B. Whitaker PaintRock River Preserve - Kiosk Site

Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy72 and AL Hwy 65 between the towns ofGurley and Paint Rock, AL, drive 0.3 mile tothe Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Pre-serve on the north (left) side of the road.Turn north (left), at the preserve sign, andcarefully cross the railroad tracks to theparking area.

Description: Roy B. Whitaker once farmedthese fields along the Paint Rock River. Inorder for future generations to be able toenjoy the farm he enjoyed so much, Whita-ker sold it to The Nature Conservancy whonow manages it for conservation. Theserolling fields sit alongside one of the mostdiverse freshwater ecosystems east of theMississippi, and the healthy riparian forest

along its banks helps to maintain that diver-sity. For the visiting birder, the excitementis all in the grasslands where GrasshopperSparrows buzz and Scissor-tailed Fly-catchers perform their aerial acrobatics.Exploring deeper into the woodland shouldproduce Great-crested Flycatchers and Red-eyed Vireos, both of which nest in the area.Of course almost anything could turn upduring migration, so its worth investigatingall habitats during spring and fall.



Contact: The Nature Conservancy

2100 1st Ave. North, Suite 500

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Phone: (205) 251-1155 Ext. 104

Hibernating Indiana bats/ADCNR, Keith Hudson

Just inside this cave, thousands of

mammals are sleeping. Each sum-

mer, the cave is home to hundreds

of thousands of endangered Gray

Bats. In the evenings, their dusk

emergence is awe-inspiring as the

mass of bats emerge from the cave

and head for the Tennessee River

for an all-night insect buffet. Sauta

Cave National Wildlife Refuge was

established to preserve this magnifi-

cent spectacle. A few bats use the

cave throughout the year, but in the

summer months after the young are

born, the population hits its peak.

Diverse Ecosystems & Species

The Paint Rock River is one of the

most pristine rivers in the south-

eastern US. It flows unhindered from

Franklin County, Tennessee, through

landscapes of porous limestone.

One scenic watershed creek that

feeds the river is known locally as

The Walls of Jericho. Eventually,

the river empties into the Tennessee

River upstream from Huntsville.

This river is home to an amazing

diversity of freshwater creatures

with over 100 species of fish and

about 45 species of mussels, several

of which are found no where else in

the world. In order to preserve this

great river, The Nature Conservancy

and ADCNR are working together to

manage a significant portion of the

318-square mile watershed.

Paint Rock River/ADCNR Photos

26

27

Water for Wildlife


27/32




4101 Ala. Hwy 21 N.

Jacksonville, AL 36265

Phone: (256) 435-5422




37 County Road 243


Phone: (256) 435-5422

Site 41: Skyline WildlifeManagement Area

Directions: The directions and GPS belowguide visitors to the Skyline WMA bird-ing drive, however birding may be done

throughout this extensive WMA. From theintersection of US Hwy 72 and AL Hwy 65,between the towns of Gurley and PaintRock, AL, drive north through the PaintRock Valley 17.6 miles to AL Hwy 146. Turnright onto Hwy 146 and drive 4.7 miles. Thiswill take visitors into the western side ofthe WMA and to the south entrance (gravelroad) of the approximately 3-mile birdingdrive. For directions to other parts of theWMA, visitors should consult the areas per-mit map available from the area biologistand from various WMA self-serve stations.

Description: Skyline Wildlife ManagementArea is an extensive tract of wild lands innortheastern Alabama, which hosts thestates only population of Ruffed Grouse.This carefully managed area also supportsolder hardwood forests utilized by nestingCerulean Warblers. A visit to the WMA is

most rewarding in spring when Yellow-breasted Chats, Field Sparrows, IndigoBuntings and Prairie Warblers can beheard singing throughout. With carefulexploration and a little luck, spring visitorsmight also hear the drumming of the maleRuffed Grouse, although Wild Turkey andNorthern Bobwhite are much easier to find.This mosaic of regenerating habitats pro-vides a tremendous diversity of bird spe-cies, making it a special treat for birders.

Site 42: Mud Creek WildlifeManagement Area

Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy

72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro,AL, travel east on US Hwy 72 for 12.4 milesto CR 116. Turn right onto CR 116 and drive1.1 miles to CR 141. Turn left onto CR 141 andgo 0.2 miles and turn right onto a gravelroad. Follow the gravel road for 1.4 miles tothe pumping station.

Description: Managed for wintering water-fowl and small-game hunting, Mud CreekWildlife Management Area has numerousimpoundments which are likely to turn upa great variety of species. Access roadsleading into the area also make Mud Creekeasily birded. Check the ponds in fall andwinter for dabbling ducks such as Mallard,Gadwall, American Wigeon and Green-winged Teal. Blue-winged Teal are morelikely found during migration periods, whileAmerican Coots and Common Moorhenscan be seen at any time. The area is also a

favorite for wading birds with Great Blueand Green herons being especially numer-ous. Mud Creek was the hacking site fromwhich Bald Eagles were first reintroducedto Alabamas Tennessee River Valley. Manyof the eagles now seen throughout the areaare the descendents of the original birdsreleased at Mud Creek.

Bald Eagle Hacking Tower/ADCNR, Keith Hudson

Ruffed Grouse/USFWS

The Tennessee River Valley is re-

nowned for the impressive flocks of

waterfowl that visit the valley each

winter. The hard work and manage-

ment that goes on during the rest of

the year to support those waterfowl

is less well known. While an unman-

aged wetland can produce an aver-

age of 200 pounds of plant seeds

per acre, one actively planted wet-

land with seed-producing crops and

carefully managed water levels can

produce over 1,000 pounds of seed

per acre. These seasonally flooded

wetlands can support substantially

more waterfowl than those left wild.

Certain species of waterfowl, espe-

cially geese, will feed directly off

of waste grain in agricultural fields.

These flooded fields also provide

important habitat for wintering and

migrant shorebirds, such as Greater

Yellowlegs and Wilsons Snipe. In

summer, wetlands experience re-

duced water levels, but retain more

vegetation, providing cover for

nesting songbirds. These wetlands

also support frogs, crayfish, fish,

and insects that, in turn, attract

predators such as Great Blue Heron

and Raccoon. Managed water levels

and enhanced food sources benefit

all wildlife.

27


28/32



Contact: National Park Service

Russell Cave NM

2141 Gault Ave. N., Ft. Payne, AL 35967

Phone: (256) 845-9605

Site 44: Russell Cave NationalMonument

Directions:From the intersection of US Hwy72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro,AL, travel east on Hwy 72 23.7 miles to CR69. Turn left onto CR 69 and drive north for1 mile to CR 75. Turn right onto CR 75 andfollow it north for 5.2 miles to the NationalMonument on the left.

Description: Russell Cave has been hometo wildlife and man for thousands of years.This peaceful setting combines food, waterand shelter with tranquility and beauty.Following the elevated boardwalks andnature trails could lead to eastern wood-

land species such as Summer and Scarlettanagers, whose song is accompanied bythe insect-like croaking of Yellow-billedCuckoos. During migration, almost anyeastern warbler or vireo is likely to makean appearance. In addition to its extensivebirding, the national monument also offersan excellent interpretive facility detailingthe lives of northern Alabamas earlyhuman inhabitants.

Site 45: Gorhams Bluff/Coon Gulf

Directions: From Scottsboro, AL, at thejunction of US Hwy 72 and AL Hwy 35, take

Hwy 35 south for 3.2 miles until just acrossthe Tennessee River. Turn left (east) ontoAL Hwy 40 and go 6.8 miles to a 4-waystop. Turn left onto AL Hwy 71 and go northfor 2.3 miles. Turn left onto CR 58 and go5.5 miles. Turn left onto CR 357 and go 1.2miles. Turn left on CR 457 and drive 0.8miles. Turn right into the Gorhams Bluffcommunity and follow the signs to thelodge.

Description: Raccoon Creek is a very scenicarm of Guntersville Reservoir. The plannedcommunity of Gorhams Bluff rises on thesouthern side of Raccoon Creek, providingan incredible vista of the creek and the sur-rounding area, as well as exemplifying howthe Tennessee River has cut through theCumberland Plateau over millennia. Birdsto look for in the area include Bald Eagles,which nest nearby. Other raptors can be

seen soaring in the air currents along thebluff. On the northern side, explore areaswithin the valley by boat so you can visitthe numerous small bays and inlets in thearea. Waterfowl can be numerous in winter,and Canada Geese and Wood Duck bothnest along the creek. Quiet explorationby boat could lead to close encounterswith Green Herons, Great Egrets, andother wildlife.



Contact: 101 Gorhams Drive

Gorhams Bluff

Pisgah, AL 35765-6891

Phone: (256) 451-VIEW (8439)

Indigo Bunting/USFWS, Dave Menke

Gorhams Bluff/ADCNR Photos


GPS Coordinates: N 34.8502 W 85.8342

Contact: City Hall

104 Kentucky Ave

Stevenson, AL 35772

Phone: (256) 437-4330

Site 43: Stevenson Town Park

Directions:From the intersection of US Hwy72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro,AL, travel east on Hwy 72 for 19 miles to ALHwy 117. Turn left onto Hwy 117 just south ofStevenson, AL. Drive 0.6 miles and turn leftat the park sign.

Description: Stevenson Town Park sits onthe east side of Crow Creek. The park pro-vides an excellent vantage to scan the open

water of the reservoir for Common Loonsand Horned Grebes, as well as a variety ofwaterfowl. During times of low water, lookfor shorebirds and herons hunting in theshallows. Just down the road from the parkis historic Fort Harker. This Union fort waswhere General Ulysses S. Grant plotted hisinvasion of Stevenson. The fort now standsas a quiet reminder of an incredible timeof turmoil. Birding can also be done atthe fort.

Common Loon/USFWS, Lee Karney

28


29/32


GPS Coordinates: N 34.4990 W 85.6178

Contact: ADCNR, Desoto State Park

13883 County Road 89

Fort Payne, AL 35967

Phone: (256) 845-0051



Contact: ADCNR: DeKalb County Public Lake

720 Co. Rd. 194

Sylvania, AL 35988

Phone: (256) 657-3000

Site 46: DeKalb CountyPublic Lake

Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro,AL, travel east on Hwy 72 1.7 miles to Hwy35. Turn right onto AL Hwy 35 and drivesouth for 3.3 miles to AL Hwy 40. Turn leftonto Hwy 40 and head northeast for 10.6miles to CR 162. Turn right onto CR 162 anddrive 3.9 miles to CR 194. Turn right ontoCR 194 and drive 0.2 miles to the publiclake on the left.

Description: DeKalb County Lake is a popu-lar fishing spot that also serves as an excel-lent introduction to northern Alabamasbird life. Check the open waters of thelake for wintering waterfowl or a family ofresident Canada Geese with their downyyoung. Wooded areas and the larger trees

around the lake may produce a variety ofwarblers and vireos during migration. Keepchecking overhead for a fly-by Osprey orBald Eagle, and perhaps, a vagrant gull ortern may put in an appearance.

Site 47: DeSoto State Park -Azalea Cascade Trail

Directions: From Interstate I-59, take Exit218 and travel south on AL Hwy 35 for 1.2miles to US Hwy 11. Turn left onto Hwy 11and head north for 1.2 miles to Hwy 35/5thSt. Turn right onto Hwy 35/5th St. and drivesouth 2.3 miles to the DeSoto Parkway.Turn left onto the parkway and drive north5.5 miles into the p

Documents

North Alabama Birding Trail Visitor Guide