Flock to the River Valley Northnorth Alabama Alabama Birdingbirding Trail Trail

Flock to the River Valley NorthNorth Alabama Alabama BirdingBirding Trail Trail

Fifty bird watching Visitor Guide sites in eleven Alabama counties 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 diversity of birds and other wildlife. Numerous eastern woodland birds and waterfowl occur in 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 walk or weeks of exploration, North Alabama is sure to please. Landscapes in the region range from tupelo swamps to blazing fi elds of wildfl owers, and towering forests of oak and hickory to vast sheets of open water replete with loafi ng waterfowl. As the habitats vary through the valley, so do the seasons. Spring is heralded by the return of neotropical songbirds that stop in while on their journey northward. Summer is fi lled with breeding woodland species such as fl ashy Pileated and Red-headed woodpeckers, boisterous Great-crested Flycatchers and Carolina Wrens, and skulking Kentucky and Swainson’s warblers. In the fall, migrant waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and a variety of raptors return to spend the winter in the Information Parking Camping Swimming Viewing Area valley, or at least pass through on their way Restrooms Canoeing Cabins/Lodge Beach Area Lookout Tower farther south. Once winter’s chill is in the Handicap Access Boat Access Picnic Area Visitors Center Biking air, large roosts of Bald Eagles form and Fishing stragglers from farther north can be found Food Hiking Driving Trail Water with the abundant waterfowl and gulls. The symbols used here are those of the various signing (offi cial and unoffi cial) used by the Forest Service in marking recreation and 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) Snow 2 Geese/USFWS, Gary M. Stolz; (bottom) Bald Eagle/Walt Burch; (right) Belted Kingfi sher/Alan Murphy. All plant line art: Mark Mohlenbrock/NRCS. Northwest Loop

,AUDERDALE The Northwest Loop of the North Alabama Birding Trail winds its way back and forth across Wheeler, ,IMESTONE -ADISON *ACKSON #OLBERT Wilson, and Pickwick Lakes, as it takes in an impressive variety of habitats and leads visitors to some ,AWRENCE -ORGAN $E+ALB -ARSHALL great birding. A main focus of the loop is three large reservoirs along the Tennessee River. Wilson Dam

7INSTON #ULLMAN 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.

For tourist information contact: Another site along this loop noted by avid birders is Leighton Ponds. This assemblage of fl ooded sinkholes is one of the best sites for shorebird migration anywhere in interior Alabama. Farther down- C Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau stream the historic Natchez Trace crosses through the far northwestern corner of Alabama offering 719 US Hwy 72 West a wooded scenic byway complete with Barred Owls and Wild Turkeys. The nearby Rock Springs Nature PO Box 740425 Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Trail is renowned for its concentrations of fall migrating hummingbirds. Each year, hundreds of Ruby- Phone: (256) 383-0783 throated Hummingbirds are joined by rare visitors from farther west. (800) 344-0783 Fax: (256) 383-2080 www.colbertcountytourism.org If all this were not enough, Bankhead National Forest hosts some of Alabama’s last great wilderness G Florence/Lauderdale Tourism areas providing extensive forested habitats for migratory and resident birds. Habitats in the national One Hightower Place forest range from hemlock-cove hardwoods in lush canyons to fi re maintained pine and oak woodlands. Florence, AL 35630 Phone: (256) 740-4141 Visitors can look forward to concentrations of wood warblers, including Cerulean, as well as numerous (888) 356-8687 vireos, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. Fax: (256) 740-4142 www.fl o-tour.org Add to these incredible avian attractions an area rich in history and culture. From the early Native J Lawrence County Chamber Americans who left us their mysterious mounds to the trials and tribulations of the Civil War, this of Commerce 12001 AL Hwy 157 area has a great deal to offer. Enjoy world-renowned southern hospitality, and be sure to drop by the PO Box 325 Coon Dog Cemetery for a bit of local fl avor impossible to fi nd anywhere else. 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 Give and Take

Hunters and anglers contribute millions of dollars annually to the protection and management of wildlife habitat. These consumptive users of wildlife have long accepted the need to pay for the privilege of using wildlife resources. The obvious example of this is hunting and ﬁ sh- Great Blue Heron/William Gates ing licenses that must be acquired Site 1: Mallard Fox Creek Wildlife annually. They also pay an excise tax Management Area - Kiosk Site on hunting and ﬁ shing equipment Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter- Osprey/William Gates that provides funds for wildlife con- section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter- servation and habitat management. nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end Site 2: Wheeler Dam South of the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses Landing the Tennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alter- nate Hwy 72 west for 8.0 miles to CR 579. Current trends in our society show Directions: TVA’s Wheeler Dam crosses the Turn right and drive 1.0 mile into the WMA. river on AL Hwy 101. This site is the recre- that more people are enjoying non- Follow the gravel road through the WMA ation area on the south side of the dam. about a mile to the kiosk. consumptive uses of wildlife, like Turn west off Hwy 101 and follow the road

0.5 mile to the boat landing. birdwatching and photography. Description: A 1,483-acre Wildlife Manage- ment Area (WMA) along the southern shore Description: Completed in 1936, Wheeler of Wheeler Lake that provides access to a Dam was the fi rst Tennessee Valley One of the many challenges facing number of habitats including grasslands, Authority (TVA) hydroelectric dam on the agricultural fi elds, wildlife openings, and wildlife managers in the 21st cen- Tennessee River. This dam impounds the hardwood forest. This site offers numerous 67,100 acre Wheeler Lake, creating a pool tury is securing continued funding opportunities for viewing waterfowl, wading of abundant habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, woodland, and grassland songbirds. for important projects to meet the birds, shorebirds, and gulls. Scan the water Scan the water for Wood Ducks and check for Double-crested Cormorants and Com- needs of all users. One way non- the woodlands for mixed fl ocks of Carolina mon Loons, as well as a variety of wintering Chickadees and Tufted Titmice, migrant hunters can support conservation in waterfowl during the colder months of the warblers, and the occasional Downy Wood- year. Bird activity below the TVA dam picks Alabama in the short term is to pur- pecker. The WMA is primarily managed up considerably when TVA moves water for Mourning Dove and small game hunting. chase a hunting and fi shing license. through the dam’s turbines, producing rich This kiosk was provided by Nucor Steel feeding grounds for opportunistic Ring- These funds will be used to continue Decatur, LLC as a contributing corporate billed, Bonaparte’s, and Herring gulls. to conserve Alabama’s precious partner with Alabama Department of Con- servation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). wildlife resources.

ADCNR Photos

Site 1 Access: Free Site 2 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.6594, W 87.1104 GPS Coordinates: N 34.7940, W 87.3872 Contact: ADCNR: Area Biologist Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) 21438 Harris Station Road TVA, SB 1H, PO Box 1010 Tanner, AL 35671 Muscle Shoals, AL 35662-1010 Phone: (256) 353-2634 Phone: (256) 386-2543

4 Red-eyed Vireo/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Mike Hopiak Site 3: Joe Wheeler State Park

Green Heron/Ted Lee Eubanks, FERMATA, Inc. Directions: AL Hwy 101 crosses the river on Wheeler Dam. From the north end of the Site 5: Leighton Ponds dam go north 3.0 miles, turn right (east) on US Hwy 72 and drive 4.3 miles. The Directions: From the intersection of CR 22 entrance to the park is on the right. and CR 48 in Leighton, southeast of Muscle Common Yellowthroat/USFWS, Dave Menke Shoals, AL go 3 miles east on CR 22. Turn Description: This resort park is complete Site 4: Town Creek Marsh north (left) onto CR 69 (Fennell Road) and with extensive facilities, including a resort travel 1.8 miles. Site is on the shoulder of lodge, restaurant, and marina. The park Directions: From the south side of Wheeler the road with ponds and sinks on either provides access to the north side of Dam on AL Hwy 101, continue south 2.9 side of the road. Just north of this area, Wheeler Lake and associated backwaters, miles. Turn right (west) onto Fosters Mill Fennel Road intersects with CR 24. Go west which are often good for waterbirds. The Road, cross Town Creek and drive 2.1 miles on CR 24 for 6 miles to Gnat Pond - another park also holds several patches of decidu- to the bend in the road. The marsh is on series of roadside sinkhole ponds. Visitors ous hardwoods crisscrossed by marked for- the right. should note - birding at these stops will be est trails for woodland birding. As you walk from public right-of-way roadside only, with the trails, enjoy the cheery call-and-answer Description: This site is a small marsh in the viewing overlooking private lands. As the song of Red-eyed Vireos and the endless bend of Fosters Mill Road, overlooking Town land is private, appropriate courtesy should hiccoughs of Summer Tanagers. Along Creek. It is an excellent place to see rails be given for low visitor impact and no tres- quiet backwaters look for Wood Ducks and feeding on the mudfl ats during appropri- pass. There is no onsite interpretation. Canada Geese with their downy young in ate times of year. The marsh also supports the summer. In the winter, when the water a variety of wading birds and waterfowl, Description: The Leighton ponds sites are a dramatically recedes, these same areas are especially during the winter months. From series of sinkholes and semi-fl ooded fi lled with shorebirds probing the mud for the roadside, scan the edges of the numer- agricultural fi elds, which are excellent for tasty snacks. ous reed beds for Virginia Rails. They can wading and shorebirds. Scan the muddier sometimes be seen wandering away from areas for resident Killdeer alongside these thick reed beds, although they are migrants such as Semipalmated Plover and often seen probing along the edges or Least Sandpiper. In larger sinkholes, search wading quietly from just inside the edge. for Green Herons, American Coots, and The area beyond the marsh is also good perhaps a Common Moorhen. Each pond for loafi ng wading birds like Great Blue can vary greatly in the amount of water it Herons and many species of waterfowl in holds, and therefore, the types of micro- the winter. habitats could range from mudfl ats to deep water. Regular checking of this area is sure to turn up some real surprises.

Site 3 Access: Free Site 4 Access: Free, parking on the shoulder of Site 5 Access: Free, roadside viewing, parking GPS Coordinates: N 34.8360, W 87.3680 the road, no amenities shoulder of road only, no amenities Contact: ADCNR – Joe Wheeler State Park GPS Coordinates: N 34.7700, W 87.4410 GPS Coordinates: N 34.7230, W 87.4770 201 McLean Drive Site: Town Creek Marsh Contact: Unmanaged site with no contact Rogersville, AL 35652 Contact: Unmanaged site with no contact Phone: None Phone: (256) 247-5466 Phone: None

5 6

Adult Bonaparte’s Gull/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, J. Surman Site 6: Wilson Dam Visitor Center - Kiosk Site Acadian Flycatcher/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Greg W. Lasley Directions: TVA’s Wilson Dam crosses the Site 8: Tennessee Valley Tennessee River between Florence and Muscle Shoals, AL. The Wilson Dam Visitor Authority Reservation Center is on the Muscle Shoals side of the Great Blue Heron with chicks/Quincey Banks river at the dam’s southern end. The kiosk Directions: From the Wilson Dam Visitors at the Visitor Center will orient and guide Site 7: Wilson Dam Rockpile Center (see directions Site 6), take Reser- visitors to nearby trails and sites available Recreation Area vation Road west for 2.2 miles. Turn right for birding. (north) at the TVA Nature Trails sign. Directions: From the Wilson Dam Visitor Description: This site is where TVA’s hydro- Center (see directions Site 6), take Description: The TVA Reservation hosts electric dam impounds the 15,500-acre Reservation Road west for 0.3 mile. a number of walking trails that meander Wilson Reservoir. This was the fi rst dam Turn right (north) at the TVA Rockpile through woodland, fi elds, and along the constructed on the Tennessee River in Ala- Recreation Area sign. Follow this road to Tennessee River. This is one of the few bama. Construction began on the dam in the recreation area below the dam. reliable areas in northern Alabama for 1918, was completed in 1924, and acquired Swainson’s Warblers, which nest near the by TVA in 1933. Together with Pickwick Description: The Rockpile Recreation Area end of the 2.6-mile bicycle/jogging trail. and Wheeler reservoirs, this dam made sits at the base of Wilson Dam. This area Other species to look and listen for in sum- the treacherous Muscle Shoals navigable provides basic camping and picnicking fa- mer include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian for river trade and transport. As with the cilities in a wooded setting along the edge Flycatcher, and Wood Thrush. Follow the other dams in northern Alabama, this site of Pickwick Reservoir. Woodlands in the trail to the reservoir, and in the winter, look is excellent for gulls, as thousands of Ring- park are attractive to numerous songbirds, for Pied-billed and Horned grebes alongside billed, Herring, and Bonaparte’s gulls are while the reservoir attracts a variety of Buffl eheads and Common Goldeneye. found regularly. Birders should study these waterfowl, wading birds, gulls, and raptors. gulls carefully and look for a surprise or two Check around the campground for nesting such as a Laughing or Great Black-backed Great-crested Flycatchers, while a fl ash of gull, or even a Black-legged Kittiwake. In orange/red may announce the arrival of a late summer, scan the wooded islands for Baltimore or Orchard Oriole. Visitors may Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night want to bring a spotting scope to scan the Herons amongst the more common Great numerous gulls that line the rocky islands Blue Herons and Great Egrets. below the dam.

Site 6 Access: Free Site 7 Access: Free Site 8 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.7934, W 87.6262 GPS Coordinates: N 34.7930, W 87.6320 GPS Coordinates: N 34.7803, W 87.6546 Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) TVA, SB 1H, PO Box 1010 TVA, SB 1H, PO Box 1010 TVA, SB 1H, PO Box 1010 Muscle Shoals, AL 35662-1010 Muscle Shoals, AL 35662-1010 Muscle Shoals, AL 35662-1010 Phone: (256) 386-2543 Phone: (256) 386-2543 Phone: (256) 386-2543

6 The Karst Landscape at Key 7 Cave NWR - Dissolving Bed- rock and Collapsing Soil

The term ‘karst’ refers to a landscape that is pockmarked with sink-

Kentucky Warbler/Bob Sargent holes and numerous caves. Karst Site 10: Natchez Trace Parkway areas usually host abundant springs. Northern Harrier/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Robert E. Barber Rock Springs Nature Trail These landscapes are formed when Site 9: Key Cave National water seeps through a thin layer of Directions: Wildlife Refuge - Kiosk Site From Cherokee, AL, at the soil into fractured bedrock, usually junction of US Hwy 72 and Natchez Trace Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy Parkway, go north on the Natchez Trace made of limestone. Water moves 72 and AL Hwy 20 in Florence, AL, travel Parkway for 9.8 miles to the parking area through fractured bedrock, and west on Hwy 20 for 2.0 miles to CR 2/ for Rock Springs Nature Trail on the right. Gunwaleford Road. Turn left and continue over tens of thousands of years it Description: west on CR 2/Gunwaleford Road for 4.0 Situated along the Natchez dissolves and enlarges pathways miles to CR 223. Turn left onto this gravel Trace Parkway just north of the Tennes- road and head south for 1.5 miles until its see River, this idyllic wooded area holds a through the rock. Once formed, intersection with a second gravel road. Turn 20-minute nature trail that follows Colbert these pathways act as drains, right and drive for 0.6 miles to the refuge Creek to Rock Springs. The creek is inter- on your left. Look for the concrete parking mittently dammed by Beavers, creating diverting water underground. site and the birding trail kiosk. an impressive wetland abounding with a variety of resident and wintering birds. The Description: Key Cave National Wildlife Ref- edges of the wetland hold an abundance of Where are all the streams? uge (NWR) has large open fi elds managed orange jewelweed, which attracts hundreds for warm season native grasses inter- of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds each fall. spersed with small patches of deciduous Careful inspection of the area has turned In karst landscapes, water fl ows be- up several species that are only vagrants woodland and a seasonal sinkhole wetland. neath the soil through underground The refuge is gradually being converted to Alabama including Black-chinned and from crops to native warm season grass- Rufous hummingbirds. Check the Natchez streams in the limestone. When Trace Parkway in spring and early summer lands. The benefi t of this restoration is these underground pathways are immediately apparent from the dozens of for neotropical migrants including White- singing Grasshopper Sparrows and Dickcis- eyed, Yellow-throated, and Red-eyed Vireos large enough for a human to crawl as well as several breeding wood warblers sels that can be heard calling across the through, they are characterized as refuge. The refuge’s primary purpose is to such as Hooded and Kentucky warblers and protect Key Cave (not open to the public), Louisiana Waterthrush. These waters also caves. As the water continues to support the huge, but rarely seen Hell- which is home to the endangered Alabama travel through the rock, it will even- Cavefi sh. This fi sh’s global distribution is bender – the largest species of salamander limited to this one cave where it is closely in North America. tually reappear at lower elevations linked to the unique ecology of seasonally as a spring. fl ooded waters beneath an active Gray Bat roost. The Gray Bat droppings make a nutri- ent rich soup that supports the Alabama Sinkhole at Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge/USFWS, Steve Seibert Cavefi sh as well as several endangered cave crayfi sh and other invertebrates.

Site 9 Access: Free Site 10 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.7630, W 87.7818 GPS Coordinates: N 34.8580, W 87.9060 Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Contact: National Park Service (NPS) Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters Decatur, AL 35603 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804 Phone: (256) 353-7243 Phone: (800) 305-7417

7 Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area/ADCNR Photos Site 13: Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area Walking Trail

Directions: From Cherokee, AL, at the Common Goldeneye/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Mike Hopiak junction of US Hwy 72 and Natchez Trace Site 12: Natchez Trace Parkway Parkway, go east on Hwy 72 for 2.4 miles to CR 21/White Pike Rd. Turn right onto White Colbert Ferry Pike Rd. and head south 8.5 miles into the WMA to the site marker. Continue on CR 21 Bald Eagles/USFWS Directions: From Cherokee, AL, at the for another 2.5 miles to visit the famous Site 11: Waterloo junction of US Hwy 72 and Natchez Trace Coon Dog Cemetery. Parkway go north on the Natchez Trace Directions: From the junction of CR 14 and Parkway for 7 miles. Turn left at the Colbert Description: This walking trail is one of many CR 1, just east of the town of Waterloo, go Ferry sign and follow the signs to the picnic numerous gravel and dirt hunter access 1.5 north on CR 1 to a TVA picnic area along area and boat launch. roads on the WMA, which leads visitors into the lakeshore on the left. a variety of productive habitats ranging Description: Colbert Ferry provides access from old fi elds to mature hardwood forest. Description: The town of Waterloo sits a few to a number of wooded habitats, including These habitats are interspersed with wild- miles west of the Natchez Trace Parkway a Beaver pond with lots of standing dead life openings planted for deer, turkey, and in northwestern Alabama. The area is re- timber. Check this area for Red-headed other game species. Search the scrubby nowned for its concentration of Bald Eagles and other woodpeckers. Closer to the fi elds for Yellow-breasted Chats and Indigo that congregate here in the winter months. shore, search the trees for White-breasted Buntings, which can be heard much more Sightings of half a dozen eagles are quite Nuthatches year-round and Orchard Orioles easily than seen. In the forest, listen for the common, and at times over twenty have and Eastern Kingbirds in the summer. insect-like buzzes and croaks of North- been seen on a single gravel bank! The The park also provides excellent views of ern Parulas and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. A eagles also nest in the area, so while they Pickwick Reservoir; in summer, watch for nocturnal visit should turn up Chuck-will’s- can be seen year-round, their concentra- Cliff and Barn Swallows foraging over open widows as well as Barred Owls and Eastern tions are most impressive in the winter. water. In winter, scan the open water of the Screech-Owls. Winter is also the best time for viewing reservoir for Double-crested Cormorants waterfowl. All three species of mergansers and Common Loons among the numer- Just down the road lies the famous Key occur regularly, with Red-breasted being ous diving ducks. Scan the trees along the Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery. the most numerous. During spring and shoreline for perched Bald Eagles. An These hallowed grounds have become the summer, listen for woodland species along evening stroll is usually accompanied fi nal resting place for raccoon hunting dogs the lake edge. by the calls of Barred Owls and Eastern from all across the South. Stop by and pay Screech Owls. The Natchez Trace Parkway your respects to these great hounds and stretches 444 miles from Natchez, MS to admire the creative tombstones raised Nashville, TN with 33 miles of this National to remember them. The grounds of the Scenic Byway and All American Road in cemetery are also a good spot to listen NW Alabama. for Summer Tanagers and Yellow-billed Cuckoos, joined in migration by a variety of vireos and warblers.

Site 11 Access: Free Site 12 Access: Free Site 13 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.9310, W 88.0391 GPS Coordinates: N 34.8400, W 87.9452 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6480, W 87.9902 Contact: ADCNR Contact: National Park Service (NPS) Contact: ADCNR: Area Biologist PO Box 1314 Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters 4200 White Pike Florence, AL 35630 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804 Cherokee, AL 35616 Phone: (256) 760-8670 Phone: (800) 305-7417 Phone: (256) 359-6208

8 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, Cerulean Warbler/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Bill Dyer known as neotropical migrants, may Site 15: Bankhead National Forest fl y over a thousand miles to seek Barred Owl/Walt Burch Sipsey Wilderness Trailhead refuge in the warm, tropical climate Site 14: Bankhead National Directions: From the Central Firetower Kiosk of Central and South America. Forest - Central Firetower - (see site 14), go 2.5 miles south on AL Hwy Kiosk Site 33. Turn right onto CR 60/Cranal Road and follow it for 3.9 miles to the Sipsey Wilder- Each year, Cerulean Warblers breed Directions: From the intersection of AL Hwy ness Trailhead, located near the Sipsey in the forest canopy along the River Picnic Area. 24 and AL Hwy 33 in Moulton, head south Sipsey River. Male Cerulean on Hwy 33 for 11.4 miles into Bankhead National Forest. The orientation kiosk is Description: Step back into primordial times Warblers are a real crowd-pleaser, located by the fi retower. with tinkling waterfalls and moss-covered stones decorating one of the fi nest forests with their ‘cerulean’ blue head, Description: Bankhead National Forest Alabama has to offer. This verdant forest back, and wings that contrast with trail rings each spring with the songs of Ce- encompasses 180,000 acres of public a bright white belly and throat. The land crisscrossed with hundreds of miles rulean and Black-throated Green warblers, of deep canyons, providing an adventur- the cheery sounds of Summer and Scarlet females are less fl ashy, with the tanagers and the strident calls of Ovenbirds ous environment for hours or days of same pattern repeated in muted exploration. Habitats in the national forest as they forage about on the forest fl oor. As range from old fi elds to mature pine and you explore this area, search the moist leaf greenish-blue tones. hardwood forests. The area is renowned for litter for American Woodcock and Chuck- its breeding Cerulean Warblers, which can will’s-widows, birds with such incredible be found in several of the heavily wooded camoufl age that you may only notice them Bankhead National Forest is one of canyon bottoms. Check amongst the pines as they explode from under your feet! for resident Pine Warblers and Brown- the few places in Alabama that the headed Nuthatches and explore the trails Cerulean Warbler can still call home. at night for Chuck-will’s-widows and Barred Owls. With so many impressive waterfalls, Although these neotropical migrants clear streams, and deep verdant forests to once fl ourished, studies indicate explore, Bankhead National Forest is sure to be a favorite for many visits to come. that Cerulean Warblers have declined at an alarming rate over the last forty years. Researchers sug- gest over 70% of the population of Site 14 Access: Free Site 15 Access: Free this handsome bird has disappeared GPS Coordinates: N 34.3452, W 87.3393 GPS Coordinates: N 34.2854, W 87.3986 Contact: U.S. Forest Service Contact: U.S. Forest Service due to habitat loss in both North and District Ranger, Bankhead National Forest District Ranger, Bankhead National Forest South America. PO Box 278, Double Springs, AL 35553 PO Box 278, Double Springs, AL 35553 Phone: (205) 489-5111, www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama (205) 489-5111, www.fs.fed.us/r8/alabama

9 10 Waterfall at Hurricane Creek Park/John Wesley McCrary Central Loop

,AUDERDALE Located in the heart of Alabama’s Tennessee River Valley, the Central portion of the North Alabama ,IMESTONE -ADISON *ACKSON #OLBERT Birding Trail provides incredible birding for longtime residents or short-term visitors. With the pres- ,AWRENCE -ORGAN -ARSHALL $E+ALB ence of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge running between Decatur and Huntsville, birds and other

7INSTON #ULLMAN 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.

For tourist information contact: 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 facilities B Athens/Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and improved wetlands. Add to this, ﬂ ocks of wintering Sandhill Cranes, Tupelo Swamps ringing with 101 Beaty St. the songs of Prothonotary Warblers, and Ospreys ﬁ shing right next to the road. You’ll soon extend PO Box 150 Athens, AL 35612 your stay. Phone: (256) 232-2600 Fax: (256) 232-2609 www.tourathens.com Spring is, perhaps, the best time to visit, for wintering birds are about to leave and the summer residents have just arrived. This is the time to carefully check sites like Dancy Bottoms and Monte Sano D Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce State Park for concentrations of wood warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles as they head north 301 2nd Ave. SW to nest and raise their young. It is not unusual to record over 100 species of birds in a single morning PO Box 1104 Cullman, AL 35056 at this time of year, including some of the state’s most uncommon species. Phone: (256) 734-0454 (800) 313-5114 Fax: (256) 737-7443 A break from the water and the woods is available at the 3M Wildlife Area and the Winfred Thomas www.visitcullman.org 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 E Decatur/Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau spy a few Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. 719 6th Ave. SE PO Box 2349 Decatur, AL 35601 Phone: (256) 350-2028 (800) 524-6181 Fax: (256) 350-2054 www.decaturcvb.org

I Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau 500 Church St., Suite 1 Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: (256) 551-2230 (800) space-4-U Fax: (256) 551-2324 www.huntsville.org

Note: Icons correspond to “local tourist info” sites shown on map on pages 16 & 17.

Photo credits: (left) Yellow Warbler/Bob Sargent; (right) Swamp Sparrow/USFWS, John and Karen Hollingsworth; (bottom) grass/ADCNR Photos 11 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- American Coots/USFWS crossing. Known fi rst as McDaniel’s Site 17: Decatur Hospitality Ferry, and then Rhodes Ferry, Nature Park - Kiosk Site Decatur was named after Commo- dore Stephen Decatur in 1820 and Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the intersection of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter- offi cially incorporated in 1826. Sandhill Cranes/Walt Burch nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end of the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses Site 16: Wheeler National Wildlife the Tennessee River), take US Hwy 31 north The town grew and prospered with Refuge Visitor Center across the river for 1.7 miles. The park is the increase of the railroad indus- on the left (west) at the north end of the Directions: If approaching the refuge from causeway. try. Decatur became the eastern the west from the intersection of US Hwy terminus of the fi rst railroad west 31 and AL Hwy 67 in southern Decatur, AL, Description: The Decatur Hospitality Nature travel east 1.9 miles to the entrance of the Park, and nearby US Hwy 31 Causeway and of the Appalachians, the Decatur to Visitor Center on the right. If approaching Decatur Boat Harbor provide a great oppor- Tuscumbia line. The rail line carried the refuge from the east and I-65 from the tunity to scan the waters of the Tennessee intersection of Hwy 67 and I-65, take Hwy River for winter waterfowl and shorebirds. goods around the infamous Muscle 67 and travel 2.8 miles west to the Visitor This area is one of the fi rst sites to develop Shoals, but the presence of the rail- Center on the left. mudfl ats in the fall as water levels begin to drop. Scan any suitable perches for way led to a dark time in the town’s Description: Wheeler National Wildlife Ospreys which prey on the abundant fi sh. history, as both the North and the Refuge’s (NWR’s) showpiece Visitor Cen- In years past, this area has turned up some ter serves as the gateway to the North exciting rarities for Alabama; be sure and South fought for control of the line. Alabama Birding Trail. The Visitor Center carefully scan the rafts of Canvasbacks, At the end of the Civil War, all but hosts a series of interpretive exhibits that Common Goldeneyes, and mergansers for explain the refuge’s numerous residents, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks, scoters, four of the town’s buildings had the ecology of these organisms, as well as and other surprises. At the day use park, been destroyed. information on the early human residents be sure to check out the walking trail which of the Tennessee River Valley. After visiting winds through an impressive bottomland the Center, explore the short trails in the hardwood forest. Once rebuilt, the town prospered area that lead to an impressive observation building. This temperature-controlled post-Civil War, and the Tennessee facility is ideal for watching the hundreds River became a major artery for of geese, ducks, and Sandhill Cranes that spend the winter on the refuge. With two trade in the area. The taming of the stories and several spotting scopes for visi- Muscle Shoals and the development tors’ use, the building is perfect for large groups or introducing new birders to the of TVA’s network of dams laid the wonders of northern Alabama’s birdlife. way for even more trade, as naviga- tion was made easier. Decatur is now linked to over 650 miles of naviga- Site 16 Access: Free Site 17 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.5480, W 86.9505 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6277, W 86.9580 ble waterways, stretching from the Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Contact: City of Decatur Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. Decatur CVB Decatur, AL 35603 Phone: (256) 350-2028 Phone: (256) 353-7243

12 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 portion of Wheeler Reservoir’s shoreline was purchased by these industries. Grasshopper Sparrow/Walt Burch Abundant water supply and access Site 19: 3M Wildlife Area - to barge transport provide added in- Red-wing Blackbird/Ted Lee Eubanks, FERMATA, Inc. Kiosk Site centives for these industries as they

Site 18: BP-Amoco Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter- continue to grow in this area. Environmental Trail section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter- nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end of In an attempt to give back to the Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter- the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses the section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter- Tennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72 valley they now occupy, many west 4.7 miles to Finley Island Road. Turn nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end of industrial giants are cooperating the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses the right onto Finley Island Rd, and go 0.9 mile Tennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72 to the parking area and grassland trails on with the Alabama Department of west 4.7 miles to Finley Island Road. Turn the right (east) side. Conservation and Natural Resources right onto Finley Island Rd. and go 0.9 mile to the signboard and marsh overlook on the Description: This large open grassy area is to employ new conservation strate- left (west) side. currently owned by 3M and is a great example of early agricultural fi eld succession. gies to manage current land hold- Description: In the middle of the extensive The company has plans to manage this ings for wildlife. agricultural fi elds that lie just west of area for native warm season grasses that Decatur, BP-Amoco has preserved a corner will enhance the area’s value for wildlife. of prime woodland and marsh habitat. Visitors should follow the trails through the 3M Corporation has shown steward- This area is worth stopping to check for grassland, and look and listen for Dickcis- ship by planting over 200 acres in marshland residents such as Red-winged sels and Grasshopper Sparrows amongst Blackbirds and Common Yellowthroats dur- the numerous Eastern Meadowlarks. native warm season grasses on their ing spring and summer months. At other Overhead, Purple Martins can be seen times of the year, the marsh could produce searching for insects, and Loggerhead NABT site. Also, Nucor Steel Deca- a variety of waterfowl including Wood Shrikes may be seen fl ashing over grasses tur, LLC has been a valuable partner Duck and American Coots. Some careful before dive-bombing for prey. Some of searching could also turn up a Virginia Rail the rarer species that occasionally visit with ADCNR providing funding and or Sora. The neighboring woodlands host a the area include Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, materials for Mallard-Fox Creek variety of nesting songbirds, and the fi elds Henslow’s Sparrow, and Bobolink. should be checked for wintering sparrows. WMA site. While not open to the general public, the nearby Wetland’s Edge Learning Center is Wildlife habitat along the Tennessee River/ADCNR, Keith Hudson available for school groups.

Site 18 Access: Free Site 19 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.6300, W 87.0525 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6329, W 87.0516 Contact: BP-Amoco Companies Contact: 3M Company PO Box 2215 1400 State Docks Rd., PO Box 2206 Decatur, AL 25609 Decatur, AL 25609 Phone: (256) 340-5356 Phone: (256) 552-6631

13 Double-crested Cormorant/Walt Burch Site 22: Round Island Recreation Area Greater Yellowlegs/Jeff Nadler Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter- Site 21: Swan Creek Wildlife section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter- Management Area nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end of the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses American Bittern/Ted Lee Eubanks, FERMATA, Inc. Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter- the Tennessee River), take US Hwy 31 north Site 20: Wheeler NWR - White section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter- for 8.1 miles. Turn left onto CR 25/Nuclear Springs Dike nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end of Plant Road and go 6.8 miles. At CR 41/Cow- the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses the ford Rd., turn left and drive south 2 miles into the park. Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the inter- Tennessee River), take US Hwy 31 north for section of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alter- 4.0 miles. Turn left (west) onto the Thomas Description: The Round Island Recreation nate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end of L. Hammons/Harris Station Road. Follow Area provides access to the north side of the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses the this road for 4.6 miles. Turn left (south) the Tennessee River and an excellent van- Tennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72 onto Dairy Road and go 0.7 mile to the tage point for viewing winter waterfowl as north across the river 2.0 miles to the pull- boat landing. well as cormorants, loons, and grebes. The out on the right (east) side of the road. Description: This state wildlife management pine woodland that surrounds the camping area is scattered with songbirds such as Description: White Spring Dike on Wheeler area on the Tennessee River is managed Red-breasted Nuthatches and numerous NWR is one of the premier birding sites of for waterfowl and small game although kinglets in winter. In summer, explore the the Tennessee River Valley in Alabama. The it supports many more species. Mudﬂ ats river and its numerous inhabitants via a dike runs between a dewatering area on can be covered with shorebirds, serv- canoe or just pick a quiet place under one the north side and the Tennessee River on ing as a key attraction to this area in the of the many trees to peruse the water. the south. Intrepid birders can walk for over fall. Search among the typical yellowlegs 8 miles along the dike, getting excellent and Killdeer for unusual species such as views of waterfowl and shorebirds on either American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, or side. Search for neotropical migrants in the Baird’s Sandpiper. The area is also good for woodland bordering the dike and listen for migrant passerines in spring and fall when Yellow and Prothonotary warblers which birds traveling to their winter and summer nest in the area. Other surprises that turn grounds stop over for a rest. During this up on occasion include American Bittern time, shorebirds and waterfowl can also at- and Sora. Birders should note - it requires tract hungry raptors such as Bald Eagles. extensive walking to access the best birding; however, the diversity of species that can be seen is well worth the hike.

Site 20 Access: Free Site 21 Access: Free Site 22 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.6290, W 86.9520 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6780, W 87.0033 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6850, W 87.0705 Contact: US Fish & Wildlife (USFWS) Contact: ADCNR Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. 21438 Harris Station Road TVA, SB 1H, PO Box 1010 Decatur, AL 35603 Tanner, AL 35671 Muscle Shoals, AL 35662-1010 Phone: (256) 353-7243 Phone: (256) 353-2634 Phone: (256) 386-2543

14 Snow Geese/William Gates Site 24: Wheeler NWR - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower

Tupelo Swamp/ADCNR Photos Directions: From the intersection of I-565 and Greenbrier Road, near Greenbrier, AL, Site 25: Wheeler NWR - Great Egret/Ted Lee Eubanks, FERMATA, Inc. take Exit 3 onto Greenbrier Road. Travel 1.8 miles south to the road fork. Take the right Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk Site 23: Wheeler NWR - fork and travel 0.6 mile until the road turns Arrowhead Landing sharply to the right, but continue straight Directions: From intersection of I-65 and ahead onto the gravel road and take an im- I-565 drive east towards Huntsville for 6.6 miles. Take Exit 5 and travel on the over- Directions: From I-565 west of Huntsville mediate left. Tower will be visible a couple pass north back over I-565, and continue take Exit 2 and travel south .1 mile to the hundred yards farther along the gravel on this road east paralleling I-565 on your Old AL Hwy 20. Turn right and go 0.7 mile. refuge road on the right. right. Continue for 0.4 miles until you reach Turn left (south) on a gravel road and follow County Line Road where you can turn right this road for 1.6 miles. Take the left fork at Description: A visit to the Beaverdam and take another overpass back over I-565 the Wheeler NWR entrance sign and travel Peninsula Tower in the summer may make to the south side again. Take the fi rst road another 0.4 mile to the landing. visitors wonder why the tower is even men- tioned. This broad observation platform sits to your right after crossing over I-565 and in wheat and corn fi elds dotted with a few continue back west for 2 miles until it dead Description: Located just off I-565, this site ends at the site. provides access to another corner of the Red-winged Blackbirds. While a visit in the fertile Wheeler Reservoir and the Tennes- summer might not impress, once the winds Description: The Beaverdam Swamp see River. Watch the open water for rafts of fall are in the air, this drastically changes. Boardwalk leads the visitor into the heart of Lesser Scaup, Red-breasted Mergansers, During the colder months, the broad of the largest Tupelo Swamp in Alabama. Green-winged Teal, Common Loons, and observation platform is situated right in the While exploring the boardwalk, watch the perhaps some surprises. At times of low center of an “all-the-birds-can-eat” buffet. canopy for active fl ocks of Tufted Titmice, water, check the mudfl ats for migrant Every morning and evening, hundreds of Red-eyed Vireos, and a variety of warblers. shorebirds and the shallows for wading Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese fi ll the The swamp usually rings with the songs of birds such as Great Blue Heron and Great fi elds, loafi ng about or picking at the seeds frogs, insects, and numerous birds includ- Egret. There is always the chance that from last summer’s crop. This wonderful ing Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great-crested you will hear the loud rattle of a Belted concentration of bird life should be checked Flycatcher, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. At Kingfi sher as it announces its presence and carefully for unusual “hangers-on” such as times, the abundant standing dead timber darts on by. Greater White-fronted and Ross’ geese. attracts a variety of woodpeckers including Pileated, Red-bellied, and Downy. Later in the day, there is a chance for the stately Barred Owl, whose distinct hooting is more often heard deep inside the swamp.

Site 23 Access: Free Site 24 Access: Free Site 25 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.6050, W 86.8922 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6110, W 86.8537 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6490, W 86.8190 Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. Decatur, AL 35603 Decatur, AL 35603 Decatur, AL 35603 Phone: (256) 353-7243 Phone: (256) 353-7243 Phone: (256) 353-7243

15 To Lawrenceburg TENNESSEE State Welcome To Center A Lexington 17 43 64 157 8 Ardm 20 r e v 99 i 2 LAUDERDALE R k Waterloo 11 l 71 Florence E Elkmont B 101 207 14 10 7 133 LIMESTONE PICKWICK 16 65 To Memphis LAKE 10 WILSON 12 Killen 72 Rogersville C AY LAKE W )UKA K 48 " R 6 A ' 0 83 E C RA 33 4 Z E H C 72 T 9 A #HEROKEE Sheffield 184 B 45 72 . 150 D ig N Athens a WHEELER Muscle n c LAKE 31 Shoals e M Tuscumbia C Leighton k 3 21 # Courtland E Town Alt Creek 20 COLBERT 72 48 Hillsboro 247 65 23 Trinity Moor Mentone F Littleville LAWRENCE % 33 157 ! 49 45 24 61 Russellville Decatur G 101 Price Moulton 203 24 87 Red BEAR * 31 Bay CREEK Oakville LAKES 41 H 43 243 36 Hartselle 65 12 -/ 19 Vina FRANKLIN 33 BANKHEAD Falkville Phil Campbell Flint Ck I 172 B e ar Ck NATIONAL Hackleburg 32 60 FOREST MISSISSIPPI 157 J UPPER BEAR 56 19 187 43 CREEK LAKE WINSTON 253 CULLM Haleyville Addison 278 $ K 78 MARION 129 Double To Tupelo 13 Hamilton Springs 81 278 C 74 Good L Crane 19 4 Hill Hope 17 25 LEWIS 42 Natural SMITH Ha Bridge 41 LAKE M 171 195 233 65 Bremen 69 Gadsden N Guin Winfield Sulligent 278 5 O 78

H 01020 H Map base courtesy of the North Alabama Tourism Association 43 P Jasper 1-800-648-5381 / www.northalabama.org miles Sumiton

16 o Nashville To Fayetteville 24

118 more MADISON 231 Bridgeport To Chattanooga 251 53 11 431 New Market 72 65 79 2 189 Meridianville Stevenson To Atlanta

JACKSON 71 Normal 33 17 &LAT2OCK 157 65 (OLLYWOOD ) 117 Y

24 "ROWNSBORO 3TATE A

W K

Ider 7ELCOME R

Madison 0

431 0ISGAH #ENTER r N 565 e 35 T v - i ( 75 T R U O K 72 O t 3COTTSBORO O n 40 Henagar , Huntsville Huntsville i l 39 59 International F Airport Owens

resville 63 Crossroads r MMentoneentone

e 79 4RIANA v i '5.4%236),,% Sylvania R Valley 117 ,!+% 614 48 8 k ,ANGSTON ,ACEYS3PRING c Head o Grant 35 R eville T t 2AINSVILLE e i n 5 47 To Rome n Pa n k &ORT0AYNE e e 3OMERVILLE sse e e &YFFE r & LITTLE GEOR R 79 C i n RIVER v 227 w e Guntersville o 67 231 r T CANYON $%+!," GIA + 89 78 NATIONAL MARSHALL PRESERVE 2'!. 69 K E E R Eva # 273 S LL 11 35 Arab I 176 7 68 68 G 205 I Albertville " Collinsville 79 59 WEISS 9 35 LAKE 26 AN 168 AY KW Cedar Bluff AR $ 0 TN Leesburg 22 - Boaz UT 75 KO 411 Centre OO , 74 31 53 Cullman 91 179 ETOWAH C o 278 431 89 o sa Blountsville R

i v

e CHEROKEE anceville r 211

BLOUNT 9 Attalla 759 74 Charleston278 Hokes Louisville GGadsdenadsden Richmond Oneonta Bluff 231 Rainbow Nashville 31 City Memphis Charlotte Atlanta Columbia 160 (.%%,9 (%.29 Jackson Birmingham ,!+% @ek\igi\k`m\B`fjb 132 411 Montgomery 27 Mobile 79 11 @ek\igi\k`m\J`^e Tallahassee INLAND ! CfZXcKfli`jk@e]f HEROES' LAKE 59 HIGHWAY 77 JkXk\N\cZfd\ 4O!NNISTON To Birmingham, 4ALLADEGA :\ek\i Montgomery

17 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

fl ooded environment. These fl ooded Pileated Woodpecker/Perry C. Covington conditions create one of the most Site 26: Wheeler NWR - distinctive habitats in northern Blackwell Swamp Alabama, the Tupelo Swamp. The Dickcissel/USFWS, Steve Maslowski continuous fl ow of water brings a Directions: The intersection of County Line Site 27: Winfred Thomas Road and I-565 west of Huntsville, AL, lies steady stream of nutrients directly between I-565 Exits 5 and 7. Note: There Agricultural Research Station to the roots of the tupelo. Leaves is no interstate exit at the intersection, as here US Hwy 72 parallels I-565. County Directions: From the intersection of I-565 and fruit that fall from the trees Line Road may be accessed from I-565 and US 231/431 (Memorial Parkway) in Huntsville, AL, take Exit 19B onto US absorb the water. In exchange, Exit 7 by traveling west on Hwy 72, or from I-565 Exit 5 by traveling east on Hwy 72 for 231/431 and drive 12.5 miles north. Turn these leaves and fruits release a short distance. From the intersection, go right (east) onto Walker Lane and go 0.6 mile to the ARS sign and gate on the right. tannins that color the water brown south on County Line Road for 5.9 miles. Turn left (east) on Jolly B. Road. To access Visitors should note that the gate into the and nutrients that continue to feed the west side of Blackwell Swamp, continue fi eld station is periodically closed, at which time only walk-in birding is allowed. the trees. The small dark blue fruits on Jolly B. Road 0.6 mile to the Wheeler NWR sign and continue on the refuge ac- are a favorite of Wood Ducks and cess road for another 0.8 mile to a small Description: The extensive grasslands and canoe landing. To access the east side agricultural fi elds associated with Alabama Wild Turkey, and they make an en- of the swamp, turn left (east) on another A&M’s fi eld station provide a rare area of ergy-rich contribution to their diet. refuge access road off Jolly B. Road a few open country fi lled with native birds. Bird hundred yards before the Wheeler NWR the area by making frequent stops, and sign. This road will carry you to the north look for Grasshopper Sparrows, Dickcissel, Grassland Birds are Declining and east sides of the swamp. An eastern and Eastern Meadowlarks. Scan the open viewing and canoe access point is 1.7 miles agriculture fi elds for other sparrows such down this road. as Chipping and Field. In winter, these fi elds Across North America, grassland host Northern Harriers and Short-eared Description: Owls, which can be seen patrolling over the bird species are declining. Although The fl ooded woodland and marsh of Blackwell Swamp can be explored extensive grasslands. The star attraction at not fully understood, in many cases, by car, on foot, or by canoe. This extensive the research station are the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, which can be found in spring these declines are due to loss of area hosts a variety of wetland species including Great Blue and Green herons and early summer perched on small trees breeding habitat. As more open and Great Egret. The striking Prothonotary and fences across the area. fi elds are paved or as invasive spe- Warbler can be plentiful in the spring when the males are actively singing from every cies choke out native ones, these feasible vantage point, in hopes of courting a mate. With numerous dead trees in the birds are losing their homes. In an area, look for Red-headed and Pileated attempt to reverse this trend, the woodpeckers as they fl ash their red, white, and black colors in this sea of green. Alabama Department of Conser- vation and Natural Resources is working with numerous partners to Site 26 Access: Free Site 27 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.5770, W 86.7822 GPS Coordinates: N 34.9025, W 86.5596 manage the remaining grasslands Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Contact: Alabama A&M Research Station primarily for native birds. Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. 372 Walker Lane Decatur, AL 35603 Hazel Green, AL 35762 Phone: (256) 353-7243 Phone: (256) 372-4248

18 Indigo Bunting/Walt Burch Site 29: Monte Sano State Park

Blue Jay/USFWS, Dave Menke Directions: In Huntsville, AL, from the intersection of I-565 and US Hwy 431/231 Flint River and bottomland forest/ADCNR Photos Site 28: Madison County (Memorial Parkway), take Hwy 431 south Site 30: Hays Nature Preserve Public Lake for 4.5 miles. Turn left on Monte Sano Blvd. and travel 2.6 miles to Nolen Ave. Turn right on Nolen Ave. and stay on Nolen until Directions: In Huntsville, AL, from the Directions: In Huntsville, AL, from the inter- you enter the park. Follow the state park intersection of I-565 and US Hwy 431/231 section of I-565 and US 431/231 (Memorial signs to the Scenic Overlook. (Memorial Parkway), take Hwy 431 south Parkway), take I-565 east (it soon becomes for 10.7 miles. The Hays Preserve is on the US Hwy 72) for 7.5 miles to Ryland Pike Description: Monte Sano State Park sits left (north) side of the road just after mile Road. Turn left on Ryland Pike Road for 6.5 atop a remnant ridge of the Cumberland marker #324. Turn off just before crossing miles (through Maysville where it becomes Plateau, giving a fantastic view of the sur- the Flint River. Hurricane Creek Road) to County Lake rounding valleys and plateaus that cover Road. At County Lake Road turn right and northeastern Alabama. These islands in the Description: The Hays Nature Preserve hosts drive 1.0 mile to Madison County Lake. After sky are covered in thick hardwood forest, several miles of paved trails that follow the turning off US 72 it is also possible to follow which is home to a number of neotropical Flint River and its associated oxbow lakes the Madison County Public Lake highway migrants. As you explore the trails in the through low riparian habitat, old ﬁ elds, and directional signs. park, look and listen for Indigo Buntings, a golf course. This is an incredible area,

Great-crested Flycatchers, and Red-eyed easily accessible for birders near the large Description: Madison County Public Lake is Vireos. During migration, these can be metropolitan area of Huntsville. Species best known for its fi shing, but it also serves augmented with species that nest farther to look for along the river include Great as an excellent introduction to northern north. Raptors can be seen gliding past at Blue and Green herons, Belted Kingfi sher, Alabama’s birdlife. Scan the lake for win- eye level, soaring on warm air currents ris- and in winter, Wilson’s Snipe. The edges tering waterfowl or perhaps a family of resi- ing from the valley below. of woodland host Eastern Bluebirds, Song dent Canada Geese and their downy young. Sparrows, and numerous other resident The woods around the lake host a variety and migrant species. of warblers and vireos during migration while resident favorites include Northern Cardinal and Blue Jay. From time to time, Ospreys may drop in for some fi shing, and you never know when a vagrant gull or tern may turn up unexpectedly.

Site 28 Access: Free Site 29 Access: Free Site 30 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.8111, W 86.3940 GPS Coordinates: N 34.7470, W 86.5104 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6420, W 86.4706 Contact: ADCNR Contact: ADCNR Contact: City of Huntsville Rec’al. Services 2501 County Lake Road Monte Sano St. Park, 5105 Nolen Avenue 308 Fountain Circle Gurley, AL 35748 Huntsville, AL 35801 Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: (256) 776-4905 Phone: (256) 534-3757 Phone: (256) 427-5116

19 Prothonotary Warbler/Walt Burch Site 31: Wheeler NWR - Cave Springs

Directions: From the intersection of I-65 and AL 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 Road and go 3.5 miles to a paved road on the left (north). Turn left onto the paved road and go 0.1 mile. Cave Springs Swamp is to the right. Cave Springs Cave is located about 100 yards to the southeast.

Description: The Cave Springs Cave has been popular for thousands of years. The combination of shelter, fresh water, and abundant food has attracted humans and other wildlife to its safety. The cave’s current residents include several thousand Gray Bats, an endangered species whose population stronghold is in northeastern Alabama. Where the springs emerge from the cave, a family of Beavers has built a substantial dam, creating an area of ﬂ ooded woodland and marsh, perfect for birding. Check this area for Red-headed and Red-bellied woodpeckers, as well as Protho- notary Warblers and the occasional Belted Kingﬁ sher. The deeper water can attract Wood Duck and other waterfowl, especially in the winter.

Site 31 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.5470, W 86.8510 Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. Decatur, AL 35603 Phone: (256) 353-7243

20 Great Blue Heron/Quincey Banks Forest Elders

Escape to an earlier time

Throughout generations, the colos- sal trees of Northern Alabama’s mature hardwood forests have stood through considerable natural, histor-

Northern Cardinal/Dave Menke ical, and cultural changes. Some of Site 32: Hurricane Creek Park - these giants are old enough to have Kiosk Site witnessed the Civil War, while oth- Wood Thrush/Walt Burch ers only date back to the taming of Directions: From the intersection of I-65 and Site 33: Wheeler NWR - US Hwy 31 near Lacon, AL, take Exit 318 Muscle Shoals. Because of the rich and drive south on Hwy 31 South for 2.2 Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail habitat they provide, these elders miles to the park on the left. Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy of the forest host special birds that Description: Hurricane Creek Park is known 31 and AL Hwy 67 in Decatur, AL, drive don’t venture far from ancient limbs. for its scenic deep canyon, which is heavily south on Hwy 31 3.5 miles through Flint City wooded with mature hardwoods. The park to Red Bank Road. Turn left onto Red Bank offers a number of trails, leading bird- Road, just before the railroad overpass, and Listen before you look ers through a landscape crisscrossed by drive 1.0 mile east on Red Bank Road, cross streams and waterfalls. As you walk the Flint Creek on Red Bank Bridge, then im- trails, listen for Red-eyed Vireos and Great mediately turn left into the Dancy Bottoms Because the forest’s extensive Crested Flycatchers among the numerous access area. The walking trail begins at the Northern Cardinals and Carolina Chicka- small parking area aside Flint Creek. canopy creates a deep shade, spot- dees. Peer through the canopy for Red- ting birds can be difﬁ cult. Birders tailed and Red-shouldered hawks soaring Description: Dancy Bottoms is an excel- high overhead. During the winter, White- lent area to visit during spring migration should listen carefully to the variety breasted Nuthatches and Yellow-rumped when dozens of warblers, vireos, tanagers, of sounds the forest’s residents Warblers join the cardinals and chickadees, thrushes, orioles, and grosbeaks ﬁ ll the while almost anything could appear during trees. The area is also good for breeding make. Familiarity with bird song will migration. species, including Barred Owl and Red- reveal a bird’s identity quicker than headed Woodpecker. Louisiana Waterthrush can be heard singing along the trail as early trying to discern it in a thick canopy as March, and Kentucky Warbler, Wood of green. Many birds are quiet in the Thrush, and Acadian Flycatcher soon join them. The potential for this area to turn middle of the day, as they forage for up unexpected species is very high with food or tend to their young. How- Lincoln’s Sparrows, Mourning and Con- necticut Warblers all recorded recently. ever, a visit early in the morning or Warbler enthusiasts should check close to at the end of the day will ensure a the ground late in the spring. fantastic chorus of bird song.

Great Crested Flycatcher/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Isidor Jeklin

Site 32 Access: Modest Access Fee Site 33 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.2860, W 86.8950 GPS Coordinates: N 34.5070, W 86.9552 Contact: Cullman City Parks and Recreation Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) PO Box 788, Cullman, AL 35056 Wheeler NWR, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Rd. Phone: (256) 734-9157 Decatur, AL 35603 Phone: (256) 353-7243

21 22 Wood Duck/William Gates Northeast Loop

,AUDERDALE Alabama’s northeastern corner has a wilder, more primitive side than much of the state, with the ,IMESTONE -ADISON *ACKSON #OLBERT Appalachian chain rising in the east. Birds known for their vulnerability to disturbance thrive in this ,AWRENCE -ORGAN $E+ALB -ARSHALL corner of the state, with Cerulean Warblers nesting in remote valleys, Ruffed Grouse drumming from

7INSTON #ULLMAN 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 For tourist information contact: 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 seen F DeKalb County Tourist Association leaving their roosts to start their evening hunt. Although their numbers once declined dramatically, 1503 Glenn Blvd. SW careful management is bringing them back from the brink. PO Box 681165 Fort Payne, AL 35968 Phone: (256) 845-3957 Beneath the towering Cumberland Plateau, Guntersville Lake extends its thin arms up steep (888) 805-4740 Fax: (256) 845-3946 valleys, forming even more habitat for winter waterfowl. You may see numerous Bald Eagles, some www.tourdekalb.com of which have taken up residence around the lake – due to the assistance from ADCNR. Each year, Gun- H Greater Jackson County tersville Peninsula, which lies at the heart of the Northeast Loop, provides some exciting rare birds Chamber of Commerce for the state. Previous celebrities have included Glaucous Gull, Paciﬁ c Loon, Red-necked Grebe. 407 E. Willow St. PO Box 973 Scottsboro, AL 35768 Whether you are just looking to escape to the outdoors or looking for rare birds, this out-of-the-way Phone: (256) 259-5500 (800) 259-5508 corner of the state is well worth exploring over and over again. Fax: (256) 259-4447 www.jacksoncountychamber.com

K Marshall County Convention & Visitors Bureau 200 Gunter Ave. PO Box 711 Guntersville, AL 35976 Phone: (256) 582-7015 (800) 582-6282 Fax: (256) 582-3682 www.marshallcountycvb.com

Note: Icons correspond to “local tourist info” sites shown on map on pages 16 & 17.

Photo credits: (left) American Redstart/USFWS, Steve Maslowski; (right) Gorham’s Bluff/ADCNR Photos; (bottom) grasses/ADCNR Photos 23 Return of a Native

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. Guntersville State Park/Teaming with Wildlife

Historically, Bald Eagles nested in Site 34: Guntersville State Park,

Alabama’s Tennessee River Val- Town Creek and Drive - Kiosk Site Laughing Gull/Rob Tizard, FERMATA, Inc. ley. The population dwindled in the Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy Site 35: Guntersville Peninsula 1950’s and 1960’s due mainly to the 431 and AL Hwy 227 in Guntersville, AL, take Hwy 227 east for 5.6 miles to the bird- Directions: This site refers to the walking devastating effects of DDT poison- ing trail orientation kiosk at the state park. trails along the edges of Guntersville Penin- ing. This chemical passes through sula. Good places to access the trail include Description: Guntersville State Park is one of the corner of AL Hwy 69/Henry Street and the food chain by accumulating the premiere birding areas in northeastern Sunset Drive in western Guntersville, AL in fi sh, which in turn are eaten by Alabama. Renowned for its Eagle Aware- or the intersection of Sunset Drive and US ness Weekends, the park is best visited in Hwy 431 in northern Guntersville, AL. Visi- eagles. DDT in the eagles caused the winter. During this time, look for dense tors should check the orientation map on eggshells to thin so that they broke populations of waterfowl, and the chance the birding trail interpretive sign located at to spy a vagrant such as Red-necked the Marshall County Convention and Visi- during incubation and failed to Grebe or an unusual gull. The woodlands tors Bureau building at the southern end of hatch. The population plummeted, through the park should be checked during the US Hwy 431 River Bridge. migration for a variety of warblers, vireos, wintering eagles in Alabama became tanagers and grosbeaks. Migration is also Description: The city of Guntersville sits rare, and the breeding population the best time to search for shorebirds on on a peninsula that juts into Guntersville any exposed mudfl ats. Wading birds such Reservoir. The city has developed walking completely died out. as Great Blue Heron and Great Egret occur trails along the shoreline of the peninsula, year-round and nest on islands in Gunters- providing public access to innumerable van- ville Lake. tage points to search the water for bird life. Thanks to ADCNR’s restoration ef- The reservoir is at its best in winter, when forts, Bald Eagle populations have waterfowl is plentiful, often supporting rafts of Red-breasted Mergansers, Lesser increased, and now these majestic Scaup, Gadwalls, as well as Common Loons birds nest throughout the state. In and Hooded Grebes. The former marina area on the northeast side of the peninsula the fall, there is an infl ux of Bald has supported a number of unusual Eagles into Alabama from northern gulls and Red-necked Grebes have been recorded there as well. Other species to states and Canada. These migrants look for during the year include Double- winter in Alabama, enjoying moder- crested Cormorant, Osprey, and Bald Eagle, all of which nest nearby. ate temperatures before returning north in the spring. Once in danger of extinction, Bald Eagles have made a tremendous comeback, not only in Site 34 Access: Free Site 35 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.3697, W 86.2169 GPS Coordinates: N 34.3630, W 86.2916 Alabama, but across the country. Contact: ADCNR, Lake Guntersville State Park Contact: Marshall County CVB 7966 Alabama Hwy 227 200 Gunter Avenue Guntersville, AL 35976 Guntersville, AL 35976 Phone: (256) 571-5444 Phone: (256) 582-7015, (800) 582-6282

24 Peregrine Falcon/USFWS, Craig Koppie Site 36: Guntersville Dam South

Directions: From the intersection of US 431 Bald Eagle/USFWS and AL Hwy 69 in Guntersville, AL go west Site 37: Guntersville Dam North on Hwy 69 for 6.2 miles to CR-240/Union Male Hooded Merganser, foreground/Quincey Banks Grove Rd. Turn right on CR-240/Union Directions: Grove Rd. and travel 2.3 miles to CR-50/ From the intersection of US 431 Site 38: Goose Pond Colony Snow Point Rd. Turn right and drive 3.4 and AL Hwy 69 in Guntersville, go north on US 431 for 14.9 miles to Guntersville Dam miles to the southern side of Guntersville Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy Rd. (Guntersville Dam Sign). Turn left onto Dam. Note: this is for south dam access 72 and AL Hwy 279 in south Scottsboro, Guntersville Dam Rd. and go 3.8 miles to only – there is no vehicular traffi c allowed AL, head southeast on Hwy 279 (it will the dam. Note: this is for north dam access across the dam. become Hwy 79 south) for 3.2 miles to Ed only – there is no vehicular traffi c allowed Hembree Drive. Turn left at Goosepond Dr. across the dam. Description: Guntersville Dam impounds the and the Goose Pond Colony sign. Follow the 67,900-acre Guntersville Reservoir in north- GPC signs 1.5 miles to the amphitheater. Description: The north side of Guntersville eastern Alabama. The Tennessee Valley Park in the parking lot just south of the Dam is similar to the south side and also Authority manages the dam for electric- amphitheater. ity production and fl ood control. The dam provides boat access to Painted Bluff a few miles downstream. However, the north side makes an excellent vantage point to scan Description: Goose Pond Colony is a of the dam is usually better for viewing the waters of the reservoir for waterfowl, public recreational development, built Bald Eagles. Active eagle nests have been wading birds, and gulls. Numerous Great on a peninsula on the northern side of seen on the ridge just northeast of the dam Blue Herons fi sh here, unaffected by the Guntersville Lake south of Scottsboro. and in a small wet area northwest of the close proximity to the dozens of anglers. This location makes for some excellent dam. Look for adult parents from January The park below the dam also offers a boat birding especially during the winter. Stop – April and for recently-fl edged juveniles ramp where boats can be launched to visit at one of the numerous viewing points to in April and May. Sometimes, juvenile birds Painted Bluff, a few miles downstream. This search the rafts of waterfowl for Com- will stay in the area for several years, and impressive red sandstone bluff is the pre- mon Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, and many more birds can often be seen during mier observation site for migratory raptors, Canvasback. At times, loons, grebes, and the winter when resident eagles are joined which are attracted to the hot air thermals cormorants can be seen on the water, and by migrants from farther north. that are pushed off the water and over the a Bald Eagle may drop by for a meal now bluff, providing ideal soaring conditions. and again. Explore the nature trails in the This area can be comfortably scanned area to see some of the numerous migrant from a boat below the bluff. The area is and nesting songbirds ranging from Indigo especially good for Peregrine Falcons Buntings to Eastern Kingbirds. and Bald Eagles, which have historically nested nearby.

Site 36 Access: Free Site 37 Access: Free Site 38 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.4250, W 86.3930 GPS Coordinates: N 34.4250, W 86.3930 GPS Coordinates: N 34.5743, W 86.0807 Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Contact: Goose Pond Colony 3696 Alabama Hwy 60 3696 Alabama Hwy 60 417 Ed Hembree Guntersville, AL 35976 Guntersville, AL 35976 Scottsboro, AL 35769 Phone: (256) 571-4280 Phone: (256) 571-4280 Phone: (256) 259-2884

25 Welcome to the Nursery

Just inside this cave, thousands of mammals are sleeping. Each summer, the cave is home to hundreds of thousands of endangered Gray Bats. In the evenings, their dusk Hibernating Indiana bats/ADCNR, Keith Hudson emergence is awe-inspiring as the Site 39: North Sauty Creek WMA/ mass of bats emerge from the cave Sauta Cave NWR and head for the Tennessee River for an all-night insect buffet. Sauta Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy Cave National Wildlife Refuge was 72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro, AL, travel west on Hwy 72 5.9 miles. For Paint Rock River/ADCNR Photos established to preserve this magnifi - Sauta Cave NWR access, park adjacent to Site 40: Roy B. Whitaker Paint cent spectacle. A few bats use the the metal gate at the small highway pull off on the south side of Hwy 72 and walk Rock River Preserve - Kiosk Site cave throughout the year, but in the the road 300 yards to the cave. Continu- Directions: summer months after the young are ing west on Hwy 72 for another 0.7 mile From the intersection of US Hwy is a separate off-highway parking area for 72 and AL Hwy 65 between the towns of born, the population hits its peak. North Sauty Creek WMA with birding trail Gurley and Paint Rock, AL, drive 0.3 mile to interpretation and a short walking trail to the Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Pre- the west side of North Sauty Creek. serve on the north (left) side of the road. Diverse Ecosystems & Species Turn north (left), at the preserve sign, and Description: Birders will revel in the excellent carefully cross the railroad tracks to the display of waterfowl and wading birds that parking area. The Paint Rock River is one of the occupy the area, especially North Sauty most pristine rivers in the south- Creek. Park on the roadside and scan the Description: Roy B. Whitaker once farmed creek for waterfowl, shorebirds and wading these fi elds along the Paint Rock River. In eastern US. It fl ows unhindered from birds especially during migration or in the order for future generations to be able to Franklin County, Tennessee, through winter. A small heron rookery is located on enjoy the farm he enjoyed so much, Whita- one of the small islands. However, exercise ker sold it to The Nature Conservancy who landscapes of porous limestone. extreme caution when viewing from the road now manages it for conservation. These One scenic watershed creek that shoulder since US Hwy 72 can be very busy. rolling fi elds sit alongside one of the most diverse freshwater ecosystems east of the feeds the river is known locally as Just across the highway is Sauta Cave Mississippi, and the healthy riparian forest “The Walls of Jericho.” Eventually, National Wildlife Refuge. Sauta Cave has along its banks helps to maintain that diver- the largest concentration of endangered sity. For the visiting birder, the excitement the river empties into the Tennessee Gray Bats in the world, and during the sum- is all in the grasslands where Grasshopper mer, dusk emergences can total a quarter Sparrows buzz and Scissor-tailed Fly- River upstream from Huntsville. million bats. This is the largest emergence catchers perform their aerial acrobatics. of bats east of the Mississippi River, a Exploring deeper into the woodland should spectacular sight that must be seen to be produce Great-crested Flycatchers and Red- This river is home to an amazing believed. Visitors who bird for songbirds on eyed Vireos, both of which nest in the area. diversity of freshwater creatures this small 264-acre refuge might fi nd sum- Of course almost anything could turn up mer residents like Summer Tanager and during migration, so it’s worth investigating with over 100 species of fi sh and Prothonotary Warbler. all habitats during spring and fall. about 45 species of mussels, several of which are found no where else in the world. In order to preserve this Site 39 Access: Free Site 40 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.6190, W 86.1312 GPS Coordinates: N 34.6725, W 86.3282 great river, The Nature Conservancy Contact: North Sauty Creek WMA Contact: The Nature Conservancy and ADCNR are working together to ADCNR: Area Biologist 2100 1st Ave. North, Suite 500 234 County Road 141 Birmingham, Alabama 35203 manage a signifi cant portion of the Hollywood, AL 35752 Phone: (205) 251-1155 Ext. 104 318-square mile watershed. (for Sauta Cave NWR contact info see Site 16)

26 Water for Wildlife 27

The Tennessee River Valley is renowned for the impressive ﬂ ocks of waterfowl that visit the valley each winter. The hard work and management that goes on during the rest of

Ruffed Grouse/USFWS the year to support those waterfowl Site 41: Skyline Wildlife is less well known. While an unman- Bald Eagle Hacking Tower/ADCNR, Keith Hudson aged wetland can produce an aver- Management Area Site 42: Mud Creek Wildlife age of 200 pounds of plant seeds Directions: Management Area The directions and GPS below per acre, one actively planted wet- guide visitors to the Skyline WMA birding drive, however birding may be done Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy land with seed-producing crops and throughout this extensive WMA. From the 72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro, carefully managed water levels can intersection of US Hwy 72 and AL Hwy 65, AL, travel east on US Hwy 72 for 12.4 miles between the towns of Gurley and Paint to CR 116. Turn right onto CR 116 and drive produce over 1,000 pounds of seed Rock, AL, drive north through the Paint 1.1 miles to CR 141. Turn left onto CR 141 and per acre. These seasonally fl ooded Rock Valley 17.6 miles to AL Hwy 146. Turn go 0.2 miles and turn right onto a gravel right onto Hwy 146 and drive 4.7 miles. This road. Follow the gravel road for 1.4 miles to wetlands can support substantially will take visitors into the western side of the pumping station. the WMA and to the south entrance (gravel more waterfowl than those left wild. road) of the approximately 3-mile birding Description: Managed for wintering water- drive. For directions to other parts of the fowl and small-game hunting, Mud Creek Certain species of waterfowl, espe- WMA, visitors should consult the area’s per- Wildlife Management Area has numerous mit map – available from the area biologist impoundments which are likely to turn up cially geese, will feed directly off and from various WMA self-serve stations. a great variety of species. Access roads of waste grain in agricultural fi elds. leading into the area also make Mud Creek Description: Skyline Wildlife Management easily birded. Check the ponds in fall and These fl ooded fi elds also provide Area is an extensive tract of wild lands in winter for dabbling ducks such as Mallard, important habitat for wintering and northeastern Alabama, which hosts the Gadwall, American Wigeon and Green- state’s only population of Ruffed Grouse. winged Teal. Blue-winged Teal are more migrant shorebirds, such as Greater This carefully managed area also supports likely found during migration periods, while Yellowlegs and Wilson’s Snipe. In older hardwood forests utilized by nesting American Coots and Common Moorhens Cerulean Warblers. A visit to the WMA is can be seen at any time. The area is also a summer, wetlands experience re- most rewarding in spring when Yellow- favorite for wading birds with Great Blue duced water levels, but retain more breasted Chats, Field Sparrows, Indigo and Green herons being especially numer- Buntings and Prairie Warblers can be ous. Mud Creek was the hacking site from vegetation, providing cover for heard singing throughout. With careful which Bald Eagles were fi rst reintroduced nesting songbirds. These wetlands exploration and a little luck, spring visitors to Alabama’s Tennessee River Valley. Many might also hear the drumming of the male of the eagles now seen throughout the area also support frogs, crayfi sh, fi sh, Ruffed Grouse, although Wild Turkey and are the descendents of the original birds Northern Bobwhite are much easier to fi nd. released at Mud Creek. and insects that, in turn, attract This mosaic of regenerating habitats pro- predators such as Great Blue Heron vides a tremendous diversity of bird species, making it a special treat for birders. and Raccoon. Managed water levels and enhanced food sources benefi t all wildlife. Site 41 Access: Free Site 42 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.8534, W 86.1310 GPS Coordinates: N 34.7768, W 85.8593 Contact: ADCNR: Area Biologist Contact: ADCNR: Area Biologist 37 County Road 243 4101 Ala. Hwy 21 N. Scottsboro, AL 35768 Jacksonville, AL 36265 Phone: (256) 435-5422 Phone: (256) 435-5422

27 Gorham’s Bluff/ADCNR Photos Site 45: Gorham’s Bluff/Coon Gulf Common Loon/USFWS, Lee Karney Site 43: Stevenson Town Park Directions: From Scottsboro, AL, at the junction of US Hwy 72 and AL Hwy 35, take Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy Hwy 35 south for 3.2 miles until just across 72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro, the Tennessee River. Turn left (east) onto AL, travel east on Hwy 72 for 19 miles to AL Indigo Bunting/USFWS, Dave Menke AL Hwy 40 and go 6.8 miles to a 4-way Hwy 117. Turn left onto Hwy 117 just south of Site 44: Russell Cave National stop. Turn left onto AL Hwy 71 and go north Stevenson, AL. Drive 0.6 miles and turn left for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto CR 58 and go at the park sign. Monument 5.5 miles. Turn left onto CR 357 and go 1.2 miles. Turn left on CR 457 and drive 0.8 miles. Turn right into the Gorham’s Bluff Description: Stevenson Town Park sits on Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy community and follow the signs to the the east side of Crow Creek. The park pro- 72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro, lodge. vides an excellent vantage to scan the open AL, travel east on Hwy 72 23.7 miles to CR water of the reservoir for Common Loons 69. Turn left onto CR 69 and drive north for Description: and Horned Grebes, as well as a variety of 1 mile to CR 75. Turn right onto CR 75 and Raccoon Creek is a very scenic waterfowl. During times of low water, look follow it north for 5.2 miles to the National arm of Guntersville Reservoir. The planned for shorebirds and herons hunting in the Monument on the left. community of Gorham’s Bluff rises on the shallows. Just down the road from the park southern side of Raccoon Creek, providing is historic Fort Harker. This Union fort was Description: Russell Cave has been home an incredible vista of the creek and the sur- where General Ulysses S. Grant plotted his to wildlife and man for thousands of years. rounding area, as well as exemplifying how invasion of Stevenson. The fort now stands This peaceful setting combines food, water the Tennessee River has cut through the as a quiet reminder of an incredible time and shelter with tranquility and beauty. Cumberland Plateau over millennia. Birds of turmoil. Birding can also be done at Following the elevated boardwalks and to look for in the area include Bald Eagles, the fort. nature trails could lead to eastern wood- which nest nearby. Other raptors can be land species such as Summer and Scarlet seen soaring in the air currents along the tanagers, whose song is accompanied by bluff. On the northern side, explore areas the insect-like croaking of Yellow-billed within the valley by boat so you can visit Cuckoos. During migration, almost any the numerous small bays and inlets in the eastern warbler or vireo is likely to make area. Waterfowl can be numerous in winter, an appearance. In addition to its extensive and Canada Geese and Wood Duck both birding, the national monument also offers nest along the creek. Quiet exploration an excellent interpretive facility detailing by boat could lead to close encounters the lives of northern Alabama’s early with Green Herons, Great Egrets, and human inhabitants. other wildlife.

Site 43 Access: Free Site 44 Access: Free Site 45 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.8502 W 85.8342 GPS Coordinates: N 34.9770, W 85.8056 GPS Coordinates: N 34.7350, W 85.8347 Contact: City Hall Contact: National Park Service Contact: 101 Gorham’s Drive 104 Kentucky Ave Russell Cave NM Gorham’s Bluff Stevenson, AL 35772 2141 Gault Ave. N., Ft. Payne, AL 35967 Pisgah, AL 35765-6891 Phone: (256) 437-4330 Phone: (256) 845-9605 Phone: (256) 451-VIEW (8439)

28 Prairie Warbler/USFWS, Steve Maslowski Site 48: Little River Canyon National Preserve Drive

Yellow-throated Vireo/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Mike Hopiak Directions: From Interstate I-59, take Exit 218 and travel south on AL Hwy 35 for 1.2 Site 47: DeSoto State Park - miles to US Hwy 11. Turn left onto Hwy 11 Canada Geese/USFWS Azalea Cascade Trail and head north for 1.2 miles to Hwy 35/ 5th Site 46: DeKalb County St. Turn right onto Hwy 35/5th St. and drive south 8.6 miles to AL Hwy 176. Turn right Directions: From Interstate I-59, take Exit Public Lake onto Hwy 176/Little River Canyon Parkway 218 and travel south on AL Hwy 35 for 1.2 and follow the northern rim of the canyon miles to US Hwy 11. Turn left onto Hwy 11 Directions: From the intersection of US Hwy for 11 miles to the pull out on the left. 72 and AL Hwy 279 in southern Scottsboro, and head north for 1.2 miles to Hwy 35/5th St. Turn right onto Hwy 35/5th St. and drive AL, travel east on Hwy 72 1.7 miles to Hwy Description: As you drive along the rim south 2.3 miles to the DeSoto Parkway. 35. Turn right onto AL Hwy 35 and drive of this incredibly scenic canyon, listen in Turn left onto the parkway and drive north south for 3.3 miles to AL Hwy 40. Turn left the open fi elds for Yellow-breasted Chats 5.5 miles into the park. The Azalea Cascade onto Hwy 40 and head northeast for 10.6 and Prairie Warblers. Farther down in the Trail is just a bit farther along the parkway. miles to CR 162. Turn right onto CR 162 and canyon, Yellow-throated Warblers and drive 3.9 miles to CR 194. Turn right onto Red-eyed Vireos can be heard calling from Description: DeSoto State Park offers an un- CR 194 and drive 0.2 miles to the public below while Rough-winged Swallows and equaled display of multiple woodland bird lake on the left. Chimney Swifts carouse overhead. The species found in the southeastern United canyon is at its best during fall migration States as well as a staff naturalist and great Description: DeKalb County Lake is a popu- when numerous migrating raptors soar trails to lead you to them. Species to look lar fi shing spot that also serves as an excel- along its rim. Red-tailed and Broad-winged for include Pileated, Red-headed, Red-bel- lent introduction to northern Alabama’s hawks are the most likely candidates, but lied, Downy and Hairy woodpeckers, as bird life. Check the open waters of the Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles have well as White-breasted and Brown-headed lake for wintering waterfowl or a family of also been known to grace the canyon with nuthatches. This mosaic of habitats is home resident Canada Geese with their downy their presence. young. Wooded areas and the larger trees to a great variety of warblers including around the lake may produce a variety of Hooded, Kentucky, Black-and-White, warblers and vireos during migration. Keep Blue-winged and even Golden-winged on checking overhead for a fl y-by Osprey or occasion. In spring and early summer, the Bald Eagle, and perhaps, a vagrant gull or forest resounds with the calls of Scarlet tern may put in an appearance. Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, and Yellow- throated Vireos, while winter brings fl ocks of American Goldfi nches and Purple Finches from farther north. A clear view of the sky could reveal migrating raptors in spring and fall, such as Red-tailed and Broad-winged hawks, and perhaps even Golden Eagles in winter.

Site 46 Access: Free Site 47 Access: Free Site 48 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.5764, W 85.8060 GPS Coordinates: N 34.4990 W 85.6178 GPS Coordinates: N 34.3510, W 85.6752 Contact: ADCNR: DeKalb County Public Lake Contact: ADCNR, Desoto State Park Contact: National Park Service: Manager 720 Co. Rd. 194 13883 County Road 89 2141 Gault Ave. N. Sylvania, AL 35988 Fort Payne, AL 35967 Fort Payne, AL 35967 Phone: (256) 657-3000 Phone: (256) 845-0051 Phone: (256) 845-9605

29 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher/Terry Hartley Site 50: Murphy Hill Belted Kingfi sher/Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Johann Schumacher Site 49: Buck’s Pocket State Directions: From the intersection of AL Hwys 227, 62, and CR 67, at the north entrance to Park, Morgan’s Cove, and South Guntersville State Park, go east on CR 67 Sauty Creek for 0.6 mile. Turn left (north) at Five Points (CR 582 continues ahead) at the Mountain Lakes Resort Sign staying on CR 67 and go Directions: From the intersection of AL Hwy 2.1 miles. Turn left onto a gravel road and 227 and AL Hwy 62 just north of Gunters- go 0.2 mile to the parking lot. Murphy Hill ville State Park, go 4.4 miles east on Hwy is the extensive area and trails behind the 227. Turn left at the Morgan’s Cove Park gate. Sign and go 1.1 miles down the hill to the cove. Description: Murphy Hill was once proposed to be developed as a power plant. Fortu- Description: The region around Buck’s nately for both birds and birders, these Pocket State Park, South Sauty Creek, plans fell through and the area now hosts and Morgan’s Cove provides a number of a huge variety of habitats ripe for explora- habitats worthy of exploration. The waters tion. As you walk through open areas, listen of South Sauty Creek are attractive to for Yellow-breasted Chats and Indigo Bun- numerous migratory waterfowl, as well as tings. Once the woods get a little thicker, Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets. Just check the fl ocks of Tufted Titmice and downstream from the boat landing at Mor- Carolina Chickadees for migrant warblers gan’s Cove, Bald Eagles are known to nest and vireos, along with Blue-gray Gnatcatch- on the forested slopes above the creek. ers and White-breasted Nuthatches. Upon Buck’s Pocket State Park’s wooded pocket reaching the water’s edge, check the shal- canyon is complete with singing Red-eyed lows for Great Egrets and Great Blue Her- Vireo, Wood Thrush, and Scarlet Tanagers. ons and scan the open water for Hooded The park can also host some interesting Mergansers and Common Loons. Overhead, surprises during migration. Morgan’s Cove look for soaring Ospreys or Bald Eagles. is also part of the state park. This secluded Both of these birds of prey nest nearby, and cove is the perfect spot to watch Belted one might drop by and impress you with its Kingfi shers diving for their dinner or to expert fi shing technique. Without a doubt, launch a canoe and paddle your day away. Murphy Hill could have a few surprises in store, which is why more birders are enjoying this great site.

Site 49 Access: Free Site 50 Access: Free GPS Coordinates: N 34.4648, W 86.0918 GPS Coordinates: N 34.4729, W 86.1722 Contact: ADCNR: Buck’s Pocket State Park Contact: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) 393 County Road 174 3696 Alabama Hwy 60 Grove Oak, Alabama 35975 Guntersville, AL 35976 Phone: (256) 659-2000 Phone: (256) 571-4280

30 Great Egret/USFWS, Joe Martin Season Guide For Major Bird Groups Site Name Wading Birds Waterfowl Birds of Prey Shorebirds Songbirds 1 Mallard Fox Creek WMA 2. Wheeler Dam South Landing 3. Joe Wheeler State Park 4. Town Creek Marsh 5. Leighton Ponds 6 Wilson Dam Visitor Center 7. Wilson Dam Rockpile Recreation Area 8. TVA Reservation 9 Key Cave NWR 10. Natchez Trace Parkway Rock Springs Trail 11. Waterloo 12. Natchez Trace Parkway Colbert Ferry 13. Freedom Hills WMA Walking Trail 14 Bankhead National Forest 15. Bankhead National Forest Sipsey River Trailhead 16. Wheeler NWR Visitor Center 17 Decatur Hospitality Nature Park 18. BP-Amoco 19 3-M Wildlife Area 20. Wheeler NWR White Springs Dike 21. Swan Creek WMA 22. Round Island Recreation Area 23. Wheeler NWR Arrowhead Landing 24. Wheeler NWR Beaverdam Peninsula Tower * ** 25. Wheeler NWR Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk 26. Wheeler NWR Blackwell Swamp 27. Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station 28. Madison County Public Lake 29. Monte Sano State Park 30. Hays Nature Preserve 31. Wheeler NWR Cave Springs 32 Hurricane Creek Park 33. Wheeler NWR Dancy Bottoms 34 Guntersville State Park Town Creek and Drive 35. Guntersville Peninsula 36. Guntersville Dam South 37. Guntersville Dam North 38. Goose Pond Colony 39. North Sauty Creek WMA/Sauta Cave NWR 40 Roy B. Whitaker Paint Rock River Preserve 41. Skyline WMA 42. Mud Creek WMA 43. Stevenson Town Park 44. Russell Cave National Monument 45. Gorham’s Bluff/Coon Gulf *** *** *** *** *** *** *** 46. DeKalb County Public Lake 47. DeSoto State Park Azalea Cascade Trail 48. Little River Canyon National Preserve Drive 49. Buck’s Pocket SP, Morgan’s Cove, and South Sauty Creek 50. Murphy Hill This checklist highlights the best times to search for major groups of birds at certain sites along the North Alabama Birding Trail.

Spring Summer Fall Winter 1 Interpretive Kiosk * Sandhill Cranes ** Snow Geese *** Coon Gulf section on water

31 Sipsey Wilderness Trail - Bankhead National Forest/ADCNR Photos

(866) 238-4748 or (866) 23VISIT, www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com

Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 64 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 www.outdooralabama.com

North Alabama Birding Trail Sponsors Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, BP Amoco, City of Athens and Limestone County Commission, City of Cullman, City of Decatur and Morgan County Commission, City of Florence and Lauderdale County Commission, City of Fort Payne and DeKalb County Commission, City of Moulton and Lawrence County Commission, City of Muscle Shoals, City of Scottsboro and Jackson County Commission, City of Shefﬁ eld and Colbert County Commission, Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Board, Huntsville-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau, North Alabama Tourism Association, Nucor Steel, Tennessee Valley Authority, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association, 3-M Corporation

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices nor in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities. Funding for this project has been provided in part from the Tennessee Valley Authority, a federal agency. Information on the equal opportunity obligations imposed as a result of such funding may be obtained at http://www.tva.com/moreinfo/ndnotice.pdf. This document is available in alternative formats upon request.