Late Summer Birding Sites
"Best Bet" Late Summer Birding Locations
1. Sun Belt Sod Farm. This working sod farm is an excellent location for shorebirds in migration, especially after a rain when the birds gather in the lower wet spots. Harriers and other hawks are frequently seen in the winter. Meadowlarks and bobwhite quail are often heard. Park at the church lot (on AL 76) and scan the fields and wet areas to the north. From the intersection of AL 25 & 76, drive onto the farm's dirt road perimeter for better viewing, working your way back toward the Coosa River to the southeast. At no time should you ever leave the roads and walk or drive on the sod!!! From B'ham take US 280 E to Harpersville, turn R on AL 25 and drive ~ 5 miles to the farm at the AL 76 intersection. p. 31, H 9.
2. Fosters. This location is one of the closest destinations to Birmingham where one can reasonably expect to see both kite species and a variety of wading birds. From B'ham travel SW on I-59/20 to exit #62, turn R onto CR 10 and go a short distance to US 43/11. Turn R again and travel 1.7 miles NE toward the Black Warrior river, turning R onto Fosters Loop road just before the bridge. Follow the road under the interstate bridge to the Benton's Bend development. Turn L & go through the stone columns that flank the entrance. A small pond on the left is worth a check as are the trees on the R. Follow the road as it winds around to the R. A small sod farm is at the end of the road may have shorebirds. Return to Fosters Loop Rd and turn L, stopping at any of the many wooded locations but particularly near the swampy areas. A large oxbow lake (Cypress Pond) is especially visible from its west side so be sure to keep bearing right at the turns until you reach it. Retrace your steps to US 43/11. p. 35, B & C 9.
3. Tombigbee Farm, Cochrane. Get thee to this location in late July & early August to see the Mississippi and Swallow-tailed kites! Their lofty, graceful flight is a joy to watch as they feed on insects above the fields. Take I-20E/59W past Tuscaloosa, exit at CR 20 (#23) & head west to AL 39. Turn R and go north to Gainesville. Turn L on AL 116 and then R onto CR 85. Look for kites flying over the fields all along AL 39 & CR 85 to AL 17. The farm is near the Pickens/Sumter County line, on the R side of the road. DeLorme Atlas: p. 34, D 3.
4. Woerner Turf Farm. Lowndesboro, AL. This location near the Alabama River is relatively new to the Alabama birding scene but it is quickly becoming a favored shorebird viewing destination. The owners are gracious hosts and it behooves us to be gracious guests while visiting this site. Many of the "usual" wading and shorebird suspects are reliable here. To reach this facility head down I-65 to exit # 167 and go west on US 80 to CR 29. Turn R (N) and travel through Lowndesboro. Immediately after crossing the RR track, turn R and travel on this road for 4.5 miles (the first 3 are paved & the last 1.5 is dirt). The entrance to the sod farm is ahead and to the left at the sharp R turn in the road. A silo on the property has been used by barn owls as a nesting site. As with all sod farms, do not walk or drive on the grass or the sprinkler equipment! p. 44, E 5.
5. Marion Fish Hatchery. This state-run facility is a convenient place to bird because the ponds are clearly visible from AL 175. With permission from the site's director, you can also head back to Perry Lake, an oxbow of the Cahaba, located directly behind the hatchery along its northeastern boundary. The ponds host the same birds as are found at nearby Heiberger but a few exciting birds have been seen there too: Black-bellied whistling ducks and greater white-fronted geese. In late summer watch for migrating black terns. At Perry Lake, look for yellow-throated and parula warblers. From Heiberger, continue a short distance south on AL 5 and turn L at AL 175. It is 3 miles to hatchery. Park off the road & do not drive into the hatchery. Walk the dike roads, please. p. 36, H 3.
6. Lakeland Farms. A popular birding spot with a well-deserved reputation. If you only have time for one stop while you're in the Marion area, this should be it. Watch for a variety of raptors and both kite species over the fields. Bluebirds, water pipits, buntings, shrikes, dickcissels and meadowlarks and both crow species are often seen in the fields. Recent sightings of note: nesting least bitterns, ash-throated flycatcher and Harris' sparrow. To reach the farm head south on AL 5 past Marion, turn R at Prier Dr and head north a short distance. Turn L onto CR 20 at the Lakeland Farms sign. Drive ~ 2 miles until you see the large white farmhouse on your L. Scan the fields on both sides of the road. Continue west and turn L onto the dirt road, where the fence ends. Check the pond (L) and lake (R) for waders as you head south. Get out and walk at various stops as there are several large ponds on the property. At its southern end the road passes through a wooded area. Look for forest birds, especially during migration and in winter. p 43, A & B 7.
7. Greensboro area fish farms. A good area for large numbers of egrets, herons, cormorants and wood storks in the late summer. Both kite species are occasionally seen. Eurasian collared doves are becoming more numerous in the area west of Lakeland Farms, south of Scott Station. Drive around and explore the countryside's many fish farm ponds, focusing your efforts south of Greensboro, along AL 61 and 25 (where it intersects CR 10) and north of Faunsdale and Uniontown. Do not drive onto any of the farms without permission! It is quite easy to bird from the shoulder of the road or at the entrances to the farms. p. 42, A, B& C 5.