North Alabama Birdwatcher's Society

The North Alabama Birdwatchers Society (NABS) is truly a birding group for everyone, from beginners to experts. We will visit a variety of beautiful areas across northern Alabama , most of which are included on the North Alabama Birding Trail (NABT). By birding with NABS you'll have the opportunity to go out with experienced people who are familiar with the areas we visit and who love to share their knowledge. NABS also provides greater access to certain natural areas where birding by car is restricted to groups.

Although the focus is on birds, NABS outings are also a great way to become more familiar with other flora and fauna found in our area. The places we'll visit are representative of most of the natural habitat types found here and provide excellent opportunities to study and appreciate such groups as wildflowers, trees, insects, reptiles/amphibians and mammals. Some NABS regulars have considerable knowledge of these other groups and would be glad to answer questions and provide information during trips.

Our regular meeting time is Saturday , 7:00 am for most trips, although we have a few Sunday outings and a couple of late-morning meeting times planned this year. Half-day trips are the norm, although some will include extended birding into the afternoon for those interested. Bring your binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides, refreshments, bug repellent and raingear; in light rain we go, in heavy rain we cancel.

Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Rufina or Ken Ward, 1689 Longleaf Drive , Huntsville , AL 35806 (256-837-5646; bustmilo@knology.net ). Our dues are $2 per year, which we prefer in cash when you attend a trip. NABS does not have a bank account and our major expense involves getting newsletters to those without email. We can provide receipts and do keep a record of dues paid. Checks are ok, but should be made out to Ken Ward, not NABS .

If we don't already have your email address, please consider sending it to us to add to the NABS mailing list. We can then email you this schedule, as well as trip reminders, species lists and a few other items of interest. In addition, here is a copy of the schedule. We should mention too that NABS will soon have its own website; Beth Wood and Neill Cowles are leading the effort, and any input or suggestions are welcome. We plan to launch the website later this summer and will keep you informed.

Below are descriptions of the trips scheduled for this season, with directions, trip leaders and contact numbers. We have also included some “Events of Interest” for nature lovers. Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you this season!

Send dues to:   
Rufina Ward, Newsletter Editor
1689 Longleaf Drive
Huntsville, AL 35806
256-837-5646
bustmilo@knology.net

Other contacts for NABS:
Ken Ward, NABS President - 256-837-5646
Bill Friday - 256-883-8487
Milton Harris - 256-533-0529
Tom Brindley - 256-883-9288

Here is the latest (2008-2009) NABS Newsletter. Also, here it is in a Word Document.

    NORTH ALABAMA BIRDWATCHERS SOCIETY    
NEWSLETTER

HELLO FOLKS! For those of you new to us, the North Alabama Birdwatchers Society (NABS) is truly a birding group for everyone, from beginners to experts. Everyone is welcome, but for $2 per year you can officially join our group, which gets you a schedule and description of NABS trips. We will bird a variety of beautiful areas across northern Alabama , most of which are included on the North Alabama Birding Trail (NABT). By birding in a group, you will also gain greater access to such areas as Wheeler NWR, much of which is behind locked gates and not accessible to individuals by car. Our regular meeting time is Saturday , 7:00 am for most trips, although we have a few Sunday trips planned. Half-day trips are the norm, although some will include extended birding into the afternoon for those interested. Bring your binoculars, spotting scopes, field guides, refreshments, bug repellent and raingear; in light rain we go, in heavy rain we cancel. Below are descriptions of the trips scheduled for this season. Please note that we have listed all trip leaders with their telephone numbers. We have also included some “events of interest” for nature lovers; if you want more information on these activities, call us at the number below.

Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Rufina or Ken Ward, 1689 Longleaf Drive , Huntsville , AL 35806 (256-837-5646; bustmilo@knology.net ). If you would like to pay dues, we prefer them in cash when you attend a trip; NABS does not have a bank account and our major expense involves getting newsletters to those without email. We can provide receipts and do keep a record of dues paid. Checks are ok, but should be made out to Ken Ward, not NABS .

If we don't already have your email address, please consider sending it to us to add to the NABS mailing list. We send out trip reminders and species lists this way and can email you this schedule. There will also be a copy of this schedule on the Tennessee Valley Audubon Society website. Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you this season!

2008-2009 NABS SCHEDULE AND DESCRIPTION OF TRIPS

1. Leighton Area Shorebird Trip (NABT) – 7 September 2008 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am

We will explore the Leighton area, targeting shorebird migrants, whose movement through our area should be peaking; our success will depend largely on water levels. We should pick up some neotropical songbird migrants as well. We'll meet at the west parking lot (next to the street) of the Holiday Inn in Decatur , near the river bridge. John Ehinger , Leader (256-536-2716)

2. Hays Nature Preserve (NABT) – 20 September 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This trip targets neotropical songbird migrants either leaving the area or passing through from the north on their way to Central and South America . More birds actually pass through our area during the fall than in spring, but the migration period is longer and a defined peak is hard to pinpoint. Still, late September is considered prime time for fall migration birding. The Hays Preserve includes primarily bottomland/wetland hardwood forest habitat, with some edge habitat and a few open areas thrown in. We should see a good variety of birds, including perhaps the Barred Owl that often hangs around the parking lot. To get to the Hays Preserve from Huntsville , take Hwy 431 (Governor's Drive) south to its intersection with Sutton Road . From there, the entrance gate to the Hays Preserve is about a mile farther south, on the left (east) side of the highway; follow the entrance road to the parking lot on the right– Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646)

3. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (NABT) Fall Migration Count – 27 September 2008 (SATURDAY) 5:30 am

The format for this count is similar to that used for Audubon Christmas Counts (see #11 below) – identify and count all birds seen or heard from dawn to late afternoon/dusk; different groups bird different parts of the refuge and nearby areas. This count is relatively new and always scheduled during the peak fall migration period. Birders of all skill levels are welcome; we need all the eyes and ears we can get! Meet at the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Interpretive Nature Center south off Hwy 67 east of Decatur . We'll regroup there in late afternoon (around 6 pm ) for the tally. – Dwight Cooley, Leader (256-353-7243)

4. Guntersville State Park and Area (NABT) – 4 October 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

We'll bird primarily in Guntersville State Park , in particular along and near the Seale Trail, which is close to the campgrounds. This area is often excellent for fall migrants and we saw a lot of birds here last fall; the habitat is varied and food is plentiful. We'll meet at the entrance to the park (the state park superintendent's office) on Hwy 227, on the right just past the Short Creek Bridge . - Dick and Linda Reynolds, Leaders (256-582-2970)

EVENT OF INTEREST : Alabama Ornithological Society Fall Meeting, Dauphin Island – 10-12 October 2008 (Linda Reynolds , 256-582-2970)

5. Monte Sano State Park (NABT), Huntsville – 18 October 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

We will be looking again for fall migrants, especially warblers; Monte Sano Mountain is one of the better birding spots in the state during migration. To get to the park, take Monte Sano Blvd to Nolen and follow the signs; we'll meet at the camp store parking lot, across the street from park headquarters (park in the graveled area if there is room). - Milton Harris , Leader (256-533-0529)

EVENT OF INTEREST : Coastal Birdfest, Fairhope – 16-19 October, 2008 (Linda Reynolds , 256-582-2970)

6. Monte Sano State Park , Huntsville – 1 November 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Join us for our final fall trip to Monte Sano; there should still be migrants moving through, as well as more returning winter residents. We'll meet at the camp store across the street from park headquarters . - Bill McAllister, Leader (256-534-8354)

7. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge – Penny Bottoms/Rockhouse area – 8 November 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Wheeler NWR is among the best places in Alabama to get great looks at a variety of waterfowl, which should just be arriving to overwinter. Birding with a group like NABS provides an opportunity to drive behind locked gates ( provided we have at least eight people !), thus gaining access to the best areas to see lots of ducks and geese. We will also be looking for Sandhill Cranes and late shorebird migrants. Take the Mooresville exit off I-565, go south on Mooresville Road and meet at the parking area near where it intersects with old Highway 20. – Harry Dean , Leader (256-461-0626)

8. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - White Springs Dike (NABT) - 15 November 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

We'll head to Wheeler NWR again to look for waterfowl and a variety of other birds. This is the first of 3 planned trips to the White Springs Dike area, which is one of the best birding spots in Alabama . First, we'll check out the “goose tower” observation platform to look for Sandhill Cranes and geese, then go behind refuge gates and bird along the dike road. Once we are behind the gates, we'll be there for at least 2-3 hours, so plan to be with us until around lunch. In addition to waterfowl, this area is also excellent for songbirds, raptors and a variety of other species. We'll meet in Mooresville, where Mooresville Road and Old Hwy 20 intersect (see detailed directions in #7, above). – Dick Bruer , Leader (256-772-0411)

9. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge - Rockhouse Area – December 6, 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

You'll get to see another interesting part of the refuge on this trip. This area runs parallel to the Tennessee River and can yield a lot of birds, especially waterfowl, this time of year. We'll meet in Mooresville, intersection of Mooresville Road and Old Hwy 20. – Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646)

10. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge – White Springs Dike - 13 December 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am .

Our second trip to the White Springs Dike area should be productive. Waterfowl variety and numbers will likely be impressive and most or all of the winter resident songbird species will be around. We'll meet in Mooresville, intersection of Mooresville Road and Old Hwy 20. – Milton Harris , Leader (256-533-0529)

11. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Audubon Christmas Bird Count - 20 December 2008 (SATURDAY) 5:00 am

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the oldest and largest citizen science event in the world. For over a hundred years, people have gathered during the winter holiday season to identify and count birds. In the process, they have created a vast pool of bird data that is a valuable source of information on the status and distribution of early winter bird populations. Parties of birders are assigned to different parts of a 15-mile radius count circle to identify and count all birds seen or heard from dawn to dusk. There are currently 12 count circles in Alabama and over 2000 nationwide. Wheeler is one of the more productive inland count areas around, usually yielding 115-120 species and always including some unusual birds. Birders of all skill levels are welcome and needed; we go in all types of weather. To join a party, meet at the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Interpretive Nature Center south off Hwy 67 east of Decatur . We'll regroup there at sundown for the tally (compilation), which is a lot of fun. Bring binoculars, a spotting scope if you have one and lunch, plus $5.00 participation fee. – Dwight Cooley , Leader (256-353-7243)

12. Guntersville Audubon Christmas Bird Count (NABT) - 26 December 2008 (FRIDAY) 6:00 am

This is a second chance to support a Christmas Count, to another well known birding area that yields a wide variety of songbird, raptor and waterfowl species. The format is the same as the Wheeler Count, i.e. all day, $5.00 cost. The compilation will be held at Dick and Linda Reynolds' house in Guntersville; everyone is welcome. Unlike the Wheeler Count, there is no single gathering spot for folks to meet and join a group. For this reason, please contact Linda if you are interested in joining one of the eight parties of counters. – Linda Reynolds, Leader (256-582-2970)

13. Guntersville Dam/Hawk Farm (NABT) - 3 January 2009 (SATURDAY) 11:00 am

This trip highlights one of the areas birded during the Guntersville Christmas Count. We'll visit the north side of the dam and nearby fields, including the well known and privately owned “hawk farm”. The hawk farm is ordinarily closed to the public but permission is granted to bird there during the Christmas Count and on this trip. The dam area and farm are both excellent for raptors. There are always bald eagles around, including a pair that have been nesting near the dam for several years. We should get good looks at several species, including both types of vultures, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Kestrels and Harriers, and perhaps an Osprey or Short-eared Owl (if we hang around long enough!). If we are lucky we may pick up one or two unusual species that have been seen irregularly over the years, e.g., Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Rough-legged Hawk, or Golden Eagle. Songbird variety is also very good in this area. Meet at the north end of Guntersville Dam, off Hwy 431, at the pavilion parking lot on the left as you enter the dam facility. NOTE THAT THE MEETING TIME FOR THIS TRIP IS LATE MORNING; BRING YOUR LUNCH AND WE'LL PICNIC. – Dick Reynolds, Leader (256-582-2970)

14. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (NABT) – White Springs Dike – 10 January 2009 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Join us for our final trip to the White Springs area, as we look for overwintering waterfowl, hawks, Sandhill Cranes, etc. We'll finish up looking for White-crowned Sparrows at a couple of spots, then lunch at Apple Lane Farms. Meet in Mooresville, intersection of Mooresville Road and Old Hwy 20. – Dick Bruer , Leader (256-772-0411)

15. Town Creek Embayment, Wheeler Dam, Wheeler SP (NABT) – 17 January, 2009 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This trip primarily targets waterfowl and other waterbirds, but also includes some productive songbird areas, especially in the state park. We'll meet at the west parking lot (next to the street) of the Holiday Inn in Decatur , near the river bridge. - Linda and Dick Reynolds Leaders (256-582-2970)

EVENT OF INTEREST : Winter Meeting, Alabama Ornithological Society, Five Rivers , Mobile – 23-25 January 2009 (Linda Reynolds , 256-582-2970)

16. Guntersville City Waterfront/Guntersville Dam Southside (NABT) – 31 January 2009 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This trip starts on Sunset Parkway along the west side of Guntersville. We should see a great variety of ducks, many loons and grebes, possibly some odd terns and gulls, eagles, etc. Meet in Guntersville at the Chamber of Commerce parking lot at the south end of the Hwy 431 bridge. From there we'll go west on the Lake Loop Road to the Kiwanis Club parking lot. The tour will then go south and across the Hwy 69 Causeway to the south end of Guntersville Dam. – Bill McAllister , Leader (256-534-8354)

17. Mallard Fox Creek WMA/Wilson Dam/Key Cave NWR (NABT) – 7 February 2009 (SATURDAY) 11 am

We'll start with the Mallard-Fox Creek Wildlife Management Area and work our way west, including Wilson Dam and Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge, where we'll look for Short-eared Owls at dusk. Mid- to late-February is a transition period for waterfowl and other birds and weather will play a key role in what we see. We'll meet at the west parking lot (next to the street) of the Holiday Inn in Decatur , near the river bridge. NOTE THAT THE MEETING TIME FOR THIS TRIP IS LATE MORNING; WE'LL STOP ALONG THE WAY FOR A BARBEQUE LUNCH. – Dwight Cooley , Leader (256-353-7243)

18. Talladega National Forest , Talladega Division – 21 February, 2009 (SATURDAY) 8:00 am

This is one of our best trips. We should get good looks at Red Crossbills (one of the few places in Alabama you can see this species), Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (an endangered species) and, hopefully, Bachman's Sparrows. Take Hwy 431 through Anniston to Oxford , then take I-20 east. We'll meet at the Hardee's located near the Heflin exit off I-20. Please note that the Hardee's meeting place is a 2-2 ½ hour drive from Huntsville . We'll eat barbeque afterwards, if you are so inclined. – Dick and Linda Reynolds, Leaders (256-582-2970)

19. Monte Sano State Park – 21 March 2009 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

On this trip we hope to catch some early spring migrants, especially Louisiana Waterthrush. We will meet at the camp store parking lot, across the street from park headquarters. – John Ehinger , Leader (256-536-2716)

20. Madison County Lake (NABT) – 11 April 2009 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Madison County Lake is a spring-fed public fishing lake managed by the state. It is a good area for waterfowl, wading birds, swallows and Ospreys, plus there should be several species of songbird migrants in the area. Meet at the Madison County High School parking lot just west of Gurley on Hwy 72. – John Ehinger , Leader (256-536-2716)

21. Hays Nature Preserve, Earth Day Birding Hike - 18 April 2009 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This trip covers a variety of habitats, in particular bottomland/wetland hardwood forest. At 7:30 we will join the birding hike that has been a part of the Hays Earth Day festivities for several years. This outing will provide an especially good opportunity for beginners to interact with experienced birders. To get to Hays from Huntsville , take Hwy 431 (Governor's Drive) south to its intersection with Sutton Road . From there, the entrance gate to the Hays Preserve is about a mile farther south, on the east (left) side of the highway; follow the entrance road to the parking lot on the right . – John Ehinger, leader (256-536-2716)

22. Monte Sano State Park – 19 April 2009 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am

Join us for some great birding on Monte Sano Mountain , one of the best places in the state for neotropical migration birding. Meet at the camp store parking lot in the park, across from park headquarters. – Dick Bruer , Leader (256-772-0411)

EVENT OF INTEREST : Earth Day Festivities, Hays Preserve – 18 April 2009 , including a birding hike at 7:30 am ( Susan Weber , 256-427-5116 )

EVENT OF INTEREST : Alabama Ornithological Society Spring Meeting, Dauphin Island – 17-19, April 2009 (Linda Reynolds , 256-582-2970)

23. Guntersville Dam, Southside (NABT) – 25 April 2009 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Join us for a migration trip to the south side of Guntersville Dam. We should see a wide variety of warblers and other migrants, as well as Red-headed Woodpeckers, perhaps a Bald Eagle or Osprey, waterbirds, etc. From Huntsville , take Memorial Parkway (Hwy 231) south over the river past Lacey Springs and turn left on Union Grove Road . After several miles, you will see a dam sign; turn left at the convenience store and follow the road to the dam facility. From Guntersville, take Hwy 69 south over the causeway, turn right on Union Grove road (dam sign there), then right again at the convenience store (dam and birding trail signs), etc. – Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646)

24. Monte Sano State Park/Land Trust Parking Lot – 26 April 2009 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am

Join us yet again for some great birding on Monte Sano, including the Land Trust parking lot off Bankhead Parkway . Monte Sano can be truly amazing at migration peak, with a large variety of warblers along with many good looks at tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks and vireos. We'll meet in the park at the camp store parking lot, across from park headquarters. – Harry Dean, Leader (256-461-0626)

25. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Spring Migration Count – 2 May 2009 (SATURDAY) 5:30 am

The format for this count is similar to Christmas Counts – identify and count all birds seen or heard from dawn to late afternoon/dusk; different groups bird different parts of the refuge and nearby areas. Birders of all skill levels are welcome and needed. Meet at the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Interpretive Nature Center south off Hwy 67 east of Decatur . We'll regroup there in late afternoon (around 6 pm ) for the tally. – Dwight Cooley , Leader (256-353-7243)

26. Alabama A&M University Research Farm (NABT)/ Wade Mountain – 3 May 2009 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am

The Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) is a 900-acre farm with lots of open grassland and pasture areas, plus small patches of forest. It is one of the best places in the state to observe open country birds and always makes for a great trip. There are breeding Scissor-tailed Flycatchers here, lots of Grasshopper Sparrows, and Dickcissels, usually Bobolinks and Lark Sparrows, possibly Loggerhead Shrikes, etc. From Huntsville , take Hwy 431 north past Meridianville, turn right on Walker Lane , then right again onto the farm. Park at the first building on the right. After birding at the farm we will head back to Huntsville and make a stop at the Wade Mountain Nature Preserve to look for Prairie Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats and woodland warblers. From WTARS, take 231/431 south back to Huntsville , turn right on Hollow Road (across from Bennett's Nursery) and follow the signs to the Preserve. – Rufina Ward , Leader (256-837-5646)

27. Monte Sano State Park Late Migration Trip – 9 May 2009 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This is our latest trip to Monte Sano and past migration peak, but there should still be some nice birds passing through, not to mention a variety of tanager, oriole, vireo and warbler species that return here to breed. We'll meet at the camp store parking lot, across the street from park headquarters– Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646)

28. Indian Creek Greenway – 10 May 2009 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am

The Greenway is a pleasant place to bird, with opportunities to get good looks at migrants. The major reason this trip was planned a few years back was to look for Mourning Warblers. This species is a secretive late spring migrant through this area that is rarely seen. Last spring's trip was our best ever to the Greenway (although we missed our target bird), with Wilson and Canada Warblers, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, many Magnolia Warblers and a variety of other species. Meet at the Greenway parking lot at the head of the trail on Old Madison Pike. – Harry Dean , Leader (256-461-0626)