North Alabama Birdwatcher's Society

The North Alabama Birdwatcher's Society hosts many birding field trips throughout the year. NABS doesn't have any regular meetings besides the field trips. If you're interested in joining, dues are just $2.00 per year. Make checks payable to Ken Ward, not NABS.

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 (2007-2008) 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!

2007-2008 NABS SCHEDULE AND DESCRIPTION OF TRIPS

1. Rock Springs Nature Trail (NABT), Natchez Trace – 9 September 2007 (SUNDAY) 6:30 am

Rock Springs Nature Trail is on the Natchez Trace Parkway . This area has a short trail that crosses Colbert Creek, leading to a small spring surrounded by forest. It is best known for its concentration of migrating Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, which are attracted to large stands of orange jewelweed in late summer and early fall; it can also be good for other migrants. Afterwards, we will explore the nearby Leighton area for other fall migrants. To get there, take Alternate 72 (Hwy 20) west from Decatur to the Trace exit just past Cherokee. Turn north, cross the river and look for the trail parking area (there will be a sign) to your right. You are welcome to meet us in Mooresville at 6:30 am to carpool, at the intersection of Mooresville Road and Old Hwy 20 (see trip #6 below for detailed directions). We should arrive at Rock Springs around 8 am . – John Ehinger , Leader (256-536-2716)

2. Monte Sano SP/Hays Nature Preserve (NABT) – 22 September 2007 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

We'll explore a couple of well known Huntsville area spots for fall migrants. Meet at Monte Sano SP in the camp store parking lot near park headquarters. To get there, go east on University Drive, cross the Parkway and continue on up the mountain, following Fearn where the road is blocked off; turn left on Nolen at the state park sign. Afterwards, we'll head across the mountain on Hwy 431 ( Governors Dr ) to the Hays Preserve. – Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646)

3. Wheeler NWR (NABT) Fall Migration Count – 29 September 2007 (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, including novices, 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 for the tally. – Dwight Cooley, Leader (256-353-7243)

4. Guntersville Area (NABT) – 6 October 2007 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Join us as we hunt for fall migrants in the Guntersville area, including Guntersville Dam, the city of Guntersville and Guntersville State Park . We'll meet at Guntersville Dam south; to get there from Huntsville, take Hwy 231 south/east past Lacey Springs and turn right on Union Grove road. Follow the road several miles and turn left at the dam sign (birding trail sign there too). Alternatively, go to Guntersville and take the Hwy 69 causeway south, turn right on Union Grove road, then right again at the dam sign. - Dick and Linda Reynolds, Leaders (256-582-2970)

EVENT OF INTEREST : Alabama Ornithological Society Fall Meeting, Dauphin Island – 12-14 October 2007

5. Monte Sano State Park (NABT), Huntsville – 20 October 2007 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

We will be looking again for fall migrants, especially fall warblers. We'll meet at the Camp Store parking lot. Milton Harris , Leader (256-533-0529)

EVENT OF INTEREST : Coastal Birdfest, Fairhope – 18-21 October, 2007

6. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge – Penny Bottoms/Rockhouse – 10 November 2007 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Wheeler Refuge is the best place in North 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 waterfowl. 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)

7. Wheeler NWR White Springs Dike and nearby areas (NABT) - 17 November 2007 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

We'll head to Wheeler Refuge again to look for waterfowl and a variety of other birds. We'll check out the “goose tower” observation platform first to look for Sandhill Cranes and geese. We'll then drive onto the Refuge, go behind locked gates and bird along the White Springs Dike road, an often spectacular area for ducks and also good for a variety of songbirds. A couple of years ago the dike road area produced a Vermilion Flycatcher, observed for several weeks in late fall and winter. Other unusual species sometimes seen this time of year along the dike include Red-necked Grebe, Peregrine Falcon, White Pelican and Tundra Swan. The wet grassland areas near our exit gate on Hwy 20 may yield LeConte's Sparrow. We'll meet in Mooresville, where Mooresville Road and Old Hwy 20 intersect (see detailed directions in #6, above). – Dick Bruer , Leader (256-772-0411)

8. Wheeler NWR – Rockhouse Area – 1 December 2007 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Part of 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)

9. Wheeler NWR Pre-Christmas Count Survey (NABT) - 8 December 2007 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am .

We will go to several Refuge hot spots in a preview of the Wheeler Christmas Count the following week. Areas will include the “goose tower” observation platform, Rockhouse, Blackwell Swamp , Beaverdam Creek, and White Springs Dike road. We'll meet in Mooresville, intersection of Mooresville Road and Old Hwy 20. – Milton Harris , Leader (256-533-0529)

10. Wheeler Audubon Christmas Bird Count - 15 December 2007 (SATURDAY) 5:30 am

Groups of birders are assigned to different parts of the Refuge and nearby areas to identify and count all birds seen or heard from dawn to dusk; we go in all types of weather. Birders of all skill levels, including novices, are most welcome. 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. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and lunch, plus $5.00 participation fee. Call Dwight Cooley at Wheeler Refuge Headquarters for more information. – Dwight Cooley , Leader (256-353-7243)

11. Guntersville Audubon Christmas Bird Count - 26 Dec 2007 (WEDNESDAY) 5:30 am

This is a second chance to support a Christmas Count, one that is often short on participants. The format is the same as the Wheeler Count, i.e. all day, $5.00 cost. One party of counters, led by Ken and Rufina Ward, will bird the north side of Guntersville dam, hawk farm and Honeycomb Creek area. We hope to pick up Short-eared Owls on the farm at dusk. Afterwards, you are welcome to head over to Guntersville for the compilation at Dick and Linda's house. If you would like to join us, meet at the north end of Guntersville Dam off Hwy 431 at the pavilion parking lot. If you would like to join another party, contact Linda Reynolds. – Linda Reynolds, Leader (256-582-2970)

12. Guntersville Dam/Hawk Farm (NABT) - 5 January 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

If you missed the Christmas Count, this is your opportunity to bird around the north end of the dam and nearby fields, including the well known hawk farm. This is a good area for eagles, hawks and falcons; we always see Bald Eagles (a nesting pair has been near the dam in recent years), sometimes Golden Eagles and have seen Peregrine and Prairie Falcons and Rough-legged Hawks. Meet at the north end of Guntersville Dam off Hwy 431 at the pavilion parking lot. – Dick Reynolds, Leader (256-582-2970)

13. Wheeler NWR / Swan Creek (NABT) - Waterfowl Trip – 12 January 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am .

Join us as we look for overwintering waterfowl, hawks, Sandhill Cranes, etc. We'll first bird the White Springs Dike road on the refuge and then Swan Creek near Decatur . We'll finish up looking for White-crowned Sparrows near

the state experiment station north of Belle Mina, just off Mooresville Road . We'll meet in Mooresville, intersection of Mooresville Road and Old Hwy 20. – Dick Bruer, Leader (256-772-0411)

EVENT OF INTEREST : Winter Meeting, Alabama Ornithological Society, TBA – 25-27 January 2008

14. Guntersville City Waterfront/Guntersville Dam Southside (NABT) – 2 February 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This trip starts on the 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)

15. Mallard Fox Creek WMA/Wilson Dam/Key Cave NWR – 9 February 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This is a new trip. We'll start with the Mallard-Fox Creek WMA and work our way west, including Wilson Dam and Key Cave NWR. Mid to late February is a transition period for waterfowl and other birds and weather will play a key role in what we see, but this has the potential to be an excellent trip. It will probably last a bit longer than most trips, at least until mid-afternoon. We'll meet at the west parking lot (next to the street) of the Holiday Inn in Decatur , near the river bridge. Thanks to Dwight Cooley for suggesting this trip and offering to lead it. – Dwight Cooley , Leader (256-353-7243)

16. Talladega National Forest , Talladega Division – 1 March 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This is one of our best trips. We should get good looks at Red Crossbills, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers 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. If you would like to meet us later, you can go directly to the Pinhoti trail parking area near Coleman Lake around 9 am ; we will still be in the area (call Linda for directions). Please note that the Hardee's meeting place is a 2-2 ½ hour drive from Huntsville . – Dick and Linda Reynolds, Leaders (256-582-2970)

17. Monte Sano State Park (NABT) – 22 March 2008 (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)

18. Hays Nature Preserve (NABT)/ Madison County Nature Trail - 12 April 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This trip covers a variety of habitats, including upland and bottomland/wetland hardwood forests. We'll start by birding at the Hays Nature Preserve near Hampton Cove, and then finish up at the Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain in south Huntsville . 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 . – Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646)

19. Madison County Lake (NABT) – 13 April 2008 (SUNDAY) 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 a good variety of songbird migrants around. Meet at the Madison County High School parking lot just west of Gurley on Hwy 72. – John Ehinger , Leader (256-536-2716)

20 . Monte Sano State Park (NABT) – 19 April 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

Join us for some great birding on Monte Sano, one of the best places in the state for neo-tropical migration birding. Meet at the Camp Store parking lot, across from Park Headquarters. – Dick Bruer , Leader (256-772-0411)

21. Bankhead National Forest (NABT) – 20 April 2008 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am

The Bankhead is Alabama 's largest and oldest National Forest. It is located in northwestern Alabama , about an hour from Huntsville . Within Bankhead is the 26,000 acre Sipsey Wilderness, the second largest Wilderness area east of the Mississippi . Bankhead is full of returning resident and transient songbird species in the spring and is a beautiful area with a diverse variety of habitats. We will visit several spots, including Brushy Lake , Borden Creek Trailhead and the Sipsey picnic grounds. We will meet at the Warrior River Mountains store at Wren, just south of Moulton. Take Hwy 24 west from Decatur 12-15 miles, turn left on Hwy 33 and follow it through Moulton to its intersection with Hwy 36. – Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646)

EVENT OF INTEREST : Earth Day Festivities, Hays Preserve – 19 April 2008 , including a birding hike at 7:30 am

EVENT OF INTEREST : Alabama Ornithological Society Spring Meeting, Dauphin Island – 18-20 April 2008

22. Wheeler NWR, Spring Migration Count – 26 April 2008 (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 dusk; different groups bird different parts of the refuge and nearby areas. Birders of all skill levels, including novices, 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 for the tally. – Dwight Cooley, Leader (256-353-7243)

23. Monte Sano State Park (NABT)/Land Trust Parking Lot – 27 April 2008 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am

Join us yet again for some great birding on Monte Sano, including the State Park, Land Trust parking lot and nearby areas off Bankhead Parkway . Monte Sano can be truly amazing at migration peak; just a couple of years ago we saw twenty species of warblers in the park in one morning, along with many good looks at tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks and vireos. Meet at the Camp Store parking lot, across from Park Headquarters. – Harry Dean, Leader (256-461-0626)

24. Alabama A&M University Research Farm (NABT)/ Wade Mountain – 3 May 2008 (SATURDAY) 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 invariably makes for a great trip. There are breeding Scissor-tailed Flycatchers here, lots of Grasshopper Sparrows, Dickcissels, Shrikes, and usually Bobolinks and Lark Sparrows. 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, Chats and woodland warblers. From WTARS, take 231/431 south back to Huntsville , turn right on Hollow Road and follow the signs to the Preserve. – Rufina Ward , Leader (256-837-5646)

25. Guntersville Area – 4 May 2008 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am

Join us for a new migration trip to the Guntersville area, including the south side of Guntersville Dam, the Guntersville waterfront and Guntersville State Park . We should see a wide variety of warblers and other migrants, as well as red-headed woodpeckers at the dam, eagles and ospreys over the river, etc. We'll meet at the parking lot on the south side of the dam; for directions, see trip # 4. – Dick and Linda Reynolds, Leaders (256-582-2970)

26. Monte Sano State Park Late Migration Trip – 10 May 2008 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am

This is our latest trip to Monte Sano and past migration peak, but there should still be some nice birds around. We'll meet at the usual spot, the Camp Store parking lot– Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646)

27. Indian Creek Greenway – 11 May 2008 (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 originally planned a few years back was to look for Mourning Warblers, which had been spotted along the greenway several times, although not on a NABS trip. This species is a secretive, uncommon late spring transient through this area that is rarely seen. We finally got lucky last May, when we heard and briefly got a clear look at one male foraging in the blackberries and honeysuckle a mile or so down the trail. Meet at the Greenway parking lot at the head of the trail on Old Madison Pike. – Harry Dean , Leader (256-461-0626)