22. Monte Sano State Park (NABT #29) – 4 April, 2026 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am (NOTE EARLIER MEETING TIME FOR ALL SPRING TRIPS)
On this trip, we hope to catch some early spring migrants, especially Louisiana Waterthrush. To get to our meeting spot, take Monte Sano Boulevard off Governors Drive at the top of the mountain and follow the signs to the park; once there, go in the direction of headquarters and park at the Camp Store, in the gravel if possible (34.745325 -86.511672). – John Ehinger, Leader (256-536-2716; johnehingersr@gmail.com)
23. Wheeler NWR – Dancy Bottoms (NABT #33) – 11 April, 2026 (SATURDAY), 7:00 AM
We will tour Dancy Bottoms south of the Tennessee River near Wheeler Headquarters. This is one of the better places in North Alabama for spring migrants. We will travel through a wide variety of habitats as we follow a gravel road from Hwy 67 to a walking trail and boardwalk that winds through a mature bottomland hardwood forest and over a swamp. Meet at Hardees off Hwy 67 in Priceville, just off I-65, 3241 Point Mallard Pkwy SE, Decatur, AL 35603. – Jared Sapp, Leader (609-457-0850, jared.sapp@gmail.com)
24. Wheeler NWR – Blackwell Swamp (NABT #26) – 18 April, 2026 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am
This area has been getting more attention lately as a prime birding spot. There is flooded woodland and marsh habitat here, which can be explored by car, on foot or by canoe. A variety of wetland species may be present, including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron and, perhaps, some other less common species, such as Snowy Egret or Little Blue Heron. Common Gallinule is now a regular in this area, Anhinga a possibility, and you might get a glimpse at an alligator 😊. We may also encounter some waterfowl, including Wood Duck and Blue-winged Teal. There should be songbird migrants around by this time, including such returning breeders as Prothonotary Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. This is also good woodpecker habitat, especially for Pileated and Red-headed. To get to our meeting place, take County Line Rd south off I-565, head south 5.5 miles and turn left on Jolly B Rd; there is a 2-story house, with a white fence on the left just before the turn. From here it’s about a mile to a gravel parking area on the right. We’ll explore several areas, including a tree-lined refuge road near the parking area (we’ll likely walk it), which is good for songbirds, other wooded spots and several viewing areas on both west and east sides of the swamp (time permitting). – Tom Ress, Leader (256-233-3057; resscat@aol.com).
EVENT OF INTEREST: Alabama Ornithological Society Spring Meeting, Dauphin Island, AL – 17-19 April , 2026
25. Monte Sano State Park (NABT #29) – 25 April, 2026 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am
Join us near migration peak as we bird one of the best spots in the state for spring migration. The Park can be filled with birds this time of year, including an impressive variety of beautiful warblers in breeding plumage, orioles, grosbeaks, both species of tanagers, 4-5 species of vireos, all thrush species we can see in this area, etc. The birds are often relatively easy to see too; several hotspots near our meeting spot are easy to find, including the overlooks, camp store, Japanese Garden, planetarium, cyclists’ and hikers’ parking lots, etc., not to mention numerous accessible trails. You are also encouraged to visit the park at other times during late April-early May, especially after a weather front has passed through, which will often concentrate the migrants. There are almost always a few birders around the hotspots during this period (the earlier in the morning the better). To get to our meeting spot, take Monte Sano Boulevard off Governors Drive at the top of the mountain and follow the signs to the park; once there, go in the direction of headquarters and park at the Camp Store, in the gravel if possible (day-use fees may be collected at the park entrance: $5 per person, discounts for children, military, etc.). PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BIRDING IS SOMETIMES BETTER EARLIER; FEEL FREE TO COME UP BETWEEN 6:00 AND 6:30 IF YOU LIKE, AS SOME OF US WILL PROBABLY ALREADY BE AT THE OVERLOOK (34.745325 -86.511672). – Ken Ward, Leader (256-679-8332; kenphin1990@gmail.com)
26. Guntersville Area – 2 May, 2026 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am
This can be a super productive trip, given we are at peak migration. We’ll visit several places we’ve visited before, as time permits, starting at Guntersville Dam South. We had a load of birds in that area last year, especially songbirds. From there we’ll head into Guntersville and check out a few spots along the waterfront, time permitting, before heading to Guntersville SP, where we’ll bird a productive woodland near the park entrance, which should be full of migrantsongbirds this time of year. To get to Guntersville Dam south from Huntsville, take hwy 231 south past Lacey’s Spring and turn left on Union Grove Road. After several miles you should see a sign to the dam on your left, turn there and follow the road down to the dam. – Matt Morrow/Ken Ward, co-Leaders; 256-679-8332; kenphin1990@gmail.com)
27. Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS, NABT #27) – 3 May, 2026 (SUNDAY) 7:00 am
WTARS is Alabama A&M University’s research farm; it is a 970-acre property with lots of open grassland and pasture areas, plus small patches of forest and a sizable pond edged with black willow. It is one of the best places in the state to observe open country birds and always makes for a great trip (our most popular). Species we’ll likely see or have a good chance of encountering include Grasshopper Sparrow, Dickcissel, Lark Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, several swallow species, Bobolink, Loggerhead Shrike, possibly Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, etc.. From Huntsville, take Hwy 431 north and just past Meridianville Middle School, turn right on Walker Lane (traffic light), then take the first right onto the farm; park at the first building on the right (34.9025, -86.5596). – Ken Ward, Leader (256-679-8332; kenphin1990@gmail.com)
28. Marbut Bend Trail (NABT) – 9 May, 2026 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am
Developed by TVA and Limestone County and opened in 2014, this area includes a 1.2-mile trail through wetlands, riparian habitat and open fields, along the Elk River. The gravel trail includes an elevated boardwalk across a beaver pond and two platforms overlooking the river and one of its embayments; the walk is easy and the scenery is beautiful. If you haven’t been on this trip before, I highly recommend it; we’ll see lots of birds. We’ll meet at the trailhead northwest of Athens. From Huntsville, take U.S. 72 west to Athens and take the exit loop to U.S. 31 north. From there, go 2.4 miles and turn left on Alabama 99. Follow the signs along Alabama 99 for 12.4 miles to the trailhead entrance road on the left (34.911200, -87.104722) – Dwight Cooley, Leader (256-565-6239; cdcooley5050@gmail.com)
29. Leighton Area (NABT #5) Shorebird Trip (tentative) – 16 May, 2026 (SATURDAY) 7:00 am
We will explore the Leighton area and swing by Wheeler (and possibly Wilson) Dam on this trip. We’ll be looking primarily for shorebird migrants, whose movement through our area should be peaking. We should pick up some neo-tropical songbird migrants as well. Our success will depend largely on water levels; for this reason this trip is listed as tentative and may be cancelled if water levels are low in late May. We’ll meet at the Ingalls Boat Harbor Pavilion in Decatur. From the direction of Huntsville, cross the river bridge and take the first right onto Alt 72/20 (Wilson St.). Go about a mile and turn right on Neher St., follow to pavilion parking lot. – Harry Dean, Leader (256-541-0842; hdean@hiwaay.net)
North Alabama Birdwatcher's Society 