Payne Lake is a lovely, peaceful, and quiet, recreation area within the Oakmulgee National Forest, located just off Hwy 25 in northern Hale County, AL. To be there on an early spring morning is to be serenaded by a bounty of early migrant songbirds -- But one of the primary reasons for visiting Payne Lake is the presence of breeding Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCW’s), a once endangered, conservation success story.
Early April is an opportune time to visit, as we should see some representatives of our wintering species before they prepare to depart for their breeding territories, as well as some permanent resident species!
Target Species:
Bald Eagle
Osprey
Belted Kingfishers
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers
Northern Parula
Black-and-white Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
White-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
LOCATION DETAILS : *Please note: While this event is free, access to Forest Service Land requires a minimal fee of $3 per vehicle. Cell service is limited at this location, so please visit the following link to purchase your vehicle's permit the day before the trip:
https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/38750529-a553-11ec-84c4-faa87ad72364
Restrooms are present at the lake, and there is also a shed with picnic tables. Plan to pack a picnic lunch, and bring snacks, water, and any other beverages you choose.
TRAVEL INFORMATION : Meet in the parking lot of the McDonald's on US 31 in Hoover (directly across from the Galleria) at 7 am on 4/05. We should arrive at Payne Lake by 8:30 am.
McDonald’s Address: 2000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, AL 35244
FIELD TRIP LEADER: Paul Franklin // (205) 542-7647 .
Please contact your field trip leader the day of the event for any questions and concerns.
Accessibility : The roads to Payne Lake are entirely paved and well-maintained. The roads in the recreation area are fine, too -- some are paved, others are well-maintained clay. We'll try not to "challenge" any vehicles. Most of the walking will be reasonably short distances on level ground. Some walking will be on asphalt, some on grass. Expect some light-to-moderate hiking over somewhat hilly terrain to get to one or another Red-cockaded woodpecker nesting area.
PHOTO OWNER & CREDIT: Andrew Lydread // Prothonotary Warbler