Cost: 0
Capacity: 20
LOCATION DESCRIPTION / In-person: Join us for a fall migration field trip in one of Tuscaloosa’s birdiest parks, Palmore Park! Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard will lead an adventure from the park entrance to the wetland and back, emphasizing "Slow Birding."
Slow Birding encourages birders to slow down and observe the behavior of each bird and how it fits into its habitat, rather than attempting to add as many species as possible. Bridget Butler, the naturalist who coined the term, describes it as a way of finding a "connection with the birds, the land, myself, and other people." Three of Tuscaloosa’s expert birders (Wes Jarnigan, Kevin Shaw, and Satchell Watts-Kerr) will also be in attendance to help locate birds for the group. Wes, Kevin, and Satchell are intimately familiar with the area and have a reputation for finding exciting birds in the Tuscaloosa region. Palmore Park is a great location to work on fall warbler and sparrow identification while practicing Slow Birding to better observe and learn about the birds nearby. Everyone is welcome to join, but space is limited!
We will meet in the first parking area when you enter the park and travel to the wetland area. The open grasses and edges are good for spotting migrating sparrows, and Eastern Meadowlarks are often found here. We’ll keep an eye out for sparrow species such as Lincoln’s, Swamp, Song, and Field Sparrows along the edges and may even find a late Indigo Bunting as we head back toward the swamp. The swamp’s edges and dense woodlands should be excellent for migrating warblers like Hooded, Bay-breasted, and Tennessee, but can also host a variety of other songbirds arriving or departing for winter, including Least Flycatchers and Summer Tanagers. We will also scan the swamp for Wood Ducks, wading birds, and other waterbirds that may be hiding here, while taking some time to enjoy the crisp fall air before winter sets in.
TRAVEL INFORMATION, MEETING PLACE AND TIME: We will meet at Palmore Park in Tuscaloosa promptly at 7:00am. We will meet at the first parking lot (on your left as you enter) and traverse as a group to the swamp.
ADDRESS: Palmore Park
3701 Fosters Ferry Rd
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Coordinates: (33.18037, -87.60333)
Admission and parking is free at this location, and restrooms are available.
TRIP LEADER Your trip leader for this event will be Andrew Lydeard. Please call day of if having issues.
EMAIL: andrew@alaudubon.org
PHONE: (703) 606-8956
ACCESSIBILITY: We travel no more than a mile total for this event on mostly flat concrete. While the adventure should be easy for most, please be aware that the road requires improvements and may include obstacles such as potholes, sticks, and other debris that may not be suitable for all people. If you require specific accessibility accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to your leader prior to the event.
REQUIRED Participants must complete the mandatory online waiver when registering. Please do not request registration for others when submitting your request.
CANCELLATION The event will only be canceled in the event of hazardous conditions. If you need to cancel at the last minute, please email or text your trip leaders.
Picture Credit and Owner: Andrew Lydeard