Waterloo in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
A Gathering of Eagles
In the fall, there is an influx of Bald Eagles into Alabama from northern states and Canada. These migrants spend the winter in Alabama enjoying moderate temperatures and ice-free waters before returning north in the spring.
Historically, Bald Eagles nested in Alabama's Tennessee Valley and the state's costal regions. The population dwindled in the 1950's and 1960's due mainly to the devastating effects of DDT poisoning. This chemical passed through the food chain by accumulating in fish, which in turn are eaten by eagles. DDT in the eagles caused eggshells to thin so that they broke during incubation and failed to hatch. The population plummeted, wintering eagles in Alabama became rare, and the breeding population completely died out.
How many Eagles can you find?
Bald Eagles patrol the waters of Waterloo year-round. Each year, these monogamous birds nest along Second Creek and can be seen hunting and tending to their young. However, the real spectacle at Waterloo happens each winter when large groups of eagles congregate in the area. Check the exposed gravel banks for eagles in the early morning. During the middle of the day, groups of these majestic birds can be seen roosting along the river.
Waterloo Sits at the Center of a Number of Excellent Birding Areas Worth Exploring Year-round.
1. Melton Hollow - This area supports a natural trail and is excellent for woodland birds in the spring.
2. Bush Creek Park - Check for nesting vireos and orioles near the boat ramp Bald Eagles are seen regularly in the winter.
3 Second Creek Embayment - Scan the water for mergansers, eagles, and rare gulls. be sure to the check the surrounding pines for wintering Red-Breasted Nuthatches.
4. Waterloo - Check the overlook at the south end of Main Street for ducks and eagles. The cedars here can provide exciting birding opportunities in the winter.
5. Lauderdale Wildlife Management Area
This wildlife management area is located just west of Waterloo and contains many types of habitat. Prairie Warblers and Yellow-Breasted Chats many be found in the field. Check recent pine plantings for Bachman's Sparrow, which may nest in the area.
Erected by Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries, North Alabama Birding Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1984.
Location. 34° 55.816′ N, 88° 2.33′ W. Marker is in Waterloo, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker is on Lauderdale County 1 (County Route 1) 1˝ miles north of Lauderdale County 14 (County Route 14), on the left when traveling north. Located in Second Creek Recreation Area along the Tennessee River/Second Creek. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waterloo AL 35677, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mud Glorious Mud (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterloo (approx. 1˝ miles away); Edith Newman Culver (approx. 1.8 miles away); Trail of Tears (approx. 2 miles away); Eastport (approx. 5.3 miles away in Mississippi); Wet, Wild, and Wonderful (approx. 8.2 miles away); Welcome! (approx. 8.2 miles away); Wilson's Headquarters and Camp (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterloo.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 335 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 17, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.