Birds of North Alabama

Birds of North Alabama. . Many Kinds of Birds Call North Alabama Home , The northern tier of Alabama has several district landforms including the Tennessee River Valley and the southern Cumberland Plateau. The variety of terrain and the large expanse of forest in the Bankhead National Forest provides wonderful bird habitat and offers excellent opportunities for birding. Some of the best opportunities for birding are during spring migration and the late spring/summer nesting season., Paying for the Privilege , The birds of North Alabama have had no better friend than the American hunter. In 1937, the Pitman-Robertson Act , also known as the Wildlife Restoration Act, earmarked and excise tax on firearms and ammunition, and later, archery equipment. Since that time, millions of acres of habitat have been conserved and managed nationally. The money is available to state wildlife agencies for wildlife management on a 3.1 matching basis. Wildlife management efforts benefit both game (hunted) and non-game (unhunted) species. It is no coincidence that many sites on the North Alabama Birding Trail are located on Alabama Wildlife Management Areas where hunting is allowed. Perhaps the single most important way a citizen can contribute to conservation and management of “all birds” is to purchase a state hunting license-pay for the privilege where you hunt or not., Neotropical Migrants , Birds that nest in the United State but winter in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean or South America are known as neotropical migrants. Breeding Birds Survey data suggests that populations of these birds have been declining primarily because of range wide habitat loss. Look and listen for theses brilliantly colored birds throughout the forest., Upland Birds , The Upland forests found on Bankhead are a mixture of hardwood and pine trees. Many of the forests found here are from 40 to 120 years of age. Forest and wildlife management practices sustain the health and diversity of the forest. Prescribed fire is used to replicate a range of natural fire conditions. Common birds that nest here are the Hooded Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Wild Turkey., Birds of Prey , Hunting through the open areas of the forest, raptors such as Red-shouldered Hawk and Broad-winged Hawk keep a watchful eye out for rodents and small birds. A variety of owls such as Barred Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl work the night-shift hunting for small animals, similar to their daytime counterparts., Riparian Birds , The combination of streams and forest vegetation provide excellent habitat for certain birds. Along Bankhead’s many streams, look for numerous songbirds such as Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Swainson’s Warbler., Bird Watching Tips , . Respect wildlife homes-leave nests and their occupants as you found them. , . During hunting season, wear a cap or vest of hunter orange for safety. , . Share you lunch only with other humans. , . Limit the use of recordings, calls, or whistles to attract birds. , . Use binoculars or a spotting scope so you can view birds from a distance. , . Leave pets at home. , . Obtain permission before birding on private land.