Holly Hills Trail at D.A.R.E. Power Park
Very much in its “natural” state, this trail includes wonderful plant and habitat diversity. The area should boast an impressive complement of birds throughout the year. The trails traverse a number of excellent birding areas, so they are well worth the time and effort. Directions: From the intersection of US 280 at AL 49, turn [...]
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Coon Creek Nature Preserve and Recreation Area
Located on the banks of the Tallapoosa River, this preserve includes the one-mile Overlook Loop trail and the four-mile Wood Duck trail, both good for woodland songbirds. The upland portions harbor Northern Bobwhites, Wild Turkeys, sparrows, towhees, Eastern Bluebirds, and other woodland birds. The areas bordering the water afford opportunities to scan for waterfowl, gulls, [...]
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Cherokee Ridge
This area has 11 miles of hiking trails, with one skirting the shoreline of Lake Martin for approximately 4 miles. Other areas of the trails are high rocky ridges and bluffs, some with vistas of six to eight miles overlooking Kowaliga Bay and Chimney Rock. Bald Eagles are regularly spotted over the lake; Wild Turkeys [...]
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Wind Creek State Park
Nicely maintained state park features extensive water and a trail system. Good spot for Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and long-legged waders. Very good for riparian warblers in warm months, waterfowl in winter. Excellent for Red-headed Woodpeckers, bluebirds, Brown-headed Nuthatches, all year. Numerous picnic pavilions, extensive parking space.
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Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
The park is operated by the National Park Service and offers restrooms, picnic tables, and camping facilities. A paved loop road circumnavigates the park, which consists of mixed mature pine-hardwood forest and open field habitat, bordered by the Tallapoosa River. Walking trails crisscross the property, often paralleling the paved road. The bluffs overlooking the river [...]
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Central Alabama Community College
Only blocks from US 280, this spot can be covered in a short time with minimal walking. The lake in the center of campus merits a look for swallows, waders, orioles, kingbirds, etc. Nearby large pines have Brown-headed Nuthatches, Pine Warblers, and woodpeckers. The woods to the south side of the loop road are often productive, and the open pines and the wooded slope on the backside of campus are worth a look. Combine this site with a stop at nearby Sportplex.
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Alexander City Hiking Trails @ Sportplex
An island of green minutes from US 280. Varied habitats promise a worthwhile birding destination. Trees here are home to resident songbirds, and provide a welcome stopover for migrants. Hawks and vultures soar above, bluebirds nest throughout, and dense second-growth at the south end of the park is good for buntings, sparrows, wrens, and more.
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