  Watchable Wildlife
1070 AL Hwy. 33 N., Double Springs
1214 81st St. S., Birmingham
2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham
200 Terrace Dr., Pelham
2309 AL Hwy. 46 E., Heflin (northern forest) 2141 Bunker Loop, Delta (park)
800 Museum Dr., Anniston
1001 Rainbow Dr., Gadsden |
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This hilly, mountainous route includes the southern terminus of the Appalachian ridge.
The 25,000-acre Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead National Forest is the second largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi. About 150 species have been documented in the vicinity, including the sharp-shinned hawk, American redstart, and black-throated green, cerulean, and black-and-white warbler. Kinlock Falls and Thompson Creek Bridge yield a spectacular landscape of cliffs, gorges, and hardwoods, with excellent birding opportunities. 
Ruffner Mountain is a year-round home to common woodland birds, including five species of woodpeckers. Nearly 10 miles of trails lead through habitats from dry, open quarries to wet, sheltered ravines. Warblers and thrushes are seen during spring and fall migrations. In the summer, view vireos, tanagers, and hooded warblers while hiking the Quarry and Ridge Valley Trails, and catch a glimpse of the uncommon Kentucky warbler along the Trillium Trail. 
During the migratory season, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are popular with birders in Alabama's largest city. This designated bird sanctuary has recorded more than 230 species of feathered critters. The Fern Glade, Kaul Wildflower Garden, and Bog Garden are favorite stops. 
Oak Mountain State Park ranks as the largest of Alabama's state parks. Its 10,000 acres provide a lush habitat for many species, including the Eastern bluebird. The Treetop Nature Trail offers an elevated walkway for viewing raptors and other woodland birds. Injured birds receive care at the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which occasionally opens its doors to visitors. 
The Talladega Division of the Talladega National Forest can be split into two loop tours. The northern portion includes three known colonies for the rare red-cockaded woodpecker. A small number of nomadic, sparrow-sized, parrot-like red crossbills have been witnessed in recent years around the intersection of the Pinhoti Trail and FS Rd. 500, west of Coleman Lake. The forest's southern portion includes Alabama's highest point, 2,407-foot Cheaha Mountain at Cheaha State Park. 
The ornithology collection at the Anniston Museum of Natural History is one of the oldest in the nation. Over 450 specimens of birds are presented, all collected at the turn of the 20th century. Included in the collection are extinct and endangered birds such as the passenger pigeon. An interactive display allows visitors to test their reaction time to that of a bird. The outdoor Bird of Prey Trail features large enclosures with owls and hawks that have survived crippling injuries. 
The Jim Martin Wildlife Park covers 180 acres of wetlands and forest beside Neely Henry Lake. Exposed mudflats attract passing shorebirds in the fall, and the spring migrating season is also productive. The site includes its own island, accessible by a raised boardwalk, where yellow-billed cuckoo, Carolina chickadee, and tufted titmouse are among the species found. Ducks are drawn to the area in the winter months.