Alabama Audubon Field Trip: Monte Sano State Park

Pre-registration is required by 12 p.m. CDT on Friday, October 1st, and space is limited. Visit https://alaudubon.org/event/2021-10-02/ for more information and to register.

Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park (5105 Nolen Ave.) sits on 2,140 acres of woodland habitat with spectacular vistas from atop the mountain—especially when the fall leaves show off their colors. Resident turkey vultures and other raptors can be seen gliding past at eye level, soaring on warm air currents rising from the valley below. Join us as we bird various migration hotspots and take in views of north Alabama’s beautiful mountain plateaus.

The details: Meetup is at the Chick-fil-a in Fultondale (215 Howell Street). Plan to depart at 7 a.m., at which time we’ll caravan north towards Huntsville via I-65 North, I-565, and US 431 to Huntsville/Monte Sano. We’ll plan to meet at the park at 8:45 a.m. Note that admission to the park is $5 for adults, $2 for seniors.

Be sure to bring the usual supplies: binoculars, rehydrating drinks, snacks, a full tank of gas, sunscreen, insect repellant, rain gear, and seasonally appropriate attire. In the case of inclement weather, the event may be cancelled. You may contact the trip leader the morning of the event if the weather is questionable.

Accessibility: The paved parking lot at the overlook on Monte Sano is very accessible, and one of the most popular locations for area birders (and the birds they are looking for) in the park. The trails are not accessible.

The food: Plan to bring a picnic lunch.

The birds: We’re sure to see vultures and raptors. As migration will be at its peak, we’ll be looking for neotropical migrants including a variety of warblers, tanagers, and vireos.

Photo credit: Bay-breasted warbler in fall colors by Greg Harber.