Tranquil nature scenes are brought to life by the sudden and distinct call of an unknown bird in the distance. Discover the birds behind those calls at the upcoming spring bird-banding session slated for Saturday that will continue through April 11 at the Fort Morgan State Historic Site. The Alabama Gulf Coast hosts thousands of migratory birds each year since the area serves as their first stop in the continental United States.
While the banding will began daily just before dawn and end around noon, the best hours are early morning. Guests are reminded to bring a lawn chair, binoculars and insect repellent but to leave the pets at home. There is no charge for this annual event but guests must pay the fort admission to gain access to the banding station. Fort admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children 6-18 and free to those under 5. A family pass is $12 and will admit two adults and two children.
More than 1,800 birds representing 76 different species were recorded in spring 2007 by the Hummer/Bird Study Group, which organizes this annual event. Founded by Bob Sargent and Martha Sargent, this group holds a large number of all the required hummingbird banding permits in the world. They gather valuable information about the health, behavior and habitat of these migratory birds in addition to giving visitors the chance to touch, hold and release the birds.
While the spring and fall bird-banding events represent the peak migratory periods in April and October, respectively, an abundance of native birds can be found year round on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
For more information on this extensive trail, visit www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com. For more information on the Spring Bird Banding Session, visit www.hummingbirdsplus.org or call 1-800-745-SAND.
