Fall Winds Welcome Feathered Friends.
John Denney Photography | www.johndenney.com
Fall is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you are anxiously awaiting all the signs. Shades of red and burnt orange in the tree lines, a crisp drop in temperatures, early sunsets, and one of our personal favorites- the return of pumpkin spice, baked apples, and other harvest scents and mouth-watering flavors. However, one of the lesser noticed signs of fall is the last gusts of a warm summer breeze. What exactly makes this breeze so special?
Nature lovers and fellow fall fanatics know precisely the kind of wind described. It’s the kind of breeze with a sensational warmth and bone chill at the same time; the kind that signals fall is on its way and summer is amid a long, drawn-out Southern goodbye.
These winds welcome the almost effortless transition to the autumn season. More importantly, these winds welcome hundreds of bird species migrating south, but not before they make a pit stop at Lake Martin.
The Year of Alabama Birding…
Lake Martin, and surrounding areas, are the perfect stops for our feathered friends. The central location and mild weather conditions appeal to many migrating birds. According to World Birds, there are 449 officially documented bird species seen in Alabama. Of the 449, there are 158 species residing in Alabama year-round, 174 species residing for winter months, and 80 species migrating through our beautiful state.
The Alabama Tourism Department celebrates the feathery phenomenon of bird migration with their campaign, “The Year of Alabama Birding.” This campaign highlights many of the unique species, including native and migratory birds, that make Alabama their home. The campaign also encourages bird and nature lovers to visit Alabama’s birding hotspots, promoting many trails, overlooks, and scenic highways throughout the state. Lake Martin is no exception.
Avid bird watchers in the Lake Martin area report sightings of Eastern Wild Turkeys, Common-Ground doves, Common Loons, Brown-headed Nuthatches, Pine Warblers, Eastern bluebirds, Bald Eagles, a variety of hawks, woodpeckers swallows, and of course, the state-recognized Yellow-shafted Northern Flicker. Fortunately for bird watchers, these birds are abundant. And, you might even spot a few not listed.
Throughout Tallapoosa County, there are numerous trails for the perfect view of birds this fall. From the ponds in Alexander City to the Coon Creek Nature Preserve, the winds and wildlife found in Tallapoosa County are like no other. Let our feathered friends be your guide and #exploretallapoosacounty today!
