Now that it actually feels like fall in Alabama, the birds that have spent summer breeding in the northern U.S., Canada and beyond are headed over the Southeast to their winter homes.

(Contributed)

Fall migration is the perfect time to see beautiful birds. The Alabama Birding Trails have exciting and fun educational events planned through early 2017. The trails’ website has a full list of events to help enthusiasts plan.

However, a few events are worth highlighting:

• Migration Bird Walk on Oct. 29 at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park at the Battlefield Overlook (Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail).
• A tour at the Wiregrass Birding Trail on Nov. 5 departs from Lakepoint State Park’s lodge lobby at 7 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. with a showing of “Duckumentary” in the Maple Room. The waterfowl educational program will be presented by a Gulf State Park naturalist and end with a 2:30 p.m. guided bird field trip to the Eufaula Wildlife Refuge.
• A Photography Bird Walk at the Confederate Memorial Park near Prattville on Nov. 12, which is part of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, will offer general instruction on photographing birds.

Alabama’s abundant resources offer birdwatching adventures that are not just for the avid or seasoned birder. Birders of all ages and skill levels can enjoy watching an extensive variety of our avian friends.

A barred owl. (Contributed)

A painted bunting. (Contributed)

Those who simply appreciate nature and enjoy learning about the habitats of animals and birds of Alabama are encouraged to enjoy the eight Alabama Birding Trails. The trails include all of Alabama’s landscapes (270 locations), from swampy marshes to white sand beaches, rolling fields and pastures, rugged mountains and thick forests.

More than 400 species of birds have been spotted within the borders of Alabama.

Birdwatching is an economic driver for Alabama that has created a significant, cost-effective impact for the state over the past decade, attracting visitors from across the country. The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, Alabama Tourism Department, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Birmingham Audubon Society, Alabama Ornithological Society and federal partners like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Forest Service have partnered to develop the eight birding trails of Alabama. Each region has well-known sites used by many birders and visitors as they enjoy the natural surroundings.

In addition to its website, those interested can follow the Alabama Birding Trails on Facebook.