Birds of Birmingham Parks — Yellow-Crowned Night Heron visiting Railroad Park – photo by Greg Harber

Birmingham’s local parks are fast becoming a mecca for bird watchers and photographers.

In the past few weeks, Bham Now has noticed a “mini-explosion” of photos being posted on social media by local bird-lovers and nature photographers at Birmingham’s parks and green spaces.

Check out photos from Railroad Park, Crestwood Park and the Highlands Park Golf Course:

Birds of Birmingham — Great Blue Heron at the Highlands Park Golf Course – photo by Joe Watts

Fall in love

Want to learn more about these graceful and beautiful birds and how to identify, protect and preserve them? Here are three local and state birding initiatives that can help you “fall in love” with our feathered friends.

Get Involved

Birmingham Audubon Urban Birding – The Birmingham Audubon Society has been the “gateway” organization for bird enthusiasts in the Magic City since 1946. Their Urban Bird Habitat Initiative is protecting five priority habitats and places throughout the Birmingham community, including Railroad Park, Avondale Park and East Lake Park. One of the most effective conservation groups in town, Birmingham Audubon is also one of the most welcoming groups for newcomers and people wanting to learn how to become a birder.

Alabama Birding Trail – The “go to” place on the internet to find where the birds can be seen in Alabama. “Comprehensive” is the best word to describe the Alabama Birding Trail website.

Alabama’s Wading Birds Poster – Alabama Birding Trails will also be releasing the Alabama’s Wading Birds poster in June. This keepsake will be distributed throughout the state at educational institutions and to the general public. Check back at the Alabama Birding Trail website in June to secure your poster. Meanwhile – here is a version of the poster. Feel free to download the image and share it.