5 ways to celebrate National Bird Day in “BIRDingham” (15 photos)

Hey BIRDingham! January 5th is National Bird Day.

According to the Alabama Ornithological Society via the Encyclopedia of Alabama, 433 species of birds have been seen in the state.

From that list, about 158 are considered regular breeders within Alabama’s borders, around 80 species are migrants, and another 175 or so are classified as winter residents.

Birds are fun!

Want to learn more about our feathered friends?

In honor of National Bird Day, here are 5 ways you can support birds and become a birder.

1) Go on a Field Trip

There are a number of birdwatching groups that offer field trips throughout the year. In most cases you do not have to be a birder to participate – but of  course spending a morning or full day with experienced birders is the best way to learn the craft. Here are some of the best Field Trip links:

Alabama Audubon
Alabama Birding Trail

2) Attend the Festival of Cranes, Eagle Watch Weekends or Alabama Coastal Bird Fest

Birding is a social activity.  Alabama has three big events that draw locals and tourist from around the country.  They are:

January 11-12 – Festival of Cranes – Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge near Decatur, Alabama – See thousands of waterfowl, sandhill cranes and  whooping cranes.

January-February –  Eagle Watch Weekends – Lake Guntersville State Park – Events every weekend  beginning on January 24 and lasting till February 16.

October 7-10 – Alabama Coastal Bird Fest – Various places throughout Coastal Alabama – Established in 2004, this event attracts birders nationwide. to the coast.

3) Take a Class

Birmingham has some of the best birding instructors in the south. This winter Alabama Audubon has organized two classes taught by Greg Harber and Paul Franklin.  Both are fantastic teachers.

Get the details –

Harber’s class on mastering Winter Water Birds – Register HERE
Paul’s class on Winter Songbirds & Raptors – Register HERE

Also, don’t forget to attend the Audubon Mountain Workshop May 7-10 in Mentone.

4) Plant Native Plants

Last month, Bham Now published an informative story about supporting birds by the planting of native plants and removing invasive.

Check out our story –

6 ways to become an Alabama native plant champion like Julia Tutwiler

5) Visit Alabama Birding Trails

Last, but not least, explore Alabama’s Birding Trails.  We presently have a system  of 8 trails statewide, with over 280 stops. Quite frankly, its awesome.   Check it ALL out  – HERE

Photos, Photos, Photos

So, Happy Bird Day to all your family and friends!  Celebrate by making a commitment to go on a field trip, take a workshop, visit the birding trails and festivals or plant some bird attracting native plants in your backyard.

Or just sit back and enjoy their beauty.