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Winged Plains Trail

This route rolls over gently unfolding fields and forests toward the Chattahoochee River valley of southeastern Alabama.

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The arboretum at Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park is accessible by boardwalk and presents a nice assortment of birds, including barred owl and blue-headed vireo. Paths leading to the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers on either side of the park reward the birder with such finds as yellow-bellied sapsucker and indigo bunting.

2521 W. Fort Toulouse Rd., Wetumpka
(334) 567-3002
www.preserveala.org/intro1.htm

Auburn University's Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center is the only facility of its type in the Southeast, treating injured raptors such as eagles and falcons. It is not open to the public, but offers touring educational programs featuring the birds. SERRC also administers the inspiring pre-kickoff flight of Auburn's War Eagle icon above Jordan-Hare Stadium in the fall.

1350 Raptor Rd., Auburn
(334) 844-6025
www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/

Tuskegee National Forest is home to the Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area, which covers 125 acres. Among the many birds that have been identified are the green heron, pied-billed grebe, white-breasted nuthatch, and Eastern towhee. A trail, lake, viewing blind, observation island and tower, and beaver pond are located on the site. The Bartram National Recreation Trail cuts through nine miles of the forest, offering additional glimpses of wildlife.

125 National Forest Rd. 949, Tuskegee
(334) 727-2652
www.southernregion.fs.fed.us

The Wehle Nature Center includes several hiking trails on 25 acres. Viewing kiosks highlight many of the facility's wetland features, which mirror Alabama's abundant aquatic habitats. Tours and programs related to birds are offered. Call ahead for operating hours.

Co. Rd. 47, Midway
1-800-LAND-ALA
www.unionspringsalabama.com/attractions/wehle.htm

More than 280 bird species have been verified at 11,184-acre Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge. Wood ducks are local breeders, with migratory waterfowl also of note. From the perch of the observation tower, watch for such creatures as great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, and periodic Eastern screech-owls who invite themselves to the wood ducks' boxes. Nearby Lakepoint State Park Resort hosts a "Fins, Feathers & Flowers Weekend" each winter with field observation trips.

509 Old Hwy. 165, Eufaula (refuge)
(334) 687-4065

104 Lakepoint Dr., Eufaula (park)
800-ALA-PARK or (334) 687-6676
www.alapark.com

At Landmark Park, an elevated walkway passes through a wooded environment and across a beaver pond. Ruby-crowned kinglets are among the 125-plus species that might be found in this diverse wetland setting. Birds may also be spotted in a small nature garden beside the park's interpretive center.

U.S. Hwy. 431, Dothan
(334) 794-3452
www.landmarkpark.com/