ELVIRA ROAD LAKE CYRUS MARSH MOSS ROCK PRESERVE...
Transcript of ELVIRA ROAD LAKE CYRUS MARSH MOSS ROCK PRESERVE...
Elvira Road (Shelby County 269) lies in the southwest portion of
Hoover. This dead-end paved road traverses a mainly hard-
wood forest near the Cahaba River. A few small openings
along the road add variety to the habitat and make for a
wider species range. Though most woodland
species can be found here, including Red-
shouldered and Broad-winged hawks, Barred
Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, and Yellow-throated
Vireo, this site is particularly good for breeding
warblers. These include Yellow-throated, Prairie,
Black-and-white, Worm-eating, Kentucky, and
Hooded warblers and Yellow-breasted Chat along
the road, and others near the river. A few Scarlet
Tanagers are found, besides the more common Summers.
From I-459, Exit 10, go west 1.2 miles on AL 150 and turn left
(south) on South Shades Crest Road. Drive 3.6 miles to the crossroads
with a traffic signal. Turn left and go 1.1 miles on Shelby County 52
to a small swamp visible on the left. Park off the road on the right
and quickly check the swamp; be careful of traffic here. Water levels
fluctuate, but the swamp may have Green Heron and Wood Duck.
Open areas and ponds on the opposite (south) side of the road are
good for Eastern Kingbird. Continue east on Co. 52 another 0.2 miles
to a left turn on Elvira Road (Co. 269). The first portion of the road
has a few homes; drive approximately a half-mile to just past a large
opening on the right with a small pond. The main forest begins here.
The paved road passes through about two miles of undeveloped
woodland and crosses one railroad track, ending at a second rail line.
Very little traffic is present past the developed area, and the road is
easy to walk undisturbed. Martin Brook is a small creek crossed near
the terminus, and is probably the best single spot along the main road.
The whole area should be checked for migrants in spring and fall.
Those who don’t mind a vigorous walk can access the Cahaba
River via a pipeline cut, obvious not far past the opening on the right
with the pond. By going right (southeast) over a series of low ridges,
you reach the Cahaba in about a half mile. A gravel road leads down-
stream a short distance through woodlands, then veers away from the
river. This is an excellent area for breeding passerines, with species
such as Acadian Flycatcher, Northern Parula, American Redstart, and
Swainson’s Warbler easier to find here than along the main road.
Swainson’s has been heard just downstream from the pipeline
cut between the river and the gravel road.
Another interesting woodland road is Co. 93, reached by going back
0.6 miles on Co. 52 from Co. 269 and turning right (northeast). Drive
a short distance past the residential areas to the end of the
pavement; the gravel road beyond extends over a half mile
through mixed hardwood and pine forest to a private
farm. The road crosses a branch of Trigger Creek, and
the area is good for a variety of breeding woodland birds
including Yellow-throated Vireo and Black-and-white,
Worm-eating, Kentucky, and Hooded warblers.
A small but interesting wetland in western Hoover can provide good
birding at any season. A marshy beaver pond, with adjacent fields
and seasonal ponds, is bordered by hardwoods along Shades
Creek. From the intersection of I-459 and AL 150, go west
2.0 miles on AL 150 to the Lake Cyrus entrance. Turn
left and park in 0.3 miles at an inconspicuous track
leading left. Walk around the chain and go south on
the old road into the wetland complex. This track trav-
erses the eastern part of the area, with wooded Shades
Creek on the left and ponds, marsh, and fields on the right.
Spring and fall migration
may yield several transients in the
combination of habitats, particularly
by walking both south along the old road
and west on a track beside the
northern ditch. Wood Duck may be
found, and the area is good for breed-
ing Orchard Oriole. This is a nice spot
for sparrows in late fall and winter, and the
small fields may be entered on rough trails
when not flooded. The marsh could yield rails in
migration or winter if you are lucky. A river otter and
her offspring were spotted in the pond recently.
A good woodland has been present between the base of Shades Mountain
and Shades Creek. This area is undergoing significant change, though, as
the old Deer Valley Parkway has just been extended north.
Ross Bridge Parkway is 0.5 miles east of the Lake Cyrus entrance and
1.5 miles west of I-459. From AL 150 drive north 1.1 miles and pass Deer
Valley Elementary School; continue north on the new parkway less than a
mile to the bridge over Shades Creek. Park on the right before the bridge
and walk north on a gravel service road, which terminates in 0.3 miles at
the bank of Shades Creek.
One of the last “big woods” areas in Hoover, this has been an
excellent place for resident and migrant land birds. Fortunately,
the best part was the remaining section of the old road, at the
base of the mountain in an area of large hardwoods.
Great Horned Owl may be heard calling from the
Shades Mountain slope from anywhere in this
area. The site has been very good for
woodpeckers, including Hairy. Small
flocks of warblers and other transients may
be encountered. Breeders have included
Northern Parula, Hooded and Kentucky
warblers, and Yellow-breasted Chat. It is
one of two known places in Hoover where
Scarlet Tanager has been found in breeding
season, in the tall hardwoods on and near
the mountain slope.
A small area of hardwood and pine forest in western Hoover, this park
is interesting for many reasons. Several rare and threatened plants are
found, especially in sandstone glades. Unusual rock formations are
noteworthy, and the area has a beautiful creek and small waterfalls.
Birding here is moderately good for typical woodland species.
To reach the park, take Sulphur Springs Road north at the light
on AL 150 just east of I-459, opposite Stadium Trace Parkway. Drive
north 1.6 miles to the right turn on Preserve Parkway which traverses
the western end of the park and then skirts the southern boundary. Park
on Village Center Drive and walk back to where steps lead up a slope to
the north. This gives access to the main portion of the trail system and
is near the rock formations.
The usual forest species can be found in the park, which can
be covered on foot from the trails and by walking along the paved
road. Louisiana Waterthrush breeds along the creek near the trail
crossing adjacent to a sandstone glade; this is just downhill from
the main rock formations.
Running along Patton Creek south of AL 150, then following the Cahaba
River upstream to Bain’s Bridge, this track allows access to riparian forest
and open brushy areas. Beside the usual woodland species in summer and
winter, it is an easy spot to check for migrant songbirds in spring and fall.
The track leads south from AL 150, 2.2 miles east of I-459 and 1.1
miles west of US 31. The inconspicuous entrance is just east of the
Paradise Creek bridge, near a small fenced tennis court. Immediately
after leaving AL 150 turn right, drive a short distance to the creek, and
park near the gate (without blocking it). You can walk to the Cahaba River
in about a half mile, mostly along the creek, reaching the river at a brushy
area behind a condominium complex. Continue upstream along the river
for another half mile, birding the riverside trees; below a cement plant you
reach Bain’s Bridge at Old Montgomery Highway. You can walk under the
bridge to a canoe landing giving good views up and down the river; look
for Wood Duck and Belted Kingfisher. Barn Swallow nests abundantly
under the bridge.
If you (or a non-birding companion) need a break from the field, the
Galleria mall and adjacent shopping/dining complexes are on the
corner of US 31 and John Hawkins Parkway.
Newly opened, beautiful Aldridge Gardens is a pleasant spot for walking
and viewing botanical specimens, especially hydrangeas; it holds mild
potential for birding. From US 31 at the junction with AL 150, take
Lorna Road (the eastern extension of AL 150) east 0.8 miles to
the traffic signal at Rocky Ridge Ranch Road. Just beyond
this intersection on the right is the garden entrance;
no admission fee is charged. Take the paths around the
small lake and look for woodland residents and migrants;
the habitat is mixed, with hardwoods, pines, and open
areas. The lake could produce limited numbers of
waterfowl, most likely in migration. Hours change seasonally,
and can be obtained by calling 205/682-8019, or online at
www.aldridgegardens.com.
Located beside the Cahaba River, this sewage treatment
plant has a large lagoon which may yield water and other birds.
From Lorna Road, turn right on Rocky Ridge Ranch Road beside
Aldridge Gardens and drive 1.2 miles to the plant entrance. If the gate is
open (generally 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) proceed to the office. Here you must
ask permission to bird the lagoon and sign a liability release; please check
out with the office on leaving if asked. The lagoon is not visible from the
gate, as it is located in the far eastern part of the property beyond the
office. You can drive or walk around the pond. On the south side you
are close to the river; forest around three sides of the pond may be good
for songbirds. The lagoon itself is productive for ducks, with Wood Duck
in the summer and other species of migrant and wintering waterfowl
possible. Check for transient swallows feeding over the water.
An excellent forest along the Cahaba River, this area is home to Hoover’s
version of a canopy walkway! The site is good for woodland species in
general, and should be checked for migrant songbirds in spring and fall.
Swainson’s Warbler, a rare attraction in the area, can be found here in
late spring and summer. Keep an eye (and especially an ear) out for
Mourning and Connecticut warblers in May.
From I-459, Exit 17, take Acton Road west 0.4 miles to Old Rocky
Ridge Road, where you should turn south (left). Go 0.7 miles to a left turn
at the east gate of the Hoover Sports Park, a large complex of athletic fields
on the north bank of the river. Park at the south end of the lot. You may
wish to bird east and west along the river, checking the large hard-
woods from the periphery of the athletic field area.
Returning to the parking lot, walk up a sloping
paved path along a fence and you will soon reach a large
pedestrian bridge over the river. This offers vantage to the
upper and middle levels of the riparian forest. The river itself may
have Great Blue or Green herons and Wood Duck. After birding from
the bridge descend the stairs on the south end. Trail access currently is a
bit confusing, but should be improved in the future. From the bridge
base, curve left and find the rough trail heading into the woods. You
will see a small trail on the right, which ends shortly at a creek.
Continue on the main trail to the left, birding the beautiful forest
here. After a short distance the trail reaches a small clearing,
which you should cross and find the dirt road
leading east close to the river. The road
soon enters a long straight
stretch through the forest, with
brushy areas on both sides; these
are good for Yellow-breasted
Chat and Indigo Bunting in
summer, and sparrows in
late fall and winter.
At the east end of the straight area, where the road
curves to the right, look for a small trail into the woods on the
left. This winds to the river and passes through good forest as it
heads upstream. The trail reaches an opening in about a half mile,
and you can walk away from the river on a road, soon to turn right on
the original road; by taking this you will return to the straight
stretch and the trail turnoff. From late April to July, the area
from the start of the small trail to a few hundred yards east
along the main road has been reliable for Swainson’s Warbler.
A small wetland is easily reached by going
west 2.4 miles from US 280 on Valleydale
Road (Shelby Co. 17) and turning right (north) at
the Spain Park Sports Complex sign. You will soon reach a
parking lot near an athletic field; park on the south side. A small
lake (sometimes drained) just south of the lot might have a few
shorebirds (including Wilson’s Snipe in the colder months). At
the east end of the lake is a marshy field good for wintering
sparrows, and east of this is a swampy woodland that may be of
interest. These areas can be checked from the parking lot, a small road
along the lake, and from the entrance road.
Just west of the sports complex on Co. 17 is the entrance to Spain
Park High School. On the east side of the entrance road is a large field
bordered by a pond and a wooded creek on the north. This area has
mild birding potential; the creek can be accessed from both the south
and north sides.
Lake Purdy is adjacent to the far eastern
reaches of Hoover at Greystone, and is
one of the best birding areas in the
region. Over the years a long list of
species has been recorded, with emphasis
on shore and water birds. Unusual species have included
Red-throated Loon, Eared and Western/Clark’s grebes,
Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood
Stork, Tundra Swan, Surf and White-winged
scoters, Long-tailed Duck, Common Merganser,
Bald and Golden eagles, Common Moorhen, Piping Plover, American
Avocet, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Sanderling, Baird’s and Buff-
breasted sandpipers, Wilson’s, Red-necked,
and Red phalaropes, Laughing Gull, Royal and Least
terns, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied flycatchers,
Warbling Vireo, Bewick’s Wren, “Lawrence’s” and
Connecticut warblers, Bachman’s and Lincoln’s
sparrows, and Red Crossbill! In recent years the lake
has been less productive for wintering waterfowl, though
many species still appear briefly, particularly after unsettled
weather. It can be excellent for large waders and shorebirds
when the water levels are appropriate; in late summer and fall
extensive mudf lats are found in some years around the lake.
Cox’s Creek is one of the best spots to look for shore and water
birds. From US 280, take AL 119 east 2.2 miles to the bridge over the
creek. You can pull off the road east and west of the bridge to survey
the large expanse of water and/or mudf lat to the south. Especially
late in the day if the lake is not full, searching the far end of the creek
may reveal a Wild Turkey flock (and in some years Black-crowned
Night-Heron). This is a good place to hear breeding Yellow-throated
Warbler singing in the large pines. A telescope is useful here.
You can turn left on the east side of the bridge
and park at a lot. Walk north toward the main lake
and assess the water levels. When extensive mud
is revealed, walking north and then east along
the south shore of the lake can be enjoyable and
productive for migrant shorebirds; a telescope is
recommended. Wild Turkey may be seen along the shore.
You can walk nearly to the boat landing about a mile to the east,
barred at the end by a creek.
Along the east side of Cox’s Creek is a substantial wet woodland,
traversed by the old road into the Greystone subdivision. This can be
excellent for migrant songbirds, particularly warblers, and breeding
birds are plentiful. From the bridge, drive east 0.5 miles on AL 119
and turn right on the new paved road. Go 0.4 miles and you will see
the gated old road leading to the right. Park either here or farther
south near the Greystone entrance. A creek skirts the main road and
continues north along the old road for some distance. Another
entrance to the track is at AL 119 just east of Cox’s Creek, though the
trail is more overgrown at this end. The entire area can be productive
and deserves thorough exploration, especially in spring and fall.
From the new Greystone Road, drive east 1.1 miles
on AL 119 to the left (north) turn to the Lake Purdy
boat launch. In a short distance you reach the shore
and the launch; if desired, boats can be rented
at the small store (private craft are not allowed). The
launch gives good vantage over the main part of the lake;
a telescope is helpful. This area at times can yield shore and
water birds, and many rarities have been found over the years;
it is especially worth checking during or following foul weather.
Often good numbers of migrant swallows can be seen feeding
over the water from this spot.
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