
4 Hot Spots to Go Birdwatching in the Alabama Black Belt
Updated: Dec 31, 2021
Ready to get your feet wet on another birding adventure, but not sure what new places you might be able to explore? With over 800 species of birds in North America and 430 bird species documented in Alabama, your love for birding or birdwatching you might lead you to exploring this southern state to check more bird sightings off your list.

Whether you’re a resident of Alabama or simply touring, you might be wondering which new birds you have a chance to spot when you’re in Alabama or the Alabama Black Belt.
Below we’ve compiled a list of 4 must-see sites to visit that stretch along the south-central part of the state. This list includes a handpicked selection of state parks, trails, forests, and private property to help you create a birding experience you won’t forget.
#1 Lake Livingston and Trails
Lake Livingston is located in Sumter County among a slew of walking trails and is known as one of southwest Alabama’s most outstanding birding sites.
Acres: 54 acres
Year-round Birds: Herons, Egrets, and Barred Owls
Warmer Months: Swallows, Waders, Hummingbirds, Common Nighthawks, and Chuck-will’s-widows
Colder Months: Waterfowl
GPS: 32.602958 -88.189811
Lake LU
UWA Station 30
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-9266
#2 Chickasaw State Park
Chickasaw State Park is a public recreation area located in Marengo County with modern campsites, wading pool, hiking trails, a barbeque grilling pavilion.
Acres: 520+ acres
Year-round Birds: Migrant, Songbirds, Northern Flickers, Wild Turkeys, Bobwhites, Warblers, Vireos, and Woodpeckers
Warmer Months: White-eyed Vireos and Indigo Buntings
Colder Months: Slate-colored Juncos, Chipping and White-throated Sparrows, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Palm Warblers
GPS: N 32.361897 W -87.779475
Chickasaw State Park
26955 U.S. Hwy. 43
Gallion, AL 36742
(334) 295-8230
#3 Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours
Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours is located on 200 acres of family property in Newbern, Alabama. The property is privately owned and has been in the family since the 1800s. The land consists of pasture, bottom-land hardwood, creeks, a Black Angus cattle farm, and a 6-mile long nature trail accessible to the public by reservation only.
Acres: 200 acres
Year-round Birds: Wood Stork, American White Pelicans, White Ibis, Swallow Tailed Kite, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Osprey, Mississippi Kite, and Loggerhead Shrike.
GPS: 32.54661, -87.591894
1965 County Road 57
Newbern, AL 36765
(334) 300-5509
#4 Tuskegee National Forest
Tuskegee National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in Macon County. The land consists of hiking trails, horse trails, fish ponds, the Uchee Shooting Range, Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area, primitive camping, and the Taska Recreation Area.
Acres: 11,252 acres
Year-round Birds: Woodland Songbirds, Northern Bobwhites, American Woodcocks, Wading Birds, Woodpeckers, Pine Warblers and Brown-headed Nuthatches
Warmer Months: Summer Tanagers, Red-eyed Vireos, Wood Thrushes, Great Crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated Vireos, Northern Parulas, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Swainson’s Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Wild Turkeys, Red-shouldered Hawks, Barred Owls, Prairie Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Eastern Bluebirds, Field Sparrows, Eastern Towhees, Common Yellowthroats, Indigo Buntings, Eastern Kingbirds, Blue Grosbeaks, Chuck-will’s-widows, Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, Mississippi Kites, Kentucky Warblers, Wood Thrushes, Yellow-throated Warblers, and Bachman’s Sparrows
Colder Months: Chipping Sparrows, Slate-colored Juncos, and Hermit Thrushes
GPS: N 32.46835 W -85.57703
125 National Forest Rd 949
Tuskegee, AL 36083
As you can see, there is an array of options to choose from if you’re on the hunt for new birding adventures in the Alabama Black Belt. Make your way through one or all of these options to be sure to check off regional bird sightings from your list and create new memories that last a lifetime.
Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours is privately owned and operated, located on 200 acres of family property in Newbern, Alabama. The land consists of pasture, bottom-land hardwood, creeks, and a 6-mile long nature trail -- all beautiful areas where birders and nature lovers can observe in the natural world to explore, make family-friendly memories, and experience peace of mind away from the stresses and busyness of everyday life. For more information about upcoming events or to schedule a tour, click here.