Alabama’s Native Birds Focus of UA’s Moundville Park Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The West Alabama community is invited to learn about Alabama’s native bird population during a Saturday in the Park program at The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park.

As part of the ongoing 75th anniversary celebrations of the Jones Archaeological Museum, the park will host a West Alabama Birding Trail-themed Saturday in the Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31. The event is free to attend with paid park admission.

Becky Collier, of the Coosa County 4-H, will showcase some predatory birds native to Alabama in an interactive Raptor Show at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

A craft table will be set up in front of the Jones Archaeological Museum where children can make their own gourd birdhouses, while supplies last. The Education Office staff will explain how certain bird species, like the Purple Martin, depend on man-made houses along with the many benefits of sustaining a Martin population around the home.

Birding guides, references and seasonal “Birds of Moundville” checklists will be available at the information table, along with some of Tuscaloosa’s most knowledgeable birders.

“This is a great opportunity for novice birders of all ages to come out and learn more about the birds in their backyard,” said Jordan Bannister, Moundville Archeological Park’s AmeriCorps VISTA.

The mission of Moundville Archaeological Park is to maintain, preserve and interpret the Moundville site while fostering research and providing recreational experiences. The park’s education office strives to preserve Native American culture through sharing knowledge.

Moundville Archaeological Park is located 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa off of Alabama Highway 69. Admission costs are as follows: Adults, $8; seniors, $7; and children, $6. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.