Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 8
Hot Birds
This is a listing of the rarer species possible in Alabama and Mississippi, and those birds that
are found only in the South; included in this list are the locations in these two states that are
the best spots to try to see these birds. This list is a rather subjective register of birds that one
would most want to spot on any trip to the deep South, and it is in no way a complete listing of
the areas where these birds may be sighted. This list covers those areas discussed in this topic.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Perhaps the rarest and most sought after bird resident year-round in the southern states is
the red-cockaded woodpecker. This is one of the premier birds to sight if visiting in Alabama
and Mississippi. Without doubt, the best chance of spotting one is in Noxubee National Wild-
life Refuge in Mississippi. If you need this species for your life list and have only one shot
at finding it, go to Noxubee. The most easily accessible spot from a major interstate high-
way is at the Bienville Pines Scenic Area in Bienville National Forest, Mississippi. The best
chance for seeing many of the birds in a relatively large expanse of their natural habitat is in
the Oakmulgee District of the Talladega National Forest in Alabama, and there is a good place
just off Alabama SH 25 in the Oakmulgee. Also, in the Conecuh National Forest in Alabama,
there is one good viewing location that is easy to find. The woodpeckers also can be found in
Gulf State Park, Alabama, in DeSoto National Forest, Mississippi, and in other areas, but the
chances of actually seeing the birds in those places are low.
Anhinga
Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama; Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge,
Alabama.
