Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ularly in May. One can expect a variety of warblers, including northern parula, worm-eat-
ing, black-and-white, yellow-throated, cerulean, American redstart, hooded, and even Swain-
son's. Acadian flycatcher is relatively easy to find along the river banks, and I usually see a
broad-winged hawk patrolling this stretch of the river. Eastern phoebe nest here. Belted king-
fishers are common along the river. You can hike as far as you like along the river; when the
water is low, it is easy to make your way south. At any time, there is a good trail (#209) to the
north into the wilderness which takes you up the canyon of the Sipsey Fork. One half mile
north, another trail (#200) branches into Borden Creek Canyon, which is another lovely rav-
ine. Trails within the wilderness area are usually easy, but they have some very steep sections
when going into or out of canyons, and some fording of creeks and the river is necessary at
points. While not encompassing a large expanse, the Sipsey River picnic area is worth birding
at a leisurely rate in the springtime and early summer. The songbirds can give quite a show,
and even if not seen immediately, they fill the woods with their songs.
Acadian Flycatcher
Another good location to look for warblers and flycatchers within a lovely canyon is the
falls area on Hubbard Creek at the western edge of the wilderness area. A dirt road takes you
to the side of this canyon, and a short, but steep, walk takes you into the canyon. There is a
graceful waterfall that, with sufficient water, can double as a slide into a deep pool ideal for
swimming on those hot, Alabama summer days. Unfortunately, the beauty of this place has
