Alabama Audubon Society holding Feb. 1 birding field trip at Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center and the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve are welcoming the Alabama Audubon for its birding field trip Saturday, Feb. 1.

During the morning, attendees will visit the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve, a 73-acre nutrient-rich intentional wetland owned by the city of Opelika. The park has become home to a significant population of birds, in addition to its large population of wood ducks.

After lunch, participants will travel to Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center where they will hear a short lecture from Alabama Audubon’s expert birders and tips on active birding. After the lecture, smaller groups will be formed, each with an Audubon birder and a nature center guide. The groups will go into the forest to listen and watch for permanent avian residents, as well as those migrating through.

“This field trip is an excellent opportunity for visitors to get expert advice on what they can do in their own backyards to attract birds and create healthy bird habitat,” said Michael Buckman, nature center manager. “Those who can’t attend the morning session are still welcome to sign up for just the afternoon at the nature center.”

“The guided birding hikes are casual and participants will have time to ask questions, learn how to use binoculars and just have fun. Last year, we saw over 45 bird species. This year, we have selected a date earlier in the year in hopes of seeing even more diversity and migratory species.”

The event is free and open to the public. It will be canceled in the event of inclement weather; the nature center’s website and Facebook page will have updates.

Registration is through Alabama Audubon’s website.