ALABAMA COASTAL BIRDFEST: SALT AIRE IN MOBILE COUNTY

Located north of the mouth of East Fowl River in Mobile County, the 233-acre Salt Aire property possesses one of the most pristine examples of old growth mesic Beech-Magnolia hardwood forest in the area and one of the few remaining examples of this rare habitat. You can see it all Saturday. Oct. 9, 2021, from 7 a.m. to noon as part of the 17th annual John L. Broom Alabama Coastal Birdfest. The canopy trees across the property are both massive and impressive, their large stature reflects Salt Aire’s lack of logging over a period of perhaps 100 years or more. This old-growth hardwood forest is important ecologically as the habitat offers numerous benefits to wildlife, including providing important stopover and foraging habitat for neotropical migrants and local breeding species. The upland knolls and ridges serve as scenic promontories overlooking the adjacent marshes, offering unique opportunities to view wading and marsh birds such as herons and egrets, rails, and ospreys. Registration is $30, to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/-alabama-coastal-birdfest-tickets. **Note: Carpool from 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center and moderate walking**