Walk the Fort: Birdwatchers gather at Fort Toulouse-Jackson

The bird walk attracted watchers from as far away as Maine. Photo by Jim Denney

Though inclement weather could influence some to move early, an estimated 350 North American bird species will make their long flights through central Alabama to southern wintering grounds this month. When they do, they’ll bring a host of humans with them.

Fall bird migration began in September in Elmore County. It will reach its height this month and continue into November with the most hardy species bringing up the tail end by Thanksgiving. As the birds make the miles-long journey from the cold and dark northernmost reaches of North America to more hospitable winter habitat, some 9 million Americans will follow their progress online and in person, according to a recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USF&W) survey.