Bird watchers at Lake Martin spent a day last month immersed in education at Wind Creek State Park’s inaugural Legacy Birdfest event, sponsored by a grant from Legacy Environmental Education. The celebration of local and migratory bird life featured games, exhibits, a birdwatching stroll through the park, raptor presentations and a tutorial on attracting birds. Held at the clubhouse inside the campground, the free event featured activities led by naturalists from three Alabama central district state parks, an Audubon Society birder and the director of a wildlife education refuge. 

In addition to funding the programs, Legacy monies purchased binoculars for use by park activity participants and a white board where bird sightings at the park can be recorded. The rolling list of recent sightings helps bird watchers know what birds species they might see as they visit the park. The grant also funded a self-guided citizen science station. Located between the campground and the WCSP beach, the station offers several feeding options that attract a variety of bird species living in or seasonally visiting the park.