With weeks of exploration opportunities, North Alabama is sure to please. Landscapes in the region range from tupelo swamps to blazing fields of wildflowers, and towering forests of oak and hickory to vast sheets of open water replete with loafing waterfowl. As the habitats vary through the valley, so do the seasons. Spring is heralded by the return of neotropical songbirds that stop in while on their journey northwards. Summer is filled with breeding woodland species such as flashy Pileated and Red-headed woodpeckers, boisterous Great-crested Flycatchers, and Carolina Wrens, and skulking Kentucky and Swainson’s warblers. In the late fall, migrant waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and a variety of raptors return to spend the winter in the valley, or at least pass through on their way farther south. Once winter’s chill is in the air, large roosts of Bald Eagles form and stragglers from father north can be found with the abundant waterfowl and gulls.

ITINERARY

Arrival: Check into Holiday Inn & Suites Dinner: Enjoy barbeque pork, ribs and chicken with all the fixin’s at Big Bob Gibson’s Barbeque – six time World Barbeque Champions at Memphis in May and frequent guest on the Food Network.

Day One:

Meet hot-air balloon pilot in lobby. Get a bird’s eye view of the Tennessee Valley in the River City Drifter. After your flight, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the City Café in downtown Decatur.

Afternoon: Take a stroll among the “Painted Ladies” and shopping in the Historical Bank Street District then enjoy a light lunch at the Bank Street Deli.

The Old Decatur and New Decatur-Albany Historic Districts of Decatur make up the largest concentration of Victorian era craftsmen and bungalow homes in Alabama. A few date to the early 1800s, but most were constructed during the post-Civil War reconstruction. Architectural styles vary from the French influenced Empire, the Edwardian cottage, Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial, and to the Frank Lloyd Wright influences and beyond.

Dinner: Enjoy dining with a Cajun twist at Simp McGhee’s on historic Bank Street.

Day Two:

Morning Breakfast at hotel.

Meet your birding guide at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Presentation on potential bird species to be spotted, field trip and Red-tailed Hawk demonstration.

Wheeler NWR is well-known for its impressive concentrations and diversity of waterfowl each winter. The refuge has elevated waterfowl-watching to an art form with its enclosed interpretive facilities and improved wetlands. Add to this, flocks of wintering Sandhill Cranes, Tupelo Swamps ringing with the songs of Prothonotary Warblers, and Ospreys fishing right next to the road.

Lunch: Greenbrier Restaurant – Enjoy the mouthwatering catfish & hushpuppies!!

Afternoon: Tour of U.S. Space & Rocket Center – Huntsville

Dinner: Café 113 in historic downtown Decatur featuring fine dining with a Greek flair!

Day Three:

Morning Depart Hotel

Package at a glance:

Number of Days: 3

Meals: 8

3 – Breakfasts

2- Lunches

3- Dinners