For those coming to north Alabama next weekend for the winter meeting: I have
made arrangements with a local tour boat captain to take a pre-meeting cruise
around Wheeler Dam. The trip is scheduled for Friday, January 22, 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Captain Steve normally leads sight-seeing cruises on Wheeler and
Wilson Reservoirs. In recent years, I have worked with him to have
bird-watching trips in this area. We have taken trips each fall and winter,
including during AOS winter meetings. These trips are great opportunities for
closer views of the waterbirds around the dams and reservoirs. We chum gulls to
bring them along side the boat and have had up-close looks at the three
regulars plus Laughing, Franklin's and Lesser Black-backed (regular at Wheeler
Dam). We have also found Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Long-tailed Duck,
White-winged Scoter, Red-throated Loon and Red-necked Grebe. We usually get to
cruise close to Greater Scaup and lots of White Pelicans. It's a nice trip for
bird photographers too.
The trips set sail from Joe Wheeler State Park marina in Rogersville, AL (about
an hour from meeting headquarters in Decatur). Rooms are likely available that
Thursday night at the State Park lodge, immediately adjacent to the marina. We
will cruise to Wheeler Dam, lock through the dam (a neat experience) then
cruise to Hog Island where large numbers of ducks usually congregate. We'll
return to Wheeler Dam through an open stretch of reservoir where loons
congregate, then work around the tailwaters for close looks at the gulls and
pelicans. We'll then lock back through the dam and feed the gulls above the
dam before cruising up-river to Spring Creek and Elk River (more hang-outs for
gulls, pelicans, loons and grebes). We'll return to the state park, possibly
timing the trip to watch the sun set behind Wheeler Dam.
The trip costs $45.00 per person, due at the trip's end (tip not included, I
get none of the money). Registration is simple, just let me know your coming.
We have to have 12 people to go, and currently have 6. The boat holds 25 people
but I cut the trip off at 20 so we have room to move around birding. I will
need to have 12 names on my list by Tuesday night to finalize the schedule with
Captain Steve. I'll send more details next week to those who register. More
information about Captain Steve, his boat and sight-seeing tours can be found
at www.scenicwheelerlake.com.
Contact me via email, tnbarredowl@xxxxxxx, with questions or to register.
Damien Simbeck
Killen, AL
