Northern Lowndes County has
great bird habitat diversity. The parks along the Alabama River, built and maintained by
the Corps of Engineers, offer birders many
opportunities throughout the year for observing waterfowl, sandpipers, plovers, and
permanent resident and migrating songbirds.
The Lowndes county birding adventure begins at exit 167 on I 65. This is the exit for
Highway 80 west which is the principal route to Selma. From I65 go west on 80 for app. 18
miles and watch for the Lowndesboro sign. You will take a right at this point on county
road 29. Continue through Lowndesboro and travel 4.8 miles to the small community of
Sinclair. You will see an abandoned store on the left. At this point it
appears that highway 29 continues straight but it actually ends. This is the intersection
with county road 40. Continue west on highway 40 to the Holy Ground Park.
Holy Ground Battlefield Park
Delorme
Alabama Gazetteer Page 44 – Section E4
The Holy Ground Battlefield is situated at the junction of the Alabama River and
Cypress Creek. The park was constructed by, and is maintained and managed by the U.S. Army
Corp of Engineers. Holy Ground is open for day use and has a beach, picnic area, boat
ramp, and river overlook pavilion. A brochure with a map and park information as well as a
brief description of the Battle of Holy Ground is available at the attendant's station.
Restrooms are found in several locations in the park. There is no fee for birding the park
unless you plan to stay all day or use facilities other than restrooms.
The entrance to Holy Ground Park is on CR 40. Start at
the intersection of 29 and 40 in Sinclair
and travel west on CR 40 for 4.5 miles. The entrance to the park will be to your right.
Between Sinclair and the park entrance you will pass several marshy areas which may be
worth a stop. The fields along both sides of the road from the CR 40 entrance to the
attendant's station are excellent for sparrows and several stops are warranted in winter.
The park habitat consists of mixed forest, some field and meadow areas, and river and
marsh. The birds in the park will for the most part be songbirds. You should be able to
find a good assortment of permanent residents and summer and winter visitors. During
spring and fall migrants can be numerous.
A good plan for birding the park is to drive to the river overlook and after enjoying
the view of the river from the overlook pavilion walk the nature trail that follows the
river to the boat ramp and beach. You can return to the overlook parking lot on the paved
roads or on the trail.
The next Corp of Engineers park on CR 40 is Prairie Creek.
Prairie Creek Park
Delorme Alabama Gazetteer
Page 44 – Section E3
Prairie Creek Park is a favorite location for birders visiting Northern Lowndes
County. Prairie Creek flows into the Alabama River at this point and creates backwater
sloughs and bayous that almost surround the park.
Note: This favorite birding spot as well as "pit stop" is
not open for day use. Only registered campers, and their guests, and
fishermen with boats are permitted to enter the park. In the past the park
managers have been willing to bend the rules a bit for birders. This is no
longer the case.
The entrance to Prairie Creek is 5 miles west of Holy Ground Park. Just before the
entrance CR40 crosses Prairie Creek. There is a series of lakes and wetlands north of the
road and marshes to the south. There is no shoulder on the causeway for parking but a
brief stop (depending on the traffic) is acceptable. For a closer look at the lakes and
marshes park at either end and walk along the causeway. This area is good for herons,
egrets, and ducks. The Alabama Department of Conservation hacked Bald Eagles at Prairie
Creek in the early 90’s. The wooden hacking tower can be seen from the causeway in
the tree line across the westernmost lake.
Immediately after you cross Prairie Creek turn right into the park. As you drive toward
the attendant’s station watch for Fox Squirrels in the scattered trees or foraging on
the ground. Some of these squirrels are real beauties. Only registered
campers or fishermen towing boats are permitted to enter the park
beyond the attendant's station. Between CR 40 and the station
there are areas on both sides of the entrance road that are open
to all. The eagle hacking tower can be accessed by walking down a
side road that goes east from the entrance road. Barn Owls have
nested in the hacking tower.
Prairie Creek Park is a pleasant place at any time of the year. The grounds and trails
are well kept and many large hardwoods and pines enhance the setting. The trails and roads
along the river have proved to be excellent in spring and fall for migrants, especially
warblers. There are many views of the river where waders, ducks, gulls, terns, cormorants,
and osprey may be seen. Year round resident passerines, as well as winter and summer
visitors, like Prairie Creek Park as much as you will.
The final stop on the CR 40 Birding Tour Is Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam.
Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam
Delorme
Alabama Gazetteer Page 44 – Section E3
The R. F. Henry Lock and Dam is .8 mile west of the entrance to Prairie Creek Park.
There are broad expanses of grassy areas around the parking lots and the view of the
Alabama River from the dam is excellent. This is not a stop that will require a lot of
your time but is worth checking. The river view is good for gulls, terns, and other water
birds. Be sure to watch for Black Terns in mid to late summer. Watch the skies for Eagles,
Osprey, and other raptors. Kestrels are often seen perching on the lock and dam
structures. The fields and meadows may be worth a look for sparrows and other grass
lovers.
ALABAMA WILDBIRD