Elvira Road (Shelby County 269) lies in the southwest portion of

Hoover. This dead-end paved road traverses a mainly hard-

wood forest near the Cahaba River. A few small openings

along the road add variety to the habitat and make for a

wider species range. Though most woodland

species can be found here, including Red-

shouldered and Broad-winged hawks, Barred

Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, and Yellow-throated

Vireo, this site is particularly good for breeding

warblers. These include Yellow-throated, Prairie,

Black-and-white, Worm-eating, Kentucky, and

Hooded warblers and Yellow-breasted Chat along

the road, and others near the river. A few Scarlet

Tanagers are found, besides the more common Summers.

From I-459, Exit 10, go west 1.2 miles on AL 150 and turn left

(south) on South Shades Crest Road. Drive 3.6 miles to the crossroads

with a traffic signal. Turn left and go 1.1 miles on Shelby County 52

to a small swamp visible on the left. Park off the road on the right

and quickly check the swamp; be careful of traffic here. Water levels

fluctuate, but the swamp may have Green Heron and Wood Duck.

Open areas and ponds on the opposite (south) side of the road are

good for Eastern Kingbird. Continue east on Co. 52 another 0.2 miles

to a left turn on Elvira Road (Co. 269). The first portion of the road

has a few homes; drive approximately a half-mile to just past a large

opening on the right with a small pond. The main forest begins here.

The paved road passes through about two miles of undeveloped

woodland and crosses one railroad track, ending at a second rail line.

Very little traffic is present past the developed area, and the road is

easy to walk undisturbed. Martin Brook is a small creek crossed near

the terminus, and is probably the best single spot along the main road.

The whole area should be checked for migrants in spring and fall.

Those who don’t mind a vigorous walk can access the Cahaba

River via a pipeline cut, obvious not far past the opening on the right

with the pond. By going right (southeast) over a series of low ridges,

you reach the Cahaba in about a half mile. A gravel road leads down-

stream a short distance through woodlands, then veers away from the

river. This is an excellent area for breeding passerines, with species

such as Acadian Flycatcher, Northern Parula, American Redstart, and

Swainson’s Warbler easier to find here than along the main road.

Swainson’s has been heard just downstream from the pipeline

cut between the river and the gravel road.

Another interesting woodland road is Co. 93, reached by going back

0.6 miles on Co. 52 from Co. 269 and turning right (northeast). Drive

a short distance past the residential areas to the end of the

pavement; the gravel road beyond extends over a half mile

through mixed hardwood and pine forest to a private

farm. The road crosses a branch of Trigger Creek, and

the area is good for a variety of breeding woodland birds

including Yellow-throated Vireo and Black-and-white,

Worm-eating, Kentucky, and Hooded warblers.

A small but interesting wetland in western Hoover can provide good

birding at any season. A marshy beaver pond, with adjacent fields

and seasonal ponds, is bordered by hardwoods along Shades

Creek. From the intersection of I-459 and AL 150, go west

2.0 miles on AL 150 to the Lake Cyrus entrance. Turn

left and park in 0.3 miles at an inconspicuous track

leading left. Walk around the chain and go south on

the old road into the wetland complex. This track trav-

erses the eastern part of the area, with wooded Shades

Creek on the left and ponds, marsh, and fields on the right.

Spring and fall migration

may yield several transients in the

combination of habitats, particularly

by walking both south along the old road

and west on a track beside the

northern ditch. Wood Duck may be

found, and the area is good for breed-

ing Orchard Oriole. This is a nice spot

for sparrows in late fall and winter, and the

small fields may be entered on rough trails

when not flooded. The marsh could yield rails in

migration or winter if you are lucky. A river otter and

her offspring were spotted in the pond recently.

A good woodland has been present between the base of Shades Mountain

and Shades Creek. This area is undergoing significant change, though, as

the old Deer Valley Parkway has just been extended north.

Ross Bridge Parkway is 0.5 miles east of the Lake Cyrus entrance and

1.5 miles west of I-459. From AL 150 drive north 1.1 miles and pass Deer

Valley Elementary School; continue north on the new parkway less than a

mile to the bridge over Shades Creek. Park on the right before the bridge

and walk north on a gravel service road, which terminates in 0.3 miles at

the bank of Shades Creek.

One of the last “big woods” areas in Hoover, this has been an

excellent place for resident and migrant land birds. Fortunately,

the best part was the remaining section of the old road, at the

base of the mountain in an area of large hardwoods.

Great Horned Owl may be heard calling from the

Shades Mountain slope from anywhere in this

area. The site has been very good for

woodpeckers, including Hairy. Small

flocks of warblers and other transients may

be encountered. Breeders have included

Northern Parula, Hooded and Kentucky

warblers, and Yellow-breasted Chat. It is

one of two known places in Hoover where

Scarlet Tanager has been found in breeding

season, in the tall hardwoods on and near

the mountain slope.

A small area of hardwood and pine forest in western Hoover, this park

is interesting for many reasons. Several rare and threatened plants are

found, especially in sandstone glades. Unusual rock formations are

noteworthy, and the area has a beautiful creek and small waterfalls.

Birding here is moderately good for typical woodland species.

To reach the park, take Sulphur Springs Road north at the light

on AL 150 just east of I-459, opposite Stadium Trace Parkway. Drive

north 1.6 miles to the right turn on Preserve Parkway which traverses

the western end of the park and then skirts the southern boundary. Park

on Village Center Drive and walk back to where steps lead up a slope to

the north. This gives access to the main portion of the trail system and

is near the rock formations.

The usual forest species can be found in the park, which can

be covered on foot from the trails and by walking along the paved

road. Louisiana Waterthrush breeds along the creek near the trail

crossing adjacent to a sandstone glade; this is just downhill from

the main rock formations.

Running along Patton Creek south of AL 150, then following the Cahaba

River upstream to Bain’s Bridge, this track allows access to riparian forest

and open brushy areas. Beside the usual woodland species in summer and

winter, it is an easy spot to check for migrant songbirds in spring and fall.

The track leads south from AL 150, 2.2 miles east of I-459 and 1.1

miles west of US 31. The inconspicuous entrance is just east of the

Paradise Creek bridge, near a small fenced tennis court. Immediately

after leaving AL 150 turn right, drive a short distance to the creek, and

park near the gate (without blocking it). You can walk to the Cahaba River

in about a half mile, mostly along the creek, reaching the river at a brushy

area behind a condominium complex. Continue upstream along the river

for another half mile, birding the riverside trees; below a cement plant you

reach Bain’s Bridge at Old Montgomery Highway. You can walk under the

bridge to a canoe landing giving good views up and down the river; look

for Wood Duck and Belted Kingfisher. Barn Swallow nests abundantly

under the bridge.

If you (or a non-birding companion) need a break from the field, the

Galleria mall and adjacent shopping/dining complexes are on the

corner of US 31 and John Hawkins Parkway.

Newly opened, beautiful Aldridge Gardens is a pleasant spot for walking

and viewing botanical specimens, especially hydrangeas; it holds mild

potential for birding. From US 31 at the junction with AL 150, take

Lorna Road (the eastern extension of AL 150) east 0.8 miles to

the traffic signal at Rocky Ridge Ranch Road. Just beyond

this intersection on the right is the garden entrance;

no admission fee is charged. Take the paths around the

small lake and look for woodland residents and migrants;

the habitat is mixed, with hardwoods, pines, and open

areas. The lake could produce limited numbers of

waterfowl, most likely in migration. Hours change seasonally,

and can be obtained by calling 205/682-8019, or online at

www.aldridgegardens.com.

Located beside the Cahaba River, this sewage treatment

plant has a large lagoon which may yield water and other birds.

From Lorna Road, turn right on Rocky Ridge Ranch Road beside

Aldridge Gardens and drive 1.2 miles to the plant entrance. If the gate is

open (generally 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) proceed to the office. Here you must

ask permission to bird the lagoon and sign a liability release; please check

out with the office on leaving if asked. The lagoon is not visible from the

gate, as it is located in the far eastern part of the property beyond the

office. You can drive or walk around the pond. On the south side you

are close to the river; forest around three sides of the pond may be good

for songbirds. The lagoon itself is productive for ducks, with Wood Duck

in the summer and other species of migrant and wintering waterfowl

possible. Check for transient swallows feeding over the water.

An excellent forest along the Cahaba River, this area is home to Hoover’s

version of a canopy walkway! The site is good for woodland species in

general, and should be checked for migrant songbirds in spring and fall.

Swainson’s Warbler, a rare attraction in the area, can be found here in

late spring and summer. Keep an eye (and especially an ear) out for

Mourning and Connecticut warblers in May.

From I-459, Exit 17, take Acton Road west 0.4 miles to Old Rocky

Ridge Road, where you should turn south (left). Go 0.7 miles to a left turn

at the east gate of the Hoover Sports Park, a large complex of athletic fields

on the north bank of the river. Park at the south end of the lot. You may

wish to bird east and west along the river, checking the large hard-

woods from the periphery of the athletic field area.

Returning to the parking lot, walk up a sloping

paved path along a fence and you will soon reach a large

pedestrian bridge over the river. This offers vantage to the

upper and middle levels of the riparian forest. The river itself may

have Great Blue or Green herons and Wood Duck. After birding from

the bridge descend the stairs on the south end. Trail access currently is a

bit confusing, but should be improved in the future. From the bridge

base, curve left and find the rough trail heading into the woods. You

will see a small trail on the right, which ends shortly at a creek.

Continue on the main trail to the left, birding the beautiful forest

here. After a short distance the trail reaches a small clearing,

which you should cross and find the dirt road

leading east close to the river. The road

soon enters a long straight

stretch through the forest, with

brushy areas on both sides; these

are good for Yellow-breasted

Chat and Indigo Bunting in

summer, and sparrows in

late fall and winter.

At the east end of the straight area, where the road

curves to the right, look for a small trail into the woods on the

left. This winds to the river and passes through good forest as it

heads upstream. The trail reaches an opening in about a half mile,

and you can walk away from the river on a road, soon to turn right on

the original road; by taking this you will return to the straight

stretch and the trail turnoff. From late April to July, the area

from the start of the small trail to a few hundred yards east

along the main road has been reliable for Swainson’s Warbler.

A small wetland is easily reached by going

west 2.4 miles from US 280 on Valleydale

Road (Shelby Co. 17) and turning right (north) at

the Spain Park Sports Complex sign. You will soon reach a

parking lot near an athletic field; park on the south side. A small

lake (sometimes drained) just south of the lot might have a few

shorebirds (including Wilson’s Snipe in the colder months). At

the east end of the lake is a marshy field good for wintering

sparrows, and east of this is a swampy woodland that may be of

interest. These areas can be checked from the parking lot, a small road

along the lake, and from the entrance road.

Just west of the sports complex on Co. 17 is the entrance to Spain

Park High School. On the east side of the entrance road is a large field

bordered by a pond and a wooded creek on the north. This area has

mild birding potential; the creek can be accessed from both the south

and north sides.

Lake Purdy is adjacent to the far eastern

reaches of Hoover at Greystone, and is

one of the best birding areas in the

region. Over the years a long list of

species has been recorded, with emphasis

on shore and water birds. Unusual species have included

Red-throated Loon, Eared and Western/Clark’s grebes,

Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood

Stork, Tundra Swan, Surf and White-winged

scoters, Long-tailed Duck, Common Merganser,

Bald and Golden eagles, Common Moorhen, Piping Plover, American

Avocet, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Sanderling, Baird’s and Buff-

breasted sandpipers, Wilson’s, Red-necked,

and Red phalaropes, Laughing Gull, Royal and Least

terns, Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied flycatchers,

Warbling Vireo, Bewick’s Wren, “Lawrence’s” and

Connecticut warblers, Bachman’s and Lincoln’s

sparrows, and Red Crossbill! In recent years the lake

has been less productive for wintering waterfowl, though

many species still appear briefly, particularly after unsettled

weather. It can be excellent for large waders and shorebirds

when the water levels are appropriate; in late summer and fall

extensive mudf lats are found in some years around the lake.

Cox’s Creek is one of the best spots to look for shore and water

birds. From US 280, take AL 119 east 2.2 miles to the bridge over the

creek. You can pull off the road east and west of the bridge to survey

the large expanse of water and/or mudf lat to the south. Especially

late in the day if the lake is not full, searching the far end of the creek

may reveal a Wild Turkey flock (and in some years Black-crowned

Night-Heron). This is a good place to hear breeding Yellow-throated

Warbler singing in the large pines. A telescope is useful here.

You can turn left on the east side of the bridge

and park at a lot. Walk north toward the main lake

and assess the water levels. When extensive mud

is revealed, walking north and then east along

the south shore of the lake can be enjoyable and

productive for migrant shorebirds; a telescope is

recommended. Wild Turkey may be seen along the shore.

You can walk nearly to the boat landing about a mile to the east,

barred at the end by a creek.

Along the east side of Cox’s Creek is a substantial wet woodland,

traversed by the old road into the Greystone subdivision. This can be

excellent for migrant songbirds, particularly warblers, and breeding

birds are plentiful. From the bridge, drive east 0.5 miles on AL 119

and turn right on the new paved road. Go 0.4 miles and you will see

the gated old road leading to the right. Park either here or farther

south near the Greystone entrance. A creek skirts the main road and

continues north along the old road for some distance. Another

entrance to the track is at AL 119 just east of Cox’s Creek, though the

trail is more overgrown at this end. The entire area can be productive

and deserves thorough exploration, especially in spring and fall.

From the new Greystone Road, drive east 1.1 miles

on AL 119 to the left (north) turn to the Lake Purdy

boat launch. In a short distance you reach the shore

and the launch; if desired, boats can be rented

at the small store (private craft are not allowed). The

launch gives good vantage over the main part of the lake;

a telescope is helpful. This area at times can yield shore and

water birds, and many rarities have been found over the years;

it is especially worth checking during or following foul weather.

Often good numbers of migrant swallows can be seen feeding

over the water from this spot.

E LV I R A R O A D L A K E C Y R U S M A R S H

C O U N T Y R O A D 9 3

M O S S R O C K P R E S E R V E

P A T T O N C R E E K T R A C K

R I V E R C H A S E G A L L E R I A

A L D R I D G E G A R D E N S

C A H A B A R I V E R WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

H O O V E R S P O R T S P A R KE A S T B R I D G E A N D T R A I L

S P A I N P A R K

C O X ’ S C R E E KL A K E P U R D Y

G R E Y S T O N E T R A I L

L A K E P U R D Y B O AT L A N D I N G

HOOVER / BIRMINGHAM BIRDING TRAIL

R O S S B R I D G E P A R K W A Y D E E R V A L L E Y P A R K W A Y E X T E N S I O N

Te x t b y G r e g D . Ja c k s o nI l l u s t r a t i o n s b y D a v i d We b b

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