Central Alabama Community College

Central Alabama Community College offers access to an open lake, scattered stands of mature hardwoods and pines, and a forested area, as well as open, grassy lawns, all of which will attract their share of birdlife around the year.  The lake, situated near the entrance on Junior College Circle, has domestic Mallards and Muscovies at any time of year, but a quick scan of the pond during winter and migration could turn up a few ducks, geese, Pied-billed Grebes, or American Coots. Check the shoreline for herons and egrets. Night-Herons, Green Herons, or the occasional American Bittern can turn up in the cattails at almost any time. From late March until early fall, Barn and Rough-winged Swallows and Chimney Swifts fly sorties over the water. Purple Martins nest nearby and may venture here from March through July. Common Nighthawks can be seen over the campus’ lights at night, most notably over the athletic field atop the hill northwest of the pond.

You may find Eastern Kingbirds, Orchard Orioles, Eastern Wood Pewees, Eastern Phoebes, Eastern Bluebirds, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers in the scattered large trees here. Thriving populations of Pine Warblers and Brown-headed Nuthatches live in the mature pines near the campus buildings, along with several species of woodpeckers, most notably Red-headed, Red-bellied, and Downy.

Follow Junior College Circle and take the road to the right of the college buildings. Scan the kudzu-covered trees on your right (south) for Indigo Buntings, Summer Tanagers, American Goldfinches, and Great Crested Flycatchers (summer to fall). Follow this loop road to the crest of the hill. Park near the  group of large stones and scan the trees for birds. The open pine woods to your right (south) provide opportunities to see Brown-headed Nuthatches and Pine Warblers.

There are more hardwoods in the forest closer to the rockpile, and White-breasted Nuthatches, Summer Tanagers, Red-eyed Vireos, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos can be found here in the warmer months, as are Eastern Towhees, Brown Thrashers, and Chipping and Field Sparrows in the understory. Be sure to check the nearby Alexander City Sportsplex while in the neighborhood.

GPS: 32.9242045 -85.943757

Central Alabama Community College, Alexander City Campus
1675 Cherokee Rd
Alexander City, AL 35010
256-234-6346