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Central Loop Site 19: 3M Wildlife Area - Kiosk Site |
Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the intersection of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alternate US Hwy 72 (this is the south end of the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses the Tennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72 west for 4.7 miles to Finley Island Road. Turn right onto Finley Island Road and go 0.9 miles to the parking area and grassland trails on the right (east) side.
Description: This large, open grassy area is currently owned by 3M and is a great example of early agricultural field succession. The company has plans to manage this area for native warm season grasses that will enhance the area's value for wildlife. Visitors should follow the trails through the grassland, and look and listen for Dickcissels and Grsshopper Sparrows amongst the numerous Eastern Meadowlarks. Overhead, Purple Martins can be seen searching for insects, and Loggerhead Shrikes may be seen flashing over grasses before dive-bombing for prey. Some of the rarer species that occasionally visit the area include Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Henslow's Sparrow and Bobolink.
Site 19 Access: Free
GPS Coordinates: N 34.6329, W 87.0516
Contact: 3M Company
1400 State Docks Road, P.O. Box 2206
Decatur, Al 25609
Phone: (256) 552-6631 |
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Click links below for birding sites along the Central Loop
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Grasshopper Sparrow
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