Directions: From the intersection of CR 22 and CR 48 in Leighton, southeast of Muscle Shoals, AL go 3 miles east on CR 22. Turn north (left) onto CR 69 (Fennell Road) and travel 1.8 miles. Site is on the shoulder of the road with ponds and sinks on either side of the road. Just north of this area Fennell Road intersects with CR 24. Go west on CR 24 for 6 miles to Gnat Pond - another series of roadside sinkhole ponds. Visitors should note - birding at these stops will be from public righ-of-way roadside only, with viewing overlooking private lands. As the land is private, appropriate courtesy should be given for low visitor impact and no trespass. There is no on-site interpretation.
Description: The Leighton Ponds sites are a series of sinkholes and semi-flooded agricultural fields, which are excellent for wading and shorebirds. Scan the muddier areas for resident Killdeer alongside migrants such as Semipalmated Plover and Least Sandpiper. In larger sinkholes, search for Green Herons, American Coots, and perhaps a Common Moorhen. Each pond can vary greatly in the amount of water it holds, and therefore, the types of microhabitats could range from mudflats to deep water. Regular checking of this area is sure to turn up some real surprises.
Site 5 Access: Free, roadside viewing, parking on the shoulder of the road, no amenities
GPS Coordinates: N 34.7230, W 87.4770
Contact: Unmanaged site with no contact
Phone: None |
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