MAPS Bird Banding with Alabama Audubon (Second Year!)

Alabama Audubon’s Executive Director, Scott Duncan and Science and Conservation Director, Lianne Koczur examine a female cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) during the MAPS Bird Banding Program at Ruffner Mountain’s Wetlands.

We had so much fun at the bird banding program this week!

This is the second year of the bird banding program at Ruffner Mountain with partner, @alaudubon, and it has been quite successful so far!

We have banded many common birds and a few uncommon birds we were excited to find using the mountain as a breeding ground.

Led by AL Audubon Science and Conservation Director and bird banding permit holder, Lianne Koczur, we have been operating a MAPS banding station at the Wetlands. MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) is a program under @instbirdpop

The station at Ruffner Mountain is linked with the extensive network of other MAPS Program stations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The overall goal of the program is to provide long-term data on bird populations.

Starting in May and continuing through the breeding season, for each banding session, nets are set up 30 minutes before sunrise and are taken down following a 6-hour period. Captured birds are banded, sexed, aged, weighed, measured, and released. We also record all bird species seen or heard in the area.

Lianne Koczur, Science and Conservation Director at Alabama Audubon demonstrates how to release the birds after banding.

At Ruffner Mountain, we can use this data to improve habitat quality for birds and other wildlife. As we reduce the number of invasive species and improve/restore habitats, we may see an even greater diversity of birds using the space in the future. This week we found several species including a female cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and her young, a white-eyed vireo (Vireo griseus), and a tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor).

Thank you to everyone who made it out on the humid, summer morning to watch Lianne and pull birds out of her bag!

All birds were handled by biologists with proper state and federal permits.

July 4th Hours of Operation

In observance of Independence Day, the Nature Center will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, but the trails will remain open. The Nature Center will re-open on Friday, July 5th at 9:00 am.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday!

Request for Proposals—Website Design and Development for Jefferson County Greenways Foundation

The Jefferson County Greenways Foundation is seeking proposals for new website development. The Greenways Foundation is one half of a public-private partnership comprising the Jefferson County Greenways Foundation and Commission. The Commission and Foundation oversee the operations, maintenance, and programs of Ruffner Mountain, Red Mountain Park, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.

Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 pm on July 12th, 2024. 

Email one PDF to Kristi@jeffcogreenways.org

Once we have reviewed the proposals, we will invite the shortlisted firms for interviews with our partners before making a final decision. 

Please direct questions regarding this RFP to: kristi@jeffcogreenways.org

• Paper/hardcopy proposals will not be accepted or considered.

• This request for proposal is non-binding. 

Click the link below to read the full rfp

Papermaking Workshop with Leah Hamel

Join us on Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 9:30 AM 11:30 AM at Ruffner Mountain for a hands-on workshop with local artist, Leah Hamel, where you will learn the art of making paper from scratch using recycled materials and plant fiber.

You will be introduced to the different tools and fibers used in paper making. In addition, we will go over the tools and equipment needed to make paper at home in a budget-friendly way. 

You will leave the workshop with a newfound appreciation for the art of papermaking, as well as your very own sheets of handmade paper.

This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in learning how to make paper that can be used for writing and visual art practices, including sculpture! Join us and experience the joy of paper-making!

Cost: $30 non-members, $20 members. Members, please check your email for a $10 discount code to use when you register for this event.

Register to secure your spot below!

Red Mountain Park Guided Hike: Tree Identification

Ever wonder what type of trees you are hiking, biking, or running past at Red Mountain Park?

This Saturday, May 18th, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am you can learn more about the different varietals of trees, both native and exotic, around the park on a two-mile hike along the BMRR South Trail led by Henry Hughes, who studied forestry at the University of the South and teaches Native Forest Tree Identification through Alabama Audubon. This guided hike will feature approximately twenty-five common Alabama forest trees.

Details:

• Please meet us at the picnic tables near the Red Mountain Park entrance.

• Dogs on leashes are welcome.

• This event is $5 for non-members and free for members.

Please click the link below to register and save your spot!

Native Plant Propagation Workshop—Saturday, May 11

Interested in learning how to propagate your own Alabama Native Plants?

Join our hands-on plant propagation workshop led by Conservation Director, Jamie Nobles and Volunteer Coordinator, Sloan Miles on Saturday, May 11th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. This workshop is designed for beginners and will cover fundamental propagation methods such as seed planting, cuttings, and division.

Participants will assist in propagating native plants for our Native Plant Sales and will also take home plants propagated during the workshop!
Cost: $15 non-members, $10 members

Please note that this workshop is for adult learners only and registration is required. Save your spot by registering below!

Big Sit - Birding for Everyone at Turkey Creek May 5th!

Join us for a special bird-watching event celebrating bird enthusiasts of all abilities. We're partnering with Alabama Audubon, Birdability, and the Feminist Bird Club of Birmingham for this occasion. It will be held at the education pavilion in Turkey Creek and is open to everyone, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities, and those new to birding. Park in the first lot of the preserve, but if you have a disability, there's a smaller lot closer to the pavilion. Snacks and refreshments will be provided and there is no cost to attend.

Here's what you can look forward to: You can take part in a 3-hour Big Sit, where members of the Feminist Bird Club of Birmingham will join you. Together, you'll identify all the birds you see and hear while sitting at the pavilion and its surroundings. If you prefer, Alabama Audubon’s Program Coordinator, Andrew Lydeard, will lead a short walk around the pavilion and parking lot instead. Additionally, there's an optional creek walk where you can search for aquatic creatures using dip nets. The event will conclude with a fun presentation featuring animal ambassadors from Ruffner Mountain. Whether you're new to birding, a seasoned nature enthusiast, or simply looking to connect with like-minded individuals, this event is a chance to celebrate the diverse community of people and birds in Alabama.

*Registration is required!