Date: 2/22/26 3:39 pm From: Ken Wills via groups.io <memontei...> Subject: [ALbirds] Woodcocks are back at Moss Rock Preserve
Hello all,
For those that need a place to see a woodcock display around metro Birmingham, the birds are back in Moss Rock Preserve in the area between the Prairie Restoration and the Lower Meadow. A few days ago on a warm night, I heard them start calling at 5:48 p.m. and at least two birds displayed for about 20 minutes. Not sure what they will do now we are returning to freezing temperatures.  If you want to see the woodcocks I would park near but do not block the iron gate at approximately 2489 Chapel Road, Hoover 35226. The nearby shoulder of Vendure Lane which intersects with Chapel Road near this spot is a great place to park.  Walk the gravel road behind the gate up to the base of the great dirt hill (prairie restoration site on top).  Once you reach the base of the great dirt hill, you will see where the gravel road goes to the right and mowed trails go to your left.  Take one of the mowed trails to your left, and where the two mowed trails meet again you will be on the edge of the wet meadow.  You can observe woodcocks here or walk on about another 50 yards on the mowed trail for another vantage point.  The whole walk is probably between one third to one half a mile one way. If you want to get to this area several hours earlier, you have options to walk a loop and go up on the 3 acre prairie restoration or a restored sandstone glade along the power line trail (not much blooming on either habitat right now) or walk the Orange trail to your left when facing the front of the iron gate and go see the waterfalls in the relatively pristine Boulder Gorge.  Here is a link to a detailed map for Moss Rock Preserve which shows the prairie restoration and mowed trails but does not show the wet meadow http://www.hooveral.org/DocumentCenter/View/1627  Enjoy and Conserve the Creation,Ken WillsFor this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life,---Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Â
Mathew 6:25-26
