Flock to the River Valley, North Alabama Birding Trail
Sites along the Trail Bird Sightings Special Events Press Room Tourist Information
Northwest Loop
Central Loop

16 - Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center


17 - Decatur Hospitality Nature Park - Kiosk Site


18 - BP-Amoco Environmental Trail


19 - 3M Wildlife Area - Kiosk Site


20 - Wheeler NWR - White Springs Dike


21 - Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area


22 - Round Island Recreation Area


23 - Wheeler NWR - Arrowhead Landing


24 - Wheeler NWR - Beaverdam Peninsula Tower


25 - Wheeler NWR - Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk


26 - Wheeler NWR - Blackwell Swamp


27 - Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station


28 - Madison County Public Lake


29 - Monte Sano State Park


30 - Hays Nature Preserve


31 - Wheeler NWR - Cave Springs


32 - Hurricane Creek Park - Kiosk Site


33 - Wheeler NWR - Dancy Bottoms Nature Trail

Northeast Loop
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Site #19
3M Wildlife Area - Kiosk Site

Central Loop

Grasshopper Sparrow 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 Grasshopper 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.

Directions: In north Decatur, AL at the intersection of US Hwy 31 and AL Hwy 20/Alternate US Hwy 72 (this is at the south end of the Hudson Bridge just before it crosses the Tennessee River), take Hwy 20/Alternate 72 west 4.7 miles to Finley Island Road. Turn right onto Finley Island Rd, and go 0.9 mile to the parking area and grassland trails on the right (east) side.  Get map from MapQuest (new window will open)

GPS Coordinates: N 34.6329, W 87.0516
Get map from MapQuest (new window will open)

Fee: Free

Amenities: Parking

Contact Info:
3M Company
1400 State Docks Rd.
PO Box 2206
Decatur, AL 35609
(256) 552-6631