See rare birds in Alabama’s Black Belt on July 31-August 2: Get tickets now

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A Man And Woman Birdwatch Together. He Looks Through A Binocular While She Points.
The Black Belt Birding Festival in Greensboro blends birding, history + fun (Alabama Audubon)

Looking for a unique Alabama adventure this summer? We’ve got you covered.

The sixth annual Black Belt Birding Festival returns July 31-August 2, 2026 in Greensboro. It celebrates the birds, history and heritage of Alabama’s Black Belt region—one of the most biodiverse and culturally significant areas in the country.

You might even spot a rare bird or two! Keep reading to learn what to expect and how to get tickets.

Birders of all ages will enjoy the Black Belt Birding Festival

Birders of all ages and abilities are invited to join Alabama Audubon for an unforgettable weekend in Alabama’s Black Belt. Explore historic sites, working farms and diverse habitats while learning about the birds, landscapes and stories that make this region unique.

  • What: A three-day festival that highlights the birds, history + heritage of Alabama’s Black Belt region
  • When: Friday, July 31—Sunday, August 2, 2026
  • Places to stay

Not only will you connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, but you’ll also contribute to conservation efforts across the region.

You can register for 30+ events at different times, including:

  • Bird by canoe on the Oxbow lakes at Perry Lakes Park
  • Keynote Address by American Birding Association’s Nate Swick—author of A Beginner’s Guide to Birding
  • Nightbirds + stargazing at Contentment, an historic rural home
  • Old Cahawba Archaeological Park: Birds + history
  • “Plumage” Art Exhibit at Sumac Cottage
  • Roadside Birding: Lakeland Farms
  • Selma history + heritage walking tour
  • Special historic exhibit “Feathers in Fashion” at Magnolia Grove

Alabama’s Black Belt is home to beautiful birds + rich history

Alabama’s Black Belt is one of the largest natural grassland regions in the eastern U.S., named for its rich, dark soils. Its restored prairies provide vital habitat for a wide variety of bird species.

Through its Black Belt Birding Initiative, Alabama Audubon promotes bird-based ecotourism that benefits one of the nation’s most economically challenged rural regions.

Here are some of the many bird species you may see:

  • Acadian Flycatchers
  • Broad-winged Hawks
  • Eastern Meadowlarks
  • Indigo Buntings
  • Mississippi Kites
  • Orchard Orioles
  • Summer Tanagers

“We are thrilled that our festival is now attracting birders from across the country. With its combination of distinctive birdlife, unique landscapes and globally significant human rights history, there’s nothing quite like it anywhere.”

Dr. Scot Duncan, Executive Director of Alabama Audubon

Alabama Audubon is making a difference through birding

Founded in 1946 as the Birmingham Audubon Society, Alabama Audubon has become the state’s leading nonprofit focused on bird conservation, habitat protection and environmental education. Through outreach, research and citizen science, they promote a deeper appreciation of Alabama’s natural heritage.

Check out their other initiatives + upcoming events.

Ready for an unforgettable weekend of birding in Alabama’s Black Belt this July 31-August 2? Grab your tickets before they sell out!

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