MILLER’S
FERRY
The small town of Miller’s Ferry, located along the banks of
the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir, offers the opportunity to observe birds
in a variety of habitats. The most notable locations are the Lock and Dam, East Bank
Landing, Miller’s Ferry Marina, and Shell Creek Park. Miller’s Ferry is twelve
miles northwest of Camden on Alabama 28. As you travel about this area in the heart of
Alabama’s Blackbelt you will pass rolling pastures and farmland. Watch for Red-tailed
Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird, and American Kestrel which
are commonly seen perched on power poles and lines. Just within the town limits of
Miller’s Ferry is the Lock and Dam. A bird list for Alabama’s River Lakes is
available at the Corps of Engineers Resource Office and Visitor’s Center.
Four duck ponds have been built within walking distance of the visitor’s
parking lot next to the dam’s power station. To the right you will see the Alabama
River and to the left a small hill. Along the ridge of the hill is a dirt road leading to
the duck ponds. From this road you will have a view of feeding activity across the river
and a close proximity to waterfowl such as American Widgeon, Green-winged Teal, Wood
Ducks, and Mergansers. Canada Geese may also be seen, but are more likely along the sand
bars around Miller’s Ferry Marina.
Approximately 1 mile from the dam entrance is Wilcox County 40 which leads to the
Marina area. About 1 mile from Alabama 28 Wilcox 40 crosses Little Chapaquitick Creek.
Black-crowned Night Herons have been observed from this bridge in winter. About .5 mile
past the bridge the road dead ends. Turn right and continue to the second house on the
right. This is the home of Geena and Roland Davidson. Geena offers boat tours around the
lake, and she and Roland have a small cabin available to birders. The Davidsons have
observed White Pelicans in March, and throughout early winter routinely see Bald Eagles at
Alligator Slough which can only be reached by boat. The Davidsons may be contacted at
(334) 682-4009.
The Miller’s Ferry Campgrounds and the East Bank Landing are on Alabama 28 about a
mile from Wilcox 40 just before the Wilcox Long Bridge. The campgrounds provide cabins, RV
hook-ups, and public restrooms and showers. The East Bank Landing is a good spot to scope
the lake for herons, egrets, terns, and gulls. Brown Pelicans may also be seen.
Shell Creek Park is across the
Lee Long Bridge on the right. There is a
small pavilion and boat landing. In these deciduous woods birds such as Carolina Wren,
Rufous-sided Towhee, Red-eyed Vireo, Summer Tanager, Hooded and Swainson’s warblers
may be observed.
ROLAND COOPER STATE PARK
Roland Cooper State Park is located six miles north of Camden on
the William Dannelly Reservoir. Camping, cabins, and RV hook-ups are available, and special
discounts are offered from November to February. The park has several hiking trails and an
18 hole golf course. For reservation information call the Park Office at (334) 682-4040.
To reach Roland Cooper Park turn north on Highway 41 at its junction with Alabama 10.
There is a Hardees at this intersection. Turn right on Wilcox 43, also labeled as Old
Selma Road, which is just past the sign for Roland Cooper Park. In less than a mile the
road forks. Take the right fork and proceed for 2.7 miles to the William
Dannelly Reservoir
turnoff. The park entrance is 2 miles from this turn.
Along the roadside are pine plantations and different stages of successional growth
which offers birders the opportunity to observe from the roadside, birds which prefer open
fields, shrubby thickets, shortleaf pine, and mixed hardwoods. Red-bellied and Pileated
Woodpeckers, Pine Warblers, Brown Creepers, and Brown Thrashers are common. Neotropical
visitors include Summer Tanager, Hooded Warbler, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Barn Swallows
can be seen nesting beneath bridges. Double-crested Cormorants are common in winter and
often number in the hundreds. Shore birds may be seen along the lake during spring and
fall migration, but are uncommon as are waterfowl. A bird list is available in the park
office.
1.9 Miles past the park entrance is a private marina and wetlands area. On either side
of two bridges is ample parking space. The wetlands are a good location to watch for
Anhinga, herons, ducks, and osprey.
ALABAMA WILDBIRD