East Mobile River - Tensaw Delta Loop

(Sites 34-38)

This loop begins at the intersection of I-65 and AL 225 just south of Stockton, AL. In this area northeast of Mobile the waters of the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers merge into the tangled Mobile Delta. Though best explored by boat, these bottomlands can be accessed at several points along the eastern periphery from AL 225 and AL 59. The main attraction for birders is the abundance of breeding songbirds; other species such as large waders and kites also can be seen. Early May is the best time to do this loop. Start at the northern extreme of this loop, near Fort Mimms where good woodland birding may be found and then work your way southward. Insect repellent is a must!

ACBT 34.
Holly Creek Landing
From exit 31 on I-65 drive north on AL 225 to Stockton where AL 225 joins AL 59 [3.7]. Continue northward on AL 59 to BC 80 [13.0] and turn left (west) on BC 80. To reach Holly Creek Landing veer right on Uniontown Road off BC 80 [1.4]. Uniontown Road becomes Holly Creek Landing Road at the intersection with Holly Creek Road [1.4]. Continue west on Holly Creek Landing Road, past a road to the right (north) to the river camp, onto Holly Creek Landing [1.7]. This is really back country so prepare accordingly. The final portion of this road is best for birding, though it is unpaved and may be flooded if the water level is high. Breeding Acadian Flycatcher and Swainson's Warbler are likely finds here in spring.

ACBT 35.
BC 96 & Bachman's Sparrow
Return to AL 59 and go south to BC 96 [7.4]. Bachman's Sparrow is present in the open pine woods along BC 96 just east of AL 59. After the first mile, check the woods on either side of the road for the next half mile. Please respect private property in this area. Don't cross the fences!

ACBT 36.
Cliff 's Landing
One of the best spots in Alabama to view Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites, spring and summer, is at Cliff 's Landing south of I-65. Return to AL 59. Continue southward back through Stockton, bearing right onto AL 225, cross I-65 [9.0] to Cliff 's Landing Road (BC 7) [6.6] on the right (west). Drive west on BC 7 from AL 225 [1.7] and turn into the large parking lot. Look for kites and other raptors across the river to the west, with best light in the morning. Return to AL 225.

ACBT 37.
Mobile Tensaw Delta Wildlife Management Area
Located along the east bank of the Tensaw River is an 850-acre parcel of the Mobile Tensaw Delta Wildlife Management Area. Purchased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Tennessee- Tombigbee Waterway mitigation this area is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. To reach the area continue southward on AL 225 to BC 86 on the right (west) [1.9]. Turn onto BC 86 and continue to a fork in the road [0.8] and bear left and continue to the wildlife management area at the end of the road [2.9]. A variety of habitats may be found on this area including flooded hardwood bottoms along the river to upland hardwoods and pines. Also located on the wildlife management area is a lake and peripheral freshwater marshes. During the nesting season common species include Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Parula and Prothonotary Warbler. Swallow-tailed Kite may be spotted flying along the river banks just above the tree line. Hunting season in the management area runs from mid-October to the end of February, though nonconsumptive use is permitted year-round. For more information contact the Alabama Wildlife and Fresh Water Fisheries Division at 251/626 5474, P.0. Box 7245, Spanish Fort, AL 36577.

ACBT 38.
Historic Blakeley State Park
Return to AL 225 and continue southward to the park entrance [7.5] on the right (west). Turn right and get park information at the welcome station. Follow the road into the site. Park hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily and a nominal admission fee is charged. The park gives easy access to the usual woodland species in a pleasant setting.

This is the end of the East Mobile River - Tensaw Delta Loop. Return to AL 225 turn right and continue southward to I-10 and head west. Continue west on I-10 to exit 17-A, AL 193 South, to Dauphin Island. Go south on 193 to the beginning of the Dauphin Island - Bayou La Batre Loop.

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