Forest Elders

Forest Elders (HM20C8)

Location: Sheffield, AL 35660 Colbert County
Buy Alabama State flags at Flagstore.com!
Country: United States of America
Buy United States of America flags at Flagstore.com!

N 34° 46.822', W 87° 39.358'

  • 0 likes
  • 0 check ins
  • 0 favorites
  • 268 views
Inscription
Escape to an Earlier TimeThe giant trees of Northern Alabama's mature forest have stood throughout generations, witnessing considerable natural, historical, and cultural changes. Some probably witnessed the Civil War while others only date back to when the Muscle Shoals were tamed. Because of the rich habitat they provide, these elders of the forest host special birds that don't venture far from their ancient limbs.

Listen Before You Look
Because the extensive forest canopy creates a deep shade, spotting birds can be difficult. Birders should listen carefully to the variety of sounds the Forest residents make. Familiarity with birds songs will reveal a bird's identify quicker than trying to discern it in a thick green canopy. Many birds are quiet in the middle of the day as they forage for food or tend to their young. However, a visit early in the morning or at the end of the day will ensure a fantastic chorus of bird songs.

Pileated Woodpecker
One of the bird's colloquial names. "Lord God Woodpecker," says it all. This is Alabama's largest woodpecker. Its impressive size and striking black, white and red plumage makes it a real showstopper. Even if you don't see the bird, its powerful drumming can often be heard from deep within the forest.

Wood ThrushTo many the song of the Wood Thrush represents true forest wilderness east of the Mississippi. This reddish brown thrush sports a heavily spotted potbelly. The warm brown tone and black spots help this bird fade into the background when it isn't actively searching for worms in the dry leaves on the forest floor.

Great Crested Flycatcher
This birds distinctive queep call will often betray its presence high in the canopy. Careful observation might find the bird perched overhead or perhaps tending to its nest in a tree hollow closer to eye level.

Red eyed Vireo
The Red~eyed Vireo seems to be constantly taunting as it utters a hurried phrase that some interpret here~I~am, in~the~tree, look~up, at~the~top repeated over and over again. Look for movement in the lower canopy to catch a glimpse of this songster.

Alabama's Earliest Residents Just across the river from the western end of the TVA Reservation in Florence is the Indian Mound and Museum. Though there are larger mounds in Alabama, the Florence mound is the largest in the Tennessee Valley.
· Early settlers reported finding steps on the eastern side of the mound and earthen walls that sounded the mountain · This quadrilateral mound is thought to date from one thousand years before the arrival of Columbus · Visit the museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of native Americans in Alabama.
Details
HM NumberHM20C8
Tags
Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017 at 10:03am PDT -07:00
Pictures
Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.
Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)16S E 439981 N 3848882
Decimal Degrees34.78036667, -87.65596667
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 34° 46.822', W 87° 39.358'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds34° 46' 49.32" N, 87° 39' 21.48" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)256
Closest Postal AddressAt or near Thunder Rd, Sheffield AL 35660, US
Alternative Maps Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSR Maps, OpenCycleMap, MyTopo Maps, OpenStreetMap

Is this marker missing? Are the coordinates wrong? Do you have additional information that you would like to share with us? If so, check in.

Check Ins  check in   |    all

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.

Comments 0 comments

Maintenance Issues
  1. Is this marker part of a series?
  2. What historical period does the marker represent?
  3. What historical place does the marker represent?
  4. What type of marker is it?
  5. What class is the marker?
  6. What style is the marker?
  7. Does the marker have a number?
  8. What year was the marker erected?
  9. Who or what organization placed the marker?
  10. This marker needs at least one picture.
  11. Can this marker be seen from the road?
  12. Is the marker in the median?