On their multi-generational cattle farm near Newbern, Alabama, the Joe family was hosting an excited group of birders who watched as father Cornelius Joe drove his tractor through his hayfield, cutting alfalfa and grass to harvest, and stirring up insects in the process. This activity usually attracts the attention of Swallow-tailed Kites and even Mississippi Kites that arrive and dive after airborne insects – sometimes at eye level right in front of the visiting group of birders! This is an interesting insight into how the Joe family is leading the way in showing how ecotourism can benefit the Black Belt of Alabama and birds in the region.
Above, we wanted to introduce this especially interesting article to you, but didn't want to shorten or edit the original article because author and photographer Dudley Edmondson has a different, inspiring way of presenting this story. Rather than making any changes, we decided to refer you directly to the original article so you can appreciate Dudley's style as published in Living Bird magazine; see A Cattle Farm in Alabama Draws Birders for a Spectacle of Kites | Living Bird | All About Birds
And as a reminder, the Black Belt Birding Festival will take place the weekend of July 31 thru August 2. Centered in Greensboro, Alabama, the Joe Family Farm is one of the popular tour destinations available. Check out the full calendar of events and the variety of birds you can see in this area, including such standout species as Painted Buntings, Wood Storks, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, Dickcissels, Mississippi Kites, and Swallow-tailed Kites along many more exciting species – mixed with plenty of American history and local culture. For more information, see The Black Belt Birding Festival - Birding Wire | Birding Wire, and Black Belt Birding Festival — ALABAMA AUDUBON