[Simba's Mom]

Where in Alabama would you recommend for two senior citizens who are avid birdwatchers. One is an avid golfer too, but I imagine anywhere in Alabama has lots of golf. We're thinking of Eufaula, Guntersville, the Birmingham suburbs, any other recommendations?

[AdrianJ]

How about on the edge of the Talladega National Forest on a ridge high above the forest floor. Homes are on 1/2 to 2 acre lots, are in the hills and nestle in a golf course that preserves trees and much in the way of bird habitat.

Cider Ridge is the sub and Oxford the city. Lower south east corner of Calhoun County. Well located between Atlanta and Birmingham, close to an interstate and in a progressive city.

[Spartalee]

yea where I live (alexandria) you are like 20min from talledega national forest and we are also very close to part of the robert trent jones golf trail not to mention alexandria is a farm comunity so lots of open fields with woods around them which seems like a good thing for birds and the famrers are nice enough to let you sit in the field as long as you dont damage it : )

[duncan st clair]

Dauphin Island Al. is the place you want to be.

[Southlander]

Just saw this post...if you're still out there, Alabama has a state-wide birding trail. Parts of it go through the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in North Alabama. The local Audubon Society is quite active. The Tennessee River, small mountains and flat lands provide great habitats for the migrating birds. And we have plenty of golf, including a couple of Robert Trent Jones courses. Come visit...you may decide to stay!

[nalabama]

Not to forget Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge near Gulf Shores. From the Fish & Wildlife site:

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the refuge?

During mid-March through mid-May, and again from mid-August till the end of October migration of neotropical birds occur. Many species of birds can be seen on the refuge. Foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and more common residents such as alligators, squirrels, opossums and armadillos may be seen throughout the year.

[Simba's Mom]

We're still looking! DH is staying in Oxford this weekend, searching that area between his rounds of golf (5 rounds in 4 days-no wonder I didn't go with him!). He doesn't want to be too close to the gulf since we presently live in prime hurricane country and want to get further inland. Oxford? Rainbow City? Glencoe? Guntersville? Anywhere else anyone would recommend? Besides our love for nature and golf, we're looking for someplace that's retiree-friendly, with low real estate costs.

[Cj31299]

Try the area of Pelham in the subdivision of Ballantrae. It has a beautiful 18 hole golf course with club house and reasonable fees. There are alot of older people who live in here It also backs up to Oak Mountain state park Here is the website Ballantraeal.com Good Luck

[Bravo35223]

Originally Posted by Cj31299

Try the area of Pelham in the subdivision of Ballantrae. It has a beautiful 18 hole golf course with club house and reasonable fees. There are alot of older people who live in here It also backs up to Oak Mountain state park Here is the website Ballantraeal.com Good Luck

This is an excellent choice...Birmingham has superb healthcare for retirees and the subdivision of Ballantrae is very very nice.

Here's a link to the golf club website. The course is owned by the City of Pelham which has a very progressive mayor....

Ballantrae Golf Club

Here is information from the City of Pelham website concerning retirees...

Pelham, Alabama: City-Retiring (http://www.pelhamonline.com/Default.asp?ID=31&pg=Retiring - broken link)

[Simba's Mom]

Wow, thanks so much. That information about Pelham sounds great-I'm going to check into that one!