By Tyra Jackson

The Selma Times-Journal

Old Cahawba Archaeological Park near Orrville is taking note of its surroundings and plans to offer visitors something more than history.

The park will host an event next month for beginning bird watchers.

The two-hour walk will teach people how to identify birds and learn more about the history of extinct and living birds in the area.

Although the walk is geared toward beginners, Jonathan Matthews, assistant site director for Old Cahawba, said knowledgeable “birders” might benefit from the event as well.

“I think an expert birder might have overlooked Cahawba in the past. Someone might have only thought of it as a historical site. I think Cahawba might not have marketed itself as a bird watching spot,” Matthew said.

Unlike the park’s history tours, the bird walk focuses on resources that tend to be overlooked, Matthews said. He said the park is working to pronounce all aspects that make Cahawba special.

“The bird walk is heavily focused on things that aren’t covered during the year,” he said. “Cahawba is a great place to roam around. With history being around us, bird watching and history go hand-in-hand.

The park will host the event Saturday, Feb. 7 starting at the Old Cahawba Visiting Center. The walk will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. The cost to attend will be $8 per person.

Experienced bird watcher Don Self of Gallion will be one of the few experts on hand to help beginners navigate the park.

With about 60 years of bird watching experience, Self said patience is key in helping to identify birds.

“We’re going to walk slowly and observe the habitat we’re around. We will try to take it slow and help participants identify some cooperative birds,” Self said.

Cardinals, robins, chickadees and an occasional mockingbird are among some of the 35 or so species participants could expect to see on the walk, Self said.

The bird walk would be a great experience for people of all ages, from children to adults, said site director, Linda Derry.

“It would be a great activity for those who enjoy wildlife or history. Those who are fascinated with history may enjoy broadening their history of birds,” she said.

Derry said the event may help attract tourists and birdwatchers passing through the city.

Whether participants enjoy nature or want to walk off some calories, Derry said she encourages all to attend.

“It may be as simple as getting out to enjoy the weather, or to fellowship with those at Cahawba,” Derry said.