Monroe County Public Lake

Hours of operation, etc.: Open February through November, Tuesday through Sunday, sunrise to sunset.

Habitat: 94 acre manmade lake with a +/- 1 mile access/perimeter road on the east and south sides of the lake; upland loblolly pine forest surrounds the lake; hardwood swamp extends north from the lake.

Birding: Two brief visits found 42 species of birds.  The park attendant, Marion Craft, reported that he observed Common Loon (winter of 2006-2007 and 2007-2008), American White Pelican, Wood Stork, and Swallow-tailed Kite on or over the lake in the past.  He also reported that Barn Owls have nested in the old windmill structure near the lake headquarters/ concession stand.  An Osprey was observed perched and soaring above the lake.  Spring migration can produce a wide variety of passerines in the pine forest and the thick undergrowth; Palm Warblers were particularly abundant in mid-April.  The access road northeast of the concession stand has been most productive.

Directions:  From Alabama Highway 265 at Beatrice, turn west on Monroe County Rosd 50 and go +/-3.7 miles, lake is on the right.  “Monroe County Public Lake” signs are present in Beatrice and at the lake entrance.

This site is part of the Piney Woods Birding Trail.