Backbone Boat Ramp (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) is situated on the bank of a feeder creek that flows into Lake Demopolis, one of the impoundments on the Black Warrior River. A flooded cypress tree slough lies across the creek (private property, but visible) providing the visitor with year-round birding.

In spring and early summer, Prothonotary Warblers, Northern Parulas and Yellow-throated Warblers are conspicuous. Common Yellowthroats are semi-permanent inhabitants of the shrubs and grasses in the understory and Anhingas may be spotted here, as well. Look closely for Purple Gallinules and Common Moorhens in migration. During the cooler months, additional waterfowl ' American Coots, Pied-billed Grebes, and a variety of marsh ducks ' may be present. (In a mild winter, Common Moorhen may linger)

From late spring through fall, wading birds frequent the region. Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons and White Ibises join the Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Green Herons that are found here all year. Watch for Wood Storks, especially 'kettling' in the skies above in late summer, and keep an eye out for Swallow-tailed and Mississippi kites at any time from March through August, but particularly in summer.

Winter brings Swamp and Song Sparrows, along with the aforementioned waterfowl. The area has a fair number of raptors. Barred Owls are common here, as are Red-shouldered and Cooper's hawks. Red-tailed and Broad-winged (spring through fall) hawks hunt the nearby woods, along with Great Horned and Eastern Screech-owls.

This is a very small boat launch, though it offers a quiet spot to listen for birds. Birding this area for more than a few minutes is only possible by boat, but a canoe or other boat launched here opens a world of possibilities.

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Listed in:

• Ecotourism