Haines Island Park's entrance is located in a pine dominated forest atop the Buhrstone Questa (an escarpment that rises more than 350 feet above the surrounding area and extends from Mississippi across western Alabama); park at the playground and picnic pavilion. From the overlook in this 480 acre park, scan the Alabama River Valley to the north for soaring Red-shouldered and Broad-winged hawks and tree tops below for a variety of passerines.

Continue 0.5 miles northwest down the face of the questa through hardwood forest to the public boat ramp, ferry, and park. Trailheads for three hiking trails are located on either side of the elevated restroom. The Big-Leaf Magnolia Nature Trail ('0.8 miles) extends across the base of the Buhrstone Questa in the habitat of the threatened Red Hills Salamander. The Upper Ironwood Trail branches off the Big-Leaf Magnolia trail and provides an additional '1.1 miles of hiking and birding in mature hardwoods along the questa. The Lower Ironwood Trail is of similar length and extends down the east side of the lake. Mosquitoes and tics are common, so precautions should be taken. Spring and fall migration funnel a wide variety of passerine species through this forest. Red-eyed Vireos, Wood Thrushes, Gray Catbirds, and Northern Parulas are summer residents.

The riverside road that extends west from the ferry and boat ramp through the primitive camping and picnic area in the lower part of the park occupies a narrow strip of hardwoods between the Alabama River on the northwest and a marsh and lake on the southeast. Watch for Wood Ducks, Little Blue and Great Blue herons, Snowy and Great egrets, and White Ibis around the margin of the lake. Anhingas may be seen sunning on perches in the lake or soaring overhead. Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-throated Vireos, and Summer Tanagers frequent the picnic area in the summer.

In winter Carolina Wrens; American Goldfinches; and Song, Swamp, and White-throated sparrows are found in the underbrush along the road. Barred Owls are common in all seasons; listen in early morning and late afternoon for their 'who cooks for you, who cooks for you all!' Nutrias, large aquatic rodents introduced from South America, have invaded the lake and are a common sight.

Haines Island Park boat ramp makes an excellent put-in/take-out for paddlers on the Alabama River, especially in the spring. Paddling south to Silver Creek Park (8.3 miles) or Claiborne Lake Dam Site East (10.7 miles), PWBT Sites 8 and 10 respectively, provides birders with the opportunity to observe wildlife along the river and in the backwaters associated with Haines Island, Camp Creek, Cane Creek, Silver Creek, and Isaac Creek. It also makes an excellent take-out for paddlers coming downstream from Bells Landing Park, PWBT Site 13. Ospreys, Mississippi Kites, Belted Kingfishers, and Spotted Sandpipers are birds to look for on these paddles.

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Listed in:

• Ecotourism