CULLMAN, Ala. – On Sunday, Sept. 15, at 3 p.m., Sportsman Lake Park will host the Third Sunday Bird Sunday event, located at the SongBird stage (the old bandstand) and pavilion No. 6. This unique event, combining church and birdwatching, known as “chirding,” was originally developed in Cullman.
The concept of chirding was born out of a desire to connect people with both faith and nature. Ben Johnson, bird gardening enthusiast and member of Alabama Master Gardeners and Alabama Audubon shared the origin of the concept, “The term chirding, and the concept of putting birds and church together was something that we developed here in Cullman. We knew that we wanted to get people interested in getting them outside and interested in nature. We have so many active and dynamic churches in the area, that it’s just a way to pull all of those things together.”
A key element of chirding is “creation care,” which encourages participants to explore the relationship between birds and nature and how they fit into one’s belief in creation.
“In church circles, you see something called creation care. What creation care is, is a way for more conservative people to look at environmental issues. God created everything, and we need to learn about those things and respect them,” Johnson shared.
With its diverse bird population, Sportsman Lake Park is an ideal setting for chirding. “At Sportsman Lake Park, we have a great diversity of birds. North Alabama’s biodiversity brings many birds to the area, making it a terrific place for birding,” Johnson added.
Now part of the official Alabama Birding Trail, Sportsman Lake is recognized for its rich variety of aquatic and woodland bird species, drawing visitors from across the region to partake in the birding scene. According to the eBird app, 106 species of resident birds have been identified at the park, with migratory birds believed to increase the total past 200.
The event will feature a message from William Lewis, an ecology fellow and Episcopal priest candidate, followed by a guided birding session led by Jimmy Wells. Music will be provided by Max Townson, Timothy Bolen and Devon Campbell, with Boy Scout Troop 219 leading the pledge. Light snacks will be available for attendees.
Bird enthusiasts, nature lovers and those looking for a unique nature-based spiritual experience are invited to attend this community event. For more information, contact Ben Johnson at benjohnsonsouth@gmail.com. Sportsman Lake Park is located at 1544 Sportsman Lake Rd. NW, Cullman, AL 35055.
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