About the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park

The 73-acre Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park was created from a nutrient-rich intentional wetland owned by the city of Opelika, with an additional 7 acres of land including an old home-site. The park has become home to a significant population of birds, including a large population of wood ducks.

Entrances at the old home-site and at the roadway both provide access to ideal walking trails offering varied birding opportunities. The home-site trail follows a heavily wooded stream, terminating at the preserve’s observation blind, overlooking open water. Early Blue-winged Teal were seen on a recent October visit.  The trail accessed from the roadway is particularly bird-dense, and should be included in any birding visit to the area. Look for a vast array of wetland birds throughout the year. The stream/marsh is a major bird oasis, especially during dry periods.

This 85-acre preserve and park has been made possible by the use of a 78-acre waste water lagoon property owned by the city, combined with the private donation of seven acres of land adjacent to the lagoon site. The park has become home to a significant population of wood ducks and waterfowl. More than 170 species of birds have been identified at the Wood Duck Nature Park, including residents and those that pass though the Opelika community. It is home to a variety of habitats, including hardwood and pine forests, swamps and ponds.

Directions

From the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and CR 97 (Grand National Parkway), travel East on U.S Highway 280.6 mile and turn left onto Waverly Parkway. Travel.5 mile to the entrance of the park on the left. The driveway entrance is between two sections of split rail fence. The entrance to the Nature Park leads to over two miles of heavily wooded trails that lead to the two viewing blinds overlooking the lagoon.