Okay, first let's make this clear. We're talking about Alabama (an Indian word meaning, Here We Rest), New York (population 1,081). Never heard of it? Well, once you cross the Lewiston/Queenston Bridge into the United States it's about an hours drive to this small rural community just 24 kilometres (15 miles) east of Lockport.

Travelling along Highway 104 East to Alabama is a visual treat. You'll see numerous small churches with giant steeples rising from the countryside which overlook cemeteries containing weathered tombstones. Rusting John Deere tractors and clusters of abandoned cars and machinery share fields with cows and horses. One time gracious barns, now falling down, dot the surrounding landscape. A broken down gas pump along the road reminds you of an earlier time. Beside the highway are old manor houses, trailer parks and occasional new bungalows. Hand painted signs; "Bring our troops home" and American flags fly in front of many homes.

At Wrights Corners turn onto Highway 78 South, go through Lockport to Highway 77 East at the other side of town. The atmosphere is seems to come from another world -- it's spooky and at the same time beautiful. You'll pass through part of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge known as the Alabama Swamps. This refuge encompasses approximately 2,284 hectares (10,818 acres) of freshwater marshes and hardwood swamps, bounded by woods, forests, pastures and wet meadows.

Once in town you realize this is a very quiet place. There's no hustle and bustle here, no neon. Just the corner Alabama Hotel, a bar/restaurant built in 1840 and the American Legion to anchor the downtown. The Alabama Town Hall is on Judge Street on the outskirts of town. It looks like a schoolhouse because at one time in the mid-1800s it was. It also serves as the Alabama Museum. If you arrive on the first or third Sunday of the month between noon and 3 p.m. chances are the museum will be open. This is a fascinating place filled with such items as a collection of old (of course there old, this is a museum) wooden farm implements, turn of the century kitchen utensils and even a wreath made of human hair. Admission is free.

Alabama, New York is primarily an agriculture community, but if you're into nature and birding this is the place to visit.

You see, Alabama, New York lies along the Atlantic Flyway, a major north/south route traveled by migrating birds. There are three lone birders at one of the many refuge observation outlets. Mark Pearce, Jim Pawlicki and Tim Horst are members of the Buffalo Audubon Society and are eager to tell about the refuge. Tim calls out he's spotted a bald eagle and the others two cozy up to their binoculars. Jim said, "This is exciting. It's an adrenalin rush." In addition to eagles there have been at least 266 species of birds sighted on the Iroquois, with about 60 species being year-round. In spring you can expect to see here large groups of Canadian Geese, Whistling Swans (what are they whistling?), Mallards, and Black Ducks. Mammals, including muskrat, opossum, beaver, mink, cottontail rabbit, racoon, red and gray fox and white-tailed deer are also common here. Shorebird migration peaks are May and again in July and August.

When you've had your fill of nature head back home another way. Travel to and from a location can often be the best part of a trip. Take Highway 63 North through Medina (major road reconstruction is taking place, but the view as you pass through downtown is worth it) then hook up with Highway 18 West back towards Lewiston, New York.

Before you cross the border make a stop at The Mariners Restaurant in the little hamlet of Olcott, New York along Highway 18. Owner, Jenny Pinkham treats everyone like family and the home cooked meals, (the chicken and biscuits will make your mouth water) and are reasonably priced.