Margaret Kates

2 weeks ago | al.com | Margaret Kates

What happens to the tons of plastic bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes residents of the Birmingham suburbs leave on their curbs each week? It’s a burning question for those who care about what happens to the recyclables after the waste hauler picks them up. While many may believe their waste is eventually reborn in another life as new plastic bottles or Amazon delivery boxes, some of it instead may be going up in smoke. How?

3 weeks ago | al.com | Margaret Kates

You’ll know if you’ve seen this bird before. Every spring and fall, the rose-breasted grosbeak migrates through Alabama, resting at feeders and bird baths. You’ll recognize its large beak, black and white feathers and the splash of red across its chest. Females are brown but sport a signature white stripe over their eyes. And if you’ve had one in your backyard before, you’re likely to see it again.

4 weeks ago | al.com | Margaret Kates

They’re blue, round, and small. And birdwatchers throughout Alabama are hoping to catch sight of one before they head north for the summer. The cerulean warbler is one of many bird species that migrate through Alabama in the spring and fall. But the brilliant blue birds are hard to spot when they’re here, and they’re becoming even more rare. “It’s a really charismatic species,” said Thomas Thompson, a graduate student at Alabama A&M University who studies the Cerulean Warbler.

1 month ago | al.com | Margaret Kates

The first sea turtle has nested in Alabama for the year. Yesterday, Alabama Coastal Foundation—a nonprofit that works to protect sea turtles in the state—was alerted to a nest on Fort Morgan, laid by a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, according to a Facebook post. “We had a turtley exciting start to the 2025 sea turtle nesting season!” the post said. The nest was laid one day before the official kick off of sea turtle nesting season, when the turtles will come ashore and lay a nest.

1 month ago | al.com | Margaret Kates

Two offices within Baldwin County’s Central Annex will be closed for nearly a year for renovations that will better accommodate the county’s growing population. “We encourage customers, during this time, to visit any of our other convenient locations in Bay Minette, Fairhope, or Foley,” said Baldwin County Judge of Probate Harry D’Olive in a news release. “Additionally, many services are available online…and customers are reminded of the ‘mail-in’ renewal option.