Dauphin Island, dubbed “America’s Birdiest Coastal Town,” is one of the top locations in North America for viewing neotropical migrants due to two famous migrant patches—Shell Mounds and Goat Tree Reserve. Starting at Shell Mounds, we will split our time between these prominent hotspots that attract migrating songbirds. If you come to Alabama to bird, you must make a stop here! Similar Dauphin Island events run at different times each day–note the different starting times available.

Dauphin Island, dubbed “America’s Birdiest Coastal Town,” is one of the top locations in North America for viewing neotropical migrants due to these two famous migrant patches. Starting at Goat Tree Reserve, we willl split our time between these prominent hotspots that attract migrating songbirds. If you come to Alabama to bird, you must make a stop here! Similar Dauphin Island events run at different times each day–note the different starting times available.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site is a premier birding hotspot of global significance. After an early start at the meet-up location, we’ll bird our way to Alabama Audubon’s bird banding station. After an hour there we’ll bird the fields and woodlands within the fort area seeking neotropical migrants. We’ll finish the walk at the seawall–a.k.a. Vagrant Wall–overlooking the Gulf and marsh, a location famous for rare sightings. Similar Fort Morgan events run at different times each day–note the different starting times available.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site is a premier birding hotspot of global significance. We’ll bird our way from the meet-up to Alabama Audubon’s bird banding station. After an hour there, we’ll bird the fields and woodlands within the fort area seeking neotropical migrants. Similar Fort Morgan events run at different times each day–note the different starting times available.

Shorebird migration (sandpipers, plovers, etc.) begins to peak in late April. Recent restoration work has developed prime tidal flats and foraging habitat for shorebirds along the scenic Dauphin Island Causeway! Your guides will help spot and learn to identify dozens of waders, sandpipers, plovers, terns, and other coastal birds, including Black Skimmers.

Tern Island is one of the best spots for breeding coastal birds in Alabama. After a short boat ride to the island, you’ll be greeted by the sights and sounds of dozens of coastal bird species. Expected birds include Black Skimmer; Least, Forster’s, Gull-billed, Royal, and Caspian Tern; Reddish Egret; plus various sandpipers and plovers.

With 275 species recorded, Daphne's Village Point/Bayfront Park is THE hottest birding patch on Mobile Bay's eastern shore. The site attracts neotropical migrants traveling along the bay's shoreline, and the beaches and open bay are good for spotting shorebirds, waders, and bay ducks. If you’re looking for a trip that has a little bit of everything, this is it!

A crowd favorite from 2024, this small-boat tour will visit Gaillard Island rookery and the famous Middle Bay Lighthouse. Learn about the bay’s (human) history and see thousands of roosting and nesting coastal birds including pelicans, ibis, terns, gulls, and herons. Roseate Spoonbills are also a possibility. Limited spots available. Exact route dictated by weather conditions.

Enjoy a guided tour of the lower Perdido Islands, a scenic bird haven and prized recreation area in Orange Beach. Hear from our partners at The Nature Conservancy about the recently completed restoration project addressing erosion and habitat loss across the three main islands. Your bird guide and captain will highlight the birds and wildlife along the way!

A crowd favorite from 2024, this small-boat tour will visit Gaillard Island rookery and the famous Middle Bay Lighthouse. Learn about the bay’s (human) history and see thousands of roosting and nesting coastal birds, including pelicans, ibis, terns, gulls, and herons. Roseate Spoonbills are also a possibility. Limited spots available. Exact route dictated by weather conditions.

Journey into one of the largest wild regions of the Southeast, and the U.S.’s second-largest river delta. The Historic Blakely State Park boat captain will guide you through winding river channels and share stories of ecology and history while your bird guide points out birds along the way. There’s a good chance to see alligators, turtles, and/or other wildlife!

The free smartphone apps Merlin (for bird identification) and eBird (for reporting sightings) have introduced birding to more people than ever before. Your instructor will provide hands-on guidance to get you comfortable with using these two revolutionary apps on your next birding adventure!

Even in the afternoon Dauphin Island lives up to its title of “America’s Birdiest Coastal Town.” Join us as we stroll in the shade of live oaks in search of neotropical migrants at two of the Gulf Coast’s most famous migrant patches–Shell Mounds and Goat Tree. If you come to Alabama to bird, you must stop by these spots! Similar Dauphin Island events run at different times each day–note the different starting times available.

Don’t count out afternoon birding!! Fort Morgan State Historic Site, a premier birding hotspot, can come alive in the afternoon as late-arriving migrants come off the Gulf. We’ll bird the woods and fields of the fort area, then finish at the seawall (a.k.a. Vagrant Wall) to scan the scrub, marsh, and Gulf watching for incoming birds and rarities. Similar Fort Morgan events run at different times each day–note the different starting times available.

Explore Gulf State Park by bike! Known for its exciting wildlife and award-winning trails, this crown jewel of Alabama’s park system harbors many resident and migrating birds. Stops will be made at some of the park’s birdiest locations but keep your eyes peeled for other iconic wildlife like otters, tortoises, and alligators! Borrow one of the park’s bikes or bring your own.

Pelican Hook is a dynamic stopover for migrating coastal birds. In the afternoon, it is a favorite resting spot for terns, gulls, and other seabirds. One side borders the Gulf, while the other borders the calmer waters of Pelican Cove, which can be good for waders, rails, and lingering ducks. From the Hook, we'll also scan nearby Tern Island and look over the Gulf for offshore species.