From the parking lot shrikes to the sea birds cruising the jetties and fast-moving water of the Perdido Pass, this trip is a fun wintertime stop!

Osprey, shrikes, and other winter birds of prey enjoy the perches found along the entrance and parking lot so it won’t take long to get into the birding here. As we head through the dunes towards the beach we will keep an eye out for sparrows and maybe a passing Northern harrier.

Once we hit the beach, we will turn our attention to shorebirds like snowy plover, Wilson’s plover, ruddy turnstone, and mixed flocks of terns. As we walk, we will spend time chatting about the species of conservation concern that use these beaches for nesting come springtime!

When we reach the jetties and pass we have the chance to see waterbirds including scoters, gannet, mergansers, and loons. Last year the water was gin clear on this trip, and folks got to watch a black scoter and several loons fish in the shallows. Wintertime has its perks! We will complete our loop by heading towards the base of the bridge and back through the dunes to the parking lot.

Scopes may be helpful for this trip if you have one, but the trip leader will have one on hand as well. Binoculars will be available to borrow.

You can view the eBird checklist from last year’s trip here!
You can view the Perdido Pass/Alabama Point East eBird hotspot here to see what’s been recently spotted at this location!

This event is free, but registration is required. This program is limited to 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

TRIP LEADER: Your trip leader will be Cortney Weatherby (cortney@alaudubon.org / 402-297-1775). Please reach out to the trip leaders if you have any questions, concerns, or require special accessibility accommodations so that we assist you. Please call or text your leader on the day of the event only.

LOCATION DETAILS: There is no off-season parking fee at this location. Ample parking is available. We will meet under the pavilions by the parking lot. Restrooms are available in the parking lot area. Wear comfortable shoes to traverse loose sand and layered clothing good for winter days on the beach and bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray as necessary.

MEETING LOCATION: We will be meeting in the parking lot promptly at 9am.

Address: 28105 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561

Accessibility: This will be a loop covering approximately 1.5 miles over mostly loose sand and some boardwalk.

Please reach out to Cortney Weatherby (cortney@alaudubon.org) if you have specific questions or require any special accommodations, have questions, or cannot attend, so that we can better assist you on the day of the event.

Cancellation: This event will only be canceled by Alabama Audubon in the event of unforeseen circumstances or threatening weather/hazardous conditions. Refunds (if applicable) will only be issued at the discretion of Alabama Audubon. *If you need to cancel at the last minute prior to the trip, please email or text your trip leaders to let them know!*

Thank you for your support of Alabama Audubon. Please consider becoming an Alabama Audubon member or donor to help us continue to offer programs and events across the state. Your generosity enables us to advance research, education, and advocacy efforts to protect birds in Alabama and beyond!