Tucked along the water’s edge the Fairhope Pier and Beach Park offer not only iconic views of Mobile Bay, but its birds too! We will meet at the entrance to the pier and start by scanning the waters for gulls, terns, and other waterbirds. While most folks come to this spot to check out the water, the tree lines by the bluffs can be a haven for songbirds in the area and aren't to be overlooked. We will walk the south beach park area which around this time of year can hold Brown-headed Nuthatch, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pine Warbler, Brown Thrasher, and maybe a late tanager or two.
This site is one of the 18 across the coast in Alabama that is monitored as part of the Audubon Coastal Bird Surveys due to its important habitat. We plan on having bird walks at this site throughout the year so folks can see how the bird diversity changes and just how important of a space it is for our feathered friends! All birding levels are welcome, and binoculars will be available to borrow! The trip leader will have a scope available for viewing of birds near the pier and on the bay.
You can view the Fairhope Municipal Park Pier 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 20 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 can assist you. Please call or text your leader on the day of the event only.
LOCATION DETAILS: There is ample parking at this location, both in the pier area where we will be meeting and nearby inside South Beach Drive if needed. Parking is free at this location. There is not currently an admission fee to enter the South Beach Park. Restrooms are located within walking distance within the park, but not directly by the pier. Please remember to wear seasonally appropriate attire and bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray as necessary.
TRAVEL INFORMATION: We will meet at the entrance to the pier at 8am.
Address: 4 N Beach Rd, Fairhope, AL 36532
Accessibility : This trip will be a mile-long loop starting from the entrance to the pier. We will be using boardwalk, sidewalk, and paved roads for the duration of this trip but we may need to step onto the grass while in South Beach Park to give way to passing vehicles.
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!