Join Coastal Program Manager Cortney Weatherby and Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard as we explore Baldwin County, starting at Weeks Bay for an incredible spectacle of gull, wader, and duck morning flights known in the area! Watch thousands of birds depart from their roost in the bay to the desired feeding locations in the area.
After some time here, we’ll caravan to a nearby sod farms to scan the open areas in the Foley area on backroads and around sod farms in search of open grassland birds that spend winter in the area. We’ll visit the Foley Sports Park for a reliable winter visitor (a male Vermilion Flycatcher!) and a restroom break before we head to Gulf State Park on Lake Shelby to search for ducks and other migratory waterbirds. Participants in this program will be caravanning from location to location, and walkie talkies will be provided, so everyone can stay in contact during the drive.
Trip Leader: Your trip leaders will be Cortney Weatherby (cortney@alaudubon.org / 402-297-1775) and Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org). Please call or text your leader only on the day of the event.
Target Species:
Lesser Black-backed, Herring, Bonaparte's, Ring-billed Gulls
Clapper Rails
Vermilion Flycatcher (rare but expected near Foley)
Northern Harriers
Lesser & Greater Scaup
Surf and Black Scoters
Palm, Yellow-rumped, and Orange-crowned Warblers
Meeting Time and Place: We will meet in front at Pelican Point - Weeks Bay promptly at 7:00am and begin birding. From there, we will caravan to multiple stops in south Baldwin County on our way to Gulf State Park's Lake, Lake Shelby.
Parking Address: Pelican Point (Week's Bay)
10321 Co Rd 1,
Fairhope, AL 36532
Event capacity: 15
Registration fee: Alabama Audubon Members $35.00 // Non-members $50.00
Accessibility : We will do little traveling away from our vehicles for this trip and should not travel more than 0.5 mile or less as a group for the day. While the terrain is mostly flat at our stops, please be aware that tripping hazards such as a debris, holes, or industrial equipment may be present and may not be suitable for all people. There are porter potties located at Week's Bay, and we will be stopping in Foley mid-morning for a restroom break. As always, remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, insect repellent, sun screen, and wear seasonally appropriate attire; Vortex binoculars can be loaned to participants if needed.
Please reach out to Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org) or Cortney Weatherby (cortney@alaudubon.org) if you require any special accommodations, have questions, or cannot attend, so that we can better assist you on the day of the event.
Please note: This event will only be canceled by Alabama Audubon in the event of unforeseen circumstances or threatening weather. Refunds (if applicable) will only be issued at the discretion of Alabama Audubon.