Join Coastal Outreach Manager Cortney Weatherby and Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard as we explore lower 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 their desired feeding locations for the day.
After the morning rush at our first location, we’ll caravan to the backroads of Foley along the open fields of 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 on this trip will be caravanning from location to location and walkie talkies will be provided so everyone can stay in contact throughout the drive. Loaner binoculars will be available. Scopes are recommended for this trip so bring one if you have it but trip leaders will also have scopes to get participants good looks!
You can view the Weeks Bay Pelican Point eBird hotspot here to see what’s been spotted recently!
You can view the sod field eBird hotspots here (#1) and here (#2) to see what’s been spotted recently!
You can view the Lake Shelby eBird hotspot here to see what’s been spotted recently!
Target Species:
Lesser Black-backed, Herring, Bonaparte's, and Ring-billed Gulls
Clapper Rails
Vermilion Flycatcher (rare but expected near Foley)
Northern Harriers
Lesser and Greater Scaup
Surf and Black Scoters
Palm, Yellow-rumped, and Orange-crowned Warblers
Cost: Alabama Audubon Members $35.00 // Non-members $50.00. This trip has a 15 person capacity on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trip Leader: Your trip leaders will be Cortney Weatherby (cortney@alaudubon.org / 402-297-1775) and Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard (andrew@alaudubon.org). 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: This is a caravan trip with little traveling away from our vehicles for this trip and should not travel more than .5 miles or less by foot as a group for the day. There are no parking fees at any of the stops for this trip. Ample parking is available at stop 1, Weeks Bay Pelican Point. Parking as we travel along the sod fields will be roadside so caution must be exercised but will be suitable for most vehicle types. Ample parking is typically available at the final stop at Lake Shelby. There are portable 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.
Travel Information: We will meet in front at Pelican Point - Weeks Bay promptly at 7:00am and begin birding. Address: Pelican Point (Week’s Bay): 10321 Co Rd 1, Fairhope, AL, 36523. From there, we will caravan to multiple stops in south Baldwin County on our way to Gulf State Park's Lake Shelby. Time at each stop will depend on bird activity!
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.
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!*
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