This trip will cover the marsh boardwalk area of Meaher State Park, boasting some incredible views of the gateway to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and the birds that rely on it! The birding for this trip can get started quickly right where we will meet in the marsh boardwalk parking area with Palm, Pine, and Orange-crowned Warblers as well as overhead Osprey and other raptors. You never know what might pass overhead at this site so keeping an eye on the sky is always encouraged! The shrub lined pathway leading to the boardwalk is typically filled with Yellow-rumped Warblers but sparrows, Cedar Waxwing, and towhee can be spotted as well.
The elevated boardwalk provides birders a great angle to get an in depth look into the marsh, shore, and wading birds that can be found in the area. We will look for species like Ibis (white and glossy), grebe, Tricolored and Little Blue Herons, rails, shoveler, Gadwall, wigeon, and maybe a flyby from a Northern Harrier. Depending on the tide the surrounding mudflats can hold Wilson’s Snipe, Yellowlegs, Avocet, and Dunlin. This is a trip that travels a short distance but can have looks at some really great birds! Binoculars will be available to borrow. A scope is good to have at this location so bring one if you have it! The trip leader will have one or two on hand as well for the group.
You can view the Meaher State Park 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 a $3/person entry fee at this location. If you are unsure where the parking lot for the marsh boardwalk is, ask the gate attendant and they can direct you. The parking area for the marsh boardwalk is on the smaller side and may fill up quickly but there is additional parking close by. There are restrooms at this site, located along the main road on the right-hand side as you head towards the boardwalk. Depending on the weather, the grass trail leading to the boardwalk may be muddy. Please remember to wear seasonally appropriate attire and bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray as necessary.
TRAVEL INFORMATION : We will meet at 8am at the marsh boardwalk parking lot, which is located at the far end of the park near the rental cabins.
Address: 5200 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
Accessibility : This trip will be an out-and-back covering a little over a half a mile. The pathway leading to the marsh boardwalk is a flat, wide, well-maintained grass trail that may be muddy depending on recent weather conditions. There is a ramp leading up to the elevated boardwalk. There are benches located along the 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!*
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