EcoWild: Village Point Preserve & Bayfront Park
$20 TO ATTEND / SPACE IS LIMITED
REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 9 AT 12AM
Join Alabama Audubon’s Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard for this exciting morning walk along Mobile Bay and in the coastal maritime forest among one of the largest Live Oak trees in Alabama, the Jackson Oak! This oak tree reaches over 95 feet tall and is part of a coastal maritime forest that is critically important to wildlife along these shores. Village Point Park Preserve is the largest park in Daphne, Alabama and features a recently upgraded boardwalk, fishing pier, and beautiful views of Mobile and Mobile Bay. Due to its protected location and diverse habitats, this park is reliably one of the best places to view a wide array of migratory birds and other wildlife just near downtown Mobile.
We will meet in the main parking lot and walk out along the fishing pier, scanning for waterbirds such as Brown Pelicans, Laughing Gulls, and maybe even Black Skimmers that may be flying across the bay. We will also be sure to check the sandbar just in view from here in the southwestern direction. This is a great location to see shorebirds, big and small, including Marbled Godwits, both Yellowlegs species, Willets, Spotted Sandpipers, and Least Sandpipers. In the past, there have even been Roseate Spoonbills resting on the sandbar! After scanning the water and shoreline, we will make our way into the maritime forest on the boardwalk. We should encounter Indigo Buntings, Common Yellowthroats, and Red-eyed Vireos among the oaks as they refuel and rest on their northbound journeys. Due to the season, this area can also be great to see and hear other exciting migrants that may still be lingering as spring migration ends.
Want to go to both this walk and the one at Meaher State Park?! Purchase tickets for both at a discounted rate here.
Summer Tanager
Andrew Lydeard
TRIP LEADERS
The leader for this trip is Andrew Lydeard / 703-606-8956 / Andrew@alaudubon.org. Please contact by phone on the day of the trip only.
NEED-TO-KNOW
REMEMBER As always, remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and wear seasonally appropriate attire. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended.
DETAILS Parking and entry are free, and there are restrooms located at the park.
REQUIRED Participants must complete the mandatory online waiver when registering. Please do not request registration for others when submitting your request.
ACCESSIBILITY The walk will be less than a mile in length on mostly flat surfaces that are paved or boardwalk. However, there may be parts of the walk on uneven terrain, such as gravel or sand, that may not be suitable for all people.
CANCELLATION In the event of inclement weather, or if you need to cancel at the last minute, please text your trip leaders, as the main office will be closed.
where to meet & when
We will meet at 9:00 AM at the park!
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EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
Through more than seventy-five years of conservation work in one of our nation’s most ecologically rich states, Alabama Audubon has seen firsthand how diversity strengthens natural communities. This same principle applies to human communities, which is why our organization is committed to providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all Alabamians to learn about and enjoy wild birds, their habitats, and the natural world. One of the best ways to support that belief is by valuing and actively seeking to strengthen diversity among our staff, our board, and our membership. To that end, Alabama Audubon welcomes everyone to participate in our work, and strives to make our programs, classes, and events welcome, inclusive, and accessible to all.