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Alabama Coastal Birding Trail adventures

Alabama Coastal Birding Trail Adventures

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail offers an exceptional birdwatching experience along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, featuring diverse habitats from beaches to wetlands. It attracts both casual birders and avid ornithologists seeking to observe hundreds of species year-round.

Over 30,000 (combined across sites)
Acres Protected
Approximately 40
Miles of Trails
Estimated 200,000+
Annual Visitors
2002
Year Established

About Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

 

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail stretches across the southern coastline of Alabama, covering significant portions of Mobile and Baldwin counties. This extensive network includes over 20 carefully chosen public sites that provide access to diverse coastal habitats such as salt marshes, sandy beaches, tidal estuaries, and maritime forests. The trail encompasses important ecosystems including Mobile Bay, Perdido Bay, and Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, supporting a wide range of bird species. The region serves as an essential stopover and wintering ground for migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway, hosting species like the Red Knot, Piping Plover, Roseate Spoonbill, and several raptor and waterfowl species.

Established as part of the statewide Alabama Birding Trails system, this trail highlights conservation efforts and encourages eco-tourism. Visitors can explore numerous observation platforms, walking trails, and interpretive centers that promote wildlife education. Popular spots include the Dauphin Island Audubon Sanctuary, Fort Morgan Peninsula, and Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Aside from birding, visitors often engage in photography, hiking along boardwalks, and enjoying scenic views of coastal wetlands. The trail is accessible year-round and emphasizes habitat preservation, interpretation, and community involvement to promote sustainable recreation and wildlife stewardship along Alabama's Gulf Coast.

Highlights

Highlight

Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary – renowned for migration season bird concentrations

Highlight

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge – vital habitat for endangered sea turtles and shorebirds

Highlight

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – prime freshwater marsh access and interpretive trails

Highlight

Fort Morgan Peninsula – important stopover site with historical military landmarks

Notable Natural Features

Dauphin Island Audubon Sanctuary

A key migratory bird stopover with over 350 recorded species, featuring walking trails and observation towers.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge protects critical dune and beach habitats for shorebirds and endangered sea turtles.

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Offers educational facilities and boardwalk trails through freshwater marshes important for wading birds.