Birders and nature lovers flock to south Alabama every year to experience one of the Gulf Coast's prime birdwatching opportunities during fall migration. During Alabama Coastal BirdFest, more than 370 bird species have been spotted at various locations along Alabama's Gulf Coast, and BirdFest guides expertly lead attendees on boat and walking trips to some of the best birding spots in the area, including locations along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
Alabama Coastal BirdFest takes attendees into the Mobile Delta, to the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary, historic Fort Morgan, the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and more. Back by popular demand, we have also included a trip to our neighboring state, Mississippi, to the Sand Hill Crane Refuge. The three-day event also includes workshops on subjects such as hummingbirds, the basics of birding, workshops on how to use common birding apps such as eBird and Merlin Bird ID, and understanding bird box design for specific species. A free, family-friendly Bird and Nature Expo will be held at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Saturday of BirdFest, October 5th, from 9am-1pm. The Expo highlights other local non-profits and environmental agencies and offers hands-on activities and boat cruises lead by a junior birder! Click here to learn more about the Bird and Nature Expo.
Since 2004, BirdFest has raised more than $100,000 to help preserve and protect vital coastal bird and wildlife habitat and increase awareness of the great biological diversity of the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Schedule of Events:
7:00am - 10:30am: Gaillard Island Eco Tour
This tour will please both nature enthusiasts and history buffs! Enjoy the wildlife and vistas on Mobile Bay aboard the comfort of a 24 foot center console bay boat. Captain John Michael Chappelle, experienced local birder, will lead you around the perimeter of Gaillard Island where you can expect to see a variety of birds in the fall, including egrets, herons, ibis, stilts, brown pelicans, terns, Laughing Gulls, and more. Learn about the island's history, then head south to the Middle Mobile Bay Lighthouse, a circa-1885 octagonal lighthouse building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Cruise to Point Clear on the Bay's Eastern Shore to see the historic Grand Hotel and, of course, the birds!
Meet at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Price: $180
8:00am - 10:00am: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park - New This Year!
Battleship Park in Mobile, AL is home to more than the WWII era USS Alabama battleship (the "Heroine of the Pacific"). The park's boardwalk and pier provide spectacular views of the expansive marsh and woody swamps that are part of Mobile Bay. Visitors to this eBird Hotspot may see King Rail, Clapper Rail, Loggerhead Shrike, Killdeer, Black-bellied Plover, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, White Ibis, and depending on conditions, perhaps Glossy Ibis, White-faced Ibis, Long-billed Dowitcher and Short-billed Dowitcher. The raptors won't disappoint, and migrant warblers will delight.
Meet at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Price: $25
9:00am - 12:00pm: Upper Mobile-Tensaw Delta Pontoon Boat Tour
Explore the secluded regions of the Delta in its most natural setting. Depart from Live Oak Landing in the upper Delta (33 minute drive from 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center). Venture up the Tensaw River around the infamous "Devil's Bend", into Bottle Creek before journeying down the Middle River and returning to the Tensaw. Participants will see a variety of birds and other wildlife, likely including egrets, herons, Ospreys, Bald Eagles, gallinules, grackles, rails, ibis, and, naturally, alligators.
Meet at Live Oak Landing (33 minute drive from 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center)
Price: $60
9:00am - 11:00am: Birds and Blooms
Back by popular demand! Enjoy viewing birds and plants on a rustic, 6-acre property in Daphne, AL. Your hosts and guides are with the Audubon Eastern Shore Birders and Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries. The yard is filled with plants that attract birds and butterflies, bird feeding stations, water features, and wooded areas. Learn how to implement some of these features in your own yard to attract the birds you like. View this beautiful property from a walking path, an outdoor deck, two glassed-in sun porches, and a spacious front porch. Refreshments will be available.
Price: $20
9:00am - 10:30am: Sketching Birds and Nature Workshop - New This Year!
This workshop will cover the art of sketching birds and plants in nature, with a focus on technique and efficiency. Lindsey Lawrence of the Eastern Shore Arts Center will show you how to effortlessly capture your bird and nature observations. You'll learn how to highlighting features of your subject, allowing you to revisit and refine your sketches like a true birding/nature artist. Embrace this opportunity to elevate your bird and nature sketching to the next level! Small sketchbook provided. Bring your creativity!
Meet at Blakeley Hall at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Price: $20
9:30am - 12:30pm: Orange Beach Kayak Tour - New This Year!
This new tour offers the opportunity to see birds in the bay area of Orange Beach. Departing from the Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center on Wolf Bay, paddlers will enjoy the sights of this environment and can expect to see Brown Pelicans, Laughing Gulls, Osprey, and Green Herons, and maybe dolphins. The peacefulness of early fall in Orange Beach adds to the kayaking and birding experience. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.
Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center
Price : $35
12:00pm - 3:30pm: Gaillard Island Eco Tour
This tour will please both nature enthusiasts and history buffs! Enjoy the wildlife and vistas on Mobile Bay aboard the comfort of a 24 foot center console bay boat. Captain John Michael Chappelle, experienced local birder, will lead you around the perimeter of Gaillard Island where you can expect to see a variety of birds in the fall, including egrets, herons, ibis, stilts, brown pelicans, terns, Laughing Gulls, and more. Learn about the island's history, then head south to the Middle Mobile Bay Lighthouse, a circa-1885 octagonal lighthouse building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Cruise to Point Clear on the Bay's Eastern Shore to see the historic Grand Hotel and, of course, the birds!
Meet at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Price: $180
2:30pm - 4:30pm: Splinter Hill Bog Nature Photography Tour - New This Year!
The variety of habitats, plant and animal species make the Splinter Hill Bog a favorite for nature photographers and naturalists. The sandy upland longleaf pine forests, seepage bogs, coastal backwater streams and forests offer an opportunity to capture nature at its finest. The hard-to-find Bachman's Sparrow is usually present, as are towhees, Common Yellowthroats, Kentucky Warblers, catbirds, and several types of woodpeckers - Pileated, Downy, Red-bellied, Northern Flickers, and possibly others. Get ready to capture the diverse plant species, including carnivorous plants. Dress for boggy conditions, and bring your zoom lens for the birds and your close-up lens for the plants. The head of stewardship for the Bog will give a brief presentation. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray
Meet at Splinter Hill Bog (coordinates to be determined)
Price : $20
Additional Dates:
