“Birding the Alabama

Gulf Coast can be a

fantastic experience!

This is particularly true

during spring migration

if a front moves in from

the north forcing the

migrants down at first

landfall onto Dauphin

Island or Fort Morgan.

Fall migration is equally

great and extends over a

little longer period

allowing birders more

time to savor their

findings. There are some

differences in species that

come through during

spring and fall.”

John Porter, Ph.D. and

Executive Director—

Friends of Dauphin Island

Audubon Sanctuary

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Fort Morgan Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

South Baldwin County Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Eastern Shore, Mobile Bay Causeway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

and Blakeley Island Loop

East Mobile River-Tensaw Delta Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Dauphin Island-Bayou La Batre Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

ACBT Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Code of Birding Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Alabama Ornithological Society

Reddish Egret
4 5

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail,

arranged as a series of loops,

describes the birding spots most

frequented by Alabama birders.

Each loop could easily take a half day

or more. Detailed directions are

provided in a sequential fashion, but

it is not necessary to follow the

complete loop. Suggestions are given

for some of the birds that may be

expected at each site. More current

information can be obtained by

calling the Rare Bird Alerts for

Alabama, 205/987 2730 provided by

the Alabama Ornithological Society

(AOS), and for Northwest

Florida/South Alabama,

850/934 6974 provided by

Francis M. Weston Audubon

Society, Pensacola. On

the Internet check the

AOS website http://

www.bham.net/aos/ for

current information. For

further details on this area or

other areas in Alabama see A

Birder’s Guide to Alabama, The

University of Alabama Press (2000).

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a paradise

not only for birders, but for visitors

with a variety of interests. We have

beautiful gulf beaches, historic homes

and fortresses, championship golf

courses, world-class fishing and

much, much, more.

Hunting also occurs in our area.

Hunting season usually runs from

October through February, though

nonconsumptive use is permitted

year round. For more information on

hunting or fishing contact the

Alabama Game and Fish Division at

334/626 5474.

We remind

all birders

to exercise

great care in

enjoying the

birds of our

coast; care for

the birds and

their habitat,

care for the

property

owners who

host our avian

visitors, and

care for other

birders.

Thank you!

Alabama Coastal

Birding Trail logo

We hope you’ll take a look at all this

great region has to offer. Please visit

one of the welcome centers located on

the maps within this trail guide, or

contact one of the organizations

below and let us help you make plans

to come back again and again.

Alabama Gulf Coast

Convention & Visitors Bureau

P.O. Drawer 457

Gulf Shores, AL 36547

800/745 SAND or 334/968 7511

www.gulfshores.com

Mobile Convention &

Visitors Corporation

P.O. Box 204

Mobile, AL 36601-0204

800/5 MOBILE or 334/208 2030

www.mobile.org

These symbols are used for site

descriptions in the text and on the

accompanying maps.

Open for day use

Open for day use—admission

charged

Open daily—developed camping

is available

Prior arrangements are required

Information

[x.x] Mileage shown within the

brackets is the distance

between two points

Look for the Reddish

Egret logos on the

ACBT road signs.

?

The mission of the

U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Ser vice is

working with others

to conser ve, protect

and enhance fish,

wildlife, plants and

their habitats for the

continuing benefit of

the American people.

Reddish Egret

A. Morris ©
6 7

Wolf Perdido Bay

Bay

Bon 

Secour River

Weeks

Bay

Bon 

Secour Bay

Heron Bay

Mobile Bay

Polecat

Bay

Grand

Bay

Tensaw

River

Mobile

River

Blakeley

River

Mississippi Sound

Fowl

River

Bay

Little

Bay

Grand

Bay

Dauphin Island

Gulf of Mexico Mobile Bay

Ferry Route

217

217

188

193

193

193

163

59

59

112

112

59

287

225

225

59

59

180

180 182

180

104

158

N

98

90

90

45 43

43

45

90A

90 98

90

98

98

90

31

27

49

59

12

20

83

80

96

47

138

7

40

65

65

10

10

65

EXIT 31

Little River

Road

Choctaw

Road

Mobile Street

Marina Road

Foley Beach Express

Hemley

Road

Coden

Belt

Road

Bellingrath 

Road

Bel Air

Drive

98A

86

24

49

16

19

10

4

161

Citronelle

Satsuma

Saraland

Prichard

Chickasaw

Bayou La

Batre

Alabama Port

Summerdale

Magnolia

Springs

Robertsdale

Silverhill

Loxley

Daphne

Spanish

Fort

Bay

Minette

Stockton

Elberta

Orange

Beach

Gulf

Shores Gulf Shores

Welcome Center

Orange Beach

Welcome Center

Fairhope

? ?

Mobile

Ft. Conde

Welcome

Center

Scenic 

Overlook/

Eastern Shore 

Chamber

? ?

Foley

35

36

37

31

28

27

25

24

49

50

47

46

45 44 40

39

41 42

14 13 12 11 9

10

6 2 1

3

18 17

16

22

21

20

20A

19

43

34

38

33

29

48

15

8

7

4

26

23

5

32

30

Highways/Interstates

Secondary Roads

Streams

Mobile County

Baldwin County

Birding Site Descriptions

Open Daily, 

 Developed Camping Available

 Admission Charge

Open for Day Use

Open for Day Use

 Admission Charge

Prior Arrangement Required

Information

Birding Trails

Gulf Shores-Orange Beach Loop

Ft. Morgan Loop

South Baldwin County Loop

Eastern Shore, 

 Mobile Bay Causeway and 

 Blakeley Island Loop

East Mobile River

 Tensaw Delta Loop

Dauphin Island

 Bayou La Batre Loop

Alabama Coastal 

Birding Trail Map

?
8 9

Tri-colored Heron

Gulf Shores –

Orange Beach L oop

Gulf Shores – Orange Beach Loop

Alabama Gulf Coast

Convention and Visitors Bureau

P.O. Drawer 457

Gulf Shores, AL 36547

334/968 7511 or 800/745 SAND

Gulf State Park

20115 Highway 135

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

334/948 7275

Gulf Shores – Orange Beach is a well

known resort area with many fine

restaurants and accommodations as

well as a variety of attractions and

recreational opportunities. The Gulf

Shores – Orange Beach Loop of the

Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

begins at the bridge over Perdido

Pass, east of AL 59 on AL 182 [8.8].

ACBT 1.

Perdido Pass/Alabama Point – East

(Formerly Florida Point when the

state border was located at Perdido

Pass.) This site is part of Gulf State

Park (334/948 7275) and consists of

beach and sea oat habitat where

there are opportunities for bird

observation, fishing, and viewing

both Perdido Pass and the Gulf of

Mexico. There are no posted hours

for this park but overnight camping

is not permitted. There are portable

restroom facilities at the site.

Snowy Plover, a species on the Watch

List, nests in the area, most often

found in depressions in the sand

away from the water and near the

first line of dunes. Alabama Point

also provides critical habitat for the

federally endangered Perdido Key

beach mouse. A wide variety of

shorebirds are common in summer,

as are wading birds. In winter,

numbers of Common Loons feed in

the pass during changing tides. An

occasional vagrant Pacific or Redthroated Loon may show up in their

midst. A spotting scope is usually

needed for the distant waterfowl. After

viewing the pass take the loop under

the bridge and return to AL 182.

ACBT 2.

Perdido Pass/Alabama Point – West

Cross over the bridge traveling west

and turn left (south) [0.6] into the

parking lot for this portion of the

Alabama Point facility. There is a sea

wall along this side of the pass with

benches. Portable restroom facilities

are available. As with the east side no

overnight camping is allowed but

there are likely to be some fisherman

here at any hour of the day or night.

This location provides another

perspective on the same areas viewed

from the east side. Rock jetties extend

a considerable distance out into the

gulf on this side and can be accessed

by walking west along the beach. This

is a somewhat perilous venture since

the rocks tend to be wet and slippery.

The trip out does provide for a better

chance to observe the winter seabirds

that may be in the area, scoters,

phalarope and loons.

Perdido

Bay

Wolf

Bay Bon 

Secour

River

Gulf of Mexico

2

59

180

182

161

98

12

180

135

4

49

20

Marina Road

Foley Beach

Express

Elberta

Foley

Orange

Beach

Orange Beach

Welcome Center

Gulf Shores

Welcome Center

Gulf Shores ?

?

9

10

6 2 1

3

8

7

5

4

USFWS
10 11

Sandhill Crane

Red-breasted

Merganser

ACBT 3.

Boggy Point

Continue west on AL 182 to AL 161

[2.0], turn right (north) and continue

to Marina Road on the right [0.8],

turn right (east) and proceed to the

end of the peninsula that ends [1.5] at

the Boggy Point Boat Launch, an

Alabama Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources

facility. There is a small beach here

and an excellent view of Robinson

Island to the east, a roosting site for

herons and egrets. This location

gives an alternate view of Perdido

Pass. Return from Boggy Point to

AL 161, turn left (south) and retrace

your route back to AL 182.

ACBT 4.

Gulf State Park Pavilion

Turn right (west) on AL 182 to the

Gulf State Park Pavilion and Beach

[3.6] on the left (south). There is a

nominal parking fee. This is a large,

covered picnic pavilion with tables

and benches, restrooms and water

fountains. The pavilion closes at

sunset. This is another great place to

look for seabirds, particularly in

winter. Northern Gannet is common

off shore during migration. Any flock

of loons should be carefully sorted for

Red-throated and Pacific. Walk the

beaches for plovers and peeps.

ACBT 5.

Nature Center –

Gulf State Park Campground

Continue west on AL 182 to State

Park Road (Baldwin County Road 2

“BC 2”), [0.6] and turn right (north),

cross the bridge over the boat canal

and park on the left (west) side of the

road in the grassy area. You may

walk Middle Lake Trail along the

edge of the canal to Lake Shelby.

Groove-bill Ani is a possible winter

find in here and look for winter

sparrows too.

Return to State Park Road turning

left (north) and continue a short

distance to Campground Road on the

right (east). In a short distance you

will come to the registration building

where non-camping visitors register

and pay a small fee. Proceed along

the main route, Raccoon Road, to the

third turn on the right which is

marked for the Nature Center and

Camp Pavilion.

The pavilion has restrooms, public

phones and a camp store, open six

days a week, Monday -Thursday,

7 am to 9 pm and Friday – Saturday,

7 am to 10 pm. The Nature Center is

across the parking lot and is open

and staffed Monday – Saturday, 9 am

to 3 pm. Maps showing the six

walking trails in the park and bird

lists are available and the naturalist

on duty can give you the latest

information on birds in the park. In

winter check Middle Lake from the

pavilion for ducks. Also in winter

check the Alligator Marsh Trail for

Sandhill Crane.

ACBT 6.

Marsh Bridge

Return to State Park Road (BC 2),

turn right (north) and continue to the

intersection with AL 135 [2.5] and

bear to the left (south) at the

intersection. The park headquarters

will be up hill on your right. Continue

south on AL 135 one mile to Marsh

Bridge, the stream is the effluent

from Shelby Lakes and Little

Lagoon. Cross the bridge and there

is parking on the left. Check for

bitterns, rails and winter sparrows.

ACBT 7.

Shelby Lake Picnic Grounds

Continue on AL 135 to the entrance

to the picnic grounds [0.9] where

there is a nominal admission charge.

There are bathhouses, restrooms and

a store. The area closes and the gate

is locked at sunset. Check the main

Great Egret

Canvasback Duck

USFWS Larry W. Richardson

Luther C. Goldman William Vinje, USFWS
12 13

lake for waterfowl in winter, an

occasional rarity has appeared in the

past. Be sure to check the small

lagoon southeast of the easternmost

parking lot. Jon boats are available

for rent at the store but you have to

furnish your own motor.

ACBT 8.

Gulf State Park Fishing Pier

Exit the picnic area to the left (south)

and enter the right lane of AL 135.

Go to AL 182 and turn right at the

traffic light. Move into the left lane

and turn left to the fishing pier in a

short distance [0.3]. Park in the

parking lot, trying to avoid the places

reserved for fisher folk. There is a

small admission for sightseeing,

including birding. The end of the pier

is an excellent viewing point for

seabirds especially in winter. Recent

Christmas Bird Counts have yielded

Red Phalarope and all three scoters

at this site.

ACBT 9.

Little Lagoon Pass

Leaving the fishing pier, turn left

(west) on AL 182 and drive through

the main beach front intersection at

AL 59 and continue to the bridge

over Little Lagoon Pass [4.2]. There

is a parking lot on the right (north)

with restrooms. Little Lagoon is now

essentially surrounded by

development but good birds can be

seen from this little park provided by

the City of Gulf Shores. From here

you may scan a sandbar (north) and

part of Little Lagoon. A fair number

of gulls, terns, Brown Pelican and

occasionally American White Pelican,

and shorebirds are generally found

here. Your chances for rarities

increase during migration; Reddish

Egret occurs here regularly.

ACBT 10.

Wade Ward

Nature Park

Return east on

AL 182 to AL 59,

turn left (north)

and continue two

blocks. On the

right (east) is the

Wade Ward

Nature Park,

owned and

operated by the City of Gulf Shores.

The park offers scenic boardwalks

overlooking canals and coastal salt

marshes. A unique rarity in the midst

of such a vibrant resort city, it is a

relatively new birding site. It offers

ideal habitat for bitterns and rails.

Public parking is available just south

one block east of AL 59 between East

Second and East First Avenue.

This is the end of the Gulf Shores –

Orange Beach Loop. You may

continue northward on AL 59 to the

intersection with AL 180 and the

beginning of the Fort Morgan Loop

or to the north side of the

Intracoastal Waterway and the

beginning of the South Baldwin

County Loop.

Bird Notes

Heron babies

USFWS
14 15

Fort Morgan Loop

Fort Morgan Loop

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

12295 Highway 180

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

334/540 7720

Fort Morgan Historical Park

51 Highway 180 West

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

334/540 7125

The Fort Morgan Loop begins at the

intersection of AL 59 and AL 180 in

Gulf Shores. Much of the Fort Morgan

Peninsula is in the Bon Secour National

Wildlife Refuge, and the extreme

western end is in the Fort Morgan

Historical Park. Other parts of the

peninsula are under intense

development and much of the access is

on private property. Although there are

no motels on the peninsula there are

rental condominiums, beach houses and

bed and breakfast accommodations

available. There are only a few service

stations and restaurants.

ACBT 11.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Travel westward from the intersection

of AL 59 and AL 180. Pass the Jeff

Friend Trail sign on the left (south)

and then the refuge office sign, also on

the left. You may want to stop at the

office for refuge information.

Continue on AL 180 until you see the

Pine Beach Trail sign on the left

(south) [8.8]. Enter the parking lot. An

interpretive kiosk here usually has

trail maps and bird cards. There is a

two-mile trail southeastward to the

beach by way of Little Lagoon and

Alligator Lake. Birding may not be

challenging here but it is an enjoyable

walk through pine-oak scrub and

marshes and dune scrub.

Just west of the parking lot is Mobile

Street an unpaved road leading to a

public parking lot near the gulf

beach. There are in-holdings in this

area so birders should be particularly

careful to respect the private

property here. The road out to the

beach is through marsh and palmetto

habitat with the occasional

opportunity to observe alligators.

Caution is urged in these places,

some of which are fenced to provide a

healthy reminder not to get too close.

There is also good habitat for winter

sparrows and some waders along the

road. The beach provides a vantage

point for Northern Gannett, loons

and other seabirds and shorebirds.

Return to AL 180.

ACBT 12.

The Pines

Continue westward on AL 180 to the

wide open beach and boat ramp at the

site known as the Pines [4.0]. This

provides the best open view of Bon

Secour Bay to the north. If it is a good

winter for ducks (cold enough

northward to force them south) there

can be huge rafts of grebes, ducks and

mergansers. Old Squaw and scoters

have been observed from this point.

Bon 

Secour River

Weeks

Bay

Bon 

Secour Bay

Mobile Bay

Mobile Bay Gulf of Mexico Ferry Route

59

59

98

98

49

27

12

182 180

180

Summerdale

Foley

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores Welcome Center

Mobile

Street

Choctaw

Road

?

14 13 12

11

15

Great Blue Heron

Laura Patrick, USFWS
16 17

ACBT 13.

St. Andrews Bay

Continuing west on AL 180 the pine

woods on the right (north) gives way

to marsh and open water. There will

be a sand track [4.2] leading off to a

boat launch with access to view St.

Andrews Bay and Mobile Bay

beyond. This is a good area for rails

and waterbirds. It is also a good area

to watch for raptors during fall

migration.

ACBT 14.

Pilot Town

Proceed westward on AL 180 to

Pilot Town on the right (north) a

development underway between the

road and Mobile Bay. Turn right [1.0]

on unpaved Choctaw Road and

continue north a short distance to

Muskogee at the next intersection,

turn right over to Cherokee and

follow this along the canal to the end

of the road. This is all private

property but

there are open

spaces to view

the bay and inlet.

Common Ground

Dove is usually

here. It is also a

good place to

watch for

swallows as they

gather for fall

migration.

ACBT 15.

Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan [2.0] is located at the

western extremity of the peninsula

and is an important stopover for

spring and fall neotropical migrants.

This is a classic migrant trap, and a

birding paradise when adverse

weather forces birds down in a

“fallout,” especially in spring. Many

vagrant species find their way to this

favorite birding spot, which can equal

Dauphin Island in excitement. In fall,

hundreds of migrating hawks can be

seen moving west. Winter produces

many waterbirds and sparrows.

Summer is the slowest season, but

can be good for terns. There are

restrooms at the ferry landing and at

the museum plus a snack bar at the

ferry landing.

15A. Stables

Just after the entrance kiosk at the

eastern sea wall, park and bird the

wooded area on the right known as

the Stables[0.2]. This is the best spot

in the park for passerine migrants,

and should be explored thoroughly.

The Hummer/Bird Study Group

maintains their banding station in the

Stables area each April and October

and welcomes visitors.

15B. Ferry Landing

Following the main road to the west,

you reach the landing [0.1] for the

ferry to Dauphin Island, where an

admission fee is paid to enter the

park.

15C. Middle Ground

The brush and scrub opposite the

landing are known as the Middle

Ground, another good migrant spot.

Fields and lawns to the west,

between the ferry landing and the

museum, are excellent for opencountry birds.

Mobile Point

180

15C

15D

15E

Sea Wall

15A

15B

Landing

Strip

Marsh

Stables

Ferry Landing

Fort

Morgan

Middle Ground

Peregrine Falcon

Kim Rawnsley, USFWS

Tree Swallows

S. Maslowski

Ruby-throated

Hummingbird

Easter n Kingbird

USFWS

Fort Morgan-ACBT

Sites 15A-15E

Craig Koppie, USFWS
18 19

Wolf

Bay Bon Secour River

Weeks

Bay

Bon 

Secour Bay

Gulf of Mexico

49

12

20

83

27

24

E. 29

Street

16

19 10

180

98

180

180

182

98

59

98A

Summerdale

Elberta

Magnolia

Springs

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores Welcome Center

Orange Beach 

Welcome Center

Fairhope

Orange

Beach

Foley

18 17

16 22

21

20

20A

19

?

?

South Baldwin

County Loop

15D. The Fort

Look around the fort [0.5], especially

in oleander bushes, for migrants.

15E. Marsh

The marsh and field area south of the

fort can be observed from the sea

wall on the south side. Please take

care around the homes here. Walk to

Mobile Point to the south, either

along the beach or between the dunes

and the marsh. This is a good seawatching spot, and the point itself is

excellent for gulls and terns.

This is the end of the Fort Morgan

Loop. At this point you may either

return to Gulf Shores, perhaps to

rest for the evening, or start the

South Baldwin County Loop or you

may catch the ferry to begin the

Dauphin Island Loop.

Bird Notes

South Baldwin County Loop

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

104 N. McKenzie Street/Highway 59

P.O. Box 1117

Foley, AL 36536

334/943 3291

www.southbaldwinchamber.com

This loop begins at the intersection of

AL 59 and East 29th Avenue, just

north of the Intracoastal Waterway

in Gulf Shores. It is an inland route

with lots of sod farms and other

agricultural operations. Prime

attractions in this area are Upland

and Buff-breasted Sandpipers and

winter sparrows. This section is not

really a loop but several excursions

off AL 59.

Royal Tern

Burt Moore
20 21

ACBT 16.

Mariculture Center

Turn right (east) on East 29th Avenue,

go two blocks, turn right (south) onto

East 2nd Street, drive two blocks and

turn left on Mildred Casey Drive and

continue past the industrial park to the

Claude Peteet Mariculture Center, a

facility operated by the Alabama

Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources, on the left [1.4].

Ask in the office Monday–Friday,

8 am to 5 pm for permission to bird

around the ponds and in the fields. You

may find assorted herons, egrets and

shorebirds on the ponds, but the best

birding here is in the fields for winter

sparrows.

ACBT 17.

Sod Farms

Return to AL 59 and turn right

(north) and continue northward to

BC 12 [4.8]. Turn right (east) and

continue eastward. After about a

mile you will see fields of grass,

sod farms, beginning on the right.

Check these carefully during spring

and fall migration for Upland and

Buff-breasted Sandpipers and for

Snow Geese in winter. There are

many sod farms in this part of

Baldwin County providing

opportunities for good birding.

However, do not drive on any of the

lanes or dirt trails nor interfere with

the operations of the farms. Observe

from the road. A spotting scope gives

a definite advantage here. Continue

on BC 12, passing the Glenlakes

Country Club and subdivision on

the left (north) and noting the small

lake to the right (south). Check the

fields between the lake and the road

for winter sparrows if the grass has

not been cut recently. In a short

distance you will pass Wolf Bay Drive

on the right (south) continue past

this a few hundred yards to a

swampy pond on the left (north)

where Lincoln’s Sparrow has been

seen in recent winters.

ACBT 18.

Glenlakes Country Club

Return along BC 12 (west) to Eagle

Lane and turn right, making your

way through this charming lakeside

neighborhood. Look for waterfowl on

the lake in winter, and waders along

the stream sides. Check all the open

spaces, winter birding here is

sometimes rewarding. Continue

winding your way northward through

the development until you reach

BC 20, turn left and continue west

along BC 20 to AL 59 [2.9], checking

the sod farms as you pass.

ACBT 19.

Magnolia Springs

Landfill

Turn right (north) on AL

59 and continue to US 98

in Foley [2.5]. Turn left

(west) and travel west on

US 98 to BC 49 in

Magnolia Springs [5.0].

Turn right (north) on BC

49 and continue

northward, crossing BC

24 after two miles and

coming to a sharp turn

westward in another 0.5

miles, continue another 0.4

miles to the entrance of

the landfill on the right.

This is a county landfill and is open

Monday–Saturday, 7 am to 3 pm.

Proceed to the second gate and enter

the landfill. Park in the parking area

and stop by the office to ask

permission to bird. While at this site,

take great care not to block or

otherwise interfere with the heavy

machinery. Do not enter the pit area

for any reason. View birds from the

roadside only. Gulls often loaf just

north of the pit in a flat place on the

way to the public dump. And as you

leave the landfill, check the small

ponds on the west side of the entrance

road for ducks and shorebirds.

Snow Goose

Great Black-backed

Gull

Glen Smart

Larry W. Richardson
22 23

ACBT 20.

Weeks Bay

National Estuarine Reserve

Return to Magnolia Springs and turn

right (west) on US 98, proceeding

some four miles to cross the Fish

River and find Weeks Bay National

Estuarine Reserve on the left. The

interpretive center is only a short

distance from the highway and

provides restrooms, bird cards and

other material. Inquire here about

recent sightings. Explore the

boardwalk leading to an observation

platform viewing Weeks Bay. Hours

are Monday–Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm,

and Sunday, 1 to 5 pm. For guided

tours call 334/928 9792.

ACBT 20A.

Mullet Point County Park

Exit the Weeks Bay National

Estuarine Reserve parking lot and

turn left (west) on US 98, continue

approximately five miles to Bryant’s

Landing where US 98 turns abruptly

north. Bear to the left on BC 1, and

proceed approximately 0.4 miles to

the Mullet Point County Park on the

right. There is ample parking,

portable restrooms and picnic

facilities. The Park provides an

excellent view of the Bay from an

elevated perspective. This has been a

good site in the winter for ducks and

waterfowl. Scoter are not uncommon

here in colder weather.

ACBT 21.

Sod Farms and Fields BC 49

Return to Magnolia Springs, turning

right (south) on BC 49, winding

through the little village, crossing

Magnolia River and continuing south

on BC 49, checking the sod farms and

fields along the way. In winter, check

the large flocks of blackbirds for

vagrants, Yellow-headed Blackbird

and Bronzed Cowbird are

possibilities. Check the shorter grass

areas for American Pipit. Shortly

after passing BC 16 on the left [4.6]

check the low area on the right for

geese, Greater White-fronted and

Ross’s have been seen here. Continue

southward on BC 49 to a turn

eastward and a bridge across Skunk

Bayou. This is a good spot for

American Woodcock at winter

twilight and Winter Wren. If you are

here in the evening hours it’s a good

place to try your tapes for owls.

ACBT 22.

Bon Secour Bay

Continue eastward on BC 49, crossing

BC 19 [1.4] to BC 10 [2.2]. Turn right

(southwest) on BC 10 and continue to

River Road, a main street of Bon

Secour. Turn right (west) a few

hundred yards to the waterfront and a

seafood wharf. Park in the parking lot

and scan the bay and the small canal

next to the parking lot. In winter look

for Black-crowned Night Heron in

addition to the usual gulls and terns.

River Road is about a half mile long,

on the waterfront. Return along River

Road, continuing past BC 10 to the

eastern end. Park in an out-of-the-way

location and walk to the shore where

you can look northeast up the Bon

Secour River. In winter look for

Horned Grebe and Eared Grebe is

a possibility, plus Hooded and

Red-breasted Mergansers.

This is the end of the South Baldwin

County Loop. Return northward along

BC 10 following it as it turns right

(east) [2.3] to AL 59 [2.5]. Here you

may turn right to return to Gulf

Shores or turn left (north) to move on

to the Eastern Shore, Mobile Bay

Causeway and Blakeley Island Loop.

Bird Notes

Little Blue Heron

Black- Crowned

Night Heron

American Woodcock

USFWS USFWS

Larry W. Richardson
24 25

Mobile Bay

Polecat

Bay

Grand

Bay

193

193

163

225

104

90

45 43

90A

98 90

90

98

31

27

40

65

10 10

Bay 

Front 

Park 

Drive

98A

Blakeley

River

Prichard

Chickasaw

Daphne

Spanish

Fort

Mobile

Ft. Conde 

Welcome Center Scenic

Overlook/

Eastern 

Shore

Chamber of

Commerce

? ?

Fairhope

31

28

27

25

24

33

29 26

23

32

30

Eastern Shore, Mobile Bay Causeway

and Blakeley Island Loop

Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Drawer 31D

Daphne AL 36526-0310

334/621 8222 or 334/928 6387

www.eschamber.com

This loop covers part of the Eastern

Shore, Fairhope to Daphne, and then

crosses Mobile Bay on the Causeway

(US 90/98) and continues northward

up US 90A to Blakeley Island. The

final site is on US 43 and offers an

opportunity to take a swamp cruise

at the Chickasaw Marina. There are

many accommodations for food and

lodging in the area particularly

around the intersection of US 98 and

I-10 at exit 35.

ACBT 23.

Fairhope Municipal Pier and Beach

This loop begins at the municipal pier

and beach at the west end of

Fairhope Avenue just off US 98A in

Fairhope. There is no charge for the

pier, but there is a charge for entry to

the beach. The pier is a good location

for winter ducks, and the parking

area for Barred Owl.

ACBT 24.

Daphne Bayfront Park

Return to US 98A turning left

(north) and continue along Scenic

Route 98A northward through

Montrose to Daphne turning left

(west) on Bay Front Park Drive [8.0]

(at the juncture with US 98).

Continue to the waterfront [0.4]. This

is a public park (City of Daphne)

open daylight hours. Scan the bay for

ducks, waders and shorebirds (low

tide). Return to US 98A and turn left

(north) and continue northward on

US 98.

ACBT 25.

D’Olive Bay Overlook

This section is heavily developed

commercially. Just before the

intersection with I-10 [1.5] there is an

overlook on the left (west) behind the

Shell service station. This spot

provides an excellent view of D’Olive

Bay below and farther out into

Mobile Bay. Check the bay for ducks

in winter as well as wading birds year

round. The balance of this loop will

generally involve birds at a distance

and a scope is very helpful, if not

necessary.

ACBT 26.

Meaher State Park

Continue north on US 98 across I-10.

You can either turn left (northwest)

on US 98 and go to the next site,

Meaher State Park(skip to next

paragraph for directions to Meaher

Statr Park). Or you can continue

straight for a very short distance,

Easter n Shore,

Mobile Bay

Causeway and

Blakeley Island L oop

Lesser Scaup

Mallard Duck

Laura Patrick James Mattsson
26 27

take the next left onto Larry Dee

Cawyer Drive and stop at the Scenic

Overlook which is atop the hill and

surrounded by a rock wall. Area

information, restrooms and telephones

are available at the Scenic Overlook

which is also the location of the

Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.

Return to US 98, turn right this time

(still northwest) to the junction with

US 90 and US 31 (Mobile Bay

Causeway). Proceed westward on US

90/98/31 to the entrance of Meaher

State Park on the left (south). Picnic

facilities and restrooms are available

here and the park closes at sunset.

Stop at the gate house to pay a

nominal entrance fee and then drive

to the shell road about three-tenths

mile to the boardwalk trail. Park here

(there is a chain across the shell road

at this point) and walk on toward the

boardwalk that extends out into

Mobile Bay. As you approach the

boardwalk watch for sparrows. Many

wading birds can be seen from the

boardwalk, including bitterns and

rails. This is a great place for terns,

including Gull-billed in summer. On

the south side of the island, looking

west into the bay there are often ibis.

American White Pelican finds this a

favorite spot in winter, as do large

rafts of ducks.

ACBT 27.

Chacaloochee Bay

Continue westward on US 90 to the

open area on both sides [2.0] viewing

Chacaloochee Bay to the north and

Mobile Bay to the south. Be

extremely careful of the traffic when

crossing over. This is an excellent

place for ducks in winter and waders

all year on both sides of the road. By

far the most numerous will be

American Coot which winter here by

the tens of thousands. Look for

Mottled Duck, Northern Shoveler,

Canvasback, Lesser Scaup and

Ruddy Duck to mention a few. Look

to the north end of the bay for

American White Pelican and White

and Glossy Ibis. There will be several

more tempting places to stop as you

continue westward. Check them out!

ACBT 28.

Mobile Bay Mudflats

Continue west under

the I-10 interchange.

The best viewing at

this site is during low

tide. Drive to an open

spot in the shore

vegetation on the left

(south) [1.5]. Park

and make your way to the mudflats.

This is a good place to look for waders

and waterfowl in winter. Long-billed

Curlew was found here on one recent

Christmas Bird Count.

ACBT 29.

Battleship Park

Cross over the bridge going

westward and turn into the USS

Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

on the left (south) [1.6]. Admission is

charged per vehicle to enter the park

which entitles you to use the

restrooms in the gift shop. The open

lawns of the park can be excellent for

shorebirds particularly after a rain. A

Long-billed Curlew has been reliable

here for several winters. Bear to the

right as you drive into the park and

toward the southwest you will see a

paved walkway leading to an

observation deck (currently under

repair) overlooking Pinto Pass.

During low tide this area is filled with

herons, egrets, and occasionally ibis,

especially in late summer. Blacknecked Stilt may be around almost

any time of the year at low tide. Gullbilled Tern is here in summer and

Least Bittern often fly across from

one marshy area to the next. During

migration the mudflats are filled with

shorebirds. Look for dabbling ducks

in the shallows and bay ducks farther

out in the deeper water to the south.

Chipping Spar row

USFWS

Blue-winged T eal

Long-billed Curlew

USFWS

USFWS
28 29

There may be numbers of Yellowcrowned Night Herons here with

many immatures in late summer and

Black-crowned year round. Continue

around to the parking lot to the east

side along the bay, checking for gulls

and terns. At the extreme north end,

park and survey the lawn from this

vantage point for the curlew and any

plovers that you might have missed

from the other side.

ACBT 30.

North Pinto Disposal Area

Return to US 90/98 and turn left

(west) continuing to a closed gate on

the left (south) [0.3] leading up to the

top of a dike. Follow the instructions

given under ACBT 32 to notify

Alabama State Docks before birding

this site. Park out of the traffic on the

left and walk up the dike. This is a

dredge refuse disposal area,

frequently graded and turned to

hasten drying of the mud, but there

is usually some water in the ponds.

When there is water this can be an

excellent shorebird spot especially

during migration, with sandpipers,

yellowlegs and dowitchers being seen

regularly. If there is appreciable

water in the winter there may be

ducks.

ACBT 31.

Polecat Bay

Continue northwesterly on US 90/98

to the traffic light at the Bankhead

Tunnel [0.7], where the exit from I-10

merges. Pull to the side of the road

and park on the shoulder well out of

the traffic. Walk toward the water.

This spot gives an excellent view

northward to Polecat Bay. At low tide

there will be an appreciable mud flat

here with lots of shorebirds during

migration. In the winter months

there will be a good sampling of

ducks from this point. Osprey have

nested on the light pole above the

ramp for the past several years.

ACBT 32.

Blakeley Island Mud Ponds

Go north on US 90A. The ponds on

the dikes at Blakeley Island are the

premier shorebirding spots in the

state. Spring and fall migration can

offer looks at hundreds of shorebirds.

It is a reliable place to see a variety

of ducks in winter. The shallow ponds

along the road as you approach the

dikes are often good for shorebirds.

The ponds continue under the bridge,

and these may be reached by turning

left at the approach to the bridge.

Warning! This is a former industrial

waste treatment site and the waters

in these ponds can be extremely

caustic. The ponds are currently

used for the disposal of dredge

materials by the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers and the Alabama State

Docks. Do not leave the road or the

tops of the dikes for any reason!

Entry to the upper ponds is by

permit only and requires the annual

submission of a liability waiver form

to the Alabama State Docks and

notification of a visit beforehand.

Weekdays call 334/441 7085,

weekends 334/441 7777 to notify the

docks of your intention to visit. You

may download the required forms

from the Alabama Ornithological

Society (AOS) web site at

http://www.bham.net/aos/. The forms

may also be obtained at the visitor’s

centers in Gulf Shores and Orange

Beach or at Fort Conde in Mobile.

The forms may be mailed to the

Alabama State Docks (the address

is on the forms) or faxed to:

334/441 7255. The AOS web page also

has a map indicating which ponds

are currently open to visitors.

Insect repellent is in order. Be

advised; any of the following trips

are potentially long, hard, hot walks,

so prepare accordingly.

American Avocet

(winter plumage)

Osprey

Charlie Hiedecker

USFWS
30 31

Tailings

Pond

90

90A

98

10

Mobile

32C

32B

32A

Battleship 

USS Alabama 

Memorial Park

George 

Wallace 

Tunnel

Bankhead

Tunnel

Cochrane 

Bridge

Blakeley

Island

Polecat Bay

Mobile

River

90

31

29

32

30

32A. South Blakeley Disposal Area

Continue north on US 90A to access

point A [1.3]. Park well off the road

near the locked gate across from the

“Bender Yard 9” sign, and leave your

permit sheet visible on the front

dash. Bear to the right as you walk

on the dirt road leading southeast to

the diked pond. At the top of the dike

scan the large ponds in various

stages of management; you must stay

on the perimeter dikes. Best areas

usually are in the northwest and

southwest corners of the pond.

32B. Mud Lakes

Continue northward from the traffic

light to the locked gate [1.8], access

point B, park well out of the way, and

walk the dirt road up the dike.

Continue east on the dike road,

remembering not to leave the dike for

any reason. The best areas for

birding usually are lake numbers

1 and 5 to the south and north of

this dike as you first approach from

the west.

32C. North Blakeley Disposal Area

Continue northward on US 90A to

access point C at the foot of the

Cochrane-Africatown USA bridge,

where you will note a road to the left

(west) with a sign indicating

“Alabama State Docks.” Follow this

under the bridge, carefully examining

any birds that may be in the canals.

As road veers left, take the second

dirt right which leads east to a locked

gate at the base of a dike to the left.

Climb the dike to check the area,

which under the proper conditions,

may produce waterfowl and

shorebirds.

ACBT 33.

Mobile Tensaw Delta Swamp Tour

Return to US 90A and turn left

(north) crossing the CochraneAfricatown USA bridge and

continuing to the intersection with

US 43 [2.0]. Turn right (north) and

continue through Chickasaw to the

Chickasaw Marina on the left (west)

[6.0]. Wildland Expeditions provides

swamp tours up Chickasabogue

Creek exploring parts of the 200,000-

acre Mobile Tensaw Delta aboard the

“Gator Bait”. The tour takes about

two hours and is narrated by

Captain Gene Burrell who points out

the birds and wildlife along the way.

Tours depart at 8 am, 10 am and

2 pm. There is a fee for the tour.

Reservations are recommended. For

more information call 334/460 8206.

American Avocet

(summer plumage)

Yellow -crowned

Night Heron

Mike Boylan

Larry W. Richardson

Snowy Egret

Daivd Hall

Blakeley Island

Mud Ponds
32 33

This is the end of the Eastern Shore,

Mobile Bay Causeway and Blakeley

Island Loop. To proceed on to the

East Mobile River – Tensaw Delta

Loop, continue north on US 43 to

AL 158. Turn left (west) on AL 158

to I-65. Go North on I-65. As you

cross over the Mobile River, you will

have a spectacular view of the water

and forest land below. Continue to

AL 225 at exit 31, where you will go

north on AL 225. Or you can return

to US 90A and go south to the

intersection of US 90 and I-10.

Head west on I-10 to do the Dauphin

Island – Bayou La Batre Loop.

Drive on I-10 to the west side of

Mobile to exit 17-A, AL 193 South.

Go south on AL 193 to Dauphin

Island. Skip over a few pages to the

Dauphin Island – Bayou La Batre

Loop section of this guide for further

directions to the birding sites in

this loop.

Bird Notes

East Mobile River –

Tensaw Delta L oop

Polecat

Bay

Blakeley

River

Grand

Bay

Tensaw

River

Mobile

River

59

59

112

59

287

225

158

43

43

80

96

47

138 7

40

90A

65

86

10

Satsuma

Saraland

Chickasaw

Bay

Minette

Stockton

EXIT 31

Prichard

35

36

37

34

38

East Mobile River – Tensaw Delta Loop

North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

301 McMeans Ave.

P.O. Box 310

Bay Minette, AL 36507

334/937 5665

www.northbaldwinchamber.com

This loop begins at the intersection of

I-65 and AL 225 just south of

Stockton, AL. In this area northeast

of Mobile the waters of the Alabama

and Tombigbee Rivers merge into the

tangled Mobile Delta. Though best

explored by boat, these bottomlands

can be accessed at several points

along the eastern periphery from AL
34 35

ACBT 36.

Cliff’s Landing

One of the best spots in Alabama to

view Swallow-tailed and Mississippi

Kites, spring and summer, is at

Cliff’s Landing south of I-65. Return

to AL 59. Continue southward back

through Stockton, bearing right onto

AL 225, cross I-65 [9.0] to Cliff’s

Landing Road (BC 7) [6.6] on the

right (west). Drive west on BC 7

from AL 225 [1.7] and turn into the

large parking lot. Look for kites and

other raptors across the river to the

west, with best light in the morning.

Return to AL 225.

ACBT 37.

Mobile Tensaw Delta

Wildlife Management Area

Located along the east bank of the

Tensaw River is an 850-acre parcel of

the Mobile Tensaw Delta Wildlife

Management

Area. Purchased

by the U.S.

Army Corps of

Engineers as

part of the

TennesseeTombigbee

Waterway

mitigation this

area is managed

by the Alabama

Department of

Conservation

and Natural

Resources.

To reach the

area continue

southward on AL 225 to BC 86 on the

right (west) [1.9]. Turn onto BC 86

and continue to a fork in the road

[0.8] and bear left and continue to

the wildlife management area at the

end of the road [2.9]. A variety of

habitats may be found on this area

including flooded hardwood bottoms

along the river to upland hardwoods

and pines. Also located on the wildlife

management area is a lake and

225 and AL 59. The main attraction

for birders is the abundance of

breeding songbirds; other species

such as large waders and kites also

can be seen. Early May is the best

time to do this loop. Start at the

northern extreme of this loop, near

Fort Mimms where good woodland

birding may be found and then work

your way southward. Insect repellent

is a must!

ACBT 34.

Holly Creek Landing

From exit 31 on I-65 drive north on

AL 225 to Stockton where AL 225

joins AL 59 [3.7]. Continue

northward on AL 59 to BC 80 [13.0]

and turn left (west) on BC 80. To

reach Holly Creek Landing veer

right on Uniontown Road off BC 80

[1.4]. Uniontown Road becomes Holly

Creek Landing Road at the

intersection with Holly Creek Road

[1.4]. Continue west on Holly Creek

Landing Road, past a road to the

right (north) to the river camp, onto

Holly Creek Landing [1.7]. This is

really back country so prepare

accordingly. The final portion of this

road is best for birding, though it is

unpaved and may be flooded if the

water level is high. Breeding Acadian

Flycatcher and Swainson’s Warbler

are likely finds here in spring.

ACBT 35.

BC 96 & Bachman’s Sparrow

Return to AL 59 and go south to BC

96 [7.4]. Bachman’s Sparrow is

present in the open pine woods along

BC 96 just east of AL 59. After the

first mile, check the woods on either

side of the road for the next half mile.

Please respect private property in

this area. Don’t cross the fences!

Bar red Owl

Bachman ’s Spar row

Mississippi Kite

White Ibis

Nick Milam

USFWS

USFWS

USFWS
36 37

Dauphin Island – Bayou La Batre Loop

Friends of the Dauphin Island

Audubon Sanctuary, Inc.

P. O. Box 1295

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

334/861 2120

www.gulfinfo.com/dibird

Town of Dauphin Island

P. O. Box 610

Dauphin Island, AL 36528

334/861 5524

www.gulfinfo.com/ditown

Dauphin Island is one of the most

popular places on the Gulf Coast for

birding during spring migration. The

Dauphin Island bird card lists 345

species, about 85 percent of the state

list. As a classic migrant trap it can

be an overwhelming experience

during a spring fall out when a cold

front moving southward brings rain

and northerly winds causing birds to

literally fall from the sky. Birding can

Dauphin Island –

Bayou La Batre L oop

Heron

Bay

Mobile Bay

Mississippi Sound

Fowl

River

Bay

Little

Bay

Grand

Bay

Dauphin Island Gulf of Mexico

Mobile Bay

Ferry Route

188

193

193

90

59

Coden

Belt Road

Bellingrath

Road

Bayou 

La Batre

49 Alabama Port

50

47

46

45

44 40

39

41 43

48

Hemley Road

42

peripheral freshwater marshes.

During the nesting season common

species include Red-shouldered

Hawk, Barred Owl, Red-eyed Vireo,

Northern Parula and Prothonotary

Warbler. Swallow-tailed Kite may be

spotted flying along the river banks

just above the tree line. Hunting

season on the management area runs

from mid-October to the end of

February, though nonconsumptive

use is permitted year round. For

more information contact the

Alabama Wildlife and Fresh Water

Fisheries Division at 334/626 5474,

P.0. Box 7245, Spanish Fort, AL 36577.

ACBT 38.

Historic Blakeley State Park

Return to AL 225 and continue

southward to the park entrance [7.5]

on the right (west). Turn right and

get park information at the welcome

station. Follow the road into the site.

Park hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily

and a nominal admission fee is

charged. The park gives easy access

to the usual woodland species in a

pleasant setting.

This is the end of the East Mobile

River – Tensaw Delta Loop. Return

to AL 225 turn right and continue

southward to I-10 and head west.

Continue west on I-10 to exit 17-A,

AL 193 South, to Dauphin Island.

Go south on 193 to the beginning of

the Dauphin Island – Bayou La

Batre Loop.

Bird Notes

Wood Thrush

S. Maslowski
38 39

Aloe Bay Channel

Bayou Aloe Hudson Bay

Indian Bay

Dauphin Island Bay Pass Drury

Confederate 

Pass

Pelican Passage

Mobile Bay

Dauphin Island

Little

Dauphin

Island 

Point Isabel

Indian Mound 

Park

Chugae Point

Omega

Street

Chaumont St

Lackland Iberville

Street

Cadillac

Avenue

Grant St.

Dauphin Beach

Bienville Beach

Bienville Boulevard

Ft. Gaines

Pelican Point

193

Mobile Bay

Ferry Landing

Bienville

Boulevard

44

45

39

40

41

42

43

water tower

midden. The park is

managed by the Marine

Resources Division of the

Alabama Department of

Conservation and Natural

Resources, whose offices

are on the back side

(northeast corner) of the

park. Check in the office

for a tide table, it will be

invaluable in birding for shorebirds

and waders. The ancient live oaks

provide the insects and cover that the

neotropical migrants depend on at

their first landfall. It is not unusual

to see 20 species of warblers here on

a good day. Check the information

box at the north side of the mound

for recent bird sightings and a bird

card for the island. Look northward

from here across the field to the

feeders on the edge of the lawn.

Check for Bronzed Cowbird as well

as Shiney Cowbird that show up

occasionally.

be equally good in the fall but seems

to linger longer. Motels are

conveniently located for birding as

are several excellent restaurants.

Check with either of the above

contacts for further information.

The loop begins at the water tower

on Dauphin Island, at the southern

end of AL 193, covers the forested

east portion of the island, then the

western portion. The loop then

continues across the bridge and

causeway to the mainland and travels

west on AL 188 to Bayou La Batre.

ACBT 39.

Shell Mound

From the water tower drive east on

Bienville Boulevard to Iberville

Street [0.3], turn left and you will see

the Shell Mound straight ahead of

you, to the north. Park on the

shoulder anywhere and explore the

mound, an ancient Indian shell

Painting Bunting

USFWS

Dauphin IslandACBT Sites 39-45
40 41

shore for waders, shorebirds and

seabirds. Ferry landings are always

good for gulls and terns. Continue

past the Estuarium and on around

the east end of Fort Gaines to the

parking lot at the end of the road

[0.9]. This spot provides an excellent

view of the Gulf of Mexico and

Mobile Pass.

Check the jetties for shorebirds.

Ruddy Turnstone and Black-bellied

Plover are common. Marbled Godwit

and Red Knot are fairly regular in

spring along the shore. Bobolinks

frequent the field and underbrush

between the road and the fort

during migration.

ACBT 44.

Airport

Return along Bienville Boulevard

back to the water tower. Continue to

the next intersection and turn right

on Lackland after passing the town

hall on the left. Proceed on Lackland

two blocks to Chaumont, turn left

(west) and continue on Chaumont to

Omega Street. Bear to the right on

the approach to the airport where

there is marsh on both sides of the

road. Continue to the end of the road

and park. Observe the no trespassing

signs for the airport proper. Though

this is a small general aviation strip

there is frequent helicopter traffic

out to the gas wells in the gulf.

Check the marshes carefully for rails.

Clapper Rail is common, Virginia and

Sora are fairly common though

secretive in fall and winter. Yellow

Rail is very rare in winter as is Black

Rail most of the year. Also check the

marshes for Seaside and Nelson’s

Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Check the

ponds and sandbars to the north for

Reddish Egret. In winter scan the

bay for ducks; Horned and Eared

Grebe, scaup, Bufflehead, and

mergansers. Old Squaw is an

occasional visitor. During spring and

ACBT 40.

Goat Trees

After leaving the Shell Mound turn

left (east) at the first road and

continue east on Cadillac Avenue to

Grant Street [0.4]. Park on the

shoulder out of the traffic and bird

the large oaks on the left. Migrants

frequently feed in these trees.

ACBT 41.

Cadillac Square

Turn right (south) on Grant Street

and return to Bienville Boulevard,

across the street you will see Cadillac

Square, a large park with lots of old

live oaks, picnic tables and restrooms.

It is also a good place to bird. In the

spring of 1998, Black-whiskered

Vireo was here for several days.

ACBT 42.

Dauphin Island

Audubon Sanctuary

Continue eastward on Bienville

Boulevard crossing Audubon Street

to the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird

Sanctuary [0.9]. Turn right into the

parking area [100 yds.] During peak

migration in mid-April, you may have

to park in the median on Bienville

Boulevard. Check the information

box in the parking lot for brochures

and study the map. The sanctuary

has 164 acres of largely maritime

pine forest with several miles of

trails. Passerines prefer the oak

grove of the Banding Area to the

extreme east end of the Campground

Trail and the south boundary of the

swamp along the Dune Edge Trail.

Swainson’s Warbler is frequently

found at the Banding Area and

Black-whiskered Vireo may be found

there occasionally.

ACBT 43.

Pelican Point

Continue eastward along Bienville

Boulevard past the ferry landing.

You may want to pause here for the

restrooms and/or look at the far

Scarlet Tanager

S. Maslowski

Prothonotar y

Warbler

USFWS

Black Rail

USFWS
42 43

ACBT 46.

Cedar Point

From the water tower proceed north

on Le Moyne Drive ( AL 193) across

the bridge to the mainland, carefully

driving and looking at the same time.

Do not stop on the bridge, although

the sandbars and shoals will be full of

birds at low tide. When you reach the

end of the bridge at Cedar Point [4.3]

pull over and park on the shoulder,

facing the east. Check any sandbars

that may be visible. Cross the road to

the parking lot on the southwest side

and check the sandbar to the west. It

may have some seabirds as well as

waders. Whimbrel has favored this

spot in the fall. Continue along the

causeway toward the mainland and

shortly you cross Heron Bay Cutoff

Bridge and the bait shop on the right

(east). Check any terns you see

cruising over the marsh; Gull-billed

Tern favors this area in spring and

summer.

ACBT 47.

Bayfront Park

Continue northward on AL 193 to

Bayfront Park on the right (east).

This is a relatively new county park

that affords a good view of the open

bay with some marsh habitat.

Although it is an untried birding spot

it has good prospects. There are

picnic tables and portable restrooms.

ACBT 48.

Bellingrath Gardens

Continue northward on AL 193 to

Alabama Port and the intersection

with AL 188. Bear left (west) on AL

188 and continue to Bellingrath Road

[2.9]. Turn right (north) on

Bellingrath Road, continue to the first

turn to the right into the gardens [4.0]

and proceed to the parking lot [1.0].

The gardens have not been birded

heavily in recent years but offered

good birding in earlier years.

Bellingrath Garden’s literature lists

130 bird species. The entire 900-acre

fall migration check the brush and

trees for passerines, particularly

after a front with strong west winds.

This is the time and place for possible

vagrants.

ACBT 45.

West End

Return to Omega Street, turn right

(south) and proceed to Bienville

Boulevard. Turn right (west) on

Bienville and continue westward

after the boulevard turns to two

lanes.

American Kestrel is common on the

wires during winter. The canals along

the western portion of the drive are

tidal and frequently host egrets,

herons and ibis. There is one record

of White-faced Ibis along here.

Access to the western end of the

island has been restricted. Beyond

St. Stevens Street there are cross

streets leading to the gulf on the

south and the Mississippi Sound on

the north. You may use these to scan

the gulf for seabirds particularly

after a storm when the likelihood

of boobies and gannets is greatest.

The sandbars on the sound side are

ephemeral, changing with the storms.

They frequently host large numbers

of gulls and terns, so check them out

carefully. Check the vacant lots for

Seaside and Nelson’s Sharp-tailed

Sparrows. Return to the water tower.

Note: The above description of the

West End was written before

Hurricane Georges (September

1998). This portion of Dauphin Island

was entirely overwashed by the

storm surge depositing large volumes

of sand, resulting in a beach from

shore to shore. At this writing there

are no canals along the road, but

many new sand bars and inlets.

Birding the area will be different

but still good.

American Kestrel

David Menke, USFWS

Green Heron

USFWS

Norther n Parula

USFWS
44 45

A scope is

essential here.

Although there

will be signs of

traffic on the

dike, please do

not drive on the

dike. Climb to the

top and walk the

eastern dike.

Although this

pond has been

nearly filled with dredge refuse

material, there is water in the far,

northern end. This pond has been

terrific for shorebirds since the

second year after it was built.

American Avocet and Black-necked

Stilt have been present year round

as well as dowitchers, yellowlegs

and the ever present Willet. Least

Tern has nested on the flat sands.

Walk the eastern dike to get a better

view, the birds have been fairly

cooperative. There may be some

ducks on the open water, mostly

Mallard. There is a dike running

north and south partially dividing the

ponds, with much deeper water on

the western end.

You may walk the path along the

southern dike past the dividing dike

to gain a view of the western pond or

walk back down to your vehicle and

drive to the other end. There will be

shorebirds along the edges of this

pond but the main attraction here

is the waterfowl. In winter there

will be large numbers of ducks out

on the water, teal, scaup, Northern

Shoveler, Hooded Merganser and

Ruddy Duck. It is expected that as

time goes by more and more ducks

will find these ponds.

complex is a bird sanctuary and there

is an observation tower overlooking the

Fowl River and salt marsh. Cruises

through the waters of the Fowl River

aboard the Southern Belle are

available at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. The

gardens open at 8 am, closing time is

seasonal. Call Bellingrath Gardens at

334/973 2217 for admission costs to the

gardens and the river cruise. Return to

Bellingrath Road, turn left (south) and

continue back to AL 188.

ACBT 49.

Coden Belt Road

Turn right (west) and proceed to

Clark Road [3.7] in Coden, and turn

left (south) and follow the road to the

water’s edge. Continue westward on

Coden Belt Road. There will be a few

sandbars exposed at low tide which

may be good for shorebirds, gulls and

terns. Occasionally a large flock of

Black Skimmers can be viewed out

over the water. Dunlin and Red Knot

may be found in winter on the

sandbars. If it’s a cold winter there

may be bay ducks out on the water.

ACBT 50.

Bayou La Batre Ponds

Following Coden Belt Road you will

return to AL 188 at the bridge over

Coden Bayou. Turn left (west) and

continue westward on AL 188

through Bayou La Batre. At the first

stop light after crossing the draw

bridge over the bayou on Wintzell

Avenue (AL 188) turn left (west) onto

Little River Road and follow it to a

fork [1.0] where Little River Road

becomes unpaved and Powell bears

left as a paved road. Continue on

Little River Road to the elevated

dikes on the right. These ponds, built

in 1996, are managed by the U.S.

Army Corps. of Engineers for the

town of Bayou La Batre and are used

to store the material dredged from

the Bayou La Batre channel.

Black Skimmers

Eared Grebe

Laura Patrick

Larry W. Richardson
46 47

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is

an exciting cooperative effort that

has involved an impressive mix of

partners to date, including:

Alabama Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources – Coastal Programs Office – Wildlife

and Fresh Water Fisheries Division

Alabama Department of Transportation

Alabama Gulf Coast

Convention and Visitors Bureau

Alabama Ornithological Society

Baldwin and Mobile

County Governments

Baldwin and Mobile

County Municipalities

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Dauphin Island Development Office

Federal Highway Administration

Friends of Dauphin Island Audubon

Sanctuary, Inc.

Gulf State Park

Mobile Convention

and Visitors Corporation

Partners in Flight

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Special thanks to all chambers of

commerce within Baldwin County,

Alabama, individuals and

organizations for whom this project

would not be possible.

Other partners are expected to join

the effort as the Alabama Coastal

Birding Trail project proceeds.

The printing of this brochure was

made possible through a grant from

the Intermodal Surface

Transportation Efficiency Act

(ISTEA).

This is the end of the Dauphin ACBT Partners

Island – Bayou La Batre Loop.

Hopefully your tour of the Alabama

Coastal Birding Trail was a

memorable experience and you will

return again and again to enjoy the

extraordinary birdlife of our area.

Return to AL 188 in Bayou La

Batre. To head for I-10 and

Mississippi, turn left (north) and

take AL 188 to Grand Bay and I-10.

To retrace your path, turn right

(south) and continue eastward on

AL 188 to Alabama Port and the

intersection with AL 193. At this

point you may turn left (north) and

return to I-10 and Mobile. Or, you

can turn right (south) and return to

Dauphin Island. You may want to

stay on the island or take the ferry to

Ft. Morgan.

Bird Notes

USFWS USFWS

Common

Yellowthroat

Indigo Bunting
48 49

exposed to predation from cats or

other domestic animals, or dangers

posed by artificial hazards.

For Participants:

4(a) Respect the interest, rights and

skills of fellow birders as well as

those of people participating in

legitimate outdoor activities. Be

especially helpful to beginning

birders.

4(b) If you witness unethical birding

behavior, assess the situation and

intervene if you think it prudent.

When interceding, inform the

person(s) of the inappropriate

action and attempt, within reason,

to have it stopped. If behavior

continues, document it and notify

appropriate individuals or

organizations.

For Group Leaders:

4(c) Be an exemplary ethical role

model for the group. Teach

through word and example.

4(d) Keep group to a size that limits

impact on the environment and

does not interfere with others

using the same area.

4(e) Ensure that everyone in the

group knows and practices this

code.

4(f) Learn and inform the group of any

special circumstances applicable

to the areas being visited (e.g., no

tape recorders allowed).

4(g) Acknowledge that professional

tour companies bear a special

responsibility to place the

welfare of birds and the benefits

of public knowledge ahead of the

company’s commercial interests.

Ideally, leaders should keep track

of tour sightings, document

unusual occurrences and submit

records to appropriate

organizations.

Group birding,

whether

organized or

impromptu,

requires

special care.

Promote the

welfare of birds

and their

environment.

Respect the law

and the rights of

others.

Ensure that

feeders, nest

structures

and other

artificial bird

environments

are safe.

American Birding Association’s

Code of Birding Ethics

Everyone who enjoys birds and

birding must always respect wildlife,

its environment, and the rights of

others. In any conflict of interest

between birds and birders, the

welfare of the birds and their

environment comes first.

1(a) Support the protection of

important bird habitat.

1(b) To avoid stressing birds or

exposing them to danger,

exercise restraint and caution

during observation, photography,

sound recording or filming.

1(c) Before advertising the presence

of a rare bird, evaluate the

potential for disturbance to the

bird, its surroundings and other

people in the area, and proceed

only if access can be controlled,

disturbance can be minimized and

permission has been obtained

from private land-owners.

1(d) Stay on roads, trails and paths

where they exist; otherwise keep

habitat disturbance to a minimum.

2(a) Do not enter private property

without the owner’s explicit

permission.

2(b) Follow all laws, rules and

regulations governing the use of

roads and public areas.

2(c) Practice common courtesy in

contacts with other people. Your

exemplary behavior will generate

goodwill with birders and nonbirders alike.

3(a) Keep dispensers, water and food

clean and free of decay or disease.

It is important to feed birds

continually during harsh weather.

3(b) Maintain and clean nest

structures regularly.

3(c) If you are attracting birds to an

area, ensure the birds are not

USFWS

Scissor-tailed

Flycatcher

Reddish Egret

John Dindo
50 51

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

was originally the brain-child of Bob

Reid, birder by avocation,

conservationist, avid supporter of

Partners in Flight and member of

the Alabama Ornithological Society

(AOS). After talking to Madge

Lindsay of Great Texas Coastal

Birding Trail fame at a Partners in

Flight meeting, Bob came home and

passed out assignments for an

Alabama Coastal Birding Trail to

coastal members of AOS ... and told

them to send their material to us. As

we were making scant progress,

Larry Goldman, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, became the state

coordinator for Partners in Flight, and

things began to move, especially when

Connie Dickard joined his staff. Then

Herb Malone, President and CEO of

the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention

and Visitors Bureau discovered ecotourism and birders and things really

took off. Through the efforts of all

these participants and a grant from

Intermodal Surface Transportation

Efficiency Act (ISTEA) the Alabama

Coastal Birding Trail has become a

reality. No work on birding in Alabama

can be complete without the

contributions of Dr. Greg Jackson, preeminent Alabama birder, and “keeper

of the records.”...Thanks Greg for your

important part in this work.

John & Jackie Porter, Editors

Dauphin Island, August 1998

Credits

Brown Pelican

Laura Patrick, USFWS

Please follow this code—distribute it

and teach it to others. Additional

copies of the Code of Birding Ethics

can be obtained from:

American Birding Association P.O. Box 6599

Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6599

800/850 2473 or 719/578 1614

member@aba.org

This ABA Code of Birding Ethics

may be reprinted, reproduced and

distributed without restriction.

Please acknowledge the role of

ABA in developing and promoting

this code.

K. King

Royal Tern

The mission of the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service is working with

others to conserve, protect and

enhance fish, wildlife, plants and

their habitats for the continuing

benefit of the American People.
52

Alabama Gulf Coast

Convention & Visitors Bureau

P.O. Drawer 457

Gulf Shores, AL 36547

800/745 SAND or 334/968 7511

www.gulfshores.com

Mobile Convention &

Visitors Corporation

P.O. Box 204

Mobile, AL 36601 0204

800/5 MOBILE or 334/208 2030

www.mobile.org

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Daphne Field Office

P.O. Box 1190

1208-B Main Street

Daphne, AL 36526

334/441 5181

www.fws.gov

May 2001

Cover: Reddish Egret by A. Morris ©