Alabama’s Gulf Coast Is a Great Place to Birdwatch During the Spring

February 2023

Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast is in the direct path of migratory birds during their spring return to the north. Over the next few weeks, visitors to the area will have the opportunity to see herons, pelicans, seagulls and other birds stopover in Fort Morgan, Dauphin Island and Theodore. Plan your trip now to take in the exquisite beauty of these creatures.

Where to Birdwatch

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail encompasses both Baldwin and Mobile counties, and is a great place to catch pelicans flying in formation or diving for food. There are more than 50 birding sites within the trail’s system with directional signage to guide you through the trail and you’ll find plenty of restaurants offering local cuisine along the way. 

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is made up of 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat for migratory birds, sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse. The refuge has been named one of the 10 Natural Wonders of Alabama because of its wild, undeveloped land. More than 370 species of birds have been identified at Bon Secour during migratory seasons. Visitors can explore the area by walking one of the five trails within the refuge.

Dauphin Island

You will want to take the Fort Morgan Ferry across Mobile Bay to Dauphin Island. This coastal area is known as one of the best places in the state for migratory bird watching. In 1988, the town and island were designated as bird sanctuaries. 

Bellingrath Gardens

This area was originally the fishing camp of Walter Bellingrath, who made his fortune bottling Coca-Cola in Mobile. In 1932, the grounds and gardens were opened to the public.  As an avid gardener, Mrs. Bellingrath's dream was to create a “Charm Spot of the Deep South.”  The couple constructed a 10,500-square-foot mansion around a central courtyard on their 65-acre estate. You’ll see a variety of migratory birds as you stroll through the tranquil setting that’s filled with seasonal flowers year-round. 

Where to Eat

After a full day of birdwatching, you will want to make sure that you take in the local cuisine, and there are several options for “sampling the flavors” of the Gulf Coast: 

Original Oyster House, Gulf Shores

The Original Oyster House has become the “must-go-to” place for great fresh Gulf seafood, service and Southern hospitality, and for its panoramic waterfront sunsets. A top spot for hand-shucked and fire-grilled oysters (Causeway location), the Original Oyster House has also become legendary for its homemade gumbo, cheesy grits with blackened shrimp as well as handcrafted desserts including its famous peanut butter chocolate chip pie.

Lighthouse Bakery, Dauphin Island

Catch breakfast at this island bakery. They have a variety of handmade items on the menu and everything is baked fresh daily onsite.  They offer fresh ground coffee, mouth-watering pastries, and on the weekends, omelets. For lunchtime, they offer deli sandwiches.

Magnolia Cafe, Bellingrath Gardens

While visiting the Gardens, stop for lunch onsite at Bellingrath’s Magnolia Cafe. Their rotating menu offers a variety of salads, sandwiches and hot meals seven days a week. 

 

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