Alabama Coastal BirdFest

About the Event

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:

6:30am -1:00pm: Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge

This 19,300-acre Refuge is a treasure because it is the only remaining habitat for the Mississippi Sandhill Crane and because of its beauty. This chartered bus tour departs promptly at 6:30am. The wet pine savanna habitat, where Sandhill Cranes call home, is one of the most species-diverse plant communities in North America. A local naturalist will lead 1.5 mile walking tour on the Fontainebleau Nature Trail, an excellent spot for birding. In addition to Sandhill Cranes, participants can expect to see shrikes, mockingbirds, and warblers. The visitor center will be open. Bag lunch provided. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.

Meet at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center to get on the chartered bus
Price: $65

7:00am - 9:00am: Early Morning Weeks Bay Pontoon Boat Cruise - New This Year!

Grab some coffee and enjoy an early morning cruise aboard the Weeks Bay Explorer pontoon boat. Led by experts from the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, you will learn about the importance of this estuary in supporting young marine life and healthy bird habitats. Bald Eagles and Osprey are common in this part of the estuary. Along the shores look for Snowy, Cattle, and Great egrets, as well as Great and Little Blue herons. Search the shoreside reeds for Seaside Sparrows and Clapper Rails, and the trees for migrating warblers. To date, the Reserve has protected over 9,000 acres of land in the estuary. This tour is a great opportunity to witness habitat preservation first-hand.

Meet at Weeks Bay Tonsmeire Resource Center
Price: $35

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 Bartam Landing
Price: $180

8:00am - 10:30am: Biking Through Nature at Gulf State Park - New This Year!

Enjoy the sights of Gulf State Park by bike! The guide will lead the group through the back trails of Gulf State Park, stopping along the way to observe birds, other animals and plants unique to this coastal habitat. Participants may see Bald Eagles, ospreys, killdeer, mockingbirds, Boat Tail Grackles, Catbirds, Cormorants, doves, gulls, Willets, Anhingas, pelicans, and loons, as well as alligators, marsh rabbits, armadillos, hispid cotton rats, a variety of snakes, otters, and Gopher Tortoises. Approximately 6-7 miles on flat terrain. Bring water, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.

Meet at the head of the Oak Ridge Trail in Gulf State Park
Price: $25

8:00am - 10:00am: Weeks Bay Kayak Tour - New This Year!

Experience Weeks Bay up close and personal by kayak! Led by Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve staff, this 2-hour tour will take you along the shoreline of the bay and different parts of the estuary. Launch at the Weeks Bay Reserve Tonsmeire Resource Center's ADA accessible kayak launch. Learn about the important role of the estuary and the Reserve's conservation work. Bald Eagles, osprey and Brown Pelicans are common sightings in this area. Kayaks and personal flotation devices will be provided. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. Must sign a liability waiver that will be provided after registration.

Meet at Weeks Bay Tonsmeire Resource Center
Price: $30

8:00am - 1:00pm: Gulf State Park Walking Bird and Nature Tour, Gulf Shores, AL

Get out your binoculars, stretch your legs and explore Gulf State Park's diverse ecosystems, including beaches, maritime forests and pine savannas. Guides will show you the park's diverse species, including resident and migrating birds and several rare, threatened, or endangered species (see description of Gulf State Park Biking and Birding Tour). Learn the importance of conserving this unique area that is crucial to biodiversity and coastal resilience. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. Pack your own lunch or snack.

Meet at Gulf State Park Pavilion
Price: $35

9:00am - 1:00pm: Nature Expo

Explore the flora and fauna that South Alabama has to offer through the free, fun, and family-friendly indoor and outdoor Nature Expo! Exhibitors at the Expo (local environmental groups, non-profits, government agencies and some commercial vendors) will present fun activities and exhibits focused on Alabama's wildlife, local conservation efforts, nature, and more! Two live raptor shows presented by the Mobile County Environmental Studies Center will begin at 10:00AM and 12:00PM. Get on board Blakeley State Park's Delta Explorer pontoon boat to explore the magnificent Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Boat tours depart from 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center at 9:00AM, 10:30AM, and 12:30PM. Donations for the boat tours are appreciated, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Price: FREE

9:30am - 11:30am: Mid-Morning Weeks Bay Pontoon Boat Tour - New This Year!

Grab some coffee and enjoy an early morning cruise aboard the Weeks Bay Explorer pontoon boat. Led by experts from the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, you will learn about the importance of this estuary in supporting young marine life and healthy bird habitats. Bald Eagles and Osprey are common in this part of the estuary. Along the shores look for Snowy, Cattle, and Great egrets, as well as Great and Little Blue herons. Search the shoreside reeds for Seaside Sparrows and Clapper Rails, and the trees for migrating warblers. To date, the Reserve has protected over 9,000 acres of land in the estuary. This tour is a great opportunity to witness habitat preservation first-hand.

Meet at Weeks Bay Tonsmeire Resource Center
Price: $35

10:00am - 10:30am: Outdoor Classroom: Birds and Our Environment - New This Year!

This workshop, geared toward BirdFest and Nature Expo participants of all ages, looks at why we need birds and how they affect our environment. Participants will be led in a discussion about why and how they can play a part in protecting birds in our environment. The group will then take a walk through three different habitats around the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center property to experience the magical presence of both migratory and native birds with an inside look at food and shelter provided naturally and by humans.

5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Price: FREE

11:00am - 11:30am: Outdoor Classroom: Birds and Our Environment - New This Year!
 
This workshop, geared toward BirdFest and Nature Expo participants of all ages, looks at why we need birds and how they affect our environment. Participants will be led in a discussion about why and how they can play a part in protecting birds in our environment. The group will then take a walk through three different habitats around the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center property to experience the magical presence of both migratory and native birds with an inside look at food and shelter provided naturally and by humans.

5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Price: FREE

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

1:00pm - 2:30pm: Birding with Apps and by Ear Workshop - New This Year!

This workshop at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center will teach you how to use two well-known apps to assist in identifying birds: eBird and Merlin Bird ID. After instruction inside, you will head outdoors to put your new skills to work. Birding experts will share tips on how to "bird by ear". Master the sounds of some common species and get tips on building your audio memory.

Meet at Tensaw Theatre at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Price : $15

1:00pm - 3:30pm: 5 Rivers to Meaher State Park Kayak Tour

Launch from the kayak launch at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center's Bartram Landing in Spanish Fort AL with WildNative Tours. Floating amongst the marsh, watch and learn about a variety of wildlife including alligators, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, herons, cormorants, pelicans, and nutrias. US history is deep and colorful in this region, and so is WildNative Tour's commentary, including points on the history, geology, ecology and characters of the Delta. Includes guide, boat, PFD, and paddle. Kayak Launch is ADA accessible. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.

Meet at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center Bartam Landing
Price: $60

6:00pm - 9:00pm: BirdFest 20th Anniversary Celebration Reception and Keynote Address

Let's celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Alabama Coastal BirdFest and Nature Expo at an evening reception at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center! In addition to heavy hors d'oevres, wine, beer, soft drinks and dessert, the evening with feature remarks by Christopher Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, followed by a brief QandA session. After the reception, hear from this year's keynote speaker, Christopher Joe, avid birder and founder of Connecting with Birds and Nature Tours, LLC, a nature and birding tour enterprise located on the Joe's 200-acre family farm in Newbern, AL.

5 Rivers Delta Resource Center
Price: $65

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