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:

Friday, October 4, 2024

6:30am - 2:00pm: Mobile Bay, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Research Vessel Alabama Discovery Cruise

Join marine biologists from Dauphin Island Sea Lab for a cruise aboard the Alabama Discovery research vessel. Learn the Bay's history, ecology, and value, perhaps spotting bottlenose dolphins while seeing the Sand Island Lighthouse up close, and view specimens caught in a trawl net. You'll see a variety of terns and gulls and might spot a Northern Gannet or Magnificent Frigatebird. Includes a stop at the Alabama Aquarium on Dauphin Island. Snacks provided. 'Requires notarized form to board vessel, which will be emailed to you upon registration.

Meet at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center to get on the chartered bus
Price: $70

6:30am - 12:00pm: Birding and Banding Tour at Historic Fort Morgan on Mobile Bay

Great birdwatching and a chance to see bird banding in action! This charter bus trip will take you to historic Fort Morgan, a designated globally important bird area and an eBird hotspot. From shorebirds along edge of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to southbound neotropical migrants seeking the security of the wooded Stables area, this site is full of potential for a strong compilation of species. The Fall is the prime opportunity to spot migrating hawks over the open fields and dune habitat. Then, stop by a Banding Coalition of the Americas' bird banding site to see warblers, vireos, grosbeak and more up close and personal. Snacks provided. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.

Meet at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center to get on the chartered bus
Price: $70

6:45am - 9:45am: Bayfront Park and Village Point Park Preserve

These two parks on the northeast tip of Mobile Bay are together a favorite spot for birders and commercial bird tour operators from around the world! They form a single eBird hotspot at which 267 species of birds have been found. Look out from the piers to see the upper bay where shorebirds, gulls, terns, and herons frequent the mudflats. The swamps hold a variety of rails, including Virginia. Along paths through river bottom hardwoods, look for groups of migrant warblers, including Cerulean, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green, and Canada warblers. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.

Meet at Village Point/Bayfront Park in Daphne, AL
Price: $25

7:00am - 9:00am: Orange Beach Pontoon Boat Tour - New This Year!

Explore the beautiful bay area of Orange Beach aboard the City's pontoon boat. This tour departs from the City's Office of Coastal Resources (4697 Walker Avenue) and visits Robinson, Bird and Walker Islands to observe a variety of coastal birds, including Brown Pelicans, Laughing Gulls, Osprey, and Green Herons. And maybe a dolphin or two will make an appearance!

Meet at the City of Orange Beach’s Office of Coastal Resources
Price: $35

7:00am - 9:00am: Meaher State Park Birding and Photography Tour - New This Year!

Located just across from 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Meaher State Park has plenty of birds to see and capture on "film". From the boardwalks overlooking the vast wetlands of Mobile Bay, birders and photographers may see a wide variety of bird species, including Tri-colored and Little Blue herons, Snowy Egrets, Common and Purple gallinules, Clapper Rails, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Belted Kingfishers, and many others. Check overhead for Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and a variety of gulls and terns, possibly including less commonly seen Black Terns and Gull-billed Terns. Check the trees between the parking area and the boardwalk for migrating warblers and resident songbirds (and bunnies).  

Meet at Meaher State Park
Price: $25

7:00am - 10:30am: Gaillard Island Eco Tour - New This Year!

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

7:30am - 1:00pm: Dauphin Island/Trans Gulf Migration Tour

Experience the Fall migration on Dauphin Island, America's "Birdiest City" and one of the top four locations to view the Fall migration in North America. Visit prime birding spots, including the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Goat Trees Reserve and the Indian Shell Mound Park, each an eBird Hotspot. These sites can be fabulous in October for spotting migrant flycatchers, vireos, thushes, warblers, tanagers, and grosbeaks, as well as vagrant (out-of-place) birds and other rarities. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.

Meet at Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Price : $30

12:00pm - 3:00pm: 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

1:00pm - 3:00pm: The Plants of the Fish River Nature Preserve - New This Year!

Bring on the botany! Discover the rich botanical diversity of South Alabama Land Trust's Fish River Nature Preserve. Explore a variety of habitats, from longleaf pine woodlands to riverine wetlands. Learn to identify native plants and understand their roles in their ecosystems. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or a beginner, this tour offers an educational and inspiring experience in one of South Alabama's most beautiful natural settings. Bring your camera and notebook to capture and record your observations. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray.

Meet at the Nature Preserve
Price : $20

2:00pm - 4:00pm: Birding Basics and Binoculars Workshop

This workshop will help birders build a foundation of identification skills and help them feel more confident heading out on their next birding adventure! Topics include: identifying field marks, using behavior and habitat to help aid in identification, general-impression-size-shape ID, and how to choose and use the appropriate gear for your birdwatching needs. Various binoculars and scopes will be available to try, and participants are encouraged to bring their own gear. This workshop will also include a bird walk around 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center

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

3:30pm - 5:00pm: Lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta Pontoon Boat Tour

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is the second largest delta in the U.S. and one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the world. The Delta Explorer pontoon boat is a comfortable way to see the beauty of the Delta and the abundance of its wildlife, such as Bald Eagles, Ospreys, several varieties of herons, gallinules, and, of course, alligators. A variety of terns and gulls abound. You will see first-hand the value of land conservation in the Delta.

Departs from 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center Bartram Landing
Price: $35

5:00pm - 7:00pm: Weeks Bay Sunset Cruise

Soak up nature and take in a spectacular sunset view on board 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. The Weeks Bay Reserve is a stop on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Bald Eagles and osprey are common in this part of the estuary. To date, the Reserve has protected over 9,000 acres of land in the estuary.

Meet at Weeks Bay Tonsmire Resource Center
Price: $35

Saturday, October 5, 2024

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

Sunday, October 6, 2024

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

Date: October 4 - 6, 2024

Location: Five Rivers Delta Resource Center,

30945 Five Rivers Boulevard,

Spanish Fort, AL

Click here for more information