Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
The beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast is no secret. Residents and guests alike enjoy the natural elements Alabama’s beaches offer. However, humans aren’t the only ones who love to explore Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, as you can find plenty of stunning coastal birds here. When you’re on the hunt for the perfect piece of paradise to watch these beautiful birds, consider these five places perfect for birders.
Alabama Point
Alabama Point beach access offers birders fantastic viewing opportunities for birds as well as boats. Snowy Plovers are known to nest on the east side of this area near the dunes. A popular fishing spot, shore and wading birds hang around the seawall and jetties on the western access, looking for a spare bite to eat. This public beach has paid parking and restrooms. To access the sea wall, turn left once crossing the bridge. To visit the beach, make a right over the bridge.
Gulf State Park Pavilion
With covered seating, picnic tables, restrooms, and a snack bar, The Pavilion is excellent for watching seabirds. During the winter, migratory birds like the Northern Gannet can be spotted at this beach access. Birders may also see plovers and peeps along the beach. The Pavilion has paid parking.
Nature Center
Nestled inside Gulf State Park, The Nature Center is a living museum that showcases native plants and animals. Inside, you’ll see creatures such as turtles and baby alligators, as well as a few rehabilitated birds. The Naturalists at the center can offer tips for birding in the park and provide birding checklists. The Nature Center is free and offers parking.
Lake Shelby
Believed to be the closest body of freshwater to a body of saltwater, Lake Shelby offers birders an abundance of opportunities to see waterfowl and gulls in the cooler months. During the summer, Kingbirds and Black Terns can be spotted. The lake is free to visit and has a picnic area, parking, and restrooms.
Fishing & Education Pier
For those looking to watch seabirds, Gulf State Park’s Fishing and Education Pier is the place for you. Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, this pier offers a prime viewing spot for gulls and terns as well as ruddy turnstone, sanderlings, and herons. For $2, guests can walk along the pier and enjoy the incredible view. You may also spot a variety of sea life, as the pier is a popular fishing spot.
Wade Ward Nature Park
On the east side of Highway 59 in Gulf Shores sits Wade Ward Nature Park. The public park offers boardwalks that run along coastal salt marshes. This scenic spot provides Bitterns and Rails with an optimal habitat. Parking is available one block south between East Second and East First Ave.
Little Lagoon Pass Park
Little Lagoon Pass Park is a popular spot for shore anglers due to its shallower, calm waters. This attracts local birds like pelicans, terns, and gulls searching for an easy meal. On the north side of the lagoon, you can scan the sandbar for shorebirds and migratory birds. This beach access has paid parking and restrooms.
Jeff Friend Trail
Fort Morgan is home to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest underdeveloped areas on the land along the Gulf Coast. Inside the refuge is the Jeff Friend Trail. This one-mile loop leads to Little Lagoon and includes maritime forest and freshwater marsh habitats. The trail includes an observation deck and is an excellent spot to scope out the water. Look for Yellow-Billed Cuckoos, Summer Tanagers, and Northern Parula in the summer and Osprey, Sandwich Tern, and Swallows in the spring. During winter, you may come across Bufflehead, Common Loons, and Horned Grebe. Parking is free at this trail access.
Pine Beach Trail
About 1.5 miles west of the Jeff Friend Trail is the Pine Beach Trail. This trail features a two-mile trek southeast towards the beach. During your walk, you’ll venture through oak mottes, sand pine scrub, fresh and saltwater marshes, dunes, and beaches. The Pine Beach Trail is a prime spot for birding during migration. Common birds seen during this time are Red-eyed Vireo, American Redstart, and various warblers in woodland areas and Red-breasted Merganser, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons near the shores of Little Lagoon. You’ll also find an observation deck along the trail, where you can scout for Sora, Common Yellowthroat, and Swamp Sparrow. Other species visible along the trail include Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, and Prairie Warblers. Once you reach the beach, keep an eye out for snowy plovers, as this is a nesting area. Pine Beach Trail offers free parking and an interpretive kiosk with trail maps and bird lists.
Mobile Street
A little way passed the Pine Beach Trail entrance is Mobile Street. This road offers access to a parking lot leading to a public beach. You’ll make your way through marsh and palmettos when heading to the beach, where you may see winter sparrows and waders. Once at the Gulf, look for Common Loons, Northern Gannets, and Common Ground-Doves.
Historic Fort Morgan
During spring and fall migration, dozens of migrant species flock to the grounds of Historic Fort Morgan on their journeys to escape the cold. Birds like hawks, waterbirds, sparrows, and terns can be spotted resting in the area. One of the best spots to view birds is the Stables, located near the eastern sea wall. Here you’ll find a variety of passerine migrants enjoying the comfortable coastal weather. During spring and fall, The Audubon Birding Society hosts a banding station event that visitors are welcome to attend. There is an $8 entrance fee to Historic Fort Morgan.
Fall and spring along the Gulf Coast of Alabama provide ideal opportunities for birdwatching. Learn more about the best birding spots and species found on Alabama's Beaches by ordering an Alabama Coastal Birding Trial Guide Book!
