I was looking for an ideal beach vacation for my family as I researched Alabama’s Beaches, and in my quest, I found a hidden treasure. I found a destination with a population of birds that would excite any bird lover. As an avid birder, I had been looking for the perfect destination to add new specimens to my bird life list. Alabama has more than 430 bird species, and the state has many committed bird trails that can keep a birding enthusiast busy for days.
Birding Spots on Alabama's Beaches
Eagle Cottages in Gulf State Park
Eagle Cottages in Gulf State Park
Alabama’s Coastal Birding Trail has become one of my personal favorites, and each season brings its own set of feathered friends. I found myself nestled into Gulf State Park at the Eagle Cottages for my week-long outdoor adventure; it was like being tucked into paradise. Beside our cottage was a large osprey nest where the pair was waiting on hatchlings. Each morning I took my cup of coffee out to the screened-in porch to watch the sunrise and the osprey fish for breakfast.
Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park
After my morning ritual of watching my neighbors, I would hop on one of the bikes provided by the cottage and head out for a ride, and one doesn’t have to go far within Gulf State Park to find one of the many birds within the park. All the trails are connected by paved paths and elevated wooden bridges for easy access to the nine vibrant ecosystems.
Eagle Loop Trail
Eagle Loop Trail
With my binoculars and a park map in hand, I trekked through the coastal trail looking for some remarkable finds. Eagles are abundant and easily viewed from the boardwalk on the main trail. I was there in March, and the hatchlings were demanding their dinner. You can often spot eagles nesting along the Eagle Loop trail within the park, which is just off the State Park Rd.
Lake Shelby
Lake Shelby
While exploring the park, head to the beautiful Lake Shelby. Here you can get a good look at the coastal waterfowl that call this part of the state home. Blue heron, coots, kingfishers, and cormorants are plentiful, and if you are lucky, you can take some great photos of them here along the water. You can get a closeup look at wildlife by renting a kayak and paddling around the lake. If you prefer to stay on dry land, take a seat at one of the picnic tables surrounding the lake and watch for birds flying overhead or looking for a meal along the lake's edge.
Beach
Beach
My birding adventures were not limited to the wooded marsh areas of the park; just a short walk from the park was the stunning shoreline of Alabama's Beaches. Breezes off the water met me as I stepped onto the sand and pulled up my binoculars to scan the horizon. Seagulls cried at me, and sandpipers ran to and fro in the foam left from the crashing waves as I slowly moved along the beach. It was like heaven.
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
Before leaving the beach, I casually strolled to the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier to see what finds were to be had there. The vast blue saltwater was all around me, and taking in the birds from this perspective was surprising. Osprey had flown over from their nests in the marsh to the Gulf to fish, putting on quite a show! Pelicans often hang around the pier hoping to snag a bite to eat from an angler catching their own dinner.
Guided Trail Walk
Guided Trail Walk
Taking the opportunity to bird with one of the park's naturalists was high on my list, and since we stayed on the property, we added this experience to our stay. We were picked up at our cottage and taken off trail to a part of the park where we were treated to a little warbler haven. These fast little birds were flitting and flying all through the brush and tall grass! Our guide pointed out as many as he could as they vocalized around us.
More Birding Adventures
When our time along the Alabama Gulf Coast came to an end, I was surprised at how much we still had yet to see and explore. Dauphin Island’s Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Fort Morgan were on the list, but we ran out of time before we could get there. That just means we will need to get back to Alabama's Beaches again soon. How many days do you need to bird along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail? My best sage birding advice is as many as you can.
Brandy Gleason
Brandy Gleason writes about family-friendly adventures with a special emphasis on educating, encouraging and helping others develop a love for the outdoors. Read about her travels on Gleason Family Adventure.
