The Alabama Gulf Coast is a beautiful place with a rich ecosystem that supports a wide variety of bird species. From the coastline to the wetlands, there are many opportunities to observe and appreciate these winged creatures. Whether you are a birding enthusiast or just starting out as a birdwatcher, you’ll discover a paradise on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
If you’ve ever been to a beach, you know you’re going to encounter shore birds during your visit. Sandpipers, great blue herons, laughing gulls, ring-billed gulls and pelicans are commonly seen along our coast.
The Coastal Birding Trail covers 200+ miles in its six birding loops in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Learn about the variety of feathered neighbors in each loop’s particular ecological acreage.
The birds you’ll see along the trail are as varied as the ecosystems you encounter. Some of the most often spotted birds include yellow-rumped warblers, European starlings, laughing gulls, American robins, American coots, red-breasted mergansers, turkey vultures, Foster’s terns, mourning doves, brown-headed nuthatches, northern mockingbirds, tri-colored herons, white ibis and sanderlings.
When you encounter birds at the beach, please keep your distance and do not feed them. It is not healthy for our winged friends to view people as providers of food. Be sure to properly dispose of food wrappers and other trash because birds will mistake it for food and become ill or injured by eating it.
Enjoy the sightings, but please keep our wildlife safe while you do.