nature

6 12, 2019

Help nesting birds on the Alabama Gulf Coast

By |2019-11-12T13:32:24+00:00December 6th, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

There are many threats and dangers for nesting birds along the Alabama Gulf Coast beaches, dunes and barrier islands. Beach-nesting birds like the Wilson’s plover, least tern, snowy plover and black skimmer all encounter hurdles, including storms and other natural disasters, as well as loss of habitat due to coastal development, off-road vehicles and people. Although each of those has contributed to their decreasing population, there are measures we can take to help these birds thrive once again. American Bird [...]

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3 10, 2019

Fall Birding Opportunities to Enjoy on the Alabama Gulf Coast

By |2019-09-22T02:24:24+00:00October 3rd, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

The Alabama Gulf Coast is a bird-watching paradise. Many birds make the coast a temporary home in the fall and winter as they migrate south, taking time to rest and refuel before making the long trip across the Gulf of Mexico. Year-round and seasonal feathered residents include many species of pelicans, herons, egrets, ibises, waterfowl, hawks, rails, gallinules and so much more. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is one of eight trails throughout the state of Alabama. This trail offers [...]

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29 07, 2019

3 reasons you should resist feeding birds at the beach

By |2019-07-23T11:03:01+00:00July 29th, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

When you visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you’re apt to encounter many feathered friends during your visit. To respect and help protect these species, one of the best things you can do is refrain from feeding birds along our coastline. Although sharing your snacks with the birds may seem harmless or even kind, the practice can be harmful to them, to other native species and even to humans. 1) Protecting the birds Every species has a different diet, and [...]

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17 05, 2019

Nesting sea turtles need a clean beach

By |2019-05-17T02:23:33+00:00May 17th, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

May marks the beginning of sea turtle nesting season on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and although we have seen an increasing number of sea turtles being born and returning to nest over recent years, we have also seen the unthinkable. You may remember the female sea turtle who was found in the surf with her neck attached to a beach chair. Or you may have heard the horrifying news of a group of tourists caught on camera looting sea turtle [...]

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27 03, 2019

An Introduction to Gulf State Park Through the Interpretive Center

By |2019-03-27T18:59:20+00:00March 27th, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

Baldwin County, Alabama is home to one of the most beautiful parks in our state: Gulf State Park. This park’s popularity brings in more than 2 million visitors a year to enjoy amenities such as the campgrounds, trails, nature center, and the beaches (of course!). In 2013, a multi-year facelift, The Gulf State Enhancement Project, began on the park. The goal is to make the park more accessible to visitors as well as expand its impact on the environment and [...]

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27 12, 2017

Four tips to be an eco-friendly angler

By |2017-12-27T22:48:39+00:00December 27th, 2017|Blog|0 Comments

Winter is an excellent time to hit the waters of the Alabama Gulf Coast. With mild temperatures and great fishing, boaters can enjoy the gulf and our bays year-round. But there are steps you should take to protect those waterways while you’re out. First, report any leaking-fuel incidents you see while out boating. Anyone witnessing an oil spill, chemical release or maritime security incident should call the National Reporting Center hotline at 800-424-8802. Watch out for the spread of aquatic [...]

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12 07, 2017

Why you shouldn’t feed the birds at the beach

By |2017-07-12T15:30:38+00:00July 12th, 2017|Blog|0 Comments

We’ve probably all done it: throw a torn-off piece of bread into the air for sea gulls to swoop down and catch in their beaks. In fact, it’s kinda fun. Cheetos and crackers, too. But the next time you are tempted to feed the birds, don’t. Just don’t. There are reasons for this. First, it’s dangerous to someone holding out their hand to the sharp peck of a gull’s beak. Second, it makes these beautiful creatures become a nuisance. They [...]

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15 03, 2017

Learn cool ways to preserve beach treasures

By |2017-03-15T14:43:00+00:00March 15th, 2017|Blog|0 Comments

Are you a beachcomber? Are you always on the lookout for a unique shell, sand dollar or piece of driftwood? There is some cool stuff along our beaches, no doubt about it. But just how do you protect and preserve those little treasures you pick up on your morning walk? Glad you asked! The first step is to keep them clean. Soak a sand dollar in fresh water and change the water frequently until it stays clear. Then soak the [...]

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