Wildlife

5 01, 2023

Birding in Winter

By |2023-01-01T16:58:07+00:00January 5th, 2023|Blog|0 Comments

Most connect birdwatching with spring and fall because of migration. While those are very popular seasons to birdwatch, rest assured you will spot some feathered friends that make Alabama their home during the winter. Along with the common shore bird, you are likely to spot these in these cooler months: bufflehead common loon horned grebe Virginia rail sora marsh wren common yellowthroat boat-tailed grackle When figuring out where to go for the best opportunities at birdwatching, the Alabama Birding Trail [...]

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20 02, 2022

Be Respectful to Wildlife

By |2022-09-22T09:46:59+00:00February 20th, 2022|Blog|0 Comments

It’s essential to respect all wildlife you encounter along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The Leave, Only Footprints initiative is about keeping the Alabama Coast clean, safeguarding the ecosystem, and protecting wildlife and their habitats. Are you wondering how to respect wildlife along Alabama’s Gulf Coast? It’s pretty simple! Observe wildlife from a distance. Harassing wildlife wastes the energy that they need to survive. If you disrupt their habitat, it may become unusable, and the animals will be forced into unsafe situations. [...]

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13 07, 2021

Sea turtle season is in full swing

By |2021-07-13T15:11:50+00:00July 13th, 2021|Blog|0 Comments

It’s the height of sea turtle nesting season here on the northern Gulf Coast. As vacationers flock to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach each summer, thousands of endangered sea turtles are hatching on those same beaches.   Did you know that what you do on the beach each day can make a difference to the nesting turtles and the babies?  Below are a few guidelines to help these amazing creatures survive.   If you dig a hole, fill it in before you leave. Digging large [...]

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23 12, 2020

Do your part to protect local wildlife this winter

By |2020-12-15T18:36:35+00:00December 23rd, 2020|Blog|0 Comments

With more than 650 species of wildlife in Alabama, we are the fourth most biologically diverse state in the U.S. The wide range of habitats here - from the Appalachian Mountains of north Alabama to the beaches along the Gulf Coast - is the reason for so much diversity. Protecting Alabama’s coastal wildlife is one of our concerns at Leave Only Footprints.  Keeping the shorelines and beaches clean and uncluttered is aesthetically pleasing, of course. But it also protects our wildlife and waterways. In the spring and summer, sea turtles need a clear path to their [...]

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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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4 11, 2019

Sustainable Fishing Practices Feed Everyone

By |2019-10-25T09:25:52+00:00November 4th, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

Sustainable fishing guarantees there will be populations of ocean and freshwater wildlife for the future. It means respecting habitats and ensuring those who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihood. Our oceans and waterways are home to numerous species of fish that are consumed for food. For thousands of years, people have fished to feed their families and communities, but in order to continue relying on seafood, sustainable fishing practices need to be set into place. The fish population is decreasing [...]

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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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30 08, 2019

How to be sea turtle-friendly during your fall beach vacation

By |2019-08-20T10:52:37+00:00August 30th, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

The summer beach season will be winding down soon, but sea turtle nesting season is only halfway through! Along the Alabama Gulf Coast, sea turtle nesting season runs from May through November. If you’re planning a fall beach vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, keep reading to learn six ways you can help protect these endangered animals during their own visit to Alabama’s beaches. Do not disturb nests. You might come upon a nest that has been roped off [...]

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21 08, 2019

Protect dolphins in Alabama by being Dolphin SMART

By |2019-08-20T10:20:04+00:00August 21st, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

“Will we see dolphins?” This is understandably an extremely common question we hear from visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Dolphins’ beauty, athleticism, intelligence and fun-loving personalities make them a favorite among the many creatures who make their home in our back bays, waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. And the answer to that question is: “Yes, you just might! Do you know how to be Dolphin SMART?” Dolphin SMART is a partnership program developed by NOAA’s Office of National [...]

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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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