Each year, Dauphin Island attracts bird watchers from across the continent. One of the top attractions on the island is the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which was established in 1961 as a means of protecting the hundreds of species that pass through the island. Of the 445 total species found in Alabama, Dauphin Island has 95 percent of them. The island has been named one of the Top 4 Birding Destinations in North America – a definite must-see for any ornithologist!
The secret to Dauphin Island’s incredible biodiversity as a birding hotspot is its strategic location along the Gulf, between North America and Central America.
Humans visit Dauphin Island to rest and refuel, and birds do the exact same thing. During their bi-annual migrations, thousands of birds use Dauphin Island as a pit stop to rest and refuel before continuing their journey north or south. During harsh weather conditions, bird watchers may witness a phenomenon known as “fallout,” when all the trees fill with birds, like Christmas tree ornaments. Birds are forced to land to rest and recover from the storm, and humans witness spectacular biodiversity!
Birding Basics
For those who may enjoy birds but not know much about bird watching, many take the process of spotting and identifying birds very seriously, counting each and every species they successfully identify on a “life list,” a list of all the bird species they’ve seen during their lifetime. There are a few tools that make the process a lot easier: binoculars, a field guide, weather-proof notebook, and birding app.
Some bird watchers can identify a bird just from its call or flight patterns, but beginners will certainly appreciate using field guides or birding apps. Birders also tend to gravitate to certain locations at certain times: bodies of water near sunrise or sunset, for instance, when bird activity is at its highest. But most importantly of all, bird watching is about appreciating and conserving bird species – a task birders on Dauphin Island take very seriously.
Spring Migration
March through May are the peak months of spring migration. By mid-February, swallows and a few other passerine species start to trickle in. March welcomes waterthrushes, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and a host of shorebirds. By April, the floodgates open wide, and bird species of every feather and kind can be found on Dauphin Island – over 300 species in total! During a fallout, birders may witness a spectacle of hundreds of brightly-colored orioles, warblers, tanagers, and more seeking shelter on the island.
While some species may be all-year residents, most birds stop on Dauphin Island only to rest and regain some strength before continuing their journey from the Caribbean, Central and South America up North to their summer residence. Some may continue as far North as Canada!
Where to Go on Dauphin Island
The top birding spots on the island include Shell Mounds Park, Cadillac Square, The Goat Tree Reserve, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, the East End, and Airport Marsh. Coastline, lakes, ponds, or streams tend to host the most biodiversity. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary, in particular, is considered one of the top ten important sites for viewing birds in the world.
You can always bird alone or meet up with other birders through birding societies or as part of a guided tour.
Best Dauphin Island Rentals for Bird Watching
With Dauphin Island rentals in the forested area of the island, you won’t have to venture far to see birds. From the comfort of your backyard, you’ll be able to spot numerous species, and the bird sanctuaries are all within close proximity. Enjoy your bird watching vacation in comfort and style, and book your spring migration vacation today!