Best of Alabama Coasting - Dauphin Island... A Bird Paradise!

Dauphin Island is recognized as one of the nation’s best destinations for bird lovers and the sport of birding. Island birding expert Andrew Haffenden, who leads groups and lectures on the subject, confirms: “Dauphin Island is one of the top four birding areas in the country. We have about 400 species of birds that come here. Most of the birds that come in the spring fly up over the Gulf from the Yucatan. It’s the fastest route, and they’re in a hurry. They want to get to the breeding grounds north of here. They may stop on the island for as little as 10 or 15 minutes, just to rest, or they may stay overnight. They don’t like to fly in the rain, so if it’s raining they might stay three or four days.”

Don McKee, a board member of Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, further explains: “After they’ve flown across the Gulf of Mexico, the birds are starving to death – literally. They have got to have food, so they stop here to eat. And they need to rest, too. They are exhausted.”

Their worn-out condition can be good for birders, he added, “because they are so tired and so hungry that they aren’t all that concerned about people watching them.”

14 ALABAMA COASTING’S DAUPHIN ISLAND LIFE 2019 Many birders visit the island with the hope of getting to view a phenomenon known as “fallout.” Fallout on Dauphin Island has been described as having “all the trees filled with birds, like Christmas trees filled with ornaments.” Above: American Avocet. Right: Cape May Warbler.

Above: Several types of migrating birds.

Spring birding season starts in early March and usually ends around the third week of April. Fall migration, which begins as early as July, is in some respects the opposite experience as birds spend time storing up energy for the long flight south. While the spring and fall migration seasons are the biggest draw, there are a wide variety of permanent species on the Island as well as a good number of winter visitors. In 2016, the National Audubon Society recognized Dauphin Island as a Globally Significant Important Bird Area – officially putting it on the “birding map.” In addition to its location, the natural habitat of abundant trees, shrubs and flowers make the island an essential resource. Working to assure this habitat is protected is the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, an informal collaboration between conservation-minded agencies and organizations. Their mission, in addition to their dedication to the preservation of critical bird habitat, is to promote birding and other forms of ecotourism activities. Over the years and in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other federal, state and nonprofit organizations, they have raised more than $1.3 million to protect and expand the bird habitat.

Above Left: Hummimgbird. Above Right: Laughing Gull . Below: Reddish Egret Dancing in the wind.

While the whole island is essentially a bird sanctuary, there are seven specifically designated spots across the island

Above Left: Ash-throated Flycatcher. Above Right: Striking a pose, this snowy egret knows how to love the camera. Below: Bald Eagle.

SHELL MOUND PARK Located on the Island’s northern shore and maintained by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division. This ll-acre site, densely populated with live oaks, represents a botanical wonder found on no other Gulf barrier island. Plant species here have been found as far inland as the Appalachian Mountains and as far south as the Yucatan.

GOAT TREE RESERVE The “Goat Trees,” located near Shell Mound Park, are ancient oak trees with limbs reaching out as far as 50 feet from the trunk and almost parallel to the ground. Listed in the National Wetlands Inventory, these oaks host many of the warblers, vireos, and gnatcatchers that visit the island.

SEA POINT SAWGRASS Just west of the Ferry Landing this vital habitat for rails and small waders provides over 35 acres of mostly wetland covered with black needle rush and cordgrass. The town plans to preserve the wetlands and sensitively develop the dry areas.

AUDUBON BIRD SANCTUARY This is the primary site of protected maritime forest habitat on the Island and one of the first areas of migrant bird landfall. Owned and managed by the Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board, this 164-acre site is part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. DIBS works with the Park Board on appropriate management and growth of the sanctuary.

TUPELO GUM SWAMP This 11-acre swath of wetlands is hidden between several dead-end roads south of Bienville Boulevard. This swamp is located just inland of the main dune line on the island’s south side and is bisected by a 10-foot-wide public access right of way. This area has been targeted for conservation because of its unique vegetation.

GORGAS SWAMP East of Tupelo Gum Swamp is Gorgas Swamp, also populated with Tupelo Gum trees. At present this area is being destroyed by excessive all-terrain vehicular traffic, which compacts the soil, generating ruts and gullies that serve to drain the water off the surface, and interrupting the hydrologic cycle. Unless this swamp is purchased and use of its grounds restricted, 10 acres of rich wetland habitat will be lost.

Above: Prothonotary Warbler.

Yellow-throated Warbler.

THE STEINER PROPERTY This parcel was left largely untouched because the Steiner family chose not to develop it during the island’s boom of the 1950s. The property is an entire 12-acre area of critical habitat, stretching from Bienville Boulevard to the south shore of Dauphin Island Bay. A splendid salt marsh, populated with black needle rush, provides good habitat for wading birds and waterfowl, while the upland habitat is particularly attractive lo migrating birds. Only two lots in this entire block have been developed.

Great Blue Heron.

Special thanks to Kathy Hicks for the stunning photography that accompanies this article. In addition to being an outstanding photographer, Kathy is a nature guide and educator at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, as well as being an accomplished free-lance graphic designer. See more of her work at www.neonflamingos.com and contact her at kathy@neonflamingos.com.