Learn More About Alabama’s Coastal BirdFest by Fort Morgan

Gulf Shores, Alabama is one of the premier locations in the world for migratory birds. Millions of shorebirds make their way to the Alabama coast each year, including different species of pelicans, gulls, the skimmers, ospreys, hawks, and many other neotropical birds.

The Alabama coastline is a de-facto temporary and permanent home for rare species. The Alabama Coastal Birdfest has embraced the bird populations and helped to spread awareness about the importance of habitat preservation.

With family-friendly activities, conservational education, food, and everything in between, this coastal event is one of the best reasons to go on a fun family vacation to Gulf Shores.

What is BirdFest? 

For 15 years, Birdfest has cultivated a passion and dedication towards the local migratory birds. The event has two main components. The first is the Bird and Conservation Expo. The expo features local vendors, creature exhibits, lectures, and more.

Visitors can buy Fort Morgan gifts to support local conservation efforts. The expo has expanded to include a wide array of other creatures, from dolphins to oysters.

The second component is the trip schedule. Visitors can go on all sorts of fascinating outdoor adventures. The two primary types are cruises and workshops. While both are education-based, cruises take you directly to the waters to spot local wildlife and the different Alabama bird species in an interactive experience.

The Delta Discovery Tour is a fun trip to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Cruises to Mobile Bay carry you by the local island lighthouse. Small boat tours are more intimate and hands-on. These include an eco-tour departing from Bartram Landing or even paddle trips, such as the Wolf Bay Kayak Tour.

Workshops cover digital photography, the rarity of the local birds, and the most globally important habitats for some of the rarer shorebirds. The workshops even have multiple levels. For example, guests can come by for the Basics of Digital Photography workshop on Oct 3rd, and expand their skills with the Advanced Bird and Nature Photography class on Oct 5th.

Overall, there are over 60 Gulf Shores activities, including about 30 guided tours, 10 or more workshops, and evening dinner events available. Costs vary. You can visit the trip schedule chart for more. If you are interested in the workshops, you should pre-register ahead of time on the website.

When Does it Begin?

The event begins on Oct 3rd and continues into the later afternoon. It picks back up for the remainder of the week. The last day of the event is Oct 6th.

Where is the Event?

The event is located at 450 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL, 36532. Fairhope is north of Gulf Shores, about 30 minutes southeast of Mobile, AL. It is about a 50-minute drive from Gulf Shores.

How Much Does it Cost?

Whether you are a resident of Alabama, a visitor from another state, or visiting from another country, the Main Bird and Conservation Expo is completely free. Additional trips may cost extra. These may include guided eco-tours over the water, advanced workshops, and more.

Where Can You Learn More?

The official website for the Alabama Coastal BirdFest will offer plenty of additional details not covered here. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more details about this popular Fairhope event or lodging options in the scenic Gulf Shores area. We can also direct you to other seasonal events and activities for the whole family.

Book a beachfront home near Gulf Shores where your family can enjoy a beach vacation while the bird enthusiasts enjoy the Birdfest events in Fairhope, AL.

Where Can You Stay?

We have a wide selection of vacation rentals in Gulf Shores that make it possible for the family to stay and enjoy the beach with the birdwatchers in the group to attend the Birdfest Event in Fairhope.

Stay in the midst of the premier dunes and beautiful beach views of Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores. Contact us today or book online to see the rentals on the peninsula.

Also be sure to ask us about seasonal birds in our area, with our rentals offering prime access to pristine beaches and birding areas.

You can grab one of our available beachfront rentals in Fort Morgan, up against the foliage, sand and ocean views, giving you the greatest backdrop for spotting rare species that make this area home.