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Audubon Bird Sanctuary: A Coastal Haven for Migratory Birds

Explore a vital migratory bird haven on Dauphin Island with diverse habitats and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

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The Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island is a 164-acre refuge for migratory birds, offering diverse habitats like maritime forests, beaches, and a freshwater lake. It's a globally recognized Important Bird Area, hosting over 420 bird species.

A brief summary to Audubon Bird Sanctuary

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during spring or fall migration for the best birdwatching opportunities.
  • Bring binoculars and a bird identification guide to enhance your viewing experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the sanctuary's three-mile trail system.
  • Be aware of alligators in and around Gaillard Lake.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From central Dauphin Island, head east on Bienville Blvd. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is located at 211 Bienville Blvd on the right-hand side. Parking is available at the entrance.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to the sanctuary entrance, you can take the Mobile Bay Ferry from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island. From the ferry landing on Dauphin Island, it is approximately 2 miles to the sanctuary. You can then take a taxi or rideshare service to the sanctuary. The Mobile Bay Ferry costs $16 for a car and driver, plus $4.50 for each additional passenger. Adults without a car are $5.00 each. A short taxi or rideshare from the ferry to the sanctuary will likely cost around $10-$15.

  • Walking

    From Fort Gaines, head east along Bienville Blvd. The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is approximately a short walk from Fort Gaines along Bienville Boulevard.

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Discover more about Audubon Bird Sanctuary

The Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, established in 1961, is a vital stopover for migratory birds traversing the Gulf of Mexico. Encompassing 164 acres on the eastern side of Dauphin Island, Alabama, the sanctuary provides a diverse range of habitats, including maritime pine forests, a freshwater lake (Gaillard Lake), swamp, and Gulf Coast beaches. The island's unique location makes it the first landfall for many neo-tropical migrants after their long flight across the Gulf, offering exhausted birds essential food and shelter. The sanctuary is home to over 420 bird species, representing over 90% of the total species count in Alabama. Spring and fall migrations bring spectacular "fallouts," where hundreds of birds suddenly appear, seeking rest and sustenance. The sanctuary's trail system, designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2012, spans three miles and winds through various ecosystems. Visitors can observe a wide array of birdlife, including endangered piping plovers, sandpipers, herons, warblers and wrens. Gaillard Lake is home to turtles, alligators, and fish, while the forests provide habitat for mammals like raccoons and opossums. The land where the sanctuary now sits has a rich history. It was once part of Fort Gaines, a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War. After the war, the land was transferred to the Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board, leading to the sanctuary's creation. Dr. Wilson Gaillard, a conservationist, influenced the board to create a refuge for migratory species. Today, the Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board manages the sanctuary with the goal of preserving this critical habitat.

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