Dauphin Island is one of Alabama’s best-kept secrets. There’s something for everyone here – a fortress for history buffs, turquoise Gulf waters for beach enthusiasts, and an abundance of wildlife to explore. Of all the outdoor activities on Dauphin Island, visiting the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is one of the highlights. Whether you are a seasoned ornithologist or not, the sanctuary is worth a visit!
History of the Audubon Bird Sanctuary
Most Americans are familiar with the famous line, “Damn the Torpedoes – Full Speed Ahead!” but most don’t know where that line was said. On August 5, 1864, Union Admiral David Farragut uttered those famous words as his soldiers charged forward to fight Confederate troops holding Fort Gaines. While it was a battle of the sea, part of the fighting occurred on the very shoreline of Dauphin Island. Historians have traced this battle to where the Audubon Bird Sanctuary now presides.
After the Civil War, the land was not used for anything significant until 1926, when the United States sold Fort Gaines to the City of Mobile. The city then handed the property to the Alabama Department of Conservation, which was then deeded to the Dauphin Island Park and Beach Board. When the board decided how to use the land, Dr. Wilson Gaillard, an avid birder, and conservationist influenced them to create an island refuge for migratory species passing through twice a year. This decision was formalized when the Park and Beach Board reached an agreement with the National Audubon Society to officially include it as part of the national system of Audubon wildlife sanctuaries.
What Wildlife Will You See?
Today, the preserve offers 164-acres of pristine sanctuary for all sorts of birds and critters. There is an incredible range of habitats: freshwater lake, Gulf beaches, swamp, pine forest, dune system, and hardwood clearings. As any ornithologist would know, each ecosystem hosts a unique array of bird species.
On the beaches, you will find wintering populations of the Piping plover and other shorebird species, including sandpipers, plovers, turnstones. There are also many waterbirds, gulls, terns, cormorants, and pelicans. The Marbled Godwit and Red Knot are common species you can count on seeing in spring along the island’s eastern shore at Pelican Point.
Head to the brackish wetlands and coastal ponds for long-legged waders. These creatures wander through the low waters foraging for food. Such species include egrets, willets, avocets, black-necked stilts, and rails. If you hear any small birds calling from amidst the reeds, there is a good chance you are near Nelson’s sharp-tailed sparrow!
During spring and fall – migratory seasons – the maritime forests become a particularly important destination for neotropical migrants. Spring storms can create a “fallout” phenomenon where hundreds, even thousands, of birds suddenly drop out of the sky to land. This is caused by cold fronts moving southwards, bringing northerly winds and rains, creating challenging flying conditions. In such events, nearly every inch of vegetation is covered with birds seeking shelter during the storm. It is not uncommon to spot 20 species of warbler in one day!
Even without fallouts, these vegetated areas are famous for migrants to stop and store up on food. These areas are filled with warblers, vireos, flycatchers, thrushes, gnatcatchers, wrens, kinglets, mimic thrushes, tanagers, and more in fall. Many species stay over the winter too. Often, they join together in mixed-species flocks, so if you see a large group flying overhead, don’t assume they are all the same bird!
With all these small bird species flying about, naturally, predators are drawn to the scene. Small birds are preyed on by hawks and falcons, like the Peregrine Falcon and Merlin. These birds regularly comb the beaches for unsuspecting shorebird flocks.
Dauphin Island is also a prominent nesting ground for sea turtles, and many dolphin pods surround its waters. If you happen to be very lucky, you may spot other sea creatures lurking near the shores!
The Importance of the Sanctuary
Of the 465 bird species which inhabit Alabama, 420 have been identified on Dauphin Island. That represents just over 90% of the total species count in the entire state! The island’s unique location and resources make it an essential stop along spring and fall migration routes. This is one of their first resting points for many Neotropical birds making the 600-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Wild Bird Magazine selected Dauphin Island as one of the top four locations in North America for viewing spring migrations. It has even been listed as one of the ten most important sites globally for bird migrations.
For dedicated ornithologists, or simply anyone who has an interest in wildlife, the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary is genuinely one of a kind! Few other places in the United States – or the world – boast such a diverse number of species all at once.
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Where on Dauphin Island Is The Audubon Bird Sanctuary
The bird sanctuary is located on the east side of Dauphin Island, just a short walk or even shorter drive from Fort Gaines. The entrance point is on Bienville Boulevard. If you keep driving, you’ll find yourself among many other attractions on Dauphin Island, including The Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island Beach, and popular restaurants like Pelican Point.
Alternatively, you don’t even need a car to get there! From the city center, the bird sanctuary is approximately a 30-minute walk. By bike, car, or on foot, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is accessible from any point on the island.
That makes it especially easy to get from the sanctuary (or any tourist attraction) to your Dauphin Island vacation rental. We offer vacation rentals at all points of the island, so we have options for you whether you prefer to be close to the center, to the attractions, or in more secluded areas!
Our Dauphin Island Gulf-front rentals promise stunning views of the Gulf, with private beachfront access where the whole family can take a stroll at sunset. Alternatively, you can book a sound front and bayfront rental surrounded by water on both sides. There is truly no better place to relax, sip a cup of coffee, and enjoy the view than from one of these rentals!
For a more economical price, enjoy stunning Gulf views from a Dauphin Island condo rental. They are situated along Mobile Bay, and many include access to amenities like pools and beach access. Located close to many stores and restaurants, you can walk just about anywhere!
Indeed dedicated birders may opt for lodging in wooded areas, right around the sanctuary itself. These homes in wooded areas are genuinely the best rentals for bird watching! Before even stepping foot in the sanctuary, you may catch sight of many intriguing species.