About the Fall Migration and Birding on Dauphin Island

When the summer heat dissipates on Dauphin Island and the slightly crisp breeze from the Gulf of Mexico cools down the Alabama Coast, there is no better place to enjoy outdoor activities and observe the local wildlife.

It also becomes the de-facto migration home for tens of thousands of flying visitors from Canada and the United States as one of the last destinations before their long flight to warmer weather after they have mated.

It is estimated that just over 400 bird species migrate to Dauphin Island annually for rest and feeding as a part of their neotropical flight across two distinct seasonal migrations – one in the fall, another in spring.

These astonishing visitors are a pivotal part of the island ecology. They feast on seasonal insects, utilize the local waters, and choose Dauphin Island because of its temperate climate and the fact that it’s the first landfall for many species as they cross the Gulf of Mexico, exhausted from the long flight, or the last stretch of land for feeding before heading to Central and South America in the fall.

The fall migration on Dauphin Island is diverse with bird species and can begin as early as July. It would be impossible to highlight all the species in a short period of time, but the below is a quick highlight and overview of the massive fall bird migration – and which species like to call Dauphin Island their home.

Vegetarians in the Forest Patches

Due to both the small-size of Dauphin Island and the array of migratory birds, many species intermingle. This is most apparent in the thick ground-floor vegetated areas. Birders with a good eye can spot wrens, gnatcatchers, kinglets, thrushes, and more feeding off surface-level vegetation.

The most common of these ground-feeding species is the warbler. Dauphin Island has noted over 40 different species of warbler any given season. The Nashville Warbler, Palm Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and the Golden-Wing Warbler all call Dauphin Island their temporary home.

Getting Your Feet Wet

You can’t go far in birding on Dauphin Island without running into water. Some migratory bird species exclusively collect along the coastal ponds and brackish wetlands. These include the Avocets and Black-Necked Stilt shorebirds. Herons, including the famed Black-crowned Night Heron, and the Great Blue Heron, are found within the wetlands.

Common Sights in the Dunes and Beaches

Some birds love to freely frolic and fly along the Dauphin Island beaches. These species are easy to spot for new bird watchers, as they openly dig and plunder the wide dunes outside the beach vacation rentals.

One of the most common of these is the Semipalmated Sandpiper. This sandpiper will venture over 2,000 miles from Northern Canada in non-stop flight.

“Early risers” are known to spend time in Dauphin Island before their final destination off the coast of South America. They feed on flies, snails, seeds, and small crabs.

The cousin of the Sandpiper, the Piping Plover, is a rarity on Dauphin Island. The species has faced extensive decline due to increased human activity on the dunes. Keep your distance and admire this rare species if you spot a curious Piping Plover rummaging the sands, feeding on water insects.

Predators Following the Prey

The swell of migratory birds en-masse will almost certainly attract apex predators. While some are long-term residents, others are migratory as well. These include the impressive Peregrine Falcon, the clever Merlin, and Accipiters (hawks), most often in the form of Sparrowheads.

Dauphin Island has several designated bird sanctuaries, including the Sea Point Saw Grass Marsh, Gorgas Swamp, and Shell Mound Park.

These smaller sanctuaries are unified by the official Audubon Bird Sanctuary protected land. In many ways, the entire island is a protective haven for seasonal passersby, temporary bird residents, and massive flocks of exhausted birds that need to rest and rejuvenate, much like the island’s human visitors!

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary has released an all-encompassing list of bird species they have found in Dauphin Island over the decades. While some are from the spring migrations and others are long-term residents, you can seek out specific fall visitors to make your fall family vacation a little extra special.

You can spot many of the above-mentioned species and many others when visiting Dauphin Island, in the fall or otherwise, making the island one of the top birding destinations in the United States throughout the year.

Come stay on Dauphin Island this fall to satisfy your curiosity and enjoy seeing these flying wonders amidst splendid ocean views and pristine beaches.