For some great events across Alabama, check with our partners.
Fall Fort Morgan Bird Banding
September 27-October 5, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Fall Fort Morgan Bird Banding Event
September 27- October 5, 2024
Fort Morgan Historic Site, 110 State Hwy. 180 Gulf Shores, AL
8am-3pm Daily (except Oct. 5 closing at noon)
Join us for an up close experience viewing and learning about wild birds as they are safely measured, and banded by Federally-licensed experts. Open to all ages, the event is also family friendly.
Birds will be safely retrieved from thin mist nets located in the former stables area of Fort Morgan, then brought to the main tent to measure, weigh, and band, while visitors look on. Some birds are briefly presented for visitors to see and photograph, while BCA volunteers share species details and answer questions. The birds are then safely released to complete their journey.
This event is open to the public and there is not a fee to attend, however donations to BCA will be gratefully accepted onsite. NOTE: There is a fee to enter AL Fort Morgan Historic site. After payment at the entry, follow staff directions to parking—where BCA signs will direct you on foot to the banding station.
https://ahc.alabama.gov/properties/ftmorgan/ftmorgan.aspx
What to bring for your visit to the banding station: Easy carry folding chair, water, food/snacks, sunscreen, bug repellent, sun hat, rain gear (if needed) and don’t forget your camera! Portajohns are located near the banding area, and restrooms are available at the Fort Morgan Museum building.
For more information see the BCA website: bandingcoalition.org or Facebook page: Banding Coalition of the Americas
https://www.bandingcoalition.org/
The Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest
Oct 4, 2024- Oct 6, 2024, Workshops are at various times. Check website for complete details.Birders and nature lovers from across the United States and Canada flock to South Alabama every year to experience one of the prime birdwatching opportunities on the Gulf Coast during fall migration. More than 370 bird species have been spotted at various locations along the Alabama coast, and BirdFest guides expertly lead attendees on boat and walking trips to some of the best birding spots in the area, including locations along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
Alabama Coastal BirdFest takes attendees into the Mobile Delta, to the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary, historic Fort Morgan, and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, among other locations. The four-day event also includes workshops on subjects such as hummingbirds, the basics of birding, monarch butterflies, and, new this year, workshops on how to use common birding apps, such as eBird and Merlin Bird ID, and understanding bird box design for specific species. A free family-friendly Bird and Conservation Expo will be held at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on the Saturday of BirdFest. The Expo highlights other local non-profits and environmental agencies, hands-on activities, and short boat cruises led by a junior birder!
Since 2004, BirdFest has raised more than $100,000 to help preserve and protect vital coastal bird and wildlife habitats and increase awareness of the Alabama Gulf Coast’s great biological diversity.
https://southalabamalandtrust.org/birdfest/