Coastal, South Baldwin County Loop | Baldwin | Best Seasons:
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve provides the birder with a variety of ways to experience the salt marsh and the estuary- a boardwalk through the marsh leads to an observation platform viewing Weeks Bay. To the east of the center is a paved trail (paralleling the south side of US 98) that leads to the new Arthur C. “Skipper” Tonsmeire III Weeks Bay Resource Center. Next to the resource center is a public boat launch. At any season, watch or listen for Brown Pelican, Clapper Rail, Sora (winter), Laughing Gull, Royal Tern, and Marsh Wren. At dusk, this is also a regular place to find Great Horned Owl. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For guided tours call 251-928-9792.
DIRECTIONS: Return to Magnolia Springs and turn right (west) on US 98 and proceed about four miles. After crossing the Fish River, turn into the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on the left. The Visitor Center is only a short distance from the highway and provides restrooms, bird checklists and other informative material. Inquire here about recent sightings.
GPS: N30.41917 W-87.82968
Weeks Bay NERR – Pitcher Plant Bog Trail
The Pitcher Plant Bog Trail consists of a boardwalk offering a pleasant walk with interpretive signs along the way. It circles a pitcher plant bog and then continues to its terminus overlooking the Fish River. Bird species expected include Brown Pelican, Osprey, Brown- headed Nuthatch, Common Yellowthroat, Pine Warbler and Indigo Bunting.
GPS: N30.41615 W-87.81902
Weeks Bay Foundation
11401 US Highway 98
Fairhope, AL 36532
251-990-5004
Exit Weeks Bay Reserve and turn right (east) on US 98, continue over the Fish River bridge and turn left onto CR 17 [0.8]. Then proceed 0.3 miles to the pitcher plant bog parking lot on the right (east).
Amenities Available:
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