Pelicans fly in perfect formation as they prepare to nose-dive into the Gulf for the catch of the day. A great blue heron sails across a Mobile Bay sunset. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail (ACBT) is a birder’s paradise. Our sun-drenched coast is a popular resort area for a variety of feathered visitors and year-round residents.
The trail winds through more than 50 birding sites in Baldwin and Mobile counties, and is enhanced by directional and interpretive signage. Loops are close enough that you can easily drive from one to another. Take your time and do a different loop each morning or tackle three in a day. In between each are plenty of places to eat, sightsee and soak in the local flavor.
Experts and novices alike will find the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail Guidebook to be a great resource. This 52-page booklet is chock full of color photographs, maps and detailed descriptions of the many birding areas along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. It can be downloaded at www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com
Grab your binoculars and your guidebook, and hit the trail to discover why this place is for the birds.