Like to get out in nature while enjoying a trip along the Alabama Coastal Connection?
Several stops along the byway offer great spots for taking a hike. Bring a pair of binoculars so you don’t miss opportunities to see wildlife in their natural settings.
Are you aware that more than 360 bird species have been documented at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on Fort Morgan Road, including the bald eagle, red-tailed hawk and snow goose? Check out the full list and keep track of your sightings.
Other signs of wildlife you may spot at the refuge include the occasional alligator and sea turtle tracks. Be sure to hike quietly and be respectful of their habitats.
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island is another great place for spotting our feathered neighbors. Of the 445 bird species officially documented in Alabama, 420 (95 percent) have been observed on the island.
If you take the Mobile Bay Ferry between Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan, you will likely get a glimpse of some other marine life. Of course you’ll spot plenty of pelicans and sea gulls along the way, but passengers have also seen dolphins, jellyfish, minnows and other sea life during the approximately 40-minute trip.
Various nature trails at Gulf State Park, at Weeks Bay and on the Eastern Shore are also great places to catch sight of the local inhabitants. Keep those eyes peeled while traversing the byway – there’s plenty of wildlife along the way.
Leave A Comment