Michael Baxter

Writer/Photographer/Publicist

4907 Shatner

Houston, Texas 77066

281-222-4775

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www.baxwrtr.com

March 5, 2008                                                                                                                    WORDS:  622

WINGED “TOURISTS” FLOCK TO DAUPHIN ISLAND FOR SPRINGTIME SPECTACLE

Some say that there is never a bad time for birding on Dauphin Island, Alabama, but there is no doubt that the annual springtime migration is why the word “wow” was invented.

Beginning in early April, Dauphin Island hosts thousands of colorful winged “tourists” as they make the  barrier island their first rest stop after an exhausting flight across the Gulf of Mexico from south of the border.

Local bird lover Ginger Simpson describes spring birding season as “breathtaking”.  “You wake up early every morning to the sound of song birds,” she said, “and, everywhere you go throughout the day there are brightly colored birds.  It’s easy to spot some like the Scarlet Tanager with its black-wings and bright red body from two or three blocks away.”

Simpson says that there is no bad spot on the Island for finding special treasures such as the Painted Bunting with its bright blue, green, and red plumage, possibly making it one of the continent's most gaudily colorful birds.

In recent years more than 345 species have been reported across the Island each spring earning it the title of “America’s Birdiest Small Coastal City”.  The Dauphin Island Audubon Sanctuary is 164 acres of maritime pine forest bordered by grass covered dunes and the Gulf, with a freshwater lake, hiking trails and an observation boardwalk. Passerines tend to settle into the oak grove at the extreme east end of the Sanctuary near the campground, along with Swainson’s Warbler and Black-whiskered Viero.

Local birding expert, Dr. John Porter says that the Island’s Shell Mound is the most popular spot on the Island for watching birds.  “The ancient live oaks at the Shell Mound create a canopy for the more than 20 species of warblers, and Bronzed Cowbird and Shiney Cowbird that occasionally drop in for the insects and cover,” he said.  But, Porter reluctantly admits that the towering oak “Goat Trees” on Grant Street is his favorite vantage point because it’s less well known to the tourists.

Just west of the Ferry Landing is Saw Grass Point Salt Marsh, 35 acres of wetland covered with black needle rush and cordgrass.  A 100-foot long pier provides a raised platform for birders to scan the protected area for Great Blue Herons, Egrets and other waders.

Porter says that the most spectacular birding events happen during what is called “fall out” conditions.  “Waiting for a good tail wind, the birds begin their migration from the Yucatan Peninsula around dusk and fly for 600 miles before arriving along the coast the next afternoon,” he said.  “If the weather is right some of the birds may fly as far as Montgomery or Birmingham before stopping to rest.  But, if the weather changes in flight and they fly into a head wind or cold front, the exhausted birds literally fall out of the sky by the hundreds onto Dauphin Island.”

Porter says that first time birders never need a guide to enjoy the spring migration.  “I have people ask if we offer guided birding tours,” he said.  “I tell them that with all the birders on the Island in during the migration, all they have to do is ask and someone will be willing to share what they’ve seen.”

Birders will find an assortment of accommodations on Dauphin Island to suit any budget.  From the Dauphin Island Campground and waterfront condominiums, to beachside rental homes, Bed & Breakfast Inns and the Gulf Breeze Motel, Dauphin Island is ready for any season.

Dauphin Island, Alabama is just 33-miles south of Mobile.  For information about birding on Dauphin Island, please visit www.coastalbirding.com.  For questions about the Island’s other attractions and accommodations, call (251)-861-5524 or 1-877-532-8744 toll free, or visit www.dauphinisland.cc.  Dauphin Island is Alabama’s Family Beach®.