dauphin island audubon bird sanctuary

We spent Jan. and Feb. on Dauphin Island in 2015. We visited this sanctuary several times, just for a nice walk in the trees. Not many birds to be seen, but then we weren't expecting any. It's just a beautiful walk thru the trees out to the beach, then along the Gulf and back into the dunes. There is a really pretty lake with benches you can sit on and just relax. Also met some really nice people on our walks who gave us advice on other things to see in the area.

We are here in November and while most all the birds that migrate thru here are gone it is still is a wonderful place for walking. Over 4 miles of trails just off the beach to enjoy. No matter what time of year spend some time here. It is just accross from the Ferry docks and next to the city campground on south side of main road thru the island.

...especially at the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary! Hiking and beaches nearby and beautiful birds to boot!

Great weather and nice trails made a great morning hike through the sanctuary. The trails are easy, well defined, and different trails go to different parts of the sanctuary. While we didn't see any gators, there was definitely signs of them being around. Really enjoyed an easy hike and will definitely hike this again on our next trip.

We only had a couple of hours to spend in this neat park so we only saw a fraction of it. There is indeed at least one alligator in Alligator Lake. We saw an osprey and turtles and fish and lovely wildflowers even though it was late in the season. Hope to go again and stay all day exploring trails. Take water because there are no fountains at trailhead and it can be really hot on the boardwalks.

Our walk started off slow but after you stop and just listen and watch-the birds start coming out from everywhere it's incredible that there were so many species in one place. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and you bird ID book.

We were happy to explore the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary two weekends ago (nice weather). Nice facility and many trails. I think the parking lot is a little small. Great little lake, walk by the beach area to see an osprey's nesting poll. We've seen green heron, osprey, laughing gulls, tortoise.Will be nice if all people going there will keep their voice low...so we can actually do some birding. Thank you.You can spend as much time as you want (little or longer).

This treat was more extensive than we thought. There are trails everywhere and lists of scores of birds that can be seen. We only had time for the dune walk and were not disappointed. Bring bug spray and sunscreen, a hat, binoculars and a lunch. It will make your day. Some folks were on bicycles as well and having a grand ole time.

Spent an afternoon at the bird sanctuary. Easy walking trails and lovely surroundings. We were a little early for the spring migration but we did spot some birds and an owl. A fantastic afternoon on Dauphin Island and a must see for anyone who likes a nice walk. No entry fee.

Though we didn't see too many birds (or, actually, not any at all), the sanctuary was beautiful and we very much enjoyed our stroll through it. The varied environment offers a forest, beach, sand dunes, pond and swamp. The trails were easy to follow and everything was clean and well maintained. We didn't encounter too many other visitors, which made for an especially quiet and peaceful experience. Oh, and it's free!Getting to the sanctuary is easy and fun, in that the bridge to Dauphin Island goes up at one point to the extent that it appears as if you'll drive into the sky. The island is quaint and the sanctuary is only a few minutes away from the bridge. It's definitely worth the visit if you're in the area. We even made a little detour en route to Mobile (from Gulfport) and we were very happy we did!

I can't wait to go back to this place during the Spring or Fall migrations. We were there in December with just about the only bird action being a couple of yellow-rumped warblers and some cardinals--oh yeah and a great close-up view of a Great Blue Heron: we came upon him suddenly while he was in the midst of stalking his prey. The trails were nice and nothing was too strenuous. I would have enjoyed the whole experience a LOT more if I had made use of the bathrooms at Fort Gaines, though...

The trails are lush and offer many areas to stop and visit the various ecological habitats in the sanctuary. Trails offer visitors options to focus on swamps, woods, dunes, and the beach, and mix up the types as desired. My only complaint was the lack of trail marking. We got to what we thought was the re-entry point for the woodland trails at the east end of the beach, but we were unable to find any signs telling us which way to go. So we had to backtrack on the trail we took in.

Take your bike down the boardwalk on the right hand path. It leads all the way to alligator lake. The left hand loop goes through the brush.

Actually the whole island is the perfect spot for birding! Especially during migration......The trails are well marked and maintained. Some people were feeding the alligators even though it was clearly marked *not to* Other than that.. we loved it...

we love to go here--it is time well spent--we have seen numerous kinds of birds!! we always enjoy every minute of the stay!!