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Gulf Shores - Orange Beach is a well known resort area with many fine restaurants and accommodations as well as a variety of attractions and recreational opportunities. The Gulf Shores - Orange Beach Loop of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail begins at the bridge over Perdido Pass, east of AL 59 on AL 182 [8.8].
ACBT 1.
Perdido Pass/Alabama Point - East
(Formerly Florida Point when the state border was located at Perdido Pass.) This site is part of Gulf State Park (251/948 7275) and consists of beach and sea oat habitat where there are opportunities for bird observation, fishing, and viewing both Perdido Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. There are no posted hours for this park but overnight camping is not permitted. There are portable restroom facilities at the site. Snowy Plover, a species on the Watch List, nests in the area, and is most often found in depressions in the sand away from the water and near the first line of dunes. Alabama Point also provides critical habitat for the federally endangered Perdido Key beach mouse. A wide variety of shorebirds are common in summer, as are wading birds. In winter, many Common Loons feed in the pass during changing tides. An occasional vagrant Pacific or Red-throated Loon may show up in their midst. A spotting scope is usually needed for the distant waterfowl. After viewing the pass take the loop under the bridge and return to AL 182.
ACBT 2.
Perdido Pass/Alabama Point - West
Cross over the bridge traveling west and turn left (south) [0.6] into the parking lot for this portion of the Alabama Point facility. There is a sea wall along this side of the pass with benches. Portable restroom facilities are available. As with the east side no overnight camping is allowed but there are likely to be some fisherman here at any hour of the day or night. This location provides another perspective on the same areas viewed from the east side. Rock jetties extend a considerable distance out into the gulf on this side and can be accessed by walking west along the beach. This is a somewhat perilous venture since the rocks tend to be wet and slippery. The trip out does provide for a better chance to observe the winter seabirds that may be in the area, scoters, phalarope and loons.
ACBT 3.
Boggy Point
Continue west on AL 182 to AL 161 [2.0], turn right (north) and continue to Marina Road on the right [0.8], turn right (east) and proceed to the end of the peninsula that ends [1.5] at the Boggy Point Boat Launch, an Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources facility. There is a small beach here and an excellent view of Robinson Island to the east, a roosting site for herons and egrets. This location gives an alternate view of Perdido Pass. Return to AL 161, turn right (north) and proceed to the AL 180/161 intersection [0.8]; turn left (west) onto AL 180/Canal Road, and travel west to William Silvers Parkway [2.0]; turn left (south) onto William Silvers Parkway to the entrance of the Orange Beach Sportsplex [0.5] and bear left and proceed to the rear of the Sportsplex [0.2].
ACBT 4.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system was developed cooperatively by the City of Orange Beach and Gulf State Park (Alabama State Parks Division) to provide non-consumptive recreational opportunity in one of the last remaining maritime forest community-types along coastal Alabama. In addition to being a preserve for many of the area’s native wildlife, this remnant natural area serves as a lifeline for millions of migratory birds each spring and fall by providing essential food and shelter resources thereby making the birding potential excellent on any given visit. Over 8 miles of paved trails provide access from four entry points to a diversity of coastal habitats representative of the maritime forest including sandy oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, relict dune swales, seepage swamps and even a pitcher plant bog. Interpretive signs placed along each trail identify many of the natural features of the maritime forest. This trail system is open to hiking and cycling usage and features a screened picnic pavilion, butterfly garden, public restrooms and numerous benches to better accommodate your visit. Each trailhead serves as a subsite (described below) starting from the Orange Beach Sportsplex and looping clockwise to the Gulf Oak Ridge trailhead. For additional information about the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails, call 251/981 1063.
ACBT 4A.
Canal Road/Orange Beach Sportsplex
The trailhead is located at the junction of Gulf Oak Ridge and Twin Bridges trails and is characterized by mature live oak canopy and turkey oak ridges. The lower section of the Twin Bridges trail accesses a restored pine savannah and pitcher plant bog. Numerous canopy-dwelling species such as wood warblers, vireos, thrushes, tanagers, Great Crested Flycatchers, nuthatches and several woodpecker species may all be observed in this area. In and around the pitcher plant bog and pine savannah, various sparrows, woodland hawks, nuthatches and Northern Bobwhite are regularly observed.
ACBT 4B.
Catman Road Trailhead
From the Sportsplex, return back to AL 161 and proceed south to the Catman Road Trailhead parking lot [0.8] on the right (west) and directly across from Marina Road. This corridor consists primarily of transitional longleaf and slash pine forest and relict dune scrub environment. The dense understory provides cover for many resident species and serves as important resting areas for migrating thrushes, warblers and other songbird species. Catman Road connects to both Twin Bridges Trail and Rosemary Dunes Trail. Trail length: 1.9 miles.
ACBT 4C.
Rosemary Dunes Trailhead
From Catman Road Trailhead, turn left (south) on AL 161 and proceed to the AL 161/182 intersection [0.9]; turn right (west) onto AL 182 (Perdido Beach Boulevard) and continue to the trailhead entrance on the right (north) [3.0]. Raptors are prevalent along this section of trail, as are several species of wading birds, including green herons, bitterns, and egrets. The length of the Rosemary Dunes trail is approximately 2.4 miles and terminates at the Catman Road trail.
ACBT 4D.
Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead
From Rosemary Dunes Trailhead, turn right (west) and continue to State Park Road (Baldwin County Road 2 “BC 2”), [1.3] and turn right (north), then proceed on BC 2 to the Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead [1.5]. The section of trail commences along low forested wetlands of gum, cypress and longleaf pine, and then gradually ascends to a mature live oak maritime forest. The island’s highest elevation is found along Gulf Oak Ridge, at 34 feet above sea level. Numerous species of warblers are visible along this route, especially during spring and fall migration. The Gulf Oak Ridge section of the Backcountry Trail is approximately 3.0 miles in length to the Orange Beach Sportsplex trailhead and the Twin Bridges Trail junction.
ACBT 5.
Gulf State Park Pavilion
From the Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead (ACBT 4D), return back to AL 182, turn left (east) and proceed 0.6 miles to the Gulf State Park Pavilion and Beach on the right (south). There is a nominal parking fee. This is a large, covered picnic pavilion with tables and benches, restrooms and water fountains. The pavilion closes at sunset. This is another great place to look for seabirds, particularly in winter. Northern Gannet is common off shore during migration. Any flock of loons should be carefully sorted for Red-throated and Pacific. Walk the beaches for plovers and peeps.
ACBT 5A.
Middle Lake Trail
Continue west on AL 182 to BC 2, [0.6] and turn right (north), cross the bridge over the boat canal and park on the left (west) side of the road in the grassy area. You may walk Middle Lake trail along the edge of the canal to Lake Shelby. Groove-billed Ani is a possible winter find here and look for a variety of winter sparrows. Return to BC 2 by turning left and heading north. Along the way, you have the option to stop at the Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead (ACBT 4D; see description above) or proceed on to Marsh Bridge (ACBT 6).
ACBT 6.
Marsh Bridge
Continue from Middle Lake Trail following BC 2 to the intersection with AL 135 [2.6] and bear to the left (south) at the intersection. The park headquarters will be up hill on your right. Continue south on AL 135 one mile to Marsh Bridge, the stream is the effluent from Shelby Lakes and Little Lagoon. Cross the bridge and there is parking on the left. Check for bitterns, rails and winter sparrows.
ACBT 7.
Nature Center – Shelby Lake Picnic Grounds
Continue on AL 135 to the entrance of the Nature Center and picnic grounds [0.9] where there is a nominal admission charge. The Nature Center is to the right of the entrance and is open and staffed Monday - Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm. Bird checklists are available and the naturalist on duty can give you the latest information on birds in the park. For additional information about guided tours and interpretive programs, call 251/968 8837. Within the picnic grounds, there are bathhouses, restrooms. The area closes and the gate is locked at sunset. Check the main lake for waterfowl and gulls in winter, an occasional rarity has appeared in the past. Gray Kingbirds are possible here in the summer months and large numbers of transient Black Terns are often observed flying along the lake’s edge in late summer. Be sure to check the small lagoon southeast of the easternmost parking lot.
ACBT 8.
Gulf State Park Fishing Pier
Exit the picnic area to the left (south) and enter the right lane of AL 135. Go to AL 182 and turn right at the traffic light. Move into the left lane and immediately turn left into the fishing pier entrance across the way. Park in the parking lot, trying to avoid the places reserved for fisher folk. There is a small admission for sightseeing, including birding. The end of the pier is an excellent viewing point for seabirds especially in winter. Recent Christmas Bird Counts have yielded Red Phalarope and all three scoters at this site. Northern Gannet is regular offshore during the winter months.
ACBT 9.
Little Lagoon Pass
Leaving the fishing pier, turn left (west) on AL 182 and drive through the main beach front intersection at AL 59 and continue to the bridge over Little Lagoon Pass [4.2]. There is a parking lot on the right (north) with restrooms. Little Lagoon is now essentially surrounded by development but good birds can be seen from this little park provided by the City of Gulf Shores. From here you may scan a sandbar (north) and part of Little Lagoon. A fair number of gulls, terns, Brown Pelican and occasionally American White Pelican, and shorebirds are generally found here. Your chances for rarities increase during migration; Reddish Egret occurs here regularly. Birding is usually best around low tide.
ACBT 10.
Wade Ward Nature Park
Return east on AL 182 to AL 59, turn left (north) and continue two blocks. On the right (east) is the Wade Ward Nature Park, owned and operated by the City of Gulf Shores. The park offers scenic boardwalks overlooking canals and coastal salt marshes. A unique rarity in the midst of such a vibrant resort city, it is a relatively new birding site. It offers ideal habitat for bitterns and rails. Public parking is available just south one block east of AL 59 between East Second and East First Avenue.
This is the end of the Gulf Shores - Orange Beach Loop. You may continue northward on AL 59 to the intersection with AL 180 and the
beginning of the Fort Morgan Loop or to the AL 59/US 98 intersection in Foley and the beginning of the South Baldwin County Loop.
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Alabama Gulf Coast
Convention and Visitors Bureau
P.O. Drawer 457
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251/968 7511 or 800/745 SAND
www.gulfshores.com
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Gulf State Park
20115 Highway 135
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251/948 7275
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