Trip Planner: USA / Alabama / Dauphin Island / Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Dauphin Island

4.6

#4 of 11 in Things to do in Dauphin Island

Wildlife Area · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park

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The Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary on the eastern side of Dauphin Island, Alabama, measuring 164 acres (66 ha). The island is an important stop for many bird migrations, as it is often the first land birds encounter when crossing the Gulf of Mexico. The island was dedicated as an Important Bird Area due to this fact.

The sanctuary itself, created in 1961, features a wide variety of landforms, including a freshwater lake, swamp, pine forest, and dunes. The trail system, spanning three miles, was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2012.

For travelers who use our online itinerary creator, Dauphin Island holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.
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Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary reviews

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211 reviews

Google

4.7

By ktbeenthere2015

Of varying lengths, several well-tended paths, some on risers to make walking easier should it be wet. We saw and heard plenty of birds, turtles, terrapins, and an alligator. Signs about the names..... more

Of varying lengths, several well-tended paths, some on risers to make walking easier should it be wet. We saw and heard plenty of birds, turtles, terrapins, and an alligator. Signs about the names..... more »
By B5349IVkimberlyj

Just walking through and hearing none of the hustle and bustle of everyday life on the mainland...only crickets, frogs and birds singing their songs. Sitting by the pond and seeing the turtles, fish..... more

Just walking through and hearing none of the hustle and bustle of everyday life on the mainland...only crickets, frogs and birds singing their songs. Sitting by the pond and seeing the turtles, fish..... more »
By TamBamAR

After several tips to the island, we finally made a point to visit the sanctuary. We should've done this sooner! It's a great place to wind down, take a stroll, and enjoy the sights/sounds of nature..... more

After several tips to the island, we finally made a point to visit the sanctuary. We should've done this sooner! It's a great place to wind down, take a stroll, and enjoy the sights/sounds of nature..... more »

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By Brian Nicolich

Quite nice place to visit and see a bit of nature. The lake is beautiful, even if it does have alligators. Yep we spotted one and he came close but now I have some really great photos. Worth the visit, particularly since it cost nothing. Parking is scarce but you can park on the median of the main road.

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By Robert Jackson

If your a local or visiting dauphin island this is a hidden gem. If you like the outdoors it's certainly worth a visit. The trails are well kept and clean. The lake view and the beach access are very nice with great sights. Kids enjoy it too granted they like the outdoors. It may not seem like a big place on the map but it certainly has a extensive network if trails to keep you busy for hours.

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By Jack Sweeney

Quiet, peaceful, and filled with natural beauty-- a perfect place to take a walk when you're visiting Dauphin Island. We saw abundant wildlife and blooming coastal flowers within the park. One trail takes visitors over the dunes and onto the beach. Stunning in every way!

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By Matt Alvino

Awesome park/sanctuary on Dauphin Island. Several hiking/walking trails available. Some have boardwalks much of the way but nearly all of them end at some point. We were able to use a stroller through everything except the little spur out to the beach. The forest is beautiful. Tall pines that make the area above the underbrush feel open and airy. Mixed in are some oaks and magnolias with interesting branch structure. We were here in early September so it was still hot and not many wild flowers to be seen. From the dock on Alligator Lake we saw closer to a dozen turtles of varying species swimming around. Some were huge, shell maybe a foot or more wide. Didn't see any gators though, unfortunately. Maybe was time of day, mid afternoon, or year, but mosquitoes were pretty rough through the swamp and forest. If you kept moving it wasn't too bad, but our 2 year old got hammered with bites. Parking is somewhat limited. No real amenities, but some people had hiked out to the beach and were chillin.

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By Charlsie Pecoraro

Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a wonderful place for a tranquil walk with your leashed dog. The boardwalk meanders through the tall pines, ancient magnolias and live oaks. Visitors can overlook Gaillard Lake and perhaps spot one of the resident alligators. There is beach access as well. Hours are from dusk to dawn. Bird watchers might be interested to know that the island is on the migration route for many species. In fact over 400 bird types have been spotted on Dauphin Island.

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