Dauphin Island - Pelican Island

Alabama · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Dauphin Island - Pelican Island is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and Mourning Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

3/4/2026Dauphin Island--Pelican Bay and Spit1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

3/1/202616871 Dauphin Island Parkway, Coden, Alabama, US (30.341, -88.126)20 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/1/2026Brisbane Dr., Mobile Co. AL1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

3/1/2026Shell Belt Road, Coden3 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

2/27/202616871 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Coden US-AL 30.34215, -88.126001 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

2/27/202616871 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Coden US-AL 30.34215, -88.126001 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

2/27/202616871 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Coden US-AL 30.34215, -88.126001 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

2/21/2026Henderson Farm Road1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

2/21/2026Dauphin Island--Fort Gaines1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

52/21/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

312/21/2026

Mourning Dove

52/21/2026

Black-bellied Plover

32/21/2026

Killdeer

32/21/2026

Willet

22/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

12/21/2026

Sanderling

222/21/2026

Dunlin

22/21/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

32/21/2026

Laughing Gull

52/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

22/21/2026

American Herring Gull

32/21/2026

Royal Tern

32/21/2026

Common Loon

12/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

402/21/2026

Reddish Egret

12/21/2026

Snowy Egret

12/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/21/2026

Brown Pelican

122/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Dauphin Island - Pelican Island for birding?
The best months to visit Dauphin Island - Pelican Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Dauphin Island - Pelican Island?
Notable species at Dauphin Island - Pelican Island include Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dauphin Island - Pelican Island?
Birding at Dauphin Island - Pelican Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Dauphin Island - Pelican Island?
Dauphin Island - Pelican Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.