Gulf State Park

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Gulf State Park is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Clapper Rail, and Killdeer among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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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

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/6/2026Foley1 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/6/2026Foley1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/6/2026Foley1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/4/2026Foley2 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/2/2026Foley1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

2/25/2026601 West Orchid Avenue, Foley, Alabama, US (30.411, -87.694) Jordan's1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/2/2026

Clapper Rail

13/2/2026

Killdeer

13/2/2026

Common Loon

13/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/2/2026

Osprey

13/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Fish Crow

23/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/2/2026

European Starling

153/2/2026

Gray Catbird

43/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

13/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

23/2/2026

House Finch

23/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gulf State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Gulf State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Gulf State Park?
Notable species at Gulf State Park include Mourning Dove, Clapper Rail, Killdeer, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gulf State Park?
Birding at Gulf State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Gulf State Park?
Gulf State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.