Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby

Alabama · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Killdeer, Laughing Gull, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/4/2026Foley3 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/4/2026Foley1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/4/2026Foley2 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/3/2026Foley1 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

Killdeer

23/3/2026

Laughing Gull

43/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

33/3/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

13/3/2026

Common Grackle

33/3/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

43/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

43/3/2026

American Coot

53/3/2026

Brown Pelican

23/3/2026

Osprey

13/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Blue Jay

13/3/2026

European Starling

103/3/2026

Mourning Dove

53/2/2026

Fish Crow

23/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/2/2026

Palm Warbler

13/2/2026

Willet

13/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

22/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 - Lake Shelby for birding?
The best months to visit Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby?
Notable species at Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby include Killdeer, Laughing Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Mockingbird, Brown-headed Cowbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby?
Birding at Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby 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 - Lake Shelby?
Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.