The 2006 edition of the Alabama Coastal BirdFest begins this Thursday and runs through the weekend. It's that time of year. Many of the northern species of migratory birds have begun their southern migration this year and have found their way to the southeast.
All along the Alabama Gulf Coast neo-tropicals are flocked together, fattening up for the big push south across the Gulf of Mexico where they'll winter in warmer climates.
The Coastal BirdFest is the best place for birders to be right now not only because of the birds' arrival but because the organizers of the Alabama Coastal Birdfest go out of their way each year to make their event the premiere birding event for birders. Whether you're looking to get started and hungry for learning about birding, or you're a seasoned birder who knows where to look and what to look for, the Alabama Coastal BirdFest is just the ticket to birding success.
Not only that but it's a great social gathering too.
BirdFest 2006 starts Thursday on the coast
Events include opportunities to see birds at sites around Mobile Bay, and learn about them
With a full slate of activities, Baldwin County will again be the gathering place for bird lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country as the third annual Alabama Coast BirdFest 2006 starts Thursday.
The event continues through Sunday.
The event includes chances to learn about the birds that flock to the Gulf Coast as well as a chance to observe them as they pass through the region, said D. Fran Morley, event organizer.
"Our Thursday night reception at the Gulf Coast Exploreum is going to be particularly interesting to local folks. A panel of experts will discuss the topic Hurricanes & Habitat -- How Wildlife Survives' and how the recent storms have impacted our local natural habitat. I have always wondered where the birds go during a hurricane," said Morley.
This year's BirdFest includes about 20 tours to birding spots on the 240-mile long Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, two evening events, and a free day-long Bird and Conservation Expo, according to the Web site for the event.
On Friday night, a barbecue and seafood dinner will be held at the Nix Center in Fairhope. The event will include a silent auction. Sid Gauthreaux, director of South Carolina's Clemson University Radar Ornithology Lab and a leading expert on the Doppler radar, which tracks and identifies migratory birds, will be the speaker.
The Bird and Conservation Expo will take place Saturday at the Faulkner State Community College campus in Fairhope. The event will have booths, exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, films and activities for children.
Tours scheduled this year include:
Some tours will be offered twice during BirdFest. Registration is required as some events are filling up, organizers said. As of the middle of September more than 500 people were registered from 11 states according to John Borom, president of the Mobile Bay Audubon Society and founder of the event.