Dauphin Island, Alabama
To the east of world-famous High Island, Texas, lies little-known Dauphin Island, just south of Mobile, Alabama. Often overlooked by birders, it's one of the first stretches of land that neotropical migrants see as they make their way across the Gulf of Mexico. Dauphin Island is where birds congregate to rest and refuel after the exhausting flight, sometimes through inclement weather. It’s not uncommon to have over 100 species in just a single day! Time will be spent searching not only for migrant songbirds, but also for resident southern specialties, shorebirds getting ready to leave their wintering grounds, and more. This adventure is centered around one hotel and is a perfect way to welcome migration.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive from your home airport in Mobile, Alabama, in the mid-afternoon and enjoy the 40-minute drive south to Dauphin Island.
Night: Dauphin Island
Meals: D
Days 2 - 6
These days will be spent exploring both Dauphin Island itself and other local birding hotspots. The schedule will remain flexible to maximize birding potential, with an effort made to observe a fallout if we’re lucky. The island is not just a great spot for passerine migrants, however! Locations such as Pelican Point, the island airport, and the west end of the island are ideal spots to search for shorebirds, rails, ducks, and secretive sparrows. Time will also be spent birding the mainland, searching for species including Yellow-breasted Chat, Least Bittern, and Chuck-will’s-widow.
Splinter Hill Bog Preserve is a Nature Conservancy-owned property that, together with state-owned lands, makes up over 2,100 acres of seepage bog habitat. Home to over 12 species of carnivorous plants, including four species of pitcher plants, the bog is also prime habitat for the habitat-threatened Bachman’s Sparrow.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is located across the bay from Dauphin Island. Established in 1980 to protect the migratory stopover habitat of neotropical migrants, along with the breeding range of three species of sea turtles, the refuge is also home to the endangered Alabama Beach Mouse. Fort Morgan, located across the mouth of Mobile Bay, is another popular fallout spot in spring. Built in 1834 on the spot of the former Fort Bowyer, the site of the last land battles of the War of 1812, it played an important role during the Civil War. It was dedicated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and, owing to climate change, is considered one of the 10 most endangered Civil War sites.
Nights: Dauphin Island
Meals: B
Day 7
Head to the airport for early morning flights back home, arriving in the mid-afternoon
Meals: B
Tour Leader
TBD
EcoTravel Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel with EcoTravel?
We’re proud to offer small group travel in support of conservation, both locally and across the globe! By traveling with EcoTravel, you’re supporting environmental education and habitat management everywhere we go. When traveling internationally, we strive to use local companies who know the best places to visit, providing an intimate experience with the culture and wildlife.
What's included in the cost of the trip?
Most everything. Most every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, birding/sightseeing with experienced guides, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers, services of local guides, and more.
Most meals are included on EcoTravel journeys. All breakfasts are included, and some dinners. Occasional lunches in special locations may also be included. Although some dinners may not be included, suggestions for dining options will be offered by your tour leader. Many EcoTravel guests choose to dine together to share in new friendships and discoveries, but the choice is yours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the EcoTravel experience – and that is why we select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Most included meals offer limited choice menus, and some may be from a set menu or buffet. All appropriate gratuities for included meals are included.
For exact information of what’s included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's not included in the cost of the trip?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, nor are meal gratuities for not-included meals, local guides, luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, and dining room servers. EcoTravel guides and driver gratuities are not included and should be offered individually, not as a group. Transfer driver gratuities are included.
Luggage service on EcoTravel tours is not included.
For exact information of what’s not included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's your cancellation policy?
All trips are non-refundable.
Day Trips run as scheduled, and all participants are expected to be there. In the event weather postpones the trip and you can’t make the new date, or we don’t receive enough signups to run the trip, you’ll receive a non-expiring credit for the full value paid.
Overnight Trips can be partially refunded outside of 120 days before departure. Payment is due in full 120 days before departure, and no refunds are given. Exact details for each trip can be found in the terms and conditions on the Printable Itinerary.
What's the average group size?
Almost all of our trips are kept to single digits! We believe that small groups give a better experience to everyone. Day Trips and certain overnights may include up to 14 participants, with two guides.
Many of our trips run with just 4-6 participants!
What level of birder do I need to be?
All levels are welcome! While some trips are more intense than others, our guides are skilled at helping everyone see as many birds as possible while having a great time.
Do you sell travel insurance?
EcoTravel is an authorized agent of Travelex travel insurance. Please call the office for more information.
What happens if the tour doesn't fill?
Day Trips: Cancellation results in a credit for the full value that can be used for future trips.
Overnight Trips: Travelers are given the chance to rebook the same trip for a future year, or to move their money at full value to another trip.
What's the activity level of the tours?
It varies! Some tours have lots of walking, while others are more sedentary. For exact information on the activity level of a specific trip, please call the office.
How far in advance can I / should I book?
We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible – especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. EcoTravel journeys are popular and tend to fill quickly.
Can EcoTravel help make arrangements for pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights?
Absolutely! Many guests choose to extend their stay and we’re happy to help. As a service, EcoTravel will make hotel reservations before and/or after your journey at select pre-/post-stay hotels offered for that tour. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any EcoTravel journey, so there’s no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.
Arranging hotel accommodations in the city where your journey begins for the night preceding your EcoTravel itinerary not only gives you more time to explore on your own, allows your group to become better acclimated to time changes before your journey begins and helps to relieve stress from potential travel delays – important factors to consider! Guests wishing to spend more time in cities where our journeys end can extend their stay – a great way to make your vacation last a little longer.
Are transfers included to and from my pre-tour and post-tour hotels?
Complimentary transfers are included from the airport to your pre-stay hotel for the start of your journey and from your post-stay hotel to your departure airport.
Please Note:Transfers are included for EcoTravel-approved pre- and post-stay hotels. Non-EcoTravel hotel transfers must be approved prior to leaving on your tour.
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