2021 Alabama Coastal BirdFest

Registration will close on Sunday, September 26, at 11:59 pm CDT!

We’ve added lots of new trips to our lineup with opportunities to see birds, alligators, wildflowers, and other wildlife—and learn about their habitats. We also offer seminars at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on basic and advanced birding, hummingbirds and avian conservation, along with building a backyard habitat, planning a birdwatching trip, and a field workshop on nature photography.

BirdFest trips cover the 200-mile Alabama Coastal Birding Trail throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties, exploring bird and wildlife hotspots such as Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, Weeks Bay, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bayou La Batre, Forever Wild Grand Bay Savanna, and more.

Take a look at the entire schedule and then plan your BirdFest adventure! Be sure to share with your family and friends!

As you go through the registration process, please be cautious that you do not double book yourself. The date and time for each event is in the event title.

Trips are filled in the order in which registrations are received.  Registrants will pay registration and credit card fees associated with using Eventbrite, and state and local sales tax.  You will receive an email confirmation of your registration from Eventbrite.  Remember to check your "Spam" folder for this confirmation before calling for assistance.  

For bus trips, please be at 5 Rivers Delta Hall at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Buses will depart at the posted trip time. Be sure to check-in inside Delta Hall and enjoy coffee and refreshments before boarding the bus.

For trips that meet at a different location, such as paddles and boat trips, please arrive at the departure point at least 15-20 minutes before the posted trip time. Boats will depart at the posted trip time.

Maps and release forms will be available on the website beginning Sept. 6. Hard copies will also be available at 5 Rivers.

Paddling trips will include all necessary gear and safety equipment.

If you need assistance, call 251-990-5004.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

IMPORTANT COVID INFORMATION - Due to the rapid spread of the COVID 19 Delta variant, we will follow all CDC guidelines during BirdFest. For bus trips, ALL passengers, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask at all times on the bus and while in close proximity to fellow birders.

Alabama Coastal BirdFest reserves the right to cancel any event for any reason. In the unlikely event that BirdFest cancels a trip, we will notify registered participants as soon as possible.

Should you need to cancel any or all of your trips or events, a refund will be issued subject to the following:

• Cancellations on or before Sept 6 will receive a full refund minus a $10 administrative fee.
• Cancellations after Sept. 6 and on or before Sept. 16 will receive a 50% refund minus a $10 administrative fee.
• No refunds will be issued after Sept. 16.
• No refunds will be issued for no-shows.

• If BirdFest cancels a trip/event due to circumstances that cause safety concerns, such as weather, a full refund for the trip will be available upon written request submitted on or before Oct. 31. Refunds not requested in writing on or before October 31 will be considered a donation to South Alabama Land Trust.

• To request a refund, send an email to [email protected], subject line--BirdFest Refund, or by mail to South Alabama Land Trust, 11401 US Highway 98, Fairhope, AL 36532, Attention: BirdFest Refunds. Requests should include the name of the registrant(s), the trip number(s), phone number, and mailing address.

Q: If I take a trip that starts someplace other than 5 Rivers, how do I know where to go?

A: Maps and directions will be posted on our website beginning Sept. 6. Hard copies will be available at 5 Rivers beginning Tuesday, September 28.

Q: Do you provide lunch on the trips?

A: Where indicated, we provide sack lunches with meat or cheese sandwiches, snacks, and water.  Otherwise, you should bring your own beverages and snacks.

Q: Do you provide safety equipment for paddle trips?

A: Yes, all necessary gear and safety equipment is provided for paddle trips.

Q: Is BirdFest only for experienced birders?

A: By attending, you are on your way to becoming a more experienced birder! Books such as the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America or A Birder’s Guide to Alabama (University of Alabama Press) will enhance your experience.

Q: May I bring a child on a trip?

A: Children 12 and older are welcome and must be registered at the regular fee and accompanied by an adult. All ages will enjoy Saturday’s free Bird & Conservation Expo.

Host or Publisher South Alabama Land Trust