Did you know that the Scenic 98 Coastal area is home to one of the world's most important and popular birding hotspots? According to the eBird app, Cornell University’s go-to tool for birding enthusiasts, this natural area along the Gulf Coast attracts a diverse array of bird species, many of which are migratory. As a result, bird watchers flock (pun intended!) to immerse themselves in avian wonders in this region year-round.

Regardless of your level of birding expertise, the 20th Annual Alabama Coastal BirdFest & Nature Expo promises many opportunities to connect with nature and explore diverse natural resources and bird habitats recognized as the most vibrant to be found anywhere around the world.

This year’s BirdFest & Nature Expo, on Friday, October 4 through Sunday the 6th, will offer plenty of opportunities to get close to nature. Expert-led BirdFest tours will be held throughout the Gulf Coast from Mississippi to Pensacola and include several significant nature and birding tours in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Daphne, Fairhope, Mobile, and Spanish Fort. 

Bring out your inner Lewis and Clark with a Nature & Sketchbook Journaling class designed for all ages. Local artist and Eastern Shore Art Center’s Outreach Director, Lindsey Lawrence, will teach “fast-sketch” techniques of flora and fauna. Also, new at this year’s BirdFest is a Plant Walk at the South Alabama Land Trust’s own Fish River Nature Preserve, where participants will learn about the different habitats of native plants at the Preserve. 

In addition to the birders who travel from near and far for the BirdFest events, the free, family-focused Nature Expo on Saturday, October 5 at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center is designed to get kids outdoors and includes a variety of programs sure to provide a lot of fun experiences. 

I met with Kori Wilbourn, SALT’s Communications and Outreach Associate, who urges residents to learn more about their environment by participating in the BirdFest & Nature Expo. “Registration opens August 5th through September 23, and there are all sorts of activities including expert-led birding tours, nature tours, and workshops. We will offer tours on land or by boat, kayak, or bike. It’s a great way to explore this biodiverse place we call home.” 

“Even if you have participated in BirdFest before, we’ve added more programs to commune with nature. You can go online to register and build a portfolio of activities throughout the BirdFest. But don’t hesitate -- many classes and tours have limited capacity, so you don’t want to miss out.” 

Register for BirdFest’s tours and workshops through SALT’s website, where you can find the list of classes and tours that make up the entire 3-day event. Build your schedule using the associated codes that correspond with each program. Pricing for the event will reflect the sum of every event for which you choose to sign up.  

For readers with kids or grandkids, you need to know about SALT’s new Gulf Coast Nature Passport! The Passport is a fun workbook that challenges kids to identify plants and animals and to participate in outdoor activities. SALT’s Land Conservation Associate, Cassidy Redding, specially curated a list of prompts provided in each Nature Passport that encourages kids ages 9-12 to step outside and explore astonishing, native flora and fauna. From nature walks and boat rides to identifying native species and habitats, SALT guarantees this program will provide our youth with ample opportunities for outdoor knowledge and fun. 

“When they’ve reached three different levels of completion, each participant is encouraged to bring their completed passport to SALT’s office to receive their prize! The deadline for completing this program is Earth Day, April 22, 2025. We hope that a little time away from computers and the phone will grow an understanding and appreciation of the natural wonders here in our backyard.” 

Kori, an outdoor enthusiast herself, earned her communications and marketing degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile. She tells me she enjoys studying the psychology of consumer behavior. “I like to understand what makes people tick,” Finding herself back in Daphne after living in New Orleans and then Nashville for the past four years, she says her connections to the Gulf Coast are strong. 

“The culture, heritage, and natural beauty are what make this area a hidden gem. Coastal Alabama is a state of its own.” She enjoys cycling around the Scenic 98 Coastal area. She has a passion for cycling of all disciplines like mountain biking and road cycling. She says, “Cycling is my therapy. My mind and body respond well to nature. Being outside as much as possible is the Earth’s natural form of therapy.” 

This year’s Alabama Coastal BirdFest & Nature Expo is sure to be a great experience for the whole family. Kori tells me SALT hopes to really connect kids with nature and provide new and improved tours and classes for families and birders alike.  

“Whether you’re a local looking for a fun, family-friendly event or a birder looking to experience something new in our area, everyone should take advantage of the wonderful, diverse, and abundant natural wonders that our Gulf Coast has to offer. This 20th anniversary of this event will be the best.” 

Don’t delay! Registration opens next week, August 5, 2024. Thank you, Kori. Scenic 98 Coastal is excited about what South Alabama Land Trust is doing to protect and preserve our natural habitats. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with SALT to make this year’s Alabama Coastal BirdFest & Nature Expo a huge success!