Wooden bench in a dry, grassy field with trees.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site

Alabama · Southeast

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$7 adults

Hours

Open daily, 8 AM - 5 PM

About This Location

Fort Morgan State Historic Site is a productive birding destination in Alabama, with 343 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Killdeer, and Least Sandpiper among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Mallard Killdeer Least Sandpiper Laughing Gull Double-crested Cormorant Reddish Egret Great Blue Heron Brown-headed Nuthatch Carolina Wren Northern Cardinal Mourning Dove Downy Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/19/202618222–18294 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Coden US-AL 30.33168, -88.133057 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

6/19/202618222–18294 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Coden US-AL 30.33168, -88.133051 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/18/2026Cedar Point1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/18/2026Dauphin Island Causeway - South Marsh Restoration Area1 observed

Brown Noddy

Anous stolidus

6/18/2026Dauphin Island--Pelican Point1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/13/2026Pilot Town1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

6/8/2026Dauphin Island--Pelican Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

36/19/2026

Killdeer

16/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

26/19/2026

Willet

16/19/2026

Laughing Gull

6/19/2026

Least Tern

56/19/2026

Black Tern

76/19/2026

Sandwich Tern

506/19/2026

Royal Tern

176/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

66/19/2026

Brown Pelican

246/19/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

16/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/19/2026

House Finch

86/19/2026

Chimney Swift

16/18/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

36/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/18/2026

Purple Martin

56/18/2026

Barn Swallow

46/18/2026

European Starling

166/18/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
5
Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Bon Secour NWR
Gulf Shores Beach
Mobile Bay Ferry

More in Alabama

Dauphin Island

Gulf Coast migration hotspot famous for spring fallout events and trans-Gulf migrants.

Battleship Memorial Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in Alabama with 233 recorded species.

Bayfront Park/Village Point (Daphne)

Urban Park birding hotspot in Alabama with 277 recorded species.

Alabama Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Alabama →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Morgan State Historic Site for birding?▼

The best months to visit Fort Morgan State Historic Site for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Fort Morgan State Historic Site?▼

Notable species at Fort Morgan State Historic Site include Mallard, Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, Laughing Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Reddish Egret, Great Blue Heron, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Fort Morgan State Historic Site?▼

Birding at Fort Morgan State Historic Site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Fort Morgan State Historic Site?▼

The entrance fee at Fort Morgan State Historic Site is $7 adults. Hours: Open daily, 8 AM - 5 PM.

What amenities are available at Fort Morgan State Historic Site?▼

Fort Morgan State Historic Site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.