Local Wildlife – Sunset Properties Blog

June 3, 2024June 10, 2024

Beach Safety in Gulf Shores

Hey Friends! When it comes to enjoying the Alabama Gulf Coast, prioritizing safety ensures a fun and unforgettable experience. Here are some key beach safety tips for Gulf Shores:

Respect the Power of the Ocean: The Gulf can have strong currents and always check the beach flags before swimming.
Lifeguard the Lifesavers: Swim near guarded beaches with lifeguards on duty during their operating hours (typically March to October in Gulf Shores).
Buddy Up: Never swim alone. Always go with a friend or family member, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Know the Flags: Gulf Shores uses a beach flag warning system to indicate water conditions. Here’s a quick guide:

Double Red Flag: Water closed to the public.
Red Flag: High hazard with strong currents and dangerous surf.
Yellow Flag: Medium hazard with moderate surf conditions.
Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life present (be cautious of jellyfish, stingrays, etc.).

Weather Woes: Be aware of approaching storms and avoid swimming during thunderstorms or rough weather.
Sun Safety: Pack sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply frequently, especially after swimming. ( Our favorite is Sun Bum!)
Marine Life: Be cautious of jellyfish, stingrays, and other marine life. Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stepping on stingrays. End up stung by a jellyfish? Here are some remedies for you to try out.
Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially on hot days. Liquid IV is great for replacing electrolytes!
Leave No Trace: Pack out all your trash to keep the beach clean and beautiful for everyone.

For real-time beach conditions in Gulf Shores, you can call 251-968-SURF (7873) or text ALBEACHES to 888777 to receive daily text alerts on beach conditions and flag status.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience in Gulf Shores!

Ready to book your escape to paradise? Contact Sunset Properties at 251-543-1370 or find us online at www.sunsetproperties.com to learn more about our properties! Dunes 602 is a 1 bedroom 2 bath that sleeps 6 in Fort Morgan. This quaint spot features a king size bed, sleeper sofa, and the cutest bunk bed hallway ever. Perfect for kids that want their own space! Give us a call so we can get you booked today!

August 5, 2020August 5, 2020

Make the Alabama Gulf Coast Your Fall 2020 Virtual School Science Classroom

When most people think about visiting Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan, they think about a summer trip because school starts back in the fall. But 2020 has given us a whole new perspective on how school should look. Traditional classrooms and desks are being replaced with kitchens and dining tables and chalkboards with laptops. These days all you need is a laptop or tablet, a peaceful place to study and some Wi-Fi, right? Well then, why not spend at least part of your 2020 fall school year in South Baldwin County, Alabama? The Alabama Gulf Coast has so much to offer curious minds.

Here are five great virtual school science report topics for fall 2020:

Monarchs

Many of our traditional fall guests were disappointed to learn the Annual National Shrimp Festival was cancelled this year due to concerns about the possibility of COVID-19 virus spread in the large crowd. We urge you to come on down to the beach in October anyway to see a different kind of crowd: Monarchs. That’s right! They will be everywhere! Monarchs, as majestic as their name implies, by the thousands could be passing through our area. Often overlooked because of all the other fun things going on down here in October, this year the Monarchs can have the spotlight. Monarch butterflies, the ones with the pretty yellow, orange and black colorful wings, are migratory insects. They actually travel from the US to Mexico and back twice each year. Monarchs that reside in the Eastern parts of America during the spring and summer travel to Mexico in October to begin their winter season there. Our little part of the Alabama Gulf Coast just happens to be in the migratory path of some of these insects. As they pass through our area, thousands of them can be seen along Fort Morgan Road and all around our island. They spend their winter months in the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. From Gulf Shores, by way of Interstate 10 West then south into Mexico, it’s about 1500 miles to these mountains where the Monarchs spend their winters. Because many of the butterflies spend their springs and summers along the East Coast of the US, their total trip can be as far as 3000 miles. These little guys fly three thousand miles just to hang out for a few months! According to the US Forest Service, the Monarchs follow the magnetic pull of the earth and notice the sun’s location in the sky for directions to their winter home. According to AL.com, these butterflies can be seen in South Alabama from late September through early October. What better science project than to write a report about the migration of these magnificent insects after seeing the migration first-hand?

Ospreys

Another great science report topic is to observe and write about ospreys. Ospreys, also called fish hawks, are sometimes mistaken for eagles. They are actually large raptors (we love that word: “raptors”) and they live along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Some of them migrate further south in the winter, while some choose to stay here with us. With their pretty brown wings and white bodies, they are easy to spot. As you travel around our island, look up at the tops of old dead trees or on special platforms that resemble power poles with little board floors nailed to the top of them. That’s where our local ospreys build their nests. These platforms can be seen from Fort Morgan to Orange Beach and all points in between. There are a few of these near Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park. Ospreys are amazing fish hunters and can often be seen soaring over Mobile Bay fishing. Their talons (or toes and toenails) are super sharp and so is their vision. Ospreys are protected animals and we are blessed to have so many around our little island home.

Alabama Beach Mice

The Alabama Beach Mouse is another protected animal who shares our island home with us. This nocturnal little mammal is covered with buff and white fur and he is almost camouflage against the dunes in which he lives. The Alabama Beach Mouse primarily feeds on seeds from sea oats and other coastal plants and small insects at night. The mouse is a tiny little guy, weighing less than about three nickels. You may catch a glimpse of them running in and out of dunes around your vacation home. But remember, the Alabama Beach Mouse is an endangered species and it is illegal to catch or kill them. Instead, they are fun to watch from a distance as they scurry along their little ways. The mouse is an important part of our coastal ecosystem. He makes his home among our sea oats which help hold our dunes in place. The Alabama Beach Mouse is the coastal cousin to most other field mice found in our state. Our tiny neighbor, however, makes his home exclusively from Ono Island in Orange Beach to Fort Morgan. We, at Sunset Properties, happen to think he has exquisite taste!

Sea Turtles

Three main types of sea turtles have been known to nest along our Alabama Gulf Coast. Loggerhead Sea Turtles seem to be the most common in our area, although Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles and Green Sea Turtles have also been seen. Another protected animal, we want you to know about these magnificent creatures, but urge you not to go near them. Mama Loggerhead turtles, who normally spend their days swimming, floating and hunting for crabs and shrimp (two of our supper favorites, too!) in the salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico or one of our back bays, find their way onto our sandy white beaches to dig a hole and lay their eggs. Sea turtle nests can be found from May to October and there are ways to observe them without disturbing them. For more information on sea turtle conservation, follow this link to Share the Beach, a great group of folks who monitor sea turtles all year long. You might get invited to participate with the Share the Beach folks and help baby turtles find their way back to the Gulf. Doing this outside of a conservation group is a really bad idea. Damaging a sea turtle nesting site is not only illegal, it’s just mean. These turtle moms travel for miles across the Gulf and choose to lay their eggs along our Alabama Gulf Coast and we consider it a privilege they picked us. To disturb these baby turtles as they grow inside their shells and prepare for their journey back to the Gulf is something no local would ever do. Instead we work together to help them start their new lives safely.

Lemurs

The first four animals we listed are native, at least in part, to our area. Some are protected by law, and, although you can find some pretty great pictures of the areas in which they live, and maybe even catch a glimpse of one of them, it is not necessarily a good idea to handle them directly. The non-native Lemur, however, is a totally different option. Lemurs, as we all learned in the hilarious movie Madagascar, are natives to that African island and those surrounding Madagascar. However, our Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has a small lemur population and those little primates are super friendly and you can actually hold them, pet them and play with them. The word “lemur” is taken from the Latin word “lemure” which means ghost or spirit. Their little faces and white ringed tails give them the appearance of a spooky supernatural spirit being. They are, instead, quite social and fun to interact with, far from spooky! The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo offers a Lemur Encounter experience and we urge you to visit. Operating under CDC guidelines for social distancing, our Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is open and the Lemur Encounter is one you won’t want to miss. We cannot think of a better way to expertly submit a virtual report on lemurs than to have an actual visit with them. Be sure to contact the good folks at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo for times and specifics on your encounter, but don’t miss the opportunity while you’re visiting us this fall!

We, at Sunset Properties, know you were probably disappointed when you learned the Annual National Shrimp Festival was cancelled for October 2020. We were, too! But we want you to know that there is still plenty to see and do on our island home. So come on down, anyway. Instead of booking a short weekend trip, go ahead and pack up the virtual school supplies and come stay with us for a week! We have affordable fall pricing for families and vacation home options that range from one bedroom condos to luxury beach houses that sleep up to 20 people. Bring your small dog, too, and choose one of our fur baby friendly rentals. If you need more ideas for virtual school reports, check out our blog on Five Great Ways to Watch Dolphins Play. Dolphins always make great topics! We are looking forward to seeing you this fall and will help out your schoolers any way we can!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

October 23, 2019

Top 10 Reasons To Go Fishing in Gulf Shores in the Fall

The reasons to fish the waters along the Alabama Gulf Coast in the fall are many. Local anglers will tell you to plan your trip, come on down and expect to have a great time while you’re here. We will tell you that there are lots of reasons to Go Fishing in Gulf Shores in the Fall, but here are our top ten:

1 The Temperature is Great

The weather in the fall in Gulf Shores is fabulous. The days are usually warm following a cool start and the nights are comfortable. Be sure to pack sunscreen when you come down. Even though the sun’s rays are longer this time of year, you can still get a sunburn while you’re fishing. Remember, the rays reflect off the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and off our crystal white sandy beaches and you can get a quick sunburn without even realizing it. Also, pack both shorts and jeans. We’re pretty sure you’ll need both. Don’t forget a windbreaker or light rain jacket. We do get a little rain here in the fall, but it usually doesn’t last long. And pack your shades. As the days cool in the fall the sun seems to shine brighter. Shades and visors are a must for any fall outdoor activities, especially activities like fishing where water reflects the sun’s rays.

2 Charters are Easy to Get

Fishing charters leave out of Orange Beach all year long. Fall fishing is a great excuse to book a charter and go a few miles off shore. The good folks at Orange Beach Fishing Charters and Fishing Guides are ready to help you get started. With off-shore, near shore and deep sea fishing options available, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for. Several of our favorite charter companies leave out of Zeke’s Marina. For years, the good folks at Zeke’s have been ready to get locals and guests alike out on the open waters of the Gulf. Another option is Gulf Rebel Charter Fishing. For over 50 years, these folks have been taking fishermen and ladies right to the best spots to catch the most fish. Gulf Rebel Charters is a local family owned business. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Give Extreme Chaos Inshore Charters a try! This is one inshore fishing experience your whole family is sure to love!

3 Great Fish are in Season

Fishing is great along the Alabama Gulf Coast all year long and fall is no exception. Dolphinfish like dolphin, dorado and mahi-mahi are in season all summer and through October. Bull Redfish are also in season. Flounder is a local fave and can be caught through October in our area. Several species of grouper are also in season. We love fresh Gulf Grouper! Cobia is another local favorite and it is in season through October. Whether you’re fishing from our famous Gulf State Park Pier or from one of our local charter boats, we are sure you will catch something great to eat while you’re here in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. If you can’t enjoy it here, pack it well in ice and take it home for a mid-winter feast you’re sure to enjoy!

4 Accommodations are Affordable

Lodging is a bit less expensive in the fall than it is in summer months. With our tourist season winding down, we are able to offer nightly stays at reduced rates. Usually, we have a greater selection of available properties to choose from, as well. If you’re looking for a beach home to rent while you’re planning your fall fishing getaway adventure, check out Spunky Sandpiper. This three bedroom beach home located in the Fort Morgan community sleeps up to twelve folks. You can bring all your best buds on your fishing weekend and all stay together in this great home! If a more unique beach home appeals to you, take a look at The Boathouse. This boat shaped home is right on Mobile Bay and offers spectacular views! It has two bedrooms and sleeps up to seven. Small dogs are also welcome here with some restrictions. Another great option for your fishing adventure is Navy Cove 1207. This lovely condominium features two bedrooms and two bathrooms and sleeps up to six. Additionally, it has its own boat slip. That can be a definite plus for any angler!

5 Dining Out Is Quicker

With less folks visiting in our area in the fall than there are in the summer months, dining out is usually much quicker. Lines at local restaurants are shorter and the whole experience can be much more relaxed and enjoyable. This can be a real plus if you’ve been out fishing all day and you’re tired and hungry. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of our favorite places. For breakfast, you really should give the Ruby Slipper Cafe a try. We love all of their eggs benedict choices. And their coffee is second to none. For lunch, stop by and see the good folks at Sassy Bass Amazin’ Grill on Fort Morgan Road. Their seafood entrees are all excellent. Would you rather have a great burger while you’re in our area? You must try the World Famous Keg Burger at The Keg Lounge and Grill on Canal Road. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just a bar, it’s a great little hidden treasure. They have a wonderful kids menu, too.

6 The Beaches are Less Crowded

Our beautiful beaches are less crowded, too. If long quiet walks collecting shells without the hustle and bustle of the summer crowd appeals to you, you’re in luck! Fall vacationers find our beaches easier to access and more peaceful than in the summer months. Truly the lazy days of fall appeal to many. If you’re one of those people who enjoys listening to the sounds of the waves, reading a good book and enjoying the warmth of the sun without the heat of summer, you’re going to love Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan in the fall. Once you’re through with your fishing charter, we encourage you to take a blanket out onto our beautiful beaches and just enjoy watching the stars in the night sky.

7 Festivals are in Full Swing

Fall is not only fishing season along our Alabama Gulf Coast, but it’s also festival season! Be sure to plan your fishing adventure weekend to include one of our great locally produced festival activities. Festivals celebrating seafood, musicians, and birds are just a few of the great events we have planned for the next few months. The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival lasts for several days in November and can be found at many venues. Check out their website for details. For a complete list of our festivals, read our blog entitled Four Fall Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. While fishing is a great reason to come this fall, our festivals may just be the reason you want to stay a little longer.

8 Nightlife Rocks

The Nightlife here in our area never disappoints. In addition to the great music you’ll find all around our island during the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, you’ll also find music playing at all of our favorite places. Live Bait Food and Spirits is known for its great entertainment. Be sure to try their Greek Nachos, too, while you’re there! The Hangout in Gulf Shores has become world famous for their entertainment. Even though Hangout Music Fest is in May, we’re sure you’ll find some enjoyable moments at the Hangout this fall! And don’t forget to stop by The Wharf after dark. The Ferris Wheel never disappoints and offers a breathtaking view of our island! And the Spectra light show offers nightlife fun for the whole family. After all, young anglers need to have fun, too!

9 Golf is Right Around Every Corner

What better way to make a fishing weekend extra fun than to add a golf outing to it? With great weather all fall long in our neighborhood, why wouldn’t you do just that? Golf courses are all over our beautiful island home and golf packages are very easy to get this time of year. Whether you want to golf at a course Arnold Palmer designed or at one of the oldest and best kept courses around, Gulf Shores Golf Club, your choices are abundant. For a complete list to all the courses around, check out our blog about best places to golf. We encourage you to book a golf outing while you’re here. After all, why not experience the best we have to offer, both on land and at sea?

10 Who Really Needs a Reason to Fish Anyway?

Seriously! Come on…who does need a reason to fish? Fishing is one of the most relaxing sports around and it can end up being the most exciting! Fishing is something we can take our kids along to and do with our parents. Fishing creates an opportunity to make unforgettable memories and can provide food as well as entertainment. After you think about, you really don’t need a reason to fish….just a time and a place!

Come on down to the Alabama Gulf Coast this fall and fish, golf, enjoy our nightlife and stay with Sunset Properties while you do it all. We are looking forward to your arrival and we are here to help you with your reservation or to answer any questions about any of the fun activities we have going on in our area. Go ahead! Make a plan! Come on and Fish!

www.sunsetproperties.com

251.543.1370

January 23, 2017October 21, 2021

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and How to See it

When you’re looking for ways to take in the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, there are a few ways to get the most out of your effort. One of the most interesting places in the entire area is the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The appropriately named refuge, French for “safe harbor,” is home to a plethora of native species, including endangered ones. There are over 7,000 acres of habitat for these species, and an array of family-friendly activities perfect for your next vacation to the area.

Are you looking for the most incredible experiences on Alabama’s Gulf Coast? Then, you’ve come to the right place! Here at Sunset Properties, we consider ourselves experts on the area.

What You’ll Find at the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge features wetlands, beach dunes, and pine-oak maritime forests. And, it is one of the few remaining coastal ecosystems left in Alabama. As a result, the scenic beauty of the refuge is surely one to behold, making the perfect opportunity for outdoor adventure! Here are a few different ways to experience the refuge for yourself!

Explore the refuge from the water! This is a great way to see the refuge in ways you wouldn’t otherwise. The waterways are passable by canoe or kayak with a launch site on Gator Lake or from the Jeff Friend Trail at Little Lagoon. You can also take your electric trolling motorboat on Gator Lake.
Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife! More than 350 species of bird call the refuge home, and it is part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. You can also find several animal species, some endangered, like the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and others.
Bring your fishing rod with you! With your valid Alabama Saltwater Fishing License in hand, kids and adults alike can try to reel in a fresh catch on Gator Lake, Little Lagoon, or on the beach!
Put your hiking boots on and explore! There are four hiking trails covering every habitat within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Be sure to stop at the Welcome Office before hitting the trails. There, you can pick up your Discovery Pack, a totally free kit that provides hikers and visitors with a map of the refuge along with other important information regarding the habitat.

A Great Day Trip When You Stay in Our Beach Properties

Whether you’re looking for a way to explore the area or just to get off the beach for a day, then the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is for you! And, for all those other days when you just want to lay out on the sand, our condos and beach houses are the perfect solutions. Here at Sunset Properties, our properties are all ideally situated in respect to the beach. That means, that you’ll be just minutes away from the beach! For the best beach experience, though, you’ll want to hurry up and claim your booking! So, browse our available condos and beach houses! Then, contact us today to book your stay!

April 11, 2016

Delta Wildlife Boat Eco Tour

A don’t miss trip for nature lovers big and small take a Delta Safari! This charter departs daily from Tacky Jacks in Gulf Shores and tours the scenic and historical and Mobile Delta system. You can learn local history enjoy beautiful scenery and learn about our unique ecosystem and the animals that live here on this family friendly hour and a half trip.

Experience the swamps of the lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta on this highly rated wildlife tour. This is the “must do” tour for all avid lovers of nature and its creatures when visiting Mobile, Alabama. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is Mobile’s biggest jewel – If you do nothing else, take this trip!

TOUR COST: Adult: $19.99, Child (6-15): $14.99, Under 5: FREE.

DEPARTS: Daily. Charters available 7 days.
LENGTH: 1.5 hours. Reservations suggested.

BOOK NOW! Click For Calendar

As we float among the open Marsh watching for a variety of wildlife including Alligators, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Heron, Cormorant, Pelicans, Nutria and more, learn about these unique animals of the swamp and how they live. Commentary includes points on the history, geology, ecology and characters of the Delta, as well as Alabama State Lands mission in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and the ‘Forever Wild’ program.

Perfect for children of all ages, Delta Safaris operates over 100 school field trips annually – we know kids and welcome yours aboard. For Children 5 and Under, please email us after booking and we will add their FREE tickets to your booking.

All commentary provided by experienced Delta Nature Guides.

Includes: The best eco-tour in Alabama, showing off the best delta eco-system in the USA. As seen in National Geographic – Adventure Magazine, Southern Living Magazine and on National Morning Shows.

Operates: Additional tours are offered on busy days. This public tour operates 5 days a week from February 15 – December 31st each year. From January 7 – February 14, it operates on Saturdays and Sundays only. Closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Private Group Charters available year round. Book Online above, Call: (251) 259-8531 or Email: info@5RDS.com for more information.

Delta Safaris is the only State of Alabama authorized Concessionaire offering tours of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Bottle Creek Indian Mounds and Champion Cypress. We believe in a Leave No Trace policy, in educating and preserving these amazing jewels for future generations.

Policies & Disclaimers:
Cancellation Policy: Rainchecks will be provided in the event of inclement weather. Unsafe passage call will be made by Captain on day of event. All other cancellations require 24 hour notice for refund.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, cameras and binoculars. Packed food and drink is welcome on board – no glass containers please.

Should I Tip?: Tips are not required but are graciously received. Our guides strive hard to educate and entertain. Please let your guides know how they did.

Cancellations: Rainchecks will be provided in the event of inclement weather. An unsafe passage call will be made by Captain on day of event. All other cancellations require 24 hour notice for refund.

Be sure to call and book your trip to enjoy this unique trip with your family!

February 19, 2016

Leave Only Footprints – Keep Alabama Beaches Clean!

As a child growing up just over the state line in the Pensacola area of Florida I remember a similar idea of leaving only your footprints behind. As I’ve gotten older I’ve always wondered why Alabama Beaches didn’t have the same signs for all the beach goers. The beaches across Alabama are implementing a similar plan and it is called Leave only Footprints!

The leave only Footprints, works off of the idea that, “you must be change you want to see in the world”. With that idea in mind and with the direction of U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the cities and areas of the Alabama Gulf Coast have enacted several new rules regarding litter and items on the beach.

1. Personally owned structures and equipment left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed by the beach patrol.

2. Avoid walking on beach vegetation. Plant roots hold together the fragile dunes.

3. Keep the natural ecosystem intact by avoiding the removal of shells, driftwood or other items you may find during your island explorations.

4. Explore away from bird nesting areas. Nests may be located in the ground and camouflaged to resemble the surrounding environment, so please watch your step!

5. Consider the best type of transportation to see the island: your feet! Walking is not only a great form of exercise, but it’s an eco-friendly way to experience the Alabama Gulf Coast.

New Trash Cans and Recycle containers will be all along the beach to help keep trash and recyclables off of the beach and out of the water. Keeping Alabama beaches clean and safe for all of its inhabitants and visitors.

Each year more than 5 million visitors travel from across the nation and the world to enjoy the turquoise water and white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Come, stay, play and enjoy the striking beauty and laid-back lifestyle of our 32 miles of sugar-white sand. We simply ask that you take with you all those happy beach memories . . . and leave only your footprints.

The Leave Only Footprints program exists to ensure it stays that way for generations to come. Will you join us?

November 6, 2015

Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

When visiting the Gulf Coast, one might see a seagull flying around waiting to be fed, a pelican plunging into the water to grab its fishy lunch, or one of the many shore birds wading at the water’s edge pecking for food and nesting. Alabama’s Gulf Coast is home to many feathered creatures – not just the ones we see hanging around the beach area. In the late 90s, a birding trail was opened to offer the opportunity for people around the world to come experience a wide variety of bird species along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is 200 miles, consisting of six birding loops between Baldwin County and Mobile County. The loops can be followed in order, in full or in partiality. The six birding loops include:

Gulf Shores – Orange Beach Loop
Fort Morgan Loop
South Baldwin County Loop
Easter Shore, Mobile Bay Causeway and Blakeley Island Loop
Mobile – Tensaw River Delta Loop
Dauphin Island Bayou La Batre Loop

Fort Morgan Loop

The closest to our Sunset Properties community, Fort Morgan Loop starts at the intersection of AL 59 and AL 180 in Gulf Shores. Most of the Fort Morgan Peninsula falls in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, making it great for birding and enjoying nature. As you explore the Fort Morgan Loop, you’ll run across the Jeff Friend Trail, Pine Beach Trail, Mobile Street, The Pines, Fort Morgan, The Stables, Ferry Landing, Middle Ground, The Fort, and The Marsh. All of these trails offer a variety of terrain and views, as well as a number of conveniences – easy parking, restrooms, a snack bar, a museum and more.

While on one of the many loops listed above, you will see birds such as Black Bellied Plovers, Clapper Rails, Indigo Buntings and so many more. Directional and informational signs along the way will guide you easily along the loops. Plan your days accordingly; tackle a different trail each day or you could even do two or three during a day. Each loop is close enough to where you could drive to one after another. In between each trail, you and the family could stop and grab a bite to eat at one of the favorite local restaurants or take a look inside one of the many gift shops.

Not just for the bird lovers, these trails offer something for the outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Along with the birding trail, there is a time for hunting. The season usually lasts from October until February; however, non-consumptive use is allowed all year long. Along with hunting, you can also grab that fishing pole and take out the boat or stand on the coast for a relaxing day of fishing. So grab those binoculars, fishing poles, and more and come experience an outdoor paradise that’s fun for any age!

October 24, 2013

Fall Bird Banding 2013 Fort Morgan

Just for all you nature lovers! I wanted to give a recap of our experience at the 2013 fall Bird Banding. About 2 weeks ago Alex and I woke up very early and made our way toward Fort Morgan to see all the happenings at this year’s bird banding session. We got out of the car on the cool October morning and headed across Fort Morgan road into a secret little clearing just to the west of an old brick path.

Once in the clearing the humming of constant activity catches your attention. A small army of volunteers are traveling back and forth from the bird banding tent, covered with scales, measuring tools and reference books to unseen locations.
Every volunteer made their way to a table just inside the tent occupied by at least 2 workers. The volunteers each had small bags attached to a belt or apron around their waist. Each mesh bag held a bird. These bags were hung on a sort of Lazy Susan stand until it was its turn. Once the bird in the bag made it to its turn it was carefully removed from its bag, weighed measured, its sex and age is determined, and it is given a special band for its leg.

This bird is then handed off to one of the experts who teach the crowd about that type of bird and bird banding in general. Then one visitor is allowed to release the bird back in to the wild. This entire process takes just a few minutes. This valuable information is used to track migration patterns, lifespan, and health of the population of each type of bird that is banded.

To me the most exciting part was seeing these beautiful creatures up close. I had the opportunity to release a juvenile ruby throat-ed hummingbird after it received its band. This tiny bird was brilliantly colored and weighed something similar to a dry tea bad in my hand. His emerald green feathers had a shiny quality to them and he was so young that he had only a single red feather on his throat so far. More mature males have red throats that sparkle like a ruby as they zip from one place to another.

As we were taught before this little jewel was placed in my hand it takes a huge number of these uniquely labeled bands to even weigh an ounce. Once our new found education was complete the head Bird Bander, Mr. Sargent, asked me if I wanted to let him go. He carefully placed the tiny bird in my hand and his little warm body rested in the center of my palm and I could feel his little heart beat. He rested for just a moment in my hand watching all the spectators. His rest was just long enough for Alex to snap a picture and then he was suddenly hovering over my palm. The next moment a little green flash shot off toward Fort Morgan.

This special little bird is just one of half a dozen that we watched released that morning. This particular humming bird will continue to eat in Fort Morgan and gain weight before he travels in one non-stop flight to South America for the winter. Many of the birds we saw being banded are fairly local residents. They do not travel south for the winter but stay in the area and enjoy the mild Fort Morgan weather. They Bird Banding team was excited to see the increase in the population for these finely feathered friends.

If you are visiting Fort Morgan during the first two weeks of October be sure o take a morning and witness the Bird Banding in Fort Morgan. This is a great event to bring your child to or that nature lover in your life. If you are interested in learning more about Fort Morgan bird banding visit Mr. Sargent’s Humming Bird site. You and your family can enjoy the next bird banding in the spring of 2014. We always offer special rates for folks coming to enjoy this special event. Give us a call when you are ready to book your spot for the spring. See you there!

October 11, 2012

Bird Banding in Fort Morgan

I have said it so many time but I’ll say it again. The fall is the absolutely the best time to be at the beach. Warm day cool evenings and so much to see and hear. At the Sunset Properties office we leave the doors open most days. This of course invites all sorts of flying friends in. We are regularly shewing out dragon flies and bugs of all sorts sometimes even a bird on occasion. The birds are loving the weather as well. You can hear them singing constantly.

This great weather and the plentiful food and shelter makes the Ft. Morgan area the perfect place for a lay over for our feathered friends. They are heading south but they are enjoying the beauty of the Fort Morgan area before they keep going south. Our tiny piece of land is a major landing strip for migrating birds twice a year. When they land a dedicated group of volunteers take time to weigh measure and count each of these creatures. This valuable information is shared with researchers all of the world studying birds. We feel truly blessed to play host to the birds traveling through the area.

If you are here right now you can witness all the excitement in Ft. Morgan. Just head toward Fort Morgan, and head off to the right when you start seeing vehicles. The friendly volunteers will give information about what they are doing and information about each bird you see. If you are very lucky you may even have a chance to let this gorgeous creature fly again, right out of your palm. Try to come down in the next couple of weeks and join the bird banding team.

July 30, 2012

Sea Turtles Have A Banner Year In Fort Morgan

We have always enjoyed Sea Turtles on our beaches. This year is a booming year for these elusive creatures. Thus far 71nests have been laid on Ft. Morgan Beaches. So this has not only been a record breaking year for human visitors but for the Sea Turtle Visitors as well. From here on out well in to the fall just about any time you come you have an opportunity to see baby Sea Turtles hatching, and making their march to the water.

Be sure to check with the Bon Secour U. S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge to see when and where the closest nest is to you. This is a definite don’t miss on your vacation. So pack some beach chairs, or towels to sit on, bug spray and a snack and come see this amazing site with your little ones. This should be a don’t miss on your beach vacation to do list!