Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from all black and gray to mottled, and in September, they can be seen by the thousands in
their winter plumage. In late August and early September of 1991, the migration of terns was
especially exciting at Bon Secour. In one afternoon, I counted an estimated 3,500 black terns
in the Fort Morgan Unit of the refuge, along with at least 1,000 sandwich terns. This vast
conglomeration of terns was feeding on a massive school of small fish that had been pushed
to shore after a storm. Also among the flock were hundreds of common terns, Forster's terns,
least terns, gull-billed terns, and even three dozen roseate terns. The roseate terns are rare
wanderers to this area, but Hurricane Bob had just passed up the East Coast, disrupting these
birds' usual migration route, and a number of fronts and storms had pushed through the coun-
try and into the Gulf. Thanks to the hurricane and other storms and the high concentration of
fish, a thrilling collection of terns came together at Bon Secour in 1991.
In the swampy areas, look for marsh wren, least bittern, green-backed heron, sora, yellow
rail, and king rail. Ground doves can sometimes be seen in the more inland dune areas.
Wooded areas at the main unit before you reach Alligator Lake can produce Acadian
flycatcher and prairie warbler during the summer.
A bird checklist with 373 species for the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and other
information can be obtained by writing Refuge Manager, Bon Secour National Wildlife
Refuge, P.O. Box 1650, Gulf Shores, AL 35542.
GULF STATE PARK
Definitely one of the crown jewels of Alabama, Gulf State Park preserves some of the very
last beach, dune, and coastal pine forest habitats left in Alabama. Development has destroyed
virtually all of the remaining areas of these three critical habitats, and this park and the Bon
Secour National Wildlife Refuge are the only remaining portions. However, there is trouble
even with these fragments that remain. At the time of this writing, a plan by the Retirement
Systems of Alabama would develop up to 1,000 acres of Gulf State Park's forest preserve as
a 54-hole golf course to attract tourists. On this land are large, old pine trees that provide hab-
itat for the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, and for the endangered eastern
indigo snake, and the rare gopher tortoise. Development of this park land as yet another golf
course for the region would mean the end of the last state-owned coastal pine forest.
Main Park Area
After crossing the intracoastal waterway on the Dr. Holmes Bridge, heading into Gulf
Shores on I-59, one can reach the main, nonbeach park area by turning left (east) onto High-
way 180 at the second traffic light. After 0.25 mile, turn south onto SH 135 and you will
immediately enter the park. The headquarters will be on your left. Another quarter mile will
bring you to a fork; SH 135 continues to the right and will take you to Lake Shelby, a picnic
