Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ern shoveler, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, American coot, and mottled duck can be
sighted on several lakes. Wading birds that occur here include the aforementioned black-
necked stilt, lesser yellowlegs, American avocet, and glossy ibis. Spring migrants can include
stilt sandpiper, white-rumped sandpiper, solitary sandpiper, and marbled godwit in the ponds,
and warblers in the trees and brush along the southwestern portion of the property. Various
egrets are usually present. Watch the skies overhead for merlin that patrol the ponds during
winter and early spring. Painted buntings nest in some of the brush along the dikes. In winter,
yellow-rumped and palm warblers can be found in the brush.
Blakely Island is an active industrial area and no facilities are provided for visitors; there
are no restrooms. Indeed, for a number of years, Blakely Island was closed to birders and all
visitors. Only recently has the state agreed to allow birders back on the property, and a special
permit must be obtained prior to visiting the site. To get a permit, write to: General Manager,
Administration, Alabama State Docks Department, P.O. Box 1588, Mobile, AL 36633; fill
out page one of the permit and return it to that address. Retain page two, as it contains the
rules you must abide by, and you must place it on the dashboard of your car when you are
visiting the facility. You must notify the state at least one day prior to your visit; call the Pro-
tection Unit of the Alabama State Docks at 205-690-6082 and tell them the time of your visit,
the number of people, and the type of vehicle you have. You can gain access to the property
only on foot, and you must stay on the established roads. As an active industrial site, Blakely
Island presents some real danger to anyone who ventures onto areas where they should not
go. Please obey all requirements, because the ability of other birders to visit the site depends
on your maintaining good relations with the state docks department during your visit.
