Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Alabama Audubon is reviving one of its most popular events, offering the public a rare opportunity to see scientists band wild birds up close. The Coastal Bird Banding event returns to Fort Morgan State Historic Site on the Alabama Gulf Coast this spring. It is one of only a few public banding stations in the entire United States. Visitors will observe migrating birds shortly after they finish their journey across the Gulf.

The event runs from April 20 to April 25, 2026. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, except for the final day, April 25, when the station closes at noon. Admission to the banding station itself is free, but there is a fee to enter Fort Morgan.

Alabama Audubon is partnering with Mississippi State University, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Fort Morgan for the event. Together, the groups will operate the banding station and provide additional programming throughout the week. Bird and nature walks will also be available, along with informational tables set up by partner organizations.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras. Organizers say guests will have close-up access to the researchers and their work, as well as views of some remarkable bird species. The event is designed to connect the public directly with conservation science in action.

Parking is available in the lot at Fort Morgan, and the on-site gatekeeper can direct visitors to the banding station entrance. Entry fees to Fort Morgan are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 18, seniors, and college students. A family of four — two adults and two children — can enter for $20. Active, reserve, and retired military members get in free with a valid ID.

Sponsors helping to make the event possible include the Alabama Tourism Department, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, and the Curtis & Edith Munson Foundation. Organizers thanked those supporters for helping fund research, conservation, and outreach work along the coast.

While there is no charge to visit the banding station, Alabama Audubon encourages visitors to consider making a donation. Contributions support the continuation of the event and its ongoing data collection efforts. Donors are asked to include "Coastal Stewardship" in the donor note field when donating.

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