Nature Watching
Soak up everything in Alabama. Photograph serene landscapes, breathtaking rock formations and the unexplored underground. Or grab your binoculars and spy on the hundreds of bird species that call Alabama home. Whether through photography, birdwatching or quiet observation, Alabama’s wildlife awaits discovery.
Seasonality: Year-round
Photo: Stacey Reid
Look to the Sky
Birding
Alabama has more than 420 unique bird species that call our beautiful state home. Some birds migrate in different seasons while others, like the Yellowhammer, are visible year-round. Wherever you go, from forests and mountains to rivers and valleys, our state offers many habitats and opportunities to explore and enjoy our birds.
Discover some of the best places to look up and explore.
Sipsey Wilderness Trail
Winston County, AL
With over 180,000 acres, the Bankhead National Forest serves as a haven for many native species—making it a great location for birdwatching. Birds will be most active during early spring migration and late spring to early summer nesting seasons. The Sipsey Wilderness Trail is known for its nesting cerulean warblers.
Limestone Park
Alabaster, AL
Limestone Park, a favorite birding site for many in the area, hides in Alabaster just south of Birmingham. With a combination of wetlands and grasslands, the park has good viewing opportunities for a diverse selection of species. The park also has an accessible Birding Observation Deck that overlooks the wetlands and offers a great view for wildlife.
Perdido Pass
Baldwin County, AL
Part of Gulf State Park, Perdido Pass lies along the Gulf of Mexico and provides an essential habitat for many coastal wildlife species. Be on the lookout for wintering waterfowl and other seabirds, like scoters, loons and bay ducks.
Blakely Island
Mobile, AL
Mobile’s Blakely Island is home to a wide variety of birds. The island’s Mud Lakes have one of South Alabama’s best places to see shorebirds and waterfowl. Visitors must have a valid permit with the Alabama State Port Authority before walking on the island.
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
Bibb County, AL
The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County makes for a great place to venture out and discover the area’s protected wildlife. To see nesting songbirds, visit during the spring and summer months. To catch a glimpse of waterfowl and bald eagles, visit during the fall and winter months.
Take Your Best Shot
Photography
Landscapes, waterfalls, birds, wildlife, caves, wildflowers and endangered species include some of the many photograph-worthy sights in our state. Northern mountains, coastal beaches and everything in between are ready to deliver that picture-perfect moment. You can be sure to find your next favorite shot in any part of Alabama.
Find spectacular places for spectacular photographs.
Stephens Gap Cave Preserve
Jackson County, AL
Named as one of the Southeast’s most photographed locations and one of the continent’s most photographed caves, Stephens Gap offers a picturesque scene from its nearly 150-foot pit. A horizontal entrance makes entering the cave easier for photographers without significant caving experience. Accessing this cave requires a permit from the Southeastern Cave Conservancy.
Cheaha State Park
Talladega, AL
Mount Cheaha might be the state’s highest point, but it also has one of the most beautiful overlooks in Alabama. The breathtaking verdant forest vista becomes especially photogenic during the golden hour before sunset. Photography opportunities from wildlife to overlooks to waterfalls exist in this Alabama state park.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Leesburg, AL
The National Wildlife Refuge at Bon Secour Bay has many opportunities for all kinds of nature photography. From beaches along the Gulf to gulls in the blue skies and everything in between. This Baldwin County spot makes for the perfect spot for your next favorite shot.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Decatur, AL
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur has become one of the most popular locations for wildlife photography in the state of Alabama. In the winter months, the refuge attracts many waterfowl and cranes, including the whooping crane. Wheeler also protects and provides a haven for endangered and threatened species.
Coney Creek Falls
Double Springs, AL
Within Bankhead National Forest, you’ll find a popular 20-foot waterfall and swimming hole, Coney Creek Falls. This destination offers one of the best waterfall shots in Alabama. Reaching the falls requires a short hike, but the pictures will be well worth it.
As you explore, follow leave no trace principles and help keep Alabama beautiful.
Explore Alabama’s Natural Resources
Discover the best places to spot Alabama’s wildlife, all in one map.
- Spot the 420 species of birds that call our beautiful state home.
- Take a trip to Stephens Gap Cave Preserve, one of the continent’s most photographed caves.
- Find wildlife in one of Alabama’s four national forests, occupying nearly 668,000 acres of public land.
- Visit one of Alabama’s 21 parks across the state.
Activities
Find yourself in one of Alabama’s outdoor activities. Whether relaxing on white sandy beaches or hiking up a mountainside, discover your next adventure in Alabama.
