Indian Shell Mound Park on Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a great small park known for amazing birdwatching.
Indian Shell Mound Park
If you are a birder or just love checking out easy walking trails you will love Indian Shell Mound Park on Dauphin Island.
The park is known as one of the best hot-spots for birdwatching in the area especially during fall and spring migration.
Shell Mound Park is located on the north side of Dauphin Island close to the main strip of restaurants and stores. The park is easy to reach from the Dauphin Island Ferry or bridge.
The Alabama Marine Resources Division maintains the park. The park preserves ancient Indian shell middens.
Historians and archaeologists believe the shell middens date back to the Mississippian period (AD 1100-1550). The middens (Shell mounds) were formed by the accumulation of waste and debris from early Native Americans cooking osyters and using them for culinary purposes.
The mounds grew from oyster shells, fish bones, potsherds (broken pieces of pottery), and charcoal forming giant mounds over time. As the mounds grew the forest grew around it and over the top.
Today Dauphin Island Indian Shell Mound Park is 11 acres that feels like you have stepped into bird watching paradise.
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Birdwatching at Shell Mound Park
Indian Shell Mound Park is a birders dream! While the park is not huge it is filled with live oaks, unique plant species, and is one of the best hot-spots for birds.
Make sure to check out the bulletin board near the entrance to the park to see what birds have been seen recently.
If you visit during fall or spring migration I can pretty much guarantee you will meet other birders in the park.
There is a house across the street with a few bird feeders that is a hot spot for people to watch for unique birds.
Dauphin Island is one of the first point of land that neotropical migrant birds reach in the Gulf of Mexico. The entire Gulf Barrier Island is considered a bird sanctuary.
The unique plant species found in the park range from as far away as the Appalachian Mountains and Yucatan State in Mexico. This botanical treasure trove is perfect for looking for migratory birds.
Some of the birds seen during spring migration include:
- Cape May Warbler
- Red eyed vireo
- Baltimore Oriole
- Catbird
- Prothonotary Warbler
- Blue Grosbeak
- Scarlet Tanager
- Whistling Duck
- Summer Tanager
- Yellow Billed Cuckoo
- Cedar Waxwings
- Hooded Warbler
- Wood Thrush
- Rose-breaeasted grosbeak
This is just a few of the amazing birds that have been seen in Dauphin Island's Shell Mound Park.
Other birding hot spots include the Audobon Bird Sanctuary, The Goat Tree Reserve, Cadillac Square, Pelican Point, Bayfront Park, and along the shoreline.
If you are planning a bird watching trip to the park make sure to bring an Alabama Bird Field Guide, Bug Spray, water, binoculars, and your camera for great bird photos.
Why you will love Indian Shell Mound Park
- Stop on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
- Bird sanctuary
- Birders will love the huge list of birds seen here
- Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973
- Locals and visitors, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts will enjoy the park
Things to know when planning a visit
Address - 1 Iberville Drive, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
Drive east on Bienville Boulevard to Iberrville Street, Turn left and you will see Indian Mound Park ahead of you.
Hours - daylight hours
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - The park has roots over the trails and is pretty natural. I would be careful if you try to visit.
Plus Size Seating - There is a bench near the main entrance to the park.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, be prepared for humidity, bugs, and Alabama coastal weather.
Pets -
Parking - There is a couple of parking spaces next to the park. Please make sure you are not blocking the road.
Dauphin Island Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Best Things to do on Dauphin Island - All of the fun you can enjoy on the island.
Lighthouse Bakery - a must-visit! They are known for their amazing pastries, King Cakes, and epic sandwiches.
Dauphin Island Aquarium - Learn about the sea life that can be found in Mobile Bay and along the Gulf Coast while visiting the aquarium. Wait until you see the touch tank! It is so much fun!
Fort Gaines Civil War Fort - Explore an amazing Civil War fort. You can walk all over this fort including on top to see the epic views of Mobile Bay.
Carriage Wine & Market - Great restaurant with epic food, drinks, and a market onsite.
Dauphin Island Hotels and Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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