Dauphin Island Audubon Sanctuary draws over 210 bird species as they rest before making the last leg of their migration, the big leap to Central America. The island is an excellent place to observe aquatic birds. The north shore of the island, a high-quality salt marsh, and the south shore (the Gulf), primarily dunes and flat beach, offer ideal habitats for viewing reddish egrets, glossy ibis, tri-colored herons, and snowy egrets.

Dauphin Island also provides a haven for the Gulf of Mexico's endangered marine turtles. During spring, Gulfside beaches are home for both loggerhead and Atlantic Ridley sea turtles.

• Hike part of the trail system which winds through the Audubon Sanctuary, offering great birding opportunities along the way.
• Visit the salt marsh in fall, when you will find a plentitude of ducks such as mallards, wood ducks, and fulvous whistling-ducks.