You can enjoy the sight of an incredible variety of birds and enchanting forests on Dauphin Island. As you plan your trip, be sure to choose a vacation rental that gives you the comfort of your own home.
With its pristine beaches and a wide variety of coastal habitats, Dauphin Island is the perfect destination for all nature lovers. Dauphin Island provides great habitat for wading birds, seabirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds. The island is reported to have more than three hundred species of birds. It is an ideal place for the identification and observation of wild birds in their natural habitat. Several birds are permanent residents on the island and a wide variety migrate during the winter season. Regardless of the time of year, you can enjoy watching the large number of birds that fly around the sea. On the sugar white sand of the beaches you can relax, collect shells, watch birds and enjoy the waves.
The Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Dauphin Island Campground, Fort Gains, and the Public Golf Course are some of the many attractions on this island. Another favorite Dauphin Island attraction is Shell Mound State Park, which sits along the Indian Channel on the north shore of the island. This park incorporates a dense forest of live oaks and various plant species that stretch from the Appalachian Mountains to the Yucatan in the far south. It is next to an area called the Bee Tree, which has ancient oak trees and is a haven for migratory birds. The Tapelo Gum Swamp and the Gorgas Swamp are wetland habitats for many varieties of plants.
Another place near Shell Mound Park is Goat Tree Reserve, which is home to small birds like midges and vireos. This preserve has century-old oak trees with fifty-foot-long branches parallel to the ground. Legend has it that the wild goats on the island used to climb the trees at night to protect themselves from alligators. You can also go and see many alligators that reside in Gaillard Lake, which is bordered by pine forests to the north and west and tupelo swamps to the south and east. The maritime forest includes a variety of trees such as tupelo, cut pine, live oak, and southern magnolia. A white sand hill covered with sea oats separates the beach from the forest. Aquatic plants like seaside goldenrod and lichens add beauty to the beach. You can also hike several wooden trails, water ski, swim or fish in Shelby Lake.
Dauphin Island vacation rentals provide amenities to make your vacation one to remember. Rentals are usually just a short drive from various attractions where you can experience wildlife and nature. Many vacation rentals offer gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The number of rooms and other facilities in vacation rental houses vary according to your needs. You can get a house that has a water view and a fully furnished deck to relax outside. You can also choose a penthouse condo for your island vacation, which includes amenities like a tennis court, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools along with a hot tub, steam room, and dry sauna. Choose from villas that offer a private pool, outdoor furniture, wireless internet access, television in each room with cable service, DVD player, and stereo.
If you are taking a trip to Dauphin Island, you can find information about the island and many owners and managers who offer Dauphin Island vacation rentals to help ensure a great vacation.