GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Are you looking for ways to spend more time outside exploring the Alabama Gulf Coast and help science while doing it? Scientists are looking to gather snapshots of local birding populations all across the U.S. and Canada and need volunteers to count these feathered friends during the Great Backyard Bird Count.

“This project is a fun way to learn about the birds of coastal Alabama while being part of a very important study that helps with bird conservation efforts,” said Joanne McDonough of the Nature Tourism Initiative. “You can even go beyond the backyard and explore the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail that spans two counties and is enhanced by directional and interpretive signage, offering enthusiasts endless opportunities to count birds and explore their habitats.”

The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail is a series of loops winding through Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Event participants can also checkout more habitats in the area including the Gulf State Park and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

Tracking begins on Friday, Feb. 17 and lasts until Monday, Feb. 20. No registration is required for the event and it is open to all ages. Participants are asked to simply watch birds wherever they choose for 15 minutes and document the species at www.birdcount.org. Helpful charts and other tools are also available on the website.

Last year, the Great Backyard Bird Count had great success with participants submitting over 92,000 lists and 11 states making new checklists records. More than 11.4 million birds were observed, and 596 species were identified.

To learn more about the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, visit www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com. Additional information on the Great Backyard Bird Count can be found at www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

Nature tourism business owners who would like more information or assistance may contact Joanne McDonough at 251-974-4634 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Additional online resources may be found at www.agccvb.org/business-of-nature.

(Orange Beach)  Here are some photos submitted to Hobnob by: Petey Rozands from Metairie, Louisiana.  These photos are from Saturday night June 25th.  Scroll to the bottom of the page for the photos.

(Orange Beach)  Here are some photos submitted Saturday June 25, 2011 to Hobnob by: Petey Rozands from Metairie, Louisiana.  Scroll to the bottom of the page for the photos.

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (CVB) along with the Cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach would like to take this opportunity to relay the latest updates to the public regarding the wildfire in the Gulf State Park. According to forestry officials, approximately 7 percent (450 acres of the park’s 6,150 total acreage) has burned, and part of the plan of action for Tuesday (weather permitting) includes a planned burned of an area along the western portion of the park near State Park Road 2. This action (which will remove any potential fuel for the wildfire) will result in a possible increase of smoke, which is currently moving north away from the beach front. Individuals traveling along Canal Road (State Highway 180) are reminded to exercise reasonable caution.

Also, the Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail is currently closed to assist the firefighting crews and to ensure public safety. As conditions change, portions of the trail will be reopened. In the meantime, please visit the nature section of www.gulfshores.com or www.orangebeach.com to discover a new hiking or biking path in other unaffected portions of Pleasure Island.

Furthermore, all other facilities within the State Park other than the previously mentioned Backcountry Trail remain open. The park’s golf course, cabins and 376 of the 496 campground sites are open. Park officials advise guests wishing to make camping reservations for the upcoming July Fourth weekend that there will be limited availability due to the holiday demand and to the partial closure of some sites. To see the latest updates, go to www.alapark.com/GulfState.

Update from CVB President/CEO Herb Malone:
“As crews continue to work in the state park, I commend the diligent and hard work of the entire team working in hot conditions who have kept the rest of our 32-mile coastline safe for residents and visitors alike. Due to the prevailing summer breeze, the smoke from the fire continues to move north; thus leaving blue skies visible from any point on our beach front. Guests who may have questions are encouraged to call 1-800-745-SAND for the most up-to-date information.”

Update from Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon:
“At this time, there are no road closures or evacuations in Orange Beach. There is moderate smoke along a few places in Canal Road, but it is similar to driving through fog, so be careful. There is very little smoke on the beachfront, and all businesses are open. So far, there has been no damage to any structure or persons. For that we have to thank the cooperative effort between the two cities, several volunteer fire departments in Baldwin County, the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Governor’s office.”

Update from Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft:
“We are extremely grateful for the never ceasing support of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Congressman Jo Bonner in addition to numerous state and local agencies that have stepped up to the plate. At this time, there are no road closures or evacuations necessary within the City of Gulf Shores. We will continue to closely monitor this situation and will notify the public if there are any changes.”

Gulf Shores, Ala – June 15, 2011 - If you are searching for some family fun and excitement during your vacation, look no further. The City of Gulf Shores’ Fourth of July celebration is here for you.

The City of Gulf Shores will celebrate the Fourth of July with a stunning fireworks display, beginning at 9:00 PM. This year’s show will be shot from the Gulf State Park Pier and will feature a variety of specialty shell fireworks.

As you head to the beach, don’t forget your radio, as Sunny 105.7 FM will be broadcasting a musical element to coincide with the show. Bring your blankets, chairs, friends and family and help us celebrate our nation’s birthday.

In the event of severe weather, the fireworks display will take place the following night, July 5th.

For more information about the Fourth of July celebrations, or any of our other events, please contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1172.

(Orange Beach)

The WI Sno-bird Club met on Wednesday, March 2, at the Orange Beach Community Center (OBCC).   Kelly Reetz, Gulf State Park Naturalist, was our speaker.   She brought some "critters" to encourage our questions:  red rat snake, alligator, box turtle and screech owl.  Thank you, Kelly, for inviting everyone to come to the Gulf State Park to see what lives around us on the Gulf Coast.