Fort Morgan Bird Banding 2026: Dates, Admission and What to Bring
The public program runs October 3–10. Here are the hours, historic-site admission, directions and practical details for your visit.
By Gulf Coast Navigator ·
From October 3 through October 10, the Banding Coalition of the Americas plans to welcome the public to its fall bird banding station at Fort Morgan State Historic Site. Visitors can watch a research and education program focused on migrating birds at one of the coast’s notable fall stopovers. The coalition says bird banding involves collecting information about a captured bird, fitting a lightweight numbered band, and releasing it. The work is conducted under federal permits. Organizer’s event calendar · About the coalition
The session is scheduled for 8 a.m.–3 p.m. daily, October 3–9, and 8 a.m.–noon on October 10. The banding station will be in the fort’s stables area: take the first brick road on the right past the sea wall and look for the event sign. Follow the fort’s parking directions when you arrive. Organizer’s visitor details
Plan for the entrance fee. The coalition does not charge for the banding program, but Fort Morgan Historic Site charges admission. Its published rates currently list $8 for adults, $5 for college students, seniors and children ages 6–18, and $20 for a family of four consisting of two adults and two children. Check the site’s rates before leaving, especially if you qualify for another admission category. Fort Morgan admission and location
Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray; the organizer recommends closed-toe shoes and suggests a chair if you plan to stay awhile. Portable toilets are expected at the station. Leave pets at home. Organized groups should arrange their visit in advance, and visitors concerned about accessibility can contact the coalition ahead of time at kyle@bandingcoalition.org. Organizer’s visitor details
Fort Morgan is at 51 Highway 180 West, at the western end of the Fort Morgan peninsula. If you have time for both stops, the historic site lists its grounds as open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and its museum as open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The Alabama Historical Commission also identifies Fort Morgan as a stopover for migrating birds in spring and fall. Fort Morgan location · Plan your visit
Before you go: Check the coalition’s event calendar for schedule changes, then confirm Fort Morgan admission and hours. Bird activity will vary; no particular species or close encounter is guaranteed.
Cover illustration: Gulf Coast Navigator. It does not depict a specific banding session.