The South Alabama Land Trust (SALT) is passing the torch for one of the state’s most beloved nature festivals – the John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest – to Alabama’s preeminent birding conservation organization, Alabama Audubon.
Established in 2004, the festival name honors John L. Borom, a founder of the South Alabama Land Trust. Under SALT’s leadership, the Coastal BirdFest grew to more than 30 birding and nature tours across 20 venues over four days.
A favorite among birders, naturalists and families across the Southeast, Coastal BirdFest is known for providing guided birding excursions across pristine regional coastal habitats. Coastal BirdFest has long connected participants of all ages and experience levels to the rich birdlife of lower Alabama through field trips, workshops and educational seminars.
“SALT’s core mission is protecting land,” said Jane Herndon, SALT’s executive director. “As we sharpen our focus on addressing the urgent need to protect land, we searched for the right partner to continue the growth and legacy of BirdFest. Alabama Audubon’s leadership in bird conservation and their connection to the community make them the right fit. We’re proud to pass the torch to an organization that shares our conservation values and vision for the future of BirdFest.”
Dr. Scot Duncan, executive director of Alabama Audubon, is delighted the organization will now host the event. “We are excited and honored to accept this responsibility. Not only is Coastal BirdFest one of the state’s most anticipated annual nature festivals, but it also has the potential to attract birders from around the world to witness the unique regional birding spectacles coastal Alabama offers.”
Lois Woodward, president of Alabama Audubon’s board, said, “We are deeply grateful to SALT for their years of hard work and dedication to environmental stewardship along the Gulf Coast and for this opportunity to continue the Coastal BirdFest’s long-standing tradition of connecting people with birds and nature. We look forward to working with Coastal BirdFest partners and community sponsors to continue this festival in a way that uplifts local communities, educates the public and highlights the conservation needs of our coast.”
Under Alabama Audubon’s management, the John L. Borom Alabama Coastal BirdFest will move from the fall to the spring to coincide with the peak arrival of migrating birds returning from the tropics. Although there will not be a fall BirdFest, the birding community can expect the same high-quality production it has enjoyed in the past.
More details, including event schedules and ticket information for spring 2026, will be released in the coming months. In the meantime, supporters are encouraged to visit Alabama Audubon’s website and follow its social media for updates.
Courtesy of Alabama News Center.
