Whenever possible we love to visit and explore at wildlife refuges!! We volunteered at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge in Texas in 2009, our first time full-timing. We loved it!! It was an incredible experience and a wonderful learning time for us.
So what is Bon Secour?? It was established in 1980 as a wildlife refuge and surrounds and protects some of Alabama's last undisturbed coastal barrier habitat. The refuge is approximately 7,000 acres of coastal land which includes the constantly changing beach dunes, the woodlands and wetlands. It is only fitting that the name Bon Secour is a French word meaning "safe harbor" since it is home to many endangered species!!
Bon Secour is open year-round during daylight hours and you will find people hiking, photographing, fishing and just observing nature.
Spring migration begins in March and peaks in early April. The sea turtle nesting occurs May-October. Fall migration begins in August and peaks mid-October. The Monarch butterfly migration is mid-October. We actually saw lots of these beautiful butterflies while visiting Bon Secour even though it is November.
During September and October there is a beautiful show of wildflowers!!
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| Sand Dunes in Bon Secour |
Although we didn't see any of the following they are seen year-round in the refuge - bobcat, squirrels, marsh and cottontail rabbits, opossum, raccoons, alligators, skinks, and nine banded armadillos.
On this day we walked the Pine Beach Trail. We took our time and just enjoyed the beautiful day. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see much wildlife!! Hopefully, we will return again before we leave this area!!
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| The End of Bon Secour led us to the Gulf |
Nice place to explore, love your photos.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very interesting refuge and we enjoyed our hike through different areas.
DeleteTake care and safe travels to you.
What a great place...I have Bookmarked that for a future trip! You are finding some magnificent locations..makes me envious...those this adventure I'm on has been super. Thanks for sharing and a great detailed Photo report..Take care Horst sends
ReplyDeleteHorst, thanks for your comments. Bon Secour is a very interesting refuge and we enjoyed hiking some of the trails. Your trips are not shabby as they are incredible to us. We have always enjoyed your pics as well. Enjoy your trip and safe travels...we are looking forward to more of your adventures and pics.
DeleteOh what a beautiful refuge. Your photo are outstanding!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, our photos turned out pretty good...it was what the lens was looking at and not the person behind it. You guys take care!
DeleteTexas has a lot to offer.
ReplyDeleteAll the birds, butterflies and flowers you talk about sounds wonderful. Sounds like my camera and I would enjoy that place.
ReplyDeleteRuth, you would love being here and seeing/photographing all the wonderful beauties to behold. We have enjoyed your pictures as you do really good photography.
DeleteThe place seems to have a little bit of everything. I love the dunes and the beach area, but the roads and paths are equally beautiful and inviting.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I am a lot like you in that I enjoy the paths through the woods too. Thanks for your comments.
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