Story and Mission

Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries , Inc . ( DIBS ) was formed in 1992 to acquire and preserve critical undeveloped habitat for resident and migratory birds on Alabama ’ s premiere barrier island . An incredible 350 species have been documented on Dauphin Island earning a designation as a Globally Important Bird Area by Birdlife International and the National Audubon Society . For many migratory species , the island is a crucial stopover for birds making the perilous 600-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico to and from Central America twice a year . The primary mission of DIBS is to provide safe shelter and food for these migratory birds , as well as our resident birds , in this fast-disappearing , pristine island landscape . To conserve this critical habitat , DIBS has acquired over 81 properties through funds provided by memberships , donations and conservation grants , both private and federal . As a result , our organization is one of the largest private property owners on the island and continues to work diligently to increase and steward our important footprint by expanding holdings in wetlands , dune habitats and maritime forests . Many of these properties are under conservation easement through partnership with South Alabama Land Trust . DIBS has received both national and regional recognition and was named “ Alabama Conservationist of the Year ” in 2020 by the Alabama Wildlife Federation . An all-volunteer , 501 ( c )( 3 ) nonprofit corporation , DIBS , governed by a rotating board , has some 340 contributing members across Alabama ’ s active birding community as well as over 200 members from other states .

Donate : Scan the secure online donation QR Code below or make checks payable to DIBS ( see address below ). Stock gifts are also accepted . Volunteer : Stay tuned to our social media and send your email address to DIBS1295 @ gmail . com for our newsletter .

2024 Upcoming Events

How To Do Some Good :

Our Mission is to focus the Gulf Coast community ’ s moral attention on our ecological crisis and to mobilize all people toward bold and just action .

Bird Banding * on Dauphin Island with Banding Coalition of the Americas in the Steiner Block April 6 – 10 , 2024

* All banding is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U . S . Geological Survey ’ s BBL .

Migration Celebration Events with guided bird walks and information tent in the Shell Mounds on Dauphin Island . April and October weekends