If you go to Alabama

Birding in Alabama: For detailed maps, directions and trail information on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, download the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service brochure about the trail from south-east.fws.gov/pubs/facts/al-bird-trail.pdf.

Bird-banding: Free and open to spectators, April 3 to 17 at Fort Morgan State Historic Site. For information, visit www.hummingbirdsplus.org or call the Hummer/Bird Study Group's Alabama co-founders, Bob and Martha Sargent, at (205) 681-2888. As a fund-raiser, this nonprofit research group will photograph visitors with the bird of their choice for a small fee.

Tips: Weather in Alabama's Gulf Coast is in the high 60s and low 70s this time of year. Both Bon Secour and Fort Morgan State Historic Site on Pleasure Island, where the bird-banding event will be held April 3-17, are a few miles from the towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

For more information: For accommodations and information about birding and other activities, contact the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-745-SAND or www.gulfshores.com.