Migratory hotspot finally reopens

Alabama's Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge reopened this week. The public can walk its trails for the first time Hurricane Ivan ravaged Fort Morgan Peninsula, Little Dauphin Island and other spots on the Gulf Coast in September 2004.

Rufous Hummingbird (left), Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird appear on the refuge's checklist, although seven hummer species apparently have been reported. A hummer banding project this week will continue until Saturday.

The refuge's checklist includes more than 370 species, and Dauphin Island earned "birdiest small coastal city" honors in the 2005 America's Birdiest City/County contest. (This year's contest runs through May 31, so it's not too late to click on that link, obtain details and participate!)

Rufous Hummingbird courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service