September

9/19 Clower-Thornton Nature Trail, Harrison County

Leader: Steve Dunaway- (228) 697-5755, station3cap@gmail.com

Clower-Thornton contains a mix of urban and natural habitats and is a go-to spot for coastal birders looking for migrants. Often found are warblers, vireos, and buntings. Although bird numbers have waxed and waned over the years, as hurricanes and humans continue to change the landscape, this park continues to be a stopover site for many species. Updates at the park include restored native plants, enhancements to the wetlands, additional stone paved walking trails within the interior of the park, and an observation deck, stone retention wall overlooking a new pollinator garden, and educational signage placed throughout.

Place and time: Meet at the Clower-Thornton parking lot at 7:30 AM

Between 244-298 E Railroad St, Gulfport, MS 39507 (here)

Conditions: Easy walking around a 0.8-mile paved loop trail along Coffee Creek with sit spots. Some areas are sunny and some are shady. Bugs are typically minimal.

October

10/10 Seaman Road Sewage Lagoons, Jackson County

Leader: Sharon Milligan- (228) 861-1622 , 2sharon123@gmail.com

Co-Leader: Collin Stempien collin.stempien@audubon.org

 Closed to the public — special entry arranged for our chapter!
 
Join us this fall for a fun and one-of-a-kind birding adventure at the Seaman’s Sewage Lagoon in Vancleave! While the name may raise eyebrows, this site is one of the coast’s quiet migration gems – and because it’s normally off-limits, every visit feels like we’re unlocking a secret birding spot just for our group.

We’ll scan the ponds for early shorebirds and arriving waterfowl. A variety of swallows and raptors often swoop overhead, and the surrounding brushy edges can hold warblers, buntings, kingbirds, and other fall migrants fueling up for their journey south. Egrets, herons, and Black-necked Stilts frequently add to the show, along with the occasional unexpected rarity that keeps lagoon birding exciting.
 
Expect easy walking, relaxed birding, and plenty of enthusiastic conversation with fellow nature lovers. Whether you’re building your migration list or just enjoying exploring unusual hotspots, this trip promises interesting species, great company, and an adventure you’ll be talking about long after.

Bring binoculars, scopes if you have them, and your curiosity. The setting may be humble, but the birds certainly aren’t!

 Place and time: Meet at the facility between 7:15 and 7:30 am. (Map)
 Coordinates: 30.500325, -88.798204

 Conditions:  Slow driving with stops; some groups will walk a lot.
 Important: This is a working facility. You must stay with leaders while on site. Call Sharon (above) if you have questions about policy.

10/17 Ship Island Excursions, Harrison County

See Ship Island Excursions website for details – participants are responsible for purchasing their tickets.

Ship Island is a premier stopover and beach-nesting bird site in the state. On this trip, we will visit the historical fort grounds in search of songbird migrants, before proceeding to the beach to look for hard-to-find shorebirds such as Snowy Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Red Knot.

Bring binoculars and your curiosity.

Leaders:
Rhonda Plitt – 601-916-2457, rplitt09@yahoo.com

Patty Horner-870-754-0083, pjwhorner@icloud.com

Place and time: Gulfport Harbor. Departs Gulfport at 9am. Departs Ship Island 2:30pm or 5pm Saturday.

Conditions: Dress appropriately. It is possible for a cool start but will warm up and may get hot! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks etc. Expect relatively difficult walking conditions across sand, potentially for upwards of 2-3 miles. Also prepare for blowing sand.

***You can purchase your ticket(s) at msshipisland.com/cruises/ or give them a call at (228) 864-1014