Field Trips, Spring 2020

NEW CORONAVIRUS ALERT, March 17, 2020:  In line with guidance from National Audubon and our Federal government, Mississippi Coast Audubon Society is canceling our spring field trips at least through the end of April, for the safety of our participants and leaders and to curtail the spread of the virus.
We encourage you to bird on your own.  For suggestions of places to go and things to learn, check out the MS Coast Birding tab above. Staying in touch with nature is a major way to maintain equilibrium in stressful times!  Stay safe, and we hope to be back with field trips soon.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our Facebook Events page at https://www.facebook.com/mscoastaudubon/.

All are welcome on our birding field trips! Bring your own binoculars. Some trips require preregistration – see details. Others need no advance notice, but keep weather in mind. Contact field trip leaders for more information if needed. Other questions? Call (no text) (601) 909-LETE, (601) 909-5383 or at mscoastaudubon@gmail.com 

January Saturdays

1/18 Seaman Road Lagoons, Jackson County

  • Leader: Sharon Milligan 2sharon123@gmail.com (228) 861-1622
  • One of our most popular field trip venues, not otherwise open to birders – always a great variety of birds, with good opportunities for photos. Bring your binoculars, scope, refreshments, etc.
  • Place and time: Meet at the park and ride at I-10 exit 50, Ocean Springs next to Denny’s (MAP), between 7:15 and 7:30 AM.
  • 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.

1/25 Climate Watch Nuthatch Survey, Jackson-Harrison Co.

  • Leader: Janet Wright jwright01@cableone.net, (228) 238-4099
  • Climate Watch is National Audubon’s long-term, citizen-science program to monitor the effects of climate change on bird populations. Spring and winter surveys focus on our iconic pine-associated Brown-headed Nuthatch. Join Janet to learn about the surveys, log nuthatch sightings on a determined route, and practice winter bird ID and birding-by-ear skills. We particularly invite folks who might be interested in conducting future surveys.
  • Place and time: Meet at the Larue Community Center, 19400 Larue Road, Ocean Springs, (MAP) at 7:30 AM. MUST PRE-REGISTER as this trip will be limited to 8 participants – call, email, or text Janet to pre-register, and leave a phone contact number.
  • Conditions: Start-stop driving on gravel forest roads (possibly muddy). The Survey consists of twelve road stops with a five-minute timed observation period at each stop, during which we generate an eBird list of all birds seen or heard. After each observation period we can discuss ID tips. Survey should take about 2 hours.

February Saturdays

2/1 Ladner Pier & Hancock Beaches (Audubon Coastal Bird Survey)

  • Leader: Barbara Bowen bbwilletslp@yahoo.com,
  • Since 2010, MCAS volunteers have conducted fall, winter and spring surveys of our coastal birds at multiple sites in Mississippi. Join survey leader Barbara Bowen to learn about the surveys while mastering those confusing shorebirds. Plovers, sandpipers, terns, unusual gulls, and waders all possible, and there are likely to be surprises.
  • Place and time: Meet at Washington St. Pier in Bay St Louis (MAP) at 7:30 AM for about an hour observing birds there and learning ID tips. We will then drive to Ladner Pier in Waveland for the official ACBS survey from about  8:30-10. If there’s interest, we may continue to one more site.
  • Conditions: Walking on beach, driving between stops.

2/8 Sparrow Sweep – Grand Bay NERR, Jackson County

  • Leader: Mark Woodrey mark.woodrey@msstate.edu, (228) 697-0460
  • Henslow’s Sparrows will be our target species, also Swamp, Song, and LeConte’s Sparrows along with Sedge Wrens and other pine savanna birds. Join Grand Bay NERR and MCAS’s Dr. Mark Woodrey and his students for a morning of sparrow searching, trapping, and banding. Learn about the different species of sparrows that winter in south Mississippi. Activities include field observation, pine savanna hiking, and mist netting observations.
  • Place and time: Meet at the Grand Bay Resources Center (6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS)( MAP) at 9:00 AM. This event will last until about noon. NOTE: Participation will be limited to the first 50 registrants. To register, contact Avery Sward, Avery.Sward@dmr.ms.gov, (228)-475-7047.
  • Conditions: Dress for the weather and wear either rubber boots (preferably) or shoes that can get wet. The ground in the savanna is extremely uneven, so watch your footing. Bring your binoculars, birding field guides, water, and bug spray.
  • SPECIAL BONUS: Bone up on your sparrows & wrens with this preview guide! This field trip is co-sponsored by MCAS and Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 

2/15 Hiller Park & Biloxi Back Bay area, Harrison Co.

  • Leader: Dave Reed vickianddave1@gmail.com
  • We will be looking for winter residents as well as some possible rarities at several Biloxi area parks.  Starting at Hiller Park on Biloxi Back Bay, we will then check Popps Ferry Causeway Park and James Hill Boardwalk.  Good way to learn some new birding spots if you don’t know these, and this is a great one for beginning birders as well as old-timers.
  • Place and Time:  Meet at the Hiller Park Tennis Courts (MAP) at 7:30 AM.
  • Conditions: Easy walking, drive between spots.

2/22 MS Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge

  • Leaders: Lauren and Kim McLaurin. Pre-register: Janet Wright, mscoastaudubon@gmail.com, (228) 238-4099 text or call.
  • Bird safari-style with the Crane Refuge’s own guide team! Learn the Mississippi Sandhill Crane story and why this Refuge is ecologically unique. In addition to Cranes, we will be looking for grassland and other birds of the wet pine savanna, on Refuge lands not usually accessible to the public. The van holds ONLY 8 BIRDERS, so you must SIGN UP AHEAD – call, text or email Janet Wright (mscoastaudubon@gmail.com, 228 238-4099).
  • Place and time: Meet at the Crane Refuge Visitor Center at 7200 Crane Lane, Gautier, MS (MAP) at 9:00 AM come a few minutes early to use the restroom facilities, as the tour is 2 hours. Bring binoculars and field guides; there is room for one or two scopes.
  • Conditions: Driving in Refuge van, but there may be opportunities to get out, so wear comfortable shoes that can get a little wet or muddy; wear layers for variable weather. Nice camera opportunities.

2/29 Leap Saturday – Bird with a Friend!

Feb 29 comes but once every 4 years, so make it special! We don’t have a guided trip planned, so grab a friend, go birding, and celebrate spring on your own. Need hints where to go? Check out our ideas under the “MS Coast Birding” tab at https://mscoastaudubon.org/!

March Saturdays

3/7 Fontainebleau Trail Birds & Botany, Jackson Co.

  • Leader: Janet Wright jwright01@cableone.net, (228) 238-4099, and Charley Delmas
  • We’ll look for year-round residents and possible early migrants in pine savanna and bayhead habitat, while identifying wildflowers and leafing trees in early spring glory, with mushrooms on the side. The Fontainebleau Trail is part of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. After no burning for several years the savanna started to fill in, but a burn last spring and an entire new open grassland loop have significantly enhanced the bird habitat. Let’s see how well it’s working!
  • Place and time: Meet at trailhead on Hanshaw Rd. Ocean Springs, N. of OS Middle School (MAP), 8:00 AM.
  • Conditions: Easy 1.7-mile walking trail. Boots strongly recommended after rain as parts of the trail can have standing water.

3/14 Ship Island, Harrison County

  • Leader: Libby Graves oliviaphotos@bellsouth.net (228) 860-1966
  • Join Ship Island Excursions for a trip to the barrier islands! For birds -Piping, Snowy, Wilson’s Plovers are good possibilities; Red Knot and/or one of the rarer gulls not unreasonable. Quirky seasonal weather can give real birding surprises.
  • Place and time: Meet at Gulfport Harbor [note: not Biloxi!] around 8:30 AM at Ship Island Excursions dock (MAP) to board the boat which departs at 9 AM. Ticket prices:  Adult $32, Senior $30. Participants have the option to return at 2:30 PM or 5:00 PM. http://www.msshipisland.com (Ship Island Excursions, Gulfport, MS ) for more information.
  • Conditions: Birding near fort, then walking up to ~5 miles on beach, but participants can opt out or shortcut at any point. Bring water and sunscreen. If there is a threat of bad weather, you can call Ship Island Excursions at 228-864-1014 for the status of the trip that day.
  • NOTE: Alternate day Sunday, Mar 15, 2020 if cancelled due to weather

3/21 Clower-Thornton Park, Gulfport, Harrison County

  • Leader: Nancy Madden birdloverms@gmail.com (228) 229-7108
  • Clower-Thornton was the migrant-warbler gem of the coast until Hurricane Katrina laid it low.  After a long period of neglect and restoration, Clower-Thornton is once again coming into its own.  A variety of semi-wild and urbanized habitats. Nancy is a great guide for birding by ear, so come and hone your listening skills.
  • Place and time:  Meet at the parking lot (MAP) at 7:30 AM
  • Conditions:  easy walking on paths.

3/28 Triple Barrel (Pascagoula River Marsh), Jackson County

  • Leader: Collin Stempien, cstempien@audubon.org,
  • Join Audubon biologists for an exclusive look at an Audubon Coastal Bird Survey site normally closed to the public. Triple Barrel (the site known to our old-time birders as Pascagoula River Marsh) is good for both Passerines and Waterbirds having uplands, freshwater marsh, and brackish water marsh. Knee boots or other footwear you can get wet and/or muddy are recommended.
  • Place and time:  7:30 AM till about 11. Meet at the gravel lot on the northeast corner of Jerry St. Pe Hwy and USS Vicksburg Way (Singing River Causeway) MAP. 
  • Conditions:  Short but steep path to top of berm, then easy walk on a 1.7 mile level earthen berm.
  • NOTE:  This site is not open to the public except for this field trip. You MUST REGISTER for this trip beforehand, by filling out a Hold Harmless form for Jackson County Port Authority.  Email Collin (cstempien@audubon.org) to register.

April Trips (Saturdays except 4/7 and 4/22)

4/4 Owl Howl at Ward Bayou, Jackson County

  • Leader: Mark Woodrey mark.woodrey@msstate.edu, (228) 697-0460
  • We’re howling again! Join Dr. Mark Woodrey to listen for, call, and see owls in classic river bottomland habitat, and find out what else is active as the sun goes down. This trip was a big hit last year, so we’re repeating it by popular demand.
  • Place and time: Meet at the WMA check-in station (MAP) at 7:00 PM (see note below about check-in).
  • Conditions: Bugs are definitely possible. Expect driving and stops, but also some walking in variably wet areas – boots and flashlight recommended. You must have a Wildlife Management Area User permit. Season and day permits are sold at WalMart (see WMA User Permit here, or ask about a day permit or a Senior Exempt License) or online at https://www.ms.gov/mdwfp/licensing/login [the website is confusing, but fill out the application and you’ll get a choice]. Also note that WMAs no longer use the paper card check-in system. You will need to download a smartphone app called “WMA Check-In” from https://www.mdwfp.com/license/mdwfp-mobile-apps/ and use that to check in and out.

Tue. 4/7 Dauphin Island, Mobile Co., Alabama
NOTICE: THIS IS A TUESDAY TRIP, NOT SATURDAY!

  • Leader: Don McKee dmckee001@gmail.com (228) 238-2473.
  • The coast’s premier migrant trap, always a hotspot in spring. Top out your warbler list and take advantage of expert help.
  • Place and time: Meet at Cadillac Square, 661 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL (MAP), 7:30-8:00 AM.
  • Conditions: Some walking, lots of observing from fixed points.

4/11 Devil’s Swamp Wetland Mitigation Bank, Hancock County

  • Leaders: Robert Smith rsmithent@msn.com, (228) 990-0559 and Darrin Harris, Wetland Solutions.
  • We visited this large wetland mitigation bank last winter – now let’s try it in full migration season! Devil’s Swamp includes thousands of acres of restored savannah, cypress-sedge communities, bottomland hardwood, and other habitats. While onsite, we will talk about how wetland mitigation banks work and how they can provide significant ecological benefits besides mitigating wetland loss. We expect to see a diversity of sparrows, flycatchers, and hawks as well as shrikes, wrens, and the many migrants that depend on diverse, food-rich wetlands, forests and open spaces. While we don’t expect to see any on this trip, yellow rails have been observed on this site as well.
  • Place and time: Meet in the parking lot of Mississippi Welcome Center at Interstate 10 Exit 2 (MAP) no later than 7:30am to convoy to the north side of the interstate and access the site.
  • Special Instructions:
  • 1. Use the restroom at the Welcome Center, as there are NO restrooms on site.
  • 2. Note that this site is not open to the public, and access is through special arrangement.
  • 3. We will mostly be birding from the existing gravel & dirt road network, where culverts have been replaced with low water crossings. If you wish to bring a UTV or some other form of rough-country transportation, feel free. Once we get to the site, we will car pool into as few vehicles as possible.
  • Conditions: This site is not maintained for general public access. Our access to the site will be determined by rainfall prior to the trip and the types of vehicles available during the trip. Expect slow driving with stops. To stomp around in the savannah for sparrows and other birds, wear field clothes, including waterproof boots. The group will need to stay together.

4/18 Seaman Road Lagoons, Jackson County

  • Leader: Sharon Milligan 2sharon123@gmail.com (228) 861-1622
  • A second chance at our most popular field trip venue, not otherwise open to birders – always a great variety of birds, with good opportunities for photos. Bring your binoculars, scope, refreshments, etc.
  • Place and time: Meet at the Park and Ride at I-10 exit 50, Ocean Springs next to Denny’s (MAP), between 7:15 and 7:30 AM.
  • Conditions:  Slow driving with stops. Important: This is a working facility. You must stay with leaders while on site. Call Sharon (above) if you have questions about policy.

Weds, 4/22 Ansley Preserve, Hancock County
[NOTICE: THIS IS A WEDNESDAY TRIP, NOT SATURDAY!

  • Leader: Ned Boyajian nedrbo@gmail.com (228) 332-1329.
  • Celebrate Earth Day at this legendary coastal chenier migrant trap. This site is part of the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail: more information at http://mscoastbirdingtrail.audubon.org/ansley-preserve.html
  • Place and time:  Meet at Ansley preserve parking lot (MAP), between 7:15 and 7:30 AM. (Driving directions: From Hwy 90 in Waveland, south on Lower Bay Road 71/2 miles to Heron Bay Road (34th St). Left onto Heron Bay Road ca. 2 1/2 miles to Preserve).
  • Conditions: Alternating short walks with short drives. Biting bugs may be present. Most walking areas should be dry.

4/25 DeSoto National Forest, Harrison Co.

  • Leader: Gerry Morgan gerrymorgan@cableone.net (228) 239-6787
  • We’ll be hunting the iconic Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW), along with other nesting birds of what used to be the South’s most widespread habitat, the pine savanna: Pine and Prairie Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Brown-headed Nuthatch, flycatchers and the elusive Bachman’s Sparrow. Great chance to learn bird songs!
  • Place and time: Meet at the park and ride at I-10 exit 50, Ocean Springs next to Denny’s (MAP), 6:45 AM (if you are coming from the north, contact Gerry about going directly to the RCW site).
  • Conditions: Driving on gravel forest roads, somewhat dependent on weather, with stops and easy walking (possibly muddy though).

May Saturdays

5/2 Boneyard Lake Rookery (by kayak), Jackson Co.

  • Leader: Larry Dees larry_dees@hotmail.com (228) 235-9764
  • Boneyard’s haunting beauty hosts a spectacular heronry of Little Blue, Green and Tri-colored Heron, Great, Snowy and Cattle Egret and White Ibis in spring. Other birds that can be expected: Purple and Common Gallinules, nesting warblers, vireos, variety of marsh-oriented birds. By kayaking in, we can get the best views of the nesting rookery. A photographer’s dream.
  • Place and time: Meet at the Chevron Station in Wade at the corner of Hwy 63 and 614 (MAP) at 5:45 AM (early hour to give time to launch and see the rookery at its best).
  • Special instructions: Bring your own kayak or small boat*, life vest, bug repellent, water, snacks, etc. You must also have a Wildlife Management Area User permit. Season and day permits are sold at WalMart (see WMA User Permit here, or ask about a day permit or a Senior Exempt License) or online at https://www.ms.gov/mdwfp/hunting_fishing/ [the website is confusing, but fill out the application and you’ll get a choice]. Also note that WMAs no longer use the paper card check-in system. You will need to download a smartphone app called “WMA Check-In” from https://www.mdwfp.com/license/mdwfp-mobile-apps/ and use that to check in and out.
  • *DON’T HAVE A KAYAK? Watch for special instructions about kayak rentals for this unique trip (TBA, or call/text Janet Wright at 228 238-4099).

5/9 Tern Fest, Harrison County

Our partner group Audubon Mississippi is pleased to host the third Least Tern Arrival Festival or “Tern Fest” from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Barksdale Pavilion at Jones Park in Gulfport.

Tern Fest will welcome Mississippi’s charismatic, summer residents–the Least Terns–as well as human residents and tourists alike. Mississippi hosts one of the largest nesting concentrations of Least Terns in the world. Nowhere else will you have the same opportunity to see so many birds nest on the beach. This event is a celebration of our heritage and the unique culture, ecology and economy that makes up the coastal Mississippi spirit.

This festival is free and open to everyone. It will feature educational booths, children’s crafts and games, food booths and vendors. This festival will also unveil this year’s “kid signs” that will be placed along the Least Tern nesting areas. Local school children will produce art work with conservation messages about the Least Terns. Event attendees will learn about the ecology, threats, and the importance of conservation of Least Terns as they visit the event booths and vendors. Watch for the MCAS table!

5/16, Tern Nesting Colonies, Harrison Co.

  • Leader: Rhonda Plitt rplitt@yahoo.com (601) 916-2457
  • Mississippi beaches are primary nesting sites for Least Terns, Black Skimmers, and other coastal birds. We will observe and learn to identify nesting behaviors, nests and eggs of terns and skimmers, and learn what stewards will be doing through the spring and summer to guard nests and chicks at colony sites.
  • Place and time: Meet at the parking lot at Courthouse Rd and Beach Boulevard in Gulfport (MAP) at 7:00 AM. We will drive from there to several colonies.
  • Conditions: Driving, with short walks on beach. Wear sunscreen and bring water. Good opportunity for spotting scopes.

Got suggestions for future field trips? We’re all ears! Contact coordinator Janet Wright at mscoastaudubon@gmail.com