The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host their Wood Stork and Wading Bird Viewing Event on July 31 at the South Farm of the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) complex. The event will be from 7-10 a.m.; early arrival is encouraged for the best opportunity to see wood storks.
Wood storks and other wading and shorebirds can be viewed in this area as they are attracted to feed in the South Farm’s water management units, according to LDWF. The South Farm includes a number of large moist soil impoundments.
The impoundments are drawn down or dewatered in mid-summer to enhance the growth of wetland plants for wintering waterfowl. This drawdown provides mudflats and very shallow water with concentrated prey for birds like shorebirds (sandpipers) and wading birds (egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills, storks, and ibises). Impoundments are flooded in fall and early winter to provide habitat for waterbirds with emphasis on waterfowl.
The wood stork is the only stork native to North America. These large wading birds (2-4 feet tall with a 66-inch wingspan) are an indicator of the condition of our nation’s wetlands.
This is a great opportunity for bird watchers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys wildlife to see quite possibly the largest natural concentration of these birds anywhere. Often alligators, white-tailed deer, and many other species of birds may be observed as well, according to LDWF.
LDWF and other professionals will be on hand to discuss the management of the area, identification of animals, and the wood stork.
Driving directions to the South Farm are as follows: Take I-10 to the Ramah exit (Exit 135). Go north take the first road to the left, turn right by the market on Mimms Street, cross the bridge, and turn right on the lower Atchafalaya Levee road. Please note that this is a gravel road. Go approximately one mile or until you see the “South Farm” sign, then cross over the levee and enter the parking lot. Personnel will be there to provide additional information.
There is no admission fee for the event. However, because the event is on a WMA anyone between the ages of 16 and 60 is required to have either a valid Louisiana Hunting or Fishing License or a Wild Louisiana Stamp.
These licenses are available from LDWF and may be obtained at a point of sale retailer, online at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hunting-licenses-and-permits or by phone at 1-888-765-2602.
For more information, call the LDWF Lafayette Field Office at 337-735-8682.
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