NATCHEZ — To some, seeing an unusual bird prompts a fleeting moment of admiration.

But to Karen Dardick, it prompts a call to her friend Beverly Aldridge to discuss its species, as well as a quick flip through her bird guide.

It’s why the two, along with Bob Strader and others, decided to start a bird watching group in Natchez for beginners and veterans alike, which meets for the first time Thursday.

Finding birds in the Natchez area isn’t difficult, Strader said.

He should know; Strader is the former refuge manager at St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Adams County.

He said Natchez is in the Mississippi Flyway, one of four migratory paths in America.

“The birds tend to migrate along geographic signatures such as the Mississippi River or mountains,” Strader said.

As such, many different bird species can be seen in the area, such as wood storks and roseate spoonbills.

“It’s just amazing what you can see, even in our own backyards,” Dardick said.

However not everyone who appreciates the wonder and serenity of bird watching knows where to find the feathered beauties.

“If you don’t have any idea where to go and see birds, you don’t know where to begin,” Aldridge said.

Dardick and Aldridge hope the new club will give bird watchers a chance to meet others who are interested in bird watching.

While Strader is also interested in the social aspect of the club, he said bird watching gives tourists something to do after they’re done visiting historic sites.

“I’m hoping that this club can post its information and make it available to tourists who may come to town,” Strader said.

But no matter what they do in the future, Dardick wants to keep the group informal.

“No officers, no dues,” Dardick said.

Instead, Dardick compared the club to “networking.” And, instead of meetings, the group’s focus will be on going out and finding birds in the area.

“We’re not talking about birds,” Dardick said. “We’re going to experience them.”

The first meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall of Trinity Episcopal Church, where the group might land is anyone’s guess.