As the refuge wildlife biologist for St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge and other refuges in the area, I get the unique opportunity to provide habitat and sanctuary for many species of birds that use backwater wetlands like those found along the Mississippi River on St. Catherine Creek Refuge.

The Natchez community has the unique opportunity right at their back door to experience some of the most unique bird species on the planet. Did you know that the wood storks, yes the ones that bring babies, that visit St. Catherine Creek Refuge travel all the way from Mexico just to find food at St. Catherine Creek Refuge.

Why do these prehistoric looking birds travel so far just to find food? Every year, for thousands of years these birds have learned to take advantage of the Mississippi River and its resources that it provides. As the river falls back into its banks, many of the fish and other aquatic animals get trapped in ditches, slough, and drains and cannot make it back to the river. This provides a feast and buffet for the wood storks and many other species of “waterbirds” that utilize these backwater wetlands.

Other species may not travel as far as the wood storks, but they do travel hundreds of miles for this event. The St. Catherine Creek Refuge staff wants people to know that this is going on in their backyard.

That is why we are hosting an event on Saturday, Sept. 12 called the Backwater Bird Blitz.

No matter if you are a novice to experienced birder, bird enthusiast, or anyone just wanting to learn more about birds, you can get the unique opportunity to hear from bird experts and biologists while taking a tour through areas with some of the highest concentrations of wood storks, stilts, spoonbills, egrets, and herons on St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

From 7 to 10 a.m., various auto tours will be provided around the water management areas of the refuge. Opportunities will be provided to get out, view, and learn about the birds in the area from the refuge biologists and local experts.

The tour will begin at St. Catherine Creek NWR Headquarters at 21 Pintail Lane. This event is free and you can come and go as you please.

Multiple tours will be provided throughout the morning. Call the refuge Headquarters at 601-442-6696 by Sept. 4 to reserve your spot for the event.

 

Nick Wyra is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Lower Mississippi River NWR Complex