Wood stork photo provided by the Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries
Iberville Parish,LA -(Ammoland.com)- A Wood Stork and Wading Bird Event will be held on Saturday, July 19, within the South Farm area of the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
The South Farm area is located in Iberville Parish and accessible via I-10. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are hosting this seasonal event from 7 a.m. to noon. Wood storks and other wading and shore birds are readily visible at this time of the year in the South Farm Area.
Additional to seed bearing herbaceous plants, the developed habitat contains an abundance of small fish and crawfish, ideal food sources for wading birds.
The South Farm impoundments are drawn down in mid-summer to enhance the growth of wetland plants for wintering waterfowl. The drawdown period is extended almost a month at times due to the size of the impoundments and the management strategy which is focused on providing mud flats and very shallow water with concentrated prey for shorebirds (sandpipers) and wading birds (egrets, herons, spoonbills, storks and ibis).
The wood stork is the only stork native to North America. These large wading birds, which can grow to 4 feet tall with a 66-inch wingspan, are an indicator of the condition of our nation’s wetlands. As wetlands disappeared, wood stork numbers also diminished. Although many of these birds are from Mexico, the water management units at the South Farm are becoming more critical habitat for the species survival.
With only a few thousand of these birds left in the wild, this event provides an excellent opportunity for bird watchers, photographers and anyone who enjoys wildlife. The South Farm habitat also attracts alligators, white-tailed deer and many other species of birds. Individuals and professionals will be on hand to discuss the management of the area and provide wildlife identification assistance. Participants are advised to arrive early for improved wood stork viewing opportunities.
Driving directions to the South Farm: Take I-10 to the Ramah exit (Exit 135); drive north to the first road on the left, then turn left by L&L Grocery on Mimms Street; take first right cross the bridge and turn right on the lower Atchafalaya Levee Road, a gravel road. Drive approximately one mile or until you see the “South Farm” sign, cross over the levee and enter the parking lot. Event coordinators will be there to provide additional information.
There are no fees associated with this program but participants are reminded that 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 to visit a state WMA. These can be purchased at any license vendor selling LDWF hunting or fishing licenses, on-line at WLF LA.
About The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. The LDWF’s mission is to manage, conserve, and promote wise utilization of Louisiana’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their supporting habitats through replenishment, protection, enhancement, research, development, and education for the social and economic benefit of current and future generations; to provide opportunities for knowledge of and use and enjoyment of these resources; and to promote a safe and healthy environment for the users of the resources.