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Beach to Bayou
December 2014

This month -  A new online guide makes it easy for locals and visitors to enjoy one of the best winter birding sites in the country - our own Hancock County beaches! 

Mississippi Birding Trail Goes Mobile

article by Ellis Anderson, photographs by P. Chris Christofferson


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White Pelicans - Waveland Beach, photo by P. Chris Christofferson
Each year, flocks of human and avian snowbirds head to the Mississippi coast seeking refuge from bitter northern weather.  Both can be found basking on the beach on warmer days.  Members of each variety can be frequently spotted enjoying vast quantities of our seafood.   Yet, while it’s common knowledge that human snowbirds impact the regional economy, some might be surprised to learn about the enormous value of our feathered visitors, who boost our quality of life as well as local business.
Ecologists and economists are often at odds, but the benefits of bird-watching is a subject that finds them in complete agreement - although for different reasons.  Economists point to the fact that in 2006, birding had a total industry output of over $82 billion, in the U.S. alone.   It’s become the fastest growing sport in the country, creating jobs, fostering eco-tourism and generating tax dollars. 

Ecologists also appreciate the economic benefits of birding while pointing out that it creates habitat conservation awareness, enhances feelings of connectivity to the natural world and even improves our health.
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Bald Eagle - Waveland Beach, photo by P. Chris Cristofferson
Fortunately for both camps, Mississippi’s coastline provides a popular winter haven for northern bird species, especially shore birds.  Tens of thousands make their way to our beachfronts, bays, and bayous each year. 

Now, a remarkable online guide makes bird-watching along the Mississippi coast easy and exciting.    Thanks to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center and its partners, the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail website brings together every imaginable resource to make a bird-watching experience enjoyable for both novice and veteran enthusiasts.  

The six southernmost counties of Misssisppi are included in the birding trail.  Each has its own trail map.  Hancock County’s map boasts nine different prime birding areas, ranging from McLeod Water Park in Kiln to the Ansley Preserve, in the southwestern part of the county.  The Beach Boulevard Scenic Byway, which runs 13 miles, features four different sites - all with easy access.

Each birding site has its own unique web page.  Symbolic keys convey critical info, so birders can find out in advance if there are restaurants and lodging nearby, or if it’s possible to fish, swim, camp or launch a kayak at the site.  GPS coordinates are given for worry-free way-finding.  Well written text includes details about the location and hints to increase sightings. 
PictureSnowy Egret - Waveland Beach, photo by P. Chris Christofferson
The page also gives the times of year best for birding at that particular site and lists the most-sought after species that might be spotted there.   The website’s menu also has a Most Sought Species page, which shows pictures of birds to help beginners with identification.  Birding sites are even cross-referenced beneath the photos, so you know where to head if you’re seeking a particular bird.

Of course, the Cedar Point Boat launch in Bay St. Louis is a one of the primary sites.   The birding trail website lists this spot as a year-round birding destination and most locals would agree. The Jourdan River feeds into the bay there, so it's long been a favorite place for wildlife watching.  It’s common to see humans and herons fishing side by side on the seawall, relaxed companions for the day.  

Three additional designated sites along the trail (in the part called the Hancock Beach Loop) are the Washington Street Pier (called the Clement Pier on this map), the Garfield Ladner Pier, and the Clermont Harbor Pier.  Although the Garfield Ladner pier is currently being repaired (work should be completed in the spring), the parking area and beach walk still provide ample sighting opportunities.  According to the website, the best time to view birds in these three areas is from September to March, so we’re in peak season now.  Have a smart phone or tablet?  Take it along for easy reference to the trail website after you arrive. 

If you’ve never spent time “birding” before,  you’ll soon learn what experienced bird-watchers know best:  even if an “expedition” doesn’t turn up any exciting sightings, bird-watching provides yet another reason to spend time surrounded by our extraordinary coastal beauty. 

If you’re new to birding, read our tips for beginning birders below.   Also, novice and experienced birders are invited to participate in the national Christmas Bird Count held annually.  Learn how to participate in our sidebar article! 

Look for more articles here in the future as we explore the individual sites with Waveland wildlife photographer P. Chris Christofferson.  You can find Chris’s work at Gallery 220 (220 Main Street) in Bay St. Louis.

Three Tips for Beginning Birdwatchers

  • Use 8x binoculars instead of the 10x ones. Mozart Mark Dedeaux, the Education Coordinator for the Pascagoula River Audubon Center says that too much magnification can actually make it more difficult to sight birds.   If you’re shopping, to get you started, here’s one article on best binoculars for under $100.   Researching more before purchasing is recommended. 
  • Look for movement before raising your binoculars, then bring them up and zero in.
  • According to wildlife photographer P. Chris Christofferson, mornings and evenings are the best times to spot birds.  Birds tend to feed more in mornings and afternoons, but Chris points out another bonus:  the light at those times of day is “spectacular.” 
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Little Blue Heron - Waveland Marsh

Beach to Bayou
is sponsored by

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Tweet

Christmas Bird Count -
you can participate!


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Swallow-tailed Kite - Waveland Beach, photo by P. Chris Christofferson
The 115th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place Dec 14, 2014 to January 5, 2015.  The longest running Citizen Science survey in the world, Christmas Bird Count provides critical data on population trends. Tens of thousands of participants know that it is also a lot of fun!

DECEMBER 16: 
SOUTH HANCOCK COUNTY CBC
(Note this is a Tuesday)
Meeting time and place TBA
Contact:
Field Trip Compiler: Jay Morris
falconsgrip6@gmail.com
228-236-5240

Like the 
Mississippi Coast 
Audubon Society
on Facebook to keep up with the latest happenings for nature-lovers!

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Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum

Bay Town Inn

Bay-tique Boutique

The Bay Bum

The Shops of Century Hall

Chiniche Engineering

Creole Creamery

The Cultured Oak

The French Potager

Hancock County Historical Society

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Kenny Dental

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The Loft
The Mane Salon

Magnolia Antiques

Ms. Mary's Old Town Snoballs

Mystic Ghost Tours

PJ's Coffee

Salty Soul Outfitters

Theatre in the Pass

VSPA at Hancock Women's Center

The Wedding Collection ​

John & Ning Wiebmer


The Shoofly Magazine  is published by MAC Media, LLC.   Unless otherwise attributed, all written content and photography copyright MAC Media, LLC

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  • Home
    • Amtrak Gulf Coast: Latest News
    • 15 Minutes Photo Galleries
    • Arts Alive!
    • Bay Reads
    • Beach to Bayou
    • Big Buzz Blog
    • Coast Cuisine
    • The Eyes Have It
    • Good Neighbor
    • Living Large
    • Nature Notes
    • Noteworthy Women
    • On the Shoofly
    • Partner Spotlight
    • Second Saturday
    • Shared History
    • Sonny's Fishing Report
    • Talk of the Town
    • Town Green
    • Upcoming Events
  • Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Calendar Users Guide
    • Calendar FAQs
  • Communities
    • Bay St. Louis Lifestyle
    • Diamondhead Lifestyle
    • Pass Christian Lifestyle
    • Waveland Lifestyle
  • Readers' Circle
    • Partners
  • Local Living
    • Upcoming Events
    • EAT
    • SHOP
    • PLAY >
      • Community Calendar
    • STAY >
      • Camping & RV Parks
    • TOURS >
      • Instagram Tours >
        • Beach Blvd. Instagram Ops
        • Main Street Instagram Ops
        • Second Street Instagram Ops
        • Depot District Instagram Stars
        • Black History Instagram Tour - Part 1
    • PETS
    • WEDDINGS
    • SERVICES >
      • Automotive
      • Construction
      • Entertainment
      • Financial Services
      • Food & Beverage
      • Health
      • Home & Garden
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      • Marine & Boating
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      • Media
      • Office
      • Personal Care
      • Pets
      • Real Estate
      • Recreation
      • Transportation
      • Travel/Hospitality
      • Utilities
    • ORGANIZATIONS >
      • Churches
      • Government
      • Education >
        • Art Teachers
      • Hurricane Prep Guide
      • Wildlife Rescue in South Mississippi