RAMAH – A Wood Stork & Wading Bird event is scheduled to be held Saturday, July 18 at the South Farm of the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area Complex.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries invite the public from 7 a.m. to noon to view these wading and shore birds, which are drawn to feed in the South Farm’s water management units.
There are no fees associated with this program but since the event is on a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Wildlife Management Area, all participants between the ages of 16 and 60 are required to have either a valid Louisiana Hunting or Fishing License or a Wild Louisiana Stamp. These licenses are available from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and may be obtained at a point of sale retailer online by going to http://www.wlf.state.la.us or by calling 1-888-765-2602.
The South Farm includes a number of large moist soil impoundments that are flooded in the fall to provide habitat for water birds with an emphasis on waterfowl. There are also a good number of small fish and crawfish in these impoundments. By late spring, the fish have reached good sizes and there are more than enough crawfish to support a public crawfish fishery. In mid-summer, the impoundments are drained to enhance growth of wetland plants for the following year
The Wood Stork is the only stork native to North America. These large wading birds (2-4 feet tall and 66 inch wingspan) are an indicator of the condition of our nation’s wetlands. As wetlands disappear so do the Wood Storks. Even though many of these birds are from Mexico, the water management units such as the South Farm are becoming more critical to the survival of these birds.
With only a few thousand of these birds left, this is a great opportunity for bird watchers, photographers and anyone who enjoys wildlife to see quite possibly the largest concentration of these birds anywhere. Often alligators, Whitetail Deer and many other
species of birds may be observed as well. Professionals will be available to discuss the management of the area, identification of animals, and to the Wood Stork.
It is better to arrive early for greatest opportunity to see the Wood storks.
Driving directions:
Take I-10 to the Ramah exit (Exit 135). Go north and 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. (Note this is a gravel road.) Go approximately 1.5 miles or until you see the “South Farm” sign. Cross over the levee and enter the parking lot. Individuals will be there to provide you with additional information.
For more information please call the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers project office at 337-585-0853.
For more information on Wood Storks, visit:
http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/Species-Accounts/Wood-stork-2005.htm
For more information about recreation in New Orleans District, visit:
http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/recreation/index.asp