Winter birding in the northern Mississippi Delta can be very exciting, with huge flocks of wintering geese (Snow, Ross's, Greater White-fronted) and other waterfowl, and good chances for local winter specialties and rarities such as Sprague’s Pipit, Sandhill Crane, Lapland Longspur, Rusty and Brewer's Blackbird, and beautiful rare sub-species of Red-tailed Hawk. To see photos from a previous edition of this trip, click here. On Saturday, February 1st, we'll meet at 8:30 am in Batesville, MS, and begin birding in the nearby ag lands of Panola County. We'll seek the Sandhill Cranes that typically spend each winter there, check for rare Red-tailed Hawk sub-species (such as Krider's and Harlan's) often reported in the area, and try for a special treat: A rare Sprague’s Pipit has returned to pass the winter at a traditional spot. Along the way, we'll likely marvel at large flocks of Snow and Ross's Geese and other waterfowl, keep an eye out for Rusty and Brewer's Blackbirds and Lapland Longspurs, and keep our eyes peeled for Bald Eagles. As an optional after-lunch extension, we will also hit Sardis Dam for waterfowl and gulls, including "Lester" the Lesser Black-backed Gull who has been reliable there for many winters now. All parts of the field trip are optional, and participants can depart early as needed. The trip will include a lot of roadside birding, with some optional short walks. We’ll keep in touch during caravan times using walkie-talkies. Restrooms will not be available for much of the morning.
LUNCH: You are welcome to lunch separately on your own, but most of the group will have lunch at TriBecca Allie Cafe in Sardis, starting around 12:00 noon. We will not be ordering individually; rather, there will be a variety of pizzas (meat and vegetarian) available by the slice when we arrive, as well as salad and beverages. The total cost (including tip) will be $16, and you must sign up in advance (see below). We will have the whole restaurant, and space is limited, so it is essential to reserve your spot. If you choose to lunch separately, you won’t likely be able to enter the restaurant, as it will be packed. We will meet back up with you after lunch.
Meeting point: The trip will depart at 8:30 a.m. from the southwest corner of the parking lot of the Lowe's store in Batesville, MS, which is just east of I-55, on the north side of Hwy 6 / 278 (map link). For those who participate in the whole trip, we'll finish around mid-afternoon.
What to bring: In addition to binoculars and a spotting scope if you have them, please bring plenty of your own food and drink to keep you refreshed while birding, and bring LOTS of layers of warm clothes—it’s always colder than you expect out there! If you want to use a restroom in the morning, we recommend you arrive early at Lowe’s and use the restroom there (and be ready to depart at 8:30), and otherwise be prepared to go behind the bushes during the morning.
Registration: The trip is free, except for the optional lunch, but space is limited and registration is required—please click the “Purchase” button below. If you have difficulty with the registration process, please just send us an e-mail (dwindbirds@gmail.com). To make an optional donation to support our conservation and outreach programs, please click here.
