July 23, 2015 -- A Wood Stork and Wading Bird Event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, within the South Farm area of Sherburne Wildlife Management Area. 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 due to the management provided by Wildlife Division staff. A number of large moist soil impoundments are flooded in the fall to provide habitat for water birds, especially shorebirds and waterfowl. Aside from 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 right by the market on Mimms Street; 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 an LDWF Wildlife Management Area. These can be purchased at any license vendor selling LDWF hunting or fishing licenses, on-line at http://www.wlf.la.gov or by phone at 1-888-765-
2602.
 


For more information about the South Farm birding event, call the LDWF Wildlife Division Opelousas Field Office at 337-948-0255.