By Angie Kay Dilmore
 |
Eastern Bluebird by Gulf Coast Bird Club Member
Deanna Griggs |
I love
bird-watching. I enjoy seeing them eat at the feeders in my backyard. I’m
thrilled when I spot a heron or egret wading along the shoreline when I paddle
my kayak or see a flock of geese flying in V-formation across an autumn sky.
But I’m not very good at specifically identifying birds by sight or, worse yet,
recognizing their calls and songs. Sure, I’m familiar with the common backyard
birds like cardinals, bluejays, eastern bluebirds, and black-capped chickadees.
But ask me to differentiate between a red-bellied and a red-headed woodpecker,
and I’m stumped.
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| Brown-headed Nuthatch |
So I sought
out some help from our local Gulf Coast Bird Club this past Saturday. They meet
for a bird walk the 4th Saturday of every month, 8 a.m, at Sam Houston Jones State Park. On this most recent bird walk, the club spotted wood
ducks, nuthatches, Carolina wrens, chickadees, and a variety of woodpeckers,
and that was all in the first ten minutes! Experienced birders lead these
walks, which are designed for beginner birders.
 |
| Carolina Wren |
On most
walks, the club sees an average of 20-25 different species of birds. “We’re in
fall migration season right now, so we’re seeing some different migratory
birds; some warblers and northern tanagers,” says David Booth, club founder and
vice president of programs.
 |
| Hooded Warbler |
In addition
to the monthly walks, the club occasionally takes field trips
to the Lacassine area, Toledo Bend, Smith’s Point, or wildlife refuges such as
Cameron Prairie or Sabine.
 |
| Snowy Egret |
Their next
event will be a program called “Listen Up! Birding by Ear,” which will help
participants learn to identify birds by their call. This event coincides with
Meet the Blind Month. All bird lovers, including the sight impaired, are
encouraged to attend this program on October 10, 8 - 9:30 a.m. at Drew
Park, 416 Michael DeBakey Dr., Lake Charles.
 |
Pileated Woodpecker by Gulf Coast Bird Club
Member Deanna Griggs |
 |
| Blue Heron |
The Gulf Coast Bird Club is dedicated to
promoting the knowledge and conservation of birdlife, other wildlife, natural
habitats and natural resources; and to fostering an appreciation of our natural
environment and of the significance of its influence upon human life. Founded
in 1983, the club seeks to provide educational opportunities to the general
public and to other organizations regarding bird life.
For more information on the club or
their events, see their website, join their Facebook page, or call 337-526-0837.
To read more of Angie's adventures, check out her blog, angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.
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