While cruising along Interstate Highway 10 heading east, just past New Orleans and a bit beyond Biloxi, I noticed signs for the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.
Well for me there are two very important items in that title. First the word National tells me that this may be a whole lot more than a patch of swamp land with a few alligators and a flock of birds. Second the words Wildlife Refuge. I love wildlife, and I love refuge. So this is a must stop, that is all there is! Easy to find and just a few miles off the highway is the Visitor Center. A good place to start, for sure.
The Mississippi Sandhill Crane – An odd bird
A bit smaller than the Sandhill Crane that is so common across the South and seen in huge numbers at other refuges. The Mississippi Sandhill Crane is, unlike the Sandhill Crane is non-migratory. The encroachment of man, haven’t we heard that before, continued to minimize the areas where the crane lived. Luckily for all of us, and the birds too, a portion of land was set aside.
A Sanctuary was created
Meticulously the plants were groomed to get the natural plants and food for the cranes in the best possible shape. Then signs were put up to tell everyone that this was the area for the Mississippi Sandhill Crane. Sadly the crane cannot read and has chosen to live in the residential areas just outside the refuge. This is quite humorous to all involved and maybe even a bit embarrassing to the bird and habitat specialists who worked so hard on getting the area reserved and the plants so carefully chosen to be friendly for this particular species. I guess you can set the table and cook a fine meal but that is no guarantee that anyone will come to dinner. Well the area is set aside, the museum is small, well appointed and well done. The docents are very knowledgeable and helpful.
The Mississippi Sandhill Crane can be spotted in residential areas surrounding the refuge and the docents will mark the areas of the last reported sightings on the map and advise you as to the best times for a possible wildlife encounter. Remember, wild life is wild, and man has influences, however man is not in full control!
About The Author
Charley is an avid locator of those slightly odd and a bit different places in our world. He can be found about the web on his family blog – charley.net, and his social media guide – Charley Carlin – Social Media Guide also via Reviews on YELP, Trip Advisor, and Google Maps