Any bird-watchers been to HH in the spring?

[Simba's Mom]

Recently on these boards someone mentioned the spring migration of birds on HH in the spring (I hope that included March). DH and I love bird-watching which is the main purpose for our trip next March (well, DH's second purpose after golf, but it's my main one). Have any other bird watchers been? What have you seen? Any tips-where to go, CM's who are especially knowledgeable on wildlife and birds, etc. Thanks.

 

[mickey'smj]

The Pinckney Refuge is nearby. We went there in April (14-19), and one in our party was a serious birder. She loved the place and among other things was happy to see a Louisiana heron. She's from RI.

Sorry I'm not more help on this, but I know there were numbers of birders there the day we were there.

 

[vernon]

One of the CM's was employed this year specifically to get the nature and bird walks to a higher profile, I forget his name but I know he took his university course in biology/ecology and he was very knowledgable about the various flora and fauna of the area. Pinckney is the nearest area, about 10 minutes drive, the trail that Disney take you on only covers a small part of the refuge, I think there are trips you can take to some of the other islands which are only accessable by boat. I'm sure if you emailed the recreation department at DVC HH they would be able to give you more information.

 

[VMS]

I think the CM's name is Brian. He led our marsh walk and he was very knowledgeable.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks! Was there an additional fee for this marsh walk? I think I saw a couple of nature-type walks. Were those additional fee? I would imagine there would be a fee for the trip to Pinckney. Does anyone remember what it was? Or can you just drive there yourself?

 

[mickey'smj]

You can drive to Pinckney yourself. It's free. Walk into the Ibis Pond (about a mile or so) and you'll see alligators and nesting herons.

You'll have a fabulous time.

 

[VMS]

The marsh walk was free as were some other nature type activities offered. It was very worthwhile.

 

[Debby7]

Brian (the naturalist) drove an oversized van to the Pickney Island refuge and guided our tour. There was no fee. The tree full of snowy egrets was most impressive. We had good bird watching right off the front of our building. Watched bluebirds building a nest and a tiny brown nuthatch, cardinals and jays. Got amazingly close to a heron just off the pier during low tide. I don'tthink you will be disappointed.