Piney Woods Wildlife Society Field Trips

Sheldon Lake State Park

Bird Walk and Talk on Saturday

February 20 at 8:30 a.m.

Piney Woods Members are invited out to Sheldon Lake State
Park for a Bird Walk and Talk on Saturday, February 20 at
8:30 a.m. The trip will start in the woods and fishery ponds
searching for passerines, waterfowl and waders. Then we
head out to the prairie where geese (1,000+), teal (100+)
and dabbling duck are all over the prairie restoration Phase
II ponds. The prairie habitat is also great to spot wrens,
sparrows and raptors. In addition, we will visit the lake to
search for open water raptors, waterbirds, diving ducks, and
passerines (Vermilion flycatcher is likely). Let’s hope we
spot “Lou” the Leucistic Red-tailed. Those with scopes will
find them put to good use. The walk and talk will be long
enough that we will stop for a break, so don’t
forget to bring a snack and water.

Directions: The Park headquarters is located
at 15315 Beaumont Highway (Business 90),
2 miles east of Beltway 8 or 2 miles west of
Sheldon Road at Park Road 138. From Mercer Arboretum,
head to Beltway 8 and travel east on Beltway 8. Turn left on
Garrett Rd. for one-half-mile to Fauna. Turn right on Fauna
which will become Pineland. On your left will be the Sheldon
Lake levee. After two-and-a-half miles cross over the railroad
tracks to a stop light. Turn left at the traffic light onto
Business 90 (Beaumont Highway) for one mile to Park Road
138. Look for the flag pole on the north side of the road.
There is also a brown highway sign on the right. Turn left
over the railroad tracks to the park entrance. We will meet
at Sheldon Lake State Park headquarters at 8:30 a.m.