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BIRDWATCHING
Are you planning a birding trip to Henderson? We have several prime birding sites, as well as museums and tours that are perfect for birding enthusiasts!
| JOHN JAMES AUDUBON STATE PARK, MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER |
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This state park in Henderson is the site of one of the largest art collections of internationally known wildlife artist, John James Audubon. Many other nature-related artworks are periodically on display at the museum. John James Audubon, the first artist or ornithologist to depict life-size birds and animals in their natural surroundings, lived in Henderson for longer than he lived in any other place in the United States.
He valued Henderson because of its position on the Mississippi flyway, a bird migration route. The park preserves the peaceful woods where the famed naturalist walked as he observed the subjects of his paintings.
The park is located in a wooded area on Highway 41 North, before the twin bridges. The address is 2901 Highway 41 N.
Info: Call (270) 826-2247 or go to the John James Audubon State Park and Museum web site.
ABOUT:
HABITAT AND TRAIL INFORMATION: There are 7 miles of walking trails made up of upland and bottomland hardwood forests and lakes.The trails vary in difficulty and length.
WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES: The hiking trails provide a perfect opportunity to observe over 20 species of warblers that migrate through Audubon in the springtime. Belted kingfisher, green heron, woodpeckers, prothonotary warbler and waterfowl may also be observed.
BEST PLACE TO VIEW BIRDS: The observation center looks out over established feeding stations and native plant gardens.The 2-mile wilderness lake loop trail through the nature preserve offers the greatest habitat and bird species diversity.
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| SLOUGHS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA |
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One of the National Audubon Society's Important Birding Areas, the Sloughs WMA contains nearly 10,000 acres of wetlands, home to nearly 10,000 geese and 10,000 ducks during the winter. A paradise for hunters, fishermen, campers, hikers and nature lovers.
From John James Audubon State Park, take US 60 South (9 miles) to KY 136 to Geneva (2 miles) then take KY 268 NW (6.5 miles) to Sauerheber Refuge on the left.
Info: Download the Sloughs Wildlife Viewing Trail Map or Sloughs WMA Maps or call the Sloughs WMA Office (270) 827-2673.
ABOUT:
SAUERHEBER REFUGE HABITAT AND TRAIL INFORMATION: A 1,775-acre waterfowl refuge provides habitat for up to 10,000 geese and 10,000 ducks winter annually. Closed seasonally November 1 through March 15. Observation platforms near refuge edge are open year-round.
WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES: One can view geese, American Widgeon, Green-Winged Teal, American Avocet, Common Snipe as well as many other shorebirds and waterfowl. Swamp rabbit, squirrel, deer, quail, raccoon, beaver, coyote, and dove are found here as well.
JENNY HOLE-HIGHLAND CREEK UNIT: The Unit offers sloughs, bottomland hardwoods and some brushy areas. This is one of Kentucky's largest Great Blue Heron rookeries. Limited access by gravel roads. Primitive camping is available.
WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES: Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Prothonotary Warbler, Great Egret, waterfowl, swamp rabbit, squirrel, deer, quail, raccoon, beaver, coyote and dove are all found here.
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HIGGINSON-HENRY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENt AREA
Located 20 miles south of Henderson in Morganfield, KY. The 5,424-acre area provides various birdwatching opportunities. The 82-acre lake and shallow water impoundment areas hold a variety of waterfowl, wading and shorebirds during the fall and winter. The terrestrial habitat encompasses old field to mature hardwood forest and holds a large variety of songbirds throughout the year. Directions: From John James Audubon State Park, take US60 South to Morganfield (29 miles), turn east on KY56 (2 miles). Entrance on right. Info: (270) 389-3580.
HABITAT AND TRAIL INFORMATION:Primarily forested with both hardwood, pine and mixed forest communities, rolling hills, and numerous small clearings. Ten miles of hiking trails, 18 miles of roads, and many old roads which may be hiked. 80-acre lake and two smaller lakes. Camping and picnic area available.
WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES: Acadian Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Pine Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush are all found here.
| UPCOMING BIRDING EVENTS 2011 |
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April 28-May 1: OHIO VALLEY BIRING FESTIVAL
Download the entire schedule for this event by clicking here.
Various locations throughout the tri-state area, including John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY. Join birders and educators from throughout the region at the Tri-State Bird Festival. Learn about birds, birding, and bird habitat from some of the best birders in the field. Seminars, workshops, hikes and crafts will be available for all ages and all levels of interest. This festival is sponsored by Audubon State Park, Wesselman Nature Society, Evansville Audubon Society, and Evansville Wild Birds Unlimited. The following is a sample of activities available at John James Audubon State Park on Sunday, May 1.
May 1: EXPLORE RAPTORS
Using live birds, participats will learn the chacteristics of birds of prey, their role in the exosystem, and how interactions with humans have impacted these magestic creatures. Hours: 11am-Noon
May 1: HUMMINGBIRD SEMINAR
Suggestions for creating safe habitats for humming birds. Hours: 1-2pm
May 1: AUDUBON's BIRD MIGRATION WALK
epart from Audubon State Park and join in on a celebration of spring season migration. Bring binoculars, cameras or field guides. Hours: 2:15-3:45pm
May 1: A WALK WITH BLUEBIRDS
Starts at the Sycamore Shelter in Audubon Park. Discover the lives and nesting habits of Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity nesters. View eggs and nestlings. Hours: 4-5pm
Info: (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov. Additional activites are online on the Wesselman Nature Society site. All of the following programs are free and held at John James Audubon State Park. For directions, click here.
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| GUIDED BIRDING TOURS OF THE OHIO RIVER |
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CAMO FISH GUIDE SERVICE
This group now offers sight seeing trips on the Ohio and Green Rivers. These trips are highly recommended for birdwatchers with numerous species of birds to be viewed. Some species that may be viewed are bald eagles, eastern bluebirds, gold finches, shore birds, horned owls, migrating waterfowl and many others. The trip along the Ohio River borders John James Audubon State Park, a bird sanctuary. These trips also offer sights such as World War II warships like the LST 325 in downtown Evansville, Indiana, numerous locks and dams, barges, additional wildlife and scenic views.
For more information, visit www.camofishguideservice.com or call Captain Paul Willett at 270-748-6077. |
| AUDUBON SCULPTURE WALKING TOUR |
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Kentucky native Raymond Graf created these cast bronze sculptures based on paintings from Audubon's "Birds of America" series. The sculptures are placed throughout downdown and also include a hidden creature scavenger hunt perfect for kids!
For detailed tour map click here. We can also send the tour map by mail. Call us at 1-800-648-3128 or request one online by clicking here. |
Looking for a place to stay on your birding trip? Be sure to check our Accommodations Page for information on lodging as well as any current travel packages they may offer!
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