Southport Magazine

What: Birds of Southport Tour
When: Wednesday, May 21st • 9 a.m.
Where: Middleton Park
4601 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island
Cost: FREE, early registration required
Info: www.cityofsouthport.com
(910) 454-4479

Coastal dwellers are no stranger to pelicans, sea gulls and herons. The occasional crow or finch frolicking within the grass of Franklin Square Park can be expected, too. While we may not know the scientific name for each member of the avian species, we at least have an appreciation for their delicate beauty and gift of flight.

On Wednesday, May 21st, Mike Campbell—a Coastal Outreach Coordinator for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission—will lead a free tour through the streets of Southport to educate bird lovers on the species who call our area home (or just stop by on vacation!), hopefully revealing new birds to eager eyes. The tour is sponsored by Coastal Water Watch and the City of Southport Parks and Recreation and Tourism departments.

Beginning at 9 a.m., folks will meet at the Community Garden on Caswell Avenue, and the tour will take off via tram, bicycle, and/or golf cart.

“We will see resident birds that are here year-round, as well as neo-tropical migrants that come from as far south as Bolivia and Peru,” Campbell tells. “We will see many species of birds that are in the area, but may never come to backyard feeders.”

Campbell has been with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for 22 years. “I’ve always had an interest in wildlife, and I found that I really enjoy getting people outdoors to learn and appreciate the wildlife and other natural resources that are in our own backyards,” he shares.

Well-versed in the local avian population, Campbell hopes to see around 20 to 30 distinct species during the tour, including the White Ibis, Indigo Bunting, Orchard Oriole, and Yellow-throated Warbler. “And maybe a Painted Bunting,” he imagines.

The tour will finish in Caviness Park on Owens Street at 12 p.m. with lunch. Participants must bring their own packed lunch. While the tour is free, those interested must pre-register online at www.cityofsouthport.com or by e-mailing heather_hemphill@southportnc.org. For more information, call Carolyn Pryor of Coastal Water Watch at (910) 454-4479.

For Campbell, educational programs such as the Birds of Southport tour are a fun way to promote conservation efforts. “The public benefits by learning about wildlife, and hopefully understands that this area is rich with an abundance and diversity of species. With that knowledge, the public can appreciate and take measures to continue to keep this area a beautiful place to live for both humans and wildlife.”