Page 101 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2025

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herons, but are mostly gray. One of the rarest birds in North America, these cranes can stand about four feet tall. The refuge holds one of the largest populations in the nation. Other cranes live near the refuge.
Most cranes migrate just like waterfowl, but the Mississippi subspecies stays home all year long so people might spot them anytime. Other cranes from farther north do augment the winter population on the refuge each year. From late fall to late winter, people can take guided crane tours.
“March is an ideal time to visit the refuge,” Edwardson says. “The month offers perfect weather conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. The refuge is home to a diverse array of species that can be observed all year long, including white-tailed deer, alligators, squirrels, various birds, butterflies and other pollinators. March is a great time to spot a variety of bird species, including the Mississippi sandhill crane. In March, the cranes might be more secretive as they begin their nesting season.”
Sandhill cranes often hang around near the refuge SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
headquarters. People can also hike the 3/4-mile-long C. L. Dees Trail or the one-mile-long Fontainebleau Trail on the refuge to see cranes and a variety of other wildlife. Besides cranes, birdwatchers might also spot several species of waterfowl, bald eagles, herons, hawks, egrets and many other bird species. For a good look, climb into the 12-foot-high observation blind behind the refuge headquarters.
“From the Visitor Center observation deck, people can take in the thriving wet pine savanna habitat,” Edwardson says. “Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and partners, we offer free guided walks at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at the Fontainebleau Trail in Ocean Springs.”
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Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
7200 Crane Ln., Gautier 228.497.6322 www.fws.gov/refuge/mississippi_sandhill_crane