Our two stops on this trip provide birding opportunities in varied habitats along and near the Tchefuncte River. We begin our trip at SweetBay Savannah a 28-acre tract bordering the Little Tchefuncte River, portions of which are being restored into a longleaf pine flatwoods savanna by application of periodic prescribed fire and planting of longleaf pine. The flatwoods portion of the property historically supported open longleaf pine savanna, but currently supports a variety of structural habitats, ranging from relatively open, grassy savanna with scattered pines and hardwoods, to heavy brush zones characterized by a mix of evergreen and deciduous shrub and tree species. Numerous maintained walking trails are in place throughout these zones. The riverside forest has limited access due to the many trees blown down by Katrina blocking travel, but there is at least one place to approach the river.

From there, we travel to Little River Bluffs, a private nature preserve on the little Tchefuncte River. The various trails through this 50-acre private parcel bring you through the woods, past a large pond, and to a bend in the river from which you have unobstructed views up and down the river. We begin with a stroll along the river and then head out to a sandbar for close up looks at river residents and woodland migrants.

Out-of-towners may want to take advantage of the opportunity to rent one of the cottages on this property so that you can live briefly in one of our wonderful birding sites. See http://www.littleriverbluffs.com/