Description:
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Ferdinand State
Forest is primarily located on upland sites dominated by central
hardwood forest, consisting of various oaks, hickories, maples,
tulip, poplar, ash, sassafras, black gum, and others. Also found
throughout the forest are cypress and an abundance of various
pine species. The understories are usually occupied by dogwood,
maple, greenbrier, and numerous woodland annuals and perennials.
This is unglaciated hill country characterized by short, steep
slopes often broken by relatively flat benches and rocky bluffs.
Most of the forest is located on the rougher slopes and ridges of
the area.
Maps are readily available at the office or at the self-registration camping
sites. Although the following description highlights just a few areas of the
property, a good variety of birds can be observed all along the main road that
goes the length of the forest.
Upon entering the front gate follow the paved road 0.25 miles
to a small parking area on the right, located at FL3. There is a
small creek located here making it good for Louisiana
Waterthrush. This area also has good habitat for warblers, tanagers,
Barred Owls, and Wild Turkey.
Continuing on this road will take you to the 43-acre lake. An
assortment of waterfowl can be seen here at the appropriate time
of year, along with Common Loons, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, shorebirds, and herons.
Songbirds found at this location include orioles, Pine Warblers, vireos, and
swallows.
Further down the road, at the second right past the boat ramp, is a
rock road. On the right side of this rock road is a good area for
Yellow Breasted Chats, Yellow Warblers, flycatchers, vireos, and
sparrows. At the end of this road is a brushy area that in
the fall is productive for a variety of sparrows.
Before reaching the beach area, there is a road that branches off the main
road and goes up a steep hill. This area can be good for warblers,
including Cerulean and Worm-eating, as well as Broad-winged Hawks. Continuing
straight will lead to another rock road that is excellent for Hooded
Warblers and American Redstarts. Continuing even farther down this road
(past the rock road), there is a road on the left that leads to the fire tower. The
fire tower area is good for tanagers, Hooded Warblers, and Worm-eating Warblers.
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Typical Time to Bird Site: 1-2 Hours
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Birds:
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Overview:
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Ferdinand State Forest
is known for its great diversity of habitat and good variety of birds.
Warblers, vireos, thrushes, and sparrows are among the most common bird
families that can be observed here.
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Specialty Species:
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There are great
opportunities for observing Worm-eating
, Hooded
, and Cerulean Warblers
, all of which nest in the forest. Ferdinand State Forest is certainly among
the most reliable locations in the state to find nesting
Pine Warblers
. All of these warblers arrive in mid-April and are best observed
beginning at this time.
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Noteworthy Records:
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Black-throated Blue Warbler - (21-Sep-1997); (08- May-1999)
Black-billed Cuckoo - (30-Sep-1997)
Brewster's Warbler - (13-May-1997); (22-Sep-1997)
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