Waterfowl at Southport Drive

This is a good spot to see shorebirds, waterfowl, and eagles. It is NOT in Lake Crabtree County Park, however, so read the instructions carefully and refer to the map. Binoculars are a must, and a spotting scope is highly recommended. I will have a 30x power scope.

Birds seen there recently include Bald Eagle and plenty of ducks (gadwall, shoveler, ring-necked, and redhead ducks)

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We END UP behind the Catalent building (160 Pharma Drive), but you park in small lot with a sign that says Southport Entrance to Lake Crabtree trail, then walk along trail to the back of the Catalent building. There is a cleared area that allows us a view of the lake's sandbar and shoreline. (Note: the sandbar is submerged after heavy rains.)

Turn at Southport off Aviation; turn right at 100 Southport and drive behind the company buildings; park in small lot where a sign marks trail as "Lake Crabtree Nature Trail Southport Entrance"; walk trail north and you will see an exposed mudflat in the south edge of the lake. The trail continues north to the park, or to the south and around the 'back end' of the Lake Crabtree.
Lighting is usually best in the AFTERNOON; sunlight often blocks viewing in the morning.

We will be standing around, so dress for the weather!

L. Erla Beegle, text is okay at 919-673-6136