This trip will explore the waterfowl habitats in Cattail Marsh in Beaumont. This is a large area with excellent habitat for ducks, grebes, ibis, egrets and many other species of waterbird. This will be a good trip for beginning to intermediate birders, as most of the waterfowl and wading birds are relatively easy to study in the open water areas. Meet at the parking lot for Cattail Marsh at 8:00 a.m. The parking lot is accessed from the loop road round the main picnic areas in Tyrrell Park. (Directions to Tyrrell Park below.)
This trip will explore the waterfowl habitats in Cattail Marsh in Beaumont. This is a large area with excellent habitat for ducks, grebes, ibis, egrets and many other species of waterbird. This will be a good trip for beginning to intermediate birders, as most of the waterfowl and wading birds are relatively easy to study in the open water areas. Meet at the parking lot for Cattail Marsh at 8:00 a.m. The parking lot is accessed from the loop road round the main picnic areas in Tyrrell Park. (Directions to Tyrrell Park below.)
Many birds can be seen from the boardwalk and nearby levees with minimal walking, but the group will probably make a leisurely three-or-so-mile hike round the various cells in t
Many birds can be seen from the boardwalk and nearby levees with minimal walking, but the group will probably make a leisurely three-or-so-mile hike round the various cells in the marsh. Be advised that, while you can turn around and retrace your steps at any point, there are no meaningful "shortcuts" after you start on the levee between cells 3 and 4. If you don't want to walk that far, there will be someone in the boardwalk area to help you identify the many birds in the near cells. Walking is on the levees; the main ones are graveled, but some of the interior ones are essentially mowed grass.
Wearing a mask will be appropriate on the boardwalk and in other areas where distancing is not easily accomplished. We will try to have the Education Center open for limited occupancy for those who do not want to make the hike.
Go "north" on US69/96/287 around the south side of Beaumont.
Take Texas 124 (south or west, whichever it is signed) towards Fannett (left turn under the highway).
Travel about 1/2 mile to the first light.
At the first light, turn left onto Tyrrell Park Road and go about 3/4 mile.
Turn left into the Park. Continue ahead and proceed about 2/3 of the way round the main loop and into the well-marked Cattail Marsh parking area.
From IH10
Exit at Walden Road on the west side of Beaumont.
Go south on Walden Road for about 1/2 mile to the first light.
At the light go straight over Highway 124 onto Tyrrell Park Road and go about 3/4 mile.
Turn left into the Park and as above.