After a fun trip to Texas and Alabama to see several of the current U.S. rarities, we decided to make a stop at Overflow NWR--North Sanctuary in Ashley County. Our first time to visit this wonderfully unique Sanctuary, and we really enjoyed it, altho a section of the road was worse than muddy.The area is primarily a moist soil unit surrounded by bottomlands created from various nearby Sloughs. Highlights included hundreds of lingering ducks and at least 100 dark ibis. They were pretty far out and the sun angle was challenging but we could make out several White-faced Ibis (WFIB) in the group. All were likely WFIB but just too distant to confirm. Also present were a few Black-necked Stilts, 20+ American Wigeon and several female Red-breasted Mergansers. A local fellow told us the gate opens beginning April 1 for vehicle traffic. That would make it much easier to explore, especially if pink things show up. Mosquitoes and what sounded like feral hogs were also numerous.Patty McLean and Michael Linz The Roadrunners
