Birding Clayton County by Danny Akers (2006)

Important Bird Area.

Frenchtown Park is a county park on the east side of the road. The entrance from the north can be a bit awkward to get into. You must take the turn wide (it is a 300-degree turn), cross the tracks (slowly, they are a bit rough), and it may wash out when it rains. Driving into the park and to the boat ramp can be rewarding. By far, this is the best area for waterfowl in the county. Puddle ducks are abundant in migration and diving ducks are a bit more abundant just to the south. Louisiana Waterthrush is common in the summer, as are warblers, sparrows, and other migrants in migration. I have found nearly 100 species in and around the park, including 20 species of warblers. About one-fourth mile south of the Frenchtown Park entrance is a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and its backwaters. Though I have not viewed Snow and Ross’s goose, Mute Swan, or any of the sea ducks from this location, all are rare possibilities. Hiking the railroad tracks along this stretch will kick up sparrows in the fall. Canoeing this area could turn up several waders or possibly a Yellow-headed Blackbird (a species that to my knowledge has not occurred in Clayton County).