Lafayette, LA is a rich cultural hub known for its historic sites, lively festivals, music, and restaurants. But what many people may not know is that it is also a stop on the Mississippi Flyway. This means that over 325 migratory bird species stop here during the winter. It is also near America’s Wetland Birding Trail, where many birds can be found year-round, so if you love birdwatching, then read on!
1. Grande Isle Loop
Louisiana is an epic place for birders, thanks to America’s Wetland Birding Trail. It runs through 22 parishes in Southern Louisiana and contains 115 birding sites to stop at. There are twelve loops along the trail in total.
One of the most popular loops is the Grande Isle Loop. There are so many different habitat types here that it has become a birder’s dream. In salt marshes, oak forests, and sandy beaches you can find shorebirds, wading birds, and seabirds. All of this can be found under three hours outside of Lafayette.
2. East Florida Parishes Loop
This loop is special because it is the only place along the Louisiana Great Gulf Coast Birding trail where you can catch a glimpse of the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker. If you are new to birding, feel free to visit the Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center for detailed information on how to find this species.
Furthermore, Madisonville Marsh should not be passed up if you have the time while visiting this loop. Madisonville Marsh has a diverse lineup of heron and egret species year-round and waterfowl and sparrows species in the winter.
3. Lacassine Loop
About an hour west of Lafayette begins the Lacassine Loop. The first stop on the trail is Lorraine Park. This park is probably the best site on the loop for observing Anhinga, Pileated Woodpecker, and Tufted Titmouse.
Arguably the best site on the loop, however, is Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. Massive woodland, swamp, and marsh all meet here, making the birding pretty epic. If you are a skilled birder, you may catch a glimpse of rare species such as the Crested Caracara or Vermilion Flycatcher during the spring and winter.
4. Atchafalaya Loop
The whole Atchafalaya basin is comprised of 860,000 acres and therefore is the largest swamp in the great river basin. Here, 300 species of birds reside. In the winter, this area is also home to North America’s largest population of the charismatic and adorable American Woodcock.
In addition, the largest population of bald eagles in the South Central U.S. is found here. If egrets, herons, and ibises are more your speed, you’ll be happy to know that around 50,000 of them are known to nest in the Floodway. With such large populations of diverse species, this truly is a spectacular place to go birding.
There are so many unique and alluring places to bird near Lafayette. Thanks to the wildly diverse ecosystem in the area, you are guaranteed some high-quality birding here. Since these places require a drive, purchase a new or used luxurious Cadillac from Service Cadillac to take you to these birding spots in style.
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