Southwest Louisiana, with its unique blend of habitats, makes for some of the most exciting birding in the country during the spring migration season. For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, this region offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon of migratory birds returning north to their breeding grounds after wintering in Central and South America.
Nestled along the Gulf Coast, Southwest Louisiana is home to a variety of landscapes, including coastal and freshwater marshes, beaches, coastal oak maritime forests (cheniers), and bottomland forest corridors. This combination of wetland habitats and diverse environments attracts a wide variety of birds, both resident and migratory. This area is particularly important for migrating songbirds, shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds, many of which pass through this region during the spring migration months.
What Makes Southwest Louisiana Special for Birding?
Southwest Louisiana's strategic location along the Mississippi Flyway—a major migratory bird route—makes it a key destination for bird watchers in the spring. The flyway is a migratory route that birds use to travel between breeding grounds in North America and wintering grounds in Central and South America. During the spring migration, birds travel northward, often stopping to refuel in areas with abundant food and shelter, like those found in Southwest Louisiana.
Birding enthusiasts can enjoy watching an incredible variety of species during the spring migration, including waders, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Many of these birds are only passing through the area briefly, making spring the prime time for birding in the region.
Prime Birding Locations in Southwest Louisiana
Peveto Woods Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary
Owned and managed by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, Peveto Woods was the first chenier sanctuary for migrating birds established in Louisiana. This 40-acre property has been visited by birders from all 50 states and over 20 foreign countries. It is the premier birding location in SWLA for migratory songbirds. Over 320 species have been observed at Peveto Woods, and on any given day in the spring you can expect to see over 20 species of warblers moving throughout the oak canopy.
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
Another gem in Southwest Louisiana, Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the largest national wildlife refuges in the area. Its coastal wetlands are a prime stopover for waterfowl and shorebirds during the spring migration. Birders can look forward to seeing species such as the Roseate Spoonbill, Purple Gallinule, and Seaside Sparrows. The refuge has a network of trails and observation towers that make it easy to see birds in their natural environment. Sabine is a great spot to observe birds in both the marshlands and along the edges of the Sabine River and surrounding bays.
Hollister Chenier Preserve
Hollister Chenier is a nature reserve owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. This 54-acre property is one of the largest continuous expanses of protected chenier woods in Louisiana. It is located in Grand Chenier in east Cameron Parish. This chenier is not for the faint of heart. The trails are only maintained once a year. It can get overgrown quickly, but that is exactly what the birds love.
Southeast Calcasieu Parish
For birders seeking premier shorebirding, the agricultural fields between Corbina Rd and Highway 27 are exceptional habitat for a variety of shorebirds. One of the exciting parts of birding this area is the variety of habitat and bird abundance changes by the day. Since shorebirds rely on muddy and shallow flooded fields, any rain can turn what was barren the day prior into a field full of shorebirds.
The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road offers a scenic and accessible route for birdwatching enthusiasts. This self-guided trail loops through the marshlands and wetlands of Southwest Louisiana, passing through areas like the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, and other birding hotspots. Along the route, birders can expect to spot a wide variety of species, including both migratory and resident birds.
Tips for Birding During Spring Migration
Bring Binoculars and a Field Guide: To make the most of your birding experience, don’t forget to pack binoculars, a camera, and a field guide to help identify the many species you may encounter.
Dress for the Weather: Southwest Louisiana can be warm and humid in the spring, so lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. As the temperatures get warmer, mosquitoes become more abundant. Make sure to bring proper bug protection as well.
Be Quiet and Respectful: Keep noise to a minimum while birding to avoid disturbing the birds and fellow birders. Follow any posted guidelines and stay on designated trails.
Time Your Visit Right: The peak of spring migration usually falls between mid-April and mid-May, with some birds arriving earlier and others passing through later in the season. Early mornings are often the best time to see birds when they are most active. If you pay attention to the weather forecast, look for days with strong north winds. As birds fight against north winds during their journey over the Gulf, they drop as soon as they reach our coastline. Heavy north winds or storms along the coast can result in one of the greatest phenomena in birding, a fallout.
Consider Joining a Birding Club: Both the Gulf Coast Bird Club and the Louisiana Ornithological Society lead guided field trips year-round. We love sharing our knowledge and love for the birds!
Bucket List Birds in Southwest Louisiana
Painted Bunting – Arguably the most visually striking songbird in North America
Roseate Spoonbill – Also known as the “Cajun Flamingo”
Swallow-tailed Kite – A graceful gliding bird of prey. Look for these when you’re near any swampy habitat
Purple Gallinule – A Gulf Coast specialty water bird. You can see many of these along the Pintail Loop in Cameron Parish.
Crested Caracara – One of our most abundant birds of prey in SWLA. Stop on any gravel roads with open fields and you’ll likely see one.
New to birding? Check out our visual guide to commonly sited birds along the Creole Nature Trail.
