ABOUT THE EPISODE
Guest James Smithers, a local birding guide with American Birding Guides, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss Southwest Louisiana’s impressive birding scene that boasts over 400 different species due to unique migration paths. The trio talks about the birding process, some of the birds to look out for and the best times and locations to do so.
ABOUT THE GUEST
James Smithers is a Southwest Louisiana native and birding guide with American Birding Guides.
James fell in love with birding after a male Painted Bunting showed up at his backyard feeder, and he’s been chasing that next great sighting ever since. He’s also deeply involved in Gulf Coast conservation and helps lead birding trips and beginner walks across the region.
ENVIE EATS
Mazen’s is a fine dining restaurant known for Lebanese and Mediterranean flavors with French and Louisiana influences. The College Street spot serves weekday lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, with reservations recommended. The menu ranges from grape leaves and hummus to seafood entrées topped with jumbo lump crabmeat, along with steaks and other Louisiana-influenced dishes, making it a polished stop for lunch, dinner or just for drinks.