LAKE CHARLES, La.— When it comes to discussing wildlife regions in the area, the sentiment of residents in Southwest Louisiana is “if you leave it, they will come.”

Other than normal maintenance at the different state and national refuges, the land is basically untouched. Visitors to the area will see prairies, bayous, swamps and shorelines that are looked upon as virgin land. As a result, hundreds of species of birds, along with thousands of birdwatchers and photographers from all over the world, come together in an area unlike any other place in America.

The reason the area is rich in variations of birds is simple says noted birdwatcher and outdoorsman Capt. Sammie Faulk. “We are in the middle of a major migration route; we don’t necessarily have the birds here all year round, but they stop on their trek to and from Canada.”

It is during migration season when the birdwatchers get to see the true majesty of nature.  Recent studies indicate a great number of North American land birds pass through Louisiana than any other state. The different species of birds one might observe is unparalleled.  Most people know about the Brown Pelican, synonymous with the Bayou State. Along with it are many variations of heron, egrets, ducks and geese, hawks, gulls, humming birds and sparrows.
However, particular interest from birders and photographers is given to the birds not as famous but just as marvelous. For instance, take the Solitary Sandpiper or the Greater Shearwater.  How about the Merlin, or the Vermilion Flycatcher. Then there is the Nashville Warbler, Tropical Parula and the Gray-Cheeked Thrush. These and many more find their way to Southwest Louisiana and are waiting to be seen.

Faulk adds, “Visitors get to see more species of birds here than in the Everglades located in Florida. It’s the geography that makes a big difference. The Everglades is a swamp area with big trees; our lower regions are that of flat ground and water. The birds nest low to the ground so birders and photographers do not have too many obstacles when they are looking for the birds.”

Faulk says the lower land makes it easier for photographers to get a once-in-a-lifetime shot.  “In Florida, photographers have to get into the trees to see the birds. Down here the birds are down with us.”

Being in the birds’ environment is just as enjoyable as seeing them. Southwest Louisiana is home to three national wildlife refuges and one state wildlife refuge. These spots fall under government control, so the birds and the other wildlife are protected. Another attraction of interest is the nationally renowned Creole Nature Trail All-American. Referred to as “The Louisiana Outback,” the trail is currently one of 21 All-American Roads in the United States. Starting in Sulphur or Lake Charles, the trail is about 180 miles long and brings visitors deep into the heart of Calcasieu and Cameron parishes.  Since it is located in the Mississippi Flyway, it is a tour that birders and photographers would not want to miss.

“If a person plans on taking a tour on the byway, it would take about two to three days to get a good view of everything. But what they will see is the best variation of geography and birds in Louisiana,” says Marianna Tanner. Tanner would know because birding is a hobby she takes very seriously.  A member of the Gulf Shore Bird Club, Baton Rouge Audubon Society, and the Louisiana Ornithological Society, Tanner takes part in the biannual Southwest Louisiana bird count.

Another point of interest is the Peveto Woods Bird and Butterfly Sanctuaries, located in Cameron Parish. The Baton Rouge Audubon Society has preserved this unique habitat and established the first chenier sanctuary for migratory birds. The first Louisiana settlers called these coastal woods “chenier” which means “oak place.” Because more than 2 million birds use the site every year, this 41-acre island is a favorite spot for birders especially during the spring.
Tanner points out that one could easily see 170 different species during the spring and fall count.  In the summer, you could see more than 50 species. No matter what time of the year, birders and photographers will see the most amazing and beautiful birds in the country. Tanner believes the prettiest birds to see in the region is the Blue Heron.  Still, others garner her attention: “We have lots of bright Red Cardinals and the Vermilion Flycatcher is especially beautiful.” 

Capt. Faulk organizes bird watching tours in the region and says the bird that gets a lot of attention is the Roseate Spoonbill. “It is a native bird to our state. It looks like a flamingo with a pretty pink color. Photographers and birders can get between 100 and 200 yards away from it. The bird makes a great picture while it is found nestling or feeding,” he adds."

No longer a best-kept secret, the trail has been named among the Top 40 Birding Spots in North America by Wildbird Magazine.  It does not matter what time of year you visit, if you are looking for birds, then you will find them. Your visit to Southwest Louisiana will be even more memorable when enjoying Cajun and Creole cooking and hospitality.  It is mandatory to get a Wild Louisiana stamp to visit the Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge. For more information, contact the Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at (337) 436-9588 or (800) 456-SWLA, or visit www.visitlakecharles.org.