Birdwatching

Since Louisiana is paradise for bird lovers and birds alike, it's only fitting that we have a birding trail that covers all of South Louisiana's Gulf Coast and runs through 22 parishes! With I-10 from Texas to Baton Rouge and I-12 from Baton Rouge to Mississippi as the trail's Northern borders, the America's Wetland Birding Trail has 115 sites organized into 12 easily navigable loops. Since Louisiana has a temperate, sub-tropical climate, excellent birdwatching can be had on the trail all year long.

New Orleans is full of bird-lovers, and these groups and festivals are great places to start if you're new in town and looking to meet people to go on birding trips with or if you're looking for something bird-related to do with your weekend.

If you're a first time bird-watcher looking for information on your new hobby, these tips and facts come compliments of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. They will be a great starting point!

1. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in Louisiana.

2. Two things are necessary for first-time birdwatchers - a good field guide and a decent pair of binoculars.
The field guides with drawings or paintings of birds are usually more helpful than those with photographs, as the photographs can be at odd angles. It is important to read the beginning of a guidebook as well as looking at the illustrations, since the first pages can offer useful information on how to best identify birds. Also, pay attention to the range maps in the book so you can use season and habitat-based clues to best identify the bird.
As for binoculars, a cheap pair can leave you disappointed, and a good pair can be purchased for less than $200. Important things to consider are the magnification and weight of the pair.

Louisiana Office of Tourism for Outdoors and Birding
Phone: 225-342-8100

Bird Louisiana
www.birdlouisiana.com