Mini Birdfest

Every year, bird watchers—novices and experts alike—travel from all over to attend the premier birding event sponsored by Northlake Nature Center, the Great Louisiana Birdfest. Spring migration, when numerous migrant bird species pass through South Louisiana on their way from Mexico and South America, makes for ideal birdwatching conditions. 

This year, with cautions surrounding COVID-19 still in mind, the Northlake Nature Center has reduced the four-day festival to three key events held over two days. To register for any of the events, contact rue@northlakenature.org or (985) 626-1238. northlakenature.org/birdfest. See below for details. 

Bayous and Canals of the Manchac Swamp

Guests can enjoy birdwatching from the vantage of a pontoon boat, starting from Joyce Wildlife Area with stops at the Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station, and through Stinking Bayou—where sightings of birds and alligators are common. A guide will point out all migrating birds as they pass through the area. Be sure to bring your binoculars. April 8 from 6:30 am–noon. $50. 

Big Branch by Night & Red-cockaded Woodpeckers

Explore the world of birds at night through this nocturnal adventure. Participants will start by watching the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers return to their nests, and from there they will seek out owls, night-herons, rails, bats, and nighthawks—among the other creatures that roam the Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge at night. 5:30 pm–9 pm. Members only—free. Become a member at northlakenature.org. 

Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve

This property is part of a ten thousand acre tract of intact pine flatwood wetlands, and is managed by the Nature Conservancy. With habitats of longleaf pine flatwood savanna, slash pine-pond cypress woodlands, and bayhead swamps—it is a popular stopover for migrating birds, including rare ones like Bachman's sparrow and Henslow's sparrow, and many Prothonotary warblers. Participants will wander down a boardwalk and seek out a variety of birds within the habitat. $25.