The refuge's bottomland hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, bayous, and freshwater marshes provide nesting, wintering, and breeding habitat for nearly 200 species of birds. Neotropical birds (birds that nest in North America but winter in the tropics) bring a flash of color and song in the spring. Listen for the songs of northern parulas and yellow-throated warblers. Watch for a flash of yellow in the trees near the water -- you may spot the prothonotary warbler, a relatively large warbler that nests in tree cavities in forested wetlands. Their song is a sign of spring in southeast Louisiana.
Where to Go:
Franklin and Garden City Units: Watch for waterbirds and neotropical migrants in the cypress tupelo swamp and fresh water marsh habitats of these units.
Centerville Unit: This area is comprised of bottomland hardwood forest. Birds to look for include the prothonotary warbler, indigo bunting, and other neotropical migrants.
See what birds are being currently spotted and where by checking out the eBird Tracker here.