The refuge provides 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 song of prothonotary, northern parula, and yellow-throated warblers.
Watch for a flash of yellow in the trees near water, you may spot the prothonotary warbler, a relatively large warbler that nests in tree cavities in forested wetlands. The song of this species is a sign of spring in southeast Louisiana. Watch for Mississippi and swallow-tailed kites soaring overhead during spring and summer — the best time to look for kits is April-August..
Where to Look for Birds
Pearl River Fishing Access Site Located at the Pearl River Turnaround Exit #11 on Hwy 59 north. Look for waterbirds such as great blue herons, snowy egrets, and little blue herons. Watch for black-bellied whistling ducks too, they use the nesting boxes you'll see along the shores.
Holmes Bayou Trail During the spring look for neotropical birds in the bottomland forest along this short trail that leads to the bayou. To reach this 1.5 mile out and back trail, take exit 11 off Hwy 59 and follow the unpaved road on the west side of highway for about four miles to the trailhead.
See what birds are being spotted at the refuge before you visit by checking out the eBird Tracker.
