Wildlife Photography Locations in Southern Louisiana?

[robert_landry]

I recently moved to Louisiana and was wondering where to photograph

wildlife down here. Winter is coming, and finally an end to the

Dreadfully HOT summer we had. I'm primarily interested in birds, so

if anyone out there has any suggestions, I would be greatful.

 

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Thanks, Rob.

[howard_creech1]

Rob, just south of Lake Charles are several really superb coastal

marsh wildlife refuges. Lacassine, Sabine, Rockefeller, and Cameron

Prairie...in these you will find on an average year in December about

90,000,000 migratory birds...in addition there are white ibis,

roseate spoonbill, several varieties of Egret, and several varieties

of Heron. Easiest access is to Sabine (LA Hwy 27) which has a board

walk through the marsh (many opportunities for good alligator shots

too) Lacassine and Cameron Prairie are harder to get to, but lots of

birds. Rockefeller is superb..but access to marsh interior is

limited to boat travel.....Photo opportunities from roads are

possible but there are few places to park (and most of those will be

filled by fishing/crabbing/shrimping Cajuns) Email me if you are

interested in more specific info...good luck

[james_ownby]

Rob,

Just came across your query re LA. My wife & I were there in March '98, & our favorite place was Lake Martin, just east of Lafayette. We learned about it from some birders at the Univ of SW La. Lake Martin is small, with lots of bald cypress in which Great Egrets nest. When we were there I got some nice shots of Great Egrets in breeding plumage gathering sticks & branches for their nests. From the first mile of the gravel road that parallels the lake, you should also get good shots of Pied-billed Grebe, as well as Great Blue, Tricolored, Little Blue, & Black-crowned Night Herons. A 400mm lens is useful here. If you haven't already visited this spot, try it in winter & spring.