[Tweeters] OT -- New Orleans birding recommendations

[via Tweeters]

Trileigh,

We were there in April 2019 for a few days before heading over to Dauphin
Island, Alabama. If you're looking for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Big Branch
NWR, Boy Scout Rd. (on the north side of Lake Pontchartrain) is quite a
reliable spot. When we there, some of the local folks were walking their
dogs in that area and were eager to point them out to us. They were very
close to the parking area. There was also a boardwalk that was quite good
for birds. We also stayed on and birded Grand Isle, LA. (2+ hours south of
N.O.). It is a barrier island and was a great birding spot also. Just watch
out for all that fried food that they love to serve there.

Have fun in the bayou,

Don

-----Original Message-----
From: Tweeters <tweeters-bounces at mailman11.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of
Stacey T via Tweeters
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 2:05 PM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu; tweeters-request at mailman11.u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] OT -- New Orleans birding recommendations

Hi Trileigh and Tweets,

My husband and I were in New Orleans 3 weeks ago for a long weekend of
birding. We were amazed at the number of excellent birding spots within city
limits. Our favorite spots were:

City Park, Scout Island - This area has a large meadow surrounded by forest
and water. There's a nice trail around the island that will take you through
all of the different habitats. We saw several hawk species, at least 8
different warbler species, woodpeckers, herons, tanagers, grosbeaks, and
bunting, among many other things. Dense birdlife, to say the least. Lots of
other birders here too. 

City Park, Couturie Forest - Mostly forested with good views of the
surrounding water. Similar sightings to Scout island, although we saw more
vireo and tanger species here.

Audubon Park, Audubon Park Trail -A bit more urban than City Park, similar
feel to Greenlake with paved trails through grassy areas, scattered trees,
and views of waterways. Bird Island is inaccessible to people but viewable
from the trail. Lots of ducks, warblers, ibis, anhinga, and egrets.

Bayou Sauvage, Maxent Levee - A short boardwalk through the bayou. It was
scorching mid-day but beautiful morning and evening. Egrets, woodpeckers,
warblers, and much more. Keep your eyes on the sky for flyovers from
spoonbills, glossy/white-faced ibis, and pelicans. 

Bayou Sauvage, Lake Levee - An out and back hike, the trail is next to
wetlands on either side but good visibility is often obstructed by trees or
the levee itself. If on foot, bring a scope (this was the only place on this
list where we felt like we really needed it). There is a boat launch at the
start of the trail, so we were wondering if a kayak was the better way to go
here. Also, you will need an SUV to get to the trailhead as the dirt road
was quite potholed in the beginning, a 4x4 might be required if it's been
raining. This is a well-known hotspot among locals. 

We were only there for 4 days but met several birders in various locations
throughout City Park, all of them very friendly and eager to pass on the
days unusual/rare sightings.


Enjoy your trip!


Stacey 
Magnolia, Seattle


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