FAQ

ANSWERS TO your QUESTIONS

Planning a birding trip can have a lot of factors to consider and some unknown variables. This guide to frequently asked questions will help you with the process. Please ask us if you need further clarification on any of these points or if your question isn’t here.

Where do I go?

Louisiana is a large state which harbors a wide diversity of ecosystems within its borders. Each region hosts its own suite of specialty birds often containing multiple species that aren’t readily found elsewhere in the state. Take a look at our locations page to get an idea of which regions are home to which species. Further, Louisiana’s rich culture is incredibly different in different regions of the state.  Consider your birding objectives, how much you want to travel, and your budget. If the sky’s the limit, perhaps a tour that takes you from southeast to southwest then wraps up north is the way to go!

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Wilson's Plover is only found along the immediate coast. Photo by Shailesh Pinto.
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Hudsonian Godwits are only found in Louisiana in spring, while visiting rice country. Photo by Shailesh Pinto.

When do I come?

Louisiana birding is incredible nearly year-round. Positioned at the southern end of the Central Flyway and on the Gulf of Mexico, birds are migrating in good numbers in all months except for June. The summer doldrums are still a good time to find breeding specialties and resident pineywoods denizens. April through June is when the majority of breeding specialties are singing and raising young. From March to May (peaking in April), neotropical migrants surge through Louisiana’s wooded areas. There is another, more drawn out, pulse from late August through the end of October. Winter is the best time for enormous congregations of waterfowl and wading birds as well as western rarities.

What will I see?

This depends on when you come, where you go, and your objectives. Louisiana Ornithological Society produces a useful up-to-date state checklist while eBird is without doubt the most dynamic tool. Use the downloadable lists to the right to determine which species you can expect to see or target during your visit. You can view species sorted by taxonomic order (evolutionary relationships) or sighting frequency (percentage of checklists that have reported the species). NOTE: frequency does not necessarily reflect the likelihood of seeing a given species.

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Booking is an efficient way to get a sense of where to stay in Louisiana.

Where do I stay?

Options are many and range from familiar chain hotels to countless Airbnb rooms, apartments, guest houses, and fishing camps. It is up to you, your overall preference, and your budget when it comes to where you want to stay. Booking is a great resource.

What do I bring?

Start with whatever you bring out birding on a regular basis – binoculars, spotting scope, camera, appropriate outerwear (including sunscreen, bug spray, and chapstick), daypack, and water/snacks. Check out our services page for a list of what we’ll bring along as well. Bring at least one layer each of clothes for warm, cold, and wet conditions. We recommend sticking with long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes when in the field.

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If you need a pair of binoculars we have a couple to lend!
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Nothing tops of a great day of spring migration like a crawfish platter.

What do I eat?

Food is handled per circumstances and preferences. Breakfast is quick, usually at your lodging, a quick restaurant, or packed ahead of time for the field. Similarly, lunch is often on-the-go, either packed or ordered at a quick restaurant along the way. Often folks choose to beat the heat and the mid-day lull by taking a break and eating lunch at a dine-in restaurant. Dinner is the best time to relax and enjoy some good food out. Louisiana is known for its food, so do yourself a favor and try some of it! Boudin is a must in Southwest Louisiana. If in New Orleans, you have to try beignets! Jambalayas, etouffees, and gumbos are also must-have staples. Yelp and Trip Advisor are excellent resources to locate Louisiana’s non-bird specialties!

What is the weather like?

Louisiana’s climate and weather varies dramatically throughout the year and by region. On average, the further south you go, the more humid it is and the warmer the winters are. Further north in the state, temperatures better reflect the season. Temperatures are generally mild in winter and extreme in summer. Though rare, cold snaps do happen. It is always best to check conditions where you will be before you go.  Accuweather and Weather Underground are the best resources.

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The moss-draped swamps of Louisiana are usually warm and wet but can become a bit brisk as the cypress needles fall in colder months.