Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road

Louisiana · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road is a productive birding destination in Louisiana, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts King Rail, Common Gallinule, and White Ibis among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Rouchon House - Pearl River3 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/4/2026401 Crescentwood Loop, Slidell US-LA 30.30505, -89.769991 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

3/4/2026Shady Oaks2 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/2/202615159–15199 Intracoastal Dr, New Orleans US-LA 30.01653, -89.902431 observed

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

3/2/2026Industrial Pkwy1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

3/2/2026Abita Springs, Yard1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/1/2026Industrial Pkwy1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

2/27/2026Big Branch Marsh NWR--Lake Rd.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/5/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

33/5/2026

Carolina Wren

23/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/5/2026

Common Grackle

13/5/2026

Pine Warbler

13/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/5/2026

King Rail

23/5/2026

Common Gallinule

13/5/2026

White Ibis

73/5/2026

Snowy Egret

263/5/2026

Cedar Waxwing

23/5/2026

American Coot

223/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road for birding?
The best months to visit Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road?
Notable species at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road include King Rail, Common Gallinule, White Ibis, Snowy Egret, Northern Mockingbird. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road?
Birding at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road?
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Boy Scout Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.