Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Fritchie Marsh

Louisiana · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Fritchie Marsh is a productive birding destination in Louisiana, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Mourning Dove 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

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

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/1/2026Industrial Pkwy1 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/1/20266120 Central Avenue, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, US (30.242, -89.439)1 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

23/4/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/4/2026

Mourning Dove

43/4/2026

Common Gallinule

53/4/2026

American Coot

13/4/2026

Limpkin

13/4/2026

Laughing Gull

33/4/2026

Forster's Tern

13/4/2026

Anhinga

13/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/4/2026

White Ibis

13/4/2026

American Bittern

13/4/2026

Great Egret

73/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

American White Pelican

43/4/2026

Brown Pelican

33/4/2026

Black Vulture

103/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

303/4/2026

Osprey

53/4/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/4/2026

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 - Fritchie Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Fritchie Marsh 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 - Fritchie Marsh?
Notable species at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Fritchie Marsh include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Fritchie Marsh?
Birding at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Fritchie Marsh 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 - Fritchie Marsh?
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Fritchie Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.