Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Road

Louisiana · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Road is a productive birding destination in Louisiana, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and Common Gallinule 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

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

Mottled Duck

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Common Gallinule

123/5/2026

Laughing Gull

433/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

Caspian Tern

263/5/2026

Forster's Tern

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

53/5/2026

Common Loon

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/5/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/5/2026

Snowy Egret

33/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/5/2026

Brown Pelican

143/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Osprey

33/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Barn Swallow

13/5/2026

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 - Lake Road for birding?
The best months to visit Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Lake 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 - Lake Road?
Notable species at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Road include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Road?
Birding at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Lake 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 - Lake Road?
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - Lake Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.