Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Louisiana · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Louisiana, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Wood Duck, Mourning Dove, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

3/1/2026Rice Farm (private property, restricted access)2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/1/2026Rice Farm (private property, restricted access)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

2/24/2026Rice Farm (private property, restricted access)3 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

2/21/2026Rice Farm (private property, restricted access)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

42/28/2026

Mourning Dove

12/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

42/28/2026

Great Egret

32/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

12/28/2026

American Crow

22/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

12/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

42/28/2026

Tree Swallow

22/28/2026

Carolina Wren

12/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/28/2026

Hermit Thrush

12/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

42/28/2026

Swamp Sparrow

32/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

352/28/2026

Common Grackle

452/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

32/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Wood Duck, Mourning Dove, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.