Rutherford Beach

Louisiana · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Rutherford Beach is a productive birding destination in Louisiana, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

3/5/2026Grand Chenier Cemetery1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

3/4/2026Cameron Prairie NWR1 observed

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

3/4/202670632, Creole US-LA (29.7877,-93.1702)1 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

3/4/2026100–156 Recreation Ln, Creole US-LA 29.75008, -92.900001 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/3/2026Rutherford Beach1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

3/3/2026Broussard Beach1 observed

Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus

3/3/2026Stakeout: Pyrrhuloxia, Trosclair Rd. (2026)1 observed

Fork-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus savana

3/2/2026Willow Island1 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/2/2026Grand Chenier (general area)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/2/2026Grand Chenier (general area)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

13/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

53/4/2026

Gadwall

53/4/2026

Clapper Rail

13/4/2026

Common Gallinule

253/4/2026

American Coot

503/4/2026

Black-necked Stilt

13/4/2026

Willet

13/4/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

23/4/2026

Least Sandpiper

53/4/2026

Forster's Tern

13/4/2026

White Ibis

123/4/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/4/2026

Marsh Wren

23/4/2026

Savannah Sparrow

53/4/2026

Swamp Sparrow

13/4/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

23/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rutherford Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Rutherford Beach for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Rutherford Beach?
Notable species at Rutherford Beach include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Clapper Rail, Common Gallinule. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rutherford Beach?
Birding at Rutherford Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rutherford Beach?
Rutherford Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.