Dec. 11, 2019 – The White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area (WCA) is what you may imagine when considering the coastal marshes of southwest Louisiana. The area is a 71,000-plus acre property managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) nestled in Vermilion Parish in southwest Louisiana and has a diversity of habitats that support many animal species.

Because it is a conservation area, a good bit of it is closed to the public. But the White Lake WCA Birding and Nature Trail is publicly accessible and is one of the state’s, arguably the nation’s, top birding locations. The 30-acre trail features a large array of birds, be they migrant or non-migrant species.

LDWF Non-game Ornithologist Rob Dobbs said the reason this area is so attractive to birds is the multiple types of habitat available. There’s something for just about any kind of bird. And being only 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a great stopover for incoming or outgoing migratory species.

“There is a lot of freshwater marsh, there is woody vegetation associated with the canal banks and the edges of the marsh,’’ Dobbs said. “There’s a nice woodlot that supports woodland birds at the front of the trail. And on the south side of the trail, it provides great views of some agricultural areas, which can be fantastic for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, and other open-country birds like blackbirds.’’

The trail certainly isn’t the only area of Louisiana that is hospitable for many bird species. Most of the state’s coastal areas provide similar habitat and forage opportunities. But what makes White Lake WCA unique is the accessibility of the trail and how easy it is to navigate.

The birding trail is available, usually from sun up to sun down every day during the year.

“We work hard to maintain the walking portion of the trails,’’ said LDWF Biologist Manager Schuyler Dartez, who oversees White Lake WCA. “Those trails provide access to marsh property and tree lined areas. We have a nice birding trail tower toward the back of the trail that provides an elevated view of nearby farmland, freshwater marsh habitat and the trail itself.

“The trail sits on fringe habitat. You have cropland, freshwater marsh and transitional habitats that attract so many bird species. And the trail provides a good diversity of habitat to walk around.’’

WHEN TO GO, WHAT TO SEE

The trail is open year round but Dartez and Dobbs say it’s best visited during the cooler months of the year. Though open during the summer, you probably won’t encounter the large number of species you’ll see in the fall, winter, and spring. Plus, you’ll battle bitinginsects and Louisiana’s infamous heat and humidity.

“The majority of folks like to come out in the early morning hours,’’ Dartez said. “It gives you the best time weather wise but also good views and great lighting for photography.’’

October through April is the best time to visit depending on what species you want to see moving through, Dobbs said. October begins the migration of land birds. In November through February migrating waterfowl along with wading birds, ibis, egrets, and herons can be seen.

But birds aren’t the only wildlife you may spot at the trail. Alligators, snakes, deer, and other mammals also  make their home near the trail.  Dartez cautions visitors to be aware of reptiles.

“Many people think a lot of what you’ll see is waterfowl and you’re going to see ducks and geese,’’ Dartez said. “But you’re also going to see river otters, rabbits, and deer that utilize the property.

“It’s pretty cool to come out to an area with freshwater marsh yet you’re seeing upland species. You’re seeing deer in an area that’s a managed waterfowl unit.’’

HOW TO GET THERE

The White Lake WCA Birding and Nature Trail is fairly easy to find. It’s less than an hour from Exit 76 on Interstate 10, south on Louisiana Highway 91, and about seven miles south of Gueydan. Once you arrive at White Lake WCA on the highway, you’re at the birding trail.

There is a gravel area right off the highway with an educational kiosk at the entry point of the trail with parking available. The kiosk has a map of the property and one of the trail.

For more information about the White Lake WCA Trail, go to http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/birding-and-nature-trail. For video, interview and photos, go to https://ldwf.canto.com/v/WhiteLakeBirdingTrail/allfiles?viewIndex=0 and https://ldwf.canto.com/s/PQ17C?viewIndex=0.