Winter Birding 2012 Update by: Birding
Migratory Birding
As cool days turn to COLD, the “winter time” migratory birds and waterfowl begin showing up with each passing cold fronts from the northern US and Canada into Iberville Parish. Expect to see flocks of Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Titmouse, Yellow-rump Warblers, House Finch, Blackbirds, Cardinal, Cedar Wax Wing, Sparrow, and Killdeer. These birds will be feeding on seeds and berries from native plants and trees produced this summer. Bald Eagles usually begin nesting during winter, same as other raptors common to the region such as red tailed hawks and osprey. Many eagles are being sighted by parish residents in the Intracoastal Waterway at the Grosse Tete Bridge, Bayou Sorrel, and Bayou Pigeon. Eagles prefer the waterways since they predominately feed on fish, ducks, and nutria. The Red-tailed are seen feeding along the sugarcane, usually perched on a power line. Osprey has been spotted this winter along Bayou Plaquemine and Grand River and its “flats”. More common than not is the sight is an Osprey flying along Grand River carrying a fish clinched within its talons. Wintertime offers some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and the clear days with low humidity makes for a photographers dream.
Migratory Waterfowl and Gamebirds
Have you heard the geese flying overhead yet? It is a sure sign of the winter season. It is not uncommon to hear geese flying overhead during a clear night. It’s a mixed bag for migratory game birds and ducks this winter considering the average temperature has been more comparable to spring. The Atchafalaya Basin in Iberville Parish is an old stand by for hard core duck hunters, regardless. Those who seek non-stop action will need to venture farther south to the “Wax” (Wax Lake Outlet of the Atchafalaya River), mouth of the Atchafalaya River (east of Wax), and mouth of the Mississippi River below Venice. Last winter’s duck season will be the one to beat, and this doesn’t appear to be the one to do it. On the other hand, this year is a good year for wood ducks. After two years of no acorn drop, the trees are finally letting go. This winter is producing more acorns than I can recall. It is a hay day for wood ducks as I recently witnessed hundreds, if not thousands of wood ducks feeding daily in Bayou Grosse Tete along LA HWY 77 under the water oak trees. I suspect similar conditions in the Atchafalaya Basin where there are oak trees. A few woodcock are being reported, but nothing yet like last winter. It simply hasn’t been cold enough!
|
    |
 |
Visit Iberville Parish – magnificent antebellum homes and historic attractions, massive live oaks, waterways from the mighty Mississippi and Atchafalaya Basin to meandering bayous, cuisine like only Louisiana creates. Discover our
waterways,
attractions,
dining,
accommodations,
media,
tours / itineraries,
maps &
events.
|
Iberville Parish Tourist Commission | 17525 Highway 77 | Grosse Tete, LA 70740 | Phone: 225-687-5198 | Sitemap