Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

Go bird watching at this southern Louisiana wildlife refuge.

The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is located in the heart of Louisiana's "Cajun Country." This place encompasses over 15,000 acres of swamp habitats along the lower Mississippi River Valley and is home to thousands of migratory birds. Common species you may see include bald eagles, great egrets, white-eyed vireos, red-bellied woodpeckers, northern mockingbirds, and more. One of the threatened species is the swallow-tailed kite, a type of raptor. These birds feature black tails and wingtips and a white body.

Atchafalaya means "long river," and this vast refuge was established in 1984. It features bottomland forests, bayous, and cypress-filled swamps. April and May are the best months to see neotropical migratory birds here. If you love the great outdoors and want to see one of the finest natural habitats in southern Louisiana, don't hesitate to visit the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge. It is open year-round and welcomes visitors of all ages.