Join Naturalist Journeys for a fun and NEW! spring migration tour deep in the bayous of Louisiana. In addition to watching spring migrants as they make land and feed after their long flight across the gulf, we explore local state parks, learn about fascinating local plants, and keep our eyes peeled for the king of the swamp—American Alligator.

And just like the birds, we eat well on this trip! Indulge in delicious Cajun food at fun local restaurants while we listen to live Cajun bands.

Our journey begins and ends in Lafayette, skipping the tourist chaos of New Orleans, and heading deep into the wilds of this fun state. We invite you to join us in Louisiana for spring migration, great food, and magical settings!

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Tour Highlights

  • Kick off the trip with a visit to Cypress Island Preserve, a favorite nesting spot for Roseate Spoonbill
  • Take a tour of the Tabasco Factory and Avery Island, famous for it’s preservation of the Snowy Egret
  • Head deep into the bayou for a tour of Atchafalaya Basin, a wetland larger than the Everglades
  • Explore Cameron Prairie NWR, one of the best places in the U.S. to see Purple Gallinule
  • Spend time at Rutherford Beach, a shore birder’s wonderland … are you up for the ID challenge?
  • Bird local long-leaf pine woodlands for rare Bachman’s Sparrow and elusive Red-cockaded Woodpecker
  • Make a final stop at Sam Houston State Park to say au revoir to the warblers, woodpeckers, herons, and ‘gators
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Thurs., Apr. 17      Arrivals | Cypress Island Preserve | Martin Lake

Bienvenue en Louisiana! We start our tour with some truly special birding right off the bat. Be sure to have your binoculars and good shoes handy. From the airport we head directly to Cypress Island Preserve where we immerse in the local habitats, birding among 200-year-old Spanish moss-covered live oaks and Bald Cypress. We keep our eyes peeled for American Alligator as we explore this 9,000-acre preserve, a favorite spot for nesting Roseate Spoonbill. This is our first immersion into a truly unique and special region of the United States; it is a microcosm of everything that represents a cypress swamp in Louisiana. We spend a couple of hours walking the 2.5-mile levee trail looking for Anhinga, American Bittern, Little Blue Heron, Painted Bunting, nesting Prothonotary Warbler, and even the occasional Pileated Woodpecker. 

We kick of a week of fun regional food at our welcome dinner, tonight at the aptly-named Spoonbill Watering Hole. 
Accommodations at the Carriage House (D)

Fri., Apr. 18       Avery Island | Tabasco Tour | Rip Van Winkle Gardens | Azalea Bloom

Today we head to a true institution in Louisiana — the Tabasco Factory. Why we are headed here on a birding trip? Edward Avery “Ned” McIlhenny, the heir to the Tabasco Company, was an avid birder. He established Bird Island in 1895 on his family's property, Avery Island. Thanks to his efforts and refuge, the Snowy Egret, which was on the brink of extinction due to the millinery trade, began to see an increase in numbers and by 1911, Bird City was home to 100 thousand summer nesting Snowy Egrets. Teddy Roosevelt once called it the most noteworthy reserve in the country. We make stops at both the Tabasco Factory and Bird Island. 

Then, we’re off to Jefferson Island for lunch followed by a stroll around the Rip Van Winkle Gardens, part of the Jefferson Island Rookery. This is another favorite rookery for Roseate Spoonbill, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, and White Ibis. Additionally, these gardens and rookery are home to around 130 species of bird. We are on the lookout for Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Carolina Chickadee, and White Pelican.

It's spring in Louisiana, and we’re not just here for the birds. Dependent on rain, weather, and temperatures leading up to our trip, we should be here during peak azalea blooming. A sure sign that spring has arrived in the Lafayette area is the abundance of azaleas in a spectrum of reds, pinks, whites, purples, and salmons. On our way back north from Avery and Jefferson Islands making our way back into Lafayette, we detour along the Azalea Trail. Approximately 20 miles of Lafayette city streets are lined with azaleas that adorn beautiful homes and historical sites. Some of the bushes of gigantic proportions are over 50 years old. Here the predominant variety is the Formosa, christened the “General Lafayette,” which blooms in colors of lavender and fuchsia.

Tonight we enjoy dinner and live local Cajun music at Bon Temps Grill.
Accommodations at the Carriage House (B,L,D)

 Sat., Apr. 19       Bayou Tour | Acadian Cultural Center

We have a special bayou tour today and we’re in for a treat! We head into the Atchafalaya Basin, which, at 1.4 million acres, is larger than the Florida Everglades. We spend the morning exploring the basin, known to house over 250 species of bird and 65 species of reptile; it is also home to the largest nesting concentration of Bald Eagle in the south central United States. The Atchafalaya Basin contains the largest contiguous bottomland hardwood forest in North America, a true treasure to be explored. Our bayou tour is perfect for searching for nesting Wood and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Orchard Oriole, Yellow-throated Vireo, and soaring Swallow-tailed Kite. 

After a local lunch, we head back toward Lafayette. We take a break from the midday heat at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. Here, we learn about the lives of the Acadians (Cajuns) and others whose travels brought them to Louisiana's bayous. The park has many cultural centers dedicated to the diverse history of the region, as well as the Barataria Preserve for those still wanting to explore the outdoors more. 

We have another fun dinner and enjoy live local Cajun music entertainment at Buck and Johnny’s tonight.
Accommodations at the Carriage House (B,L,D)

Sun., Apr. 20     Rockefeller NWR | Cameron Prairie | Corbina Road

Today is a travel day. After breakfast we hit the road, taking the long way to Lake Charles. We head south toward the coast, where we pick up part of the Creole Nature Trail. Our first stop is at the Rockefeller National Wildlife Refuge. This 71,000-acre refuge was established on land donated by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1920. The refuge is located at the terminus of the vast Mississippi Flyway. During the spring and fall, Neotropical migrant passerine birds also use the shrubs and trees on levees and chenier ridge habitat as a rest stop on their trans-Gulf journeys to and from Central and South America. The wetlands can be home to thousands of nesting American Avocet. Numerous shorebird species also stop here, including Semipalmated and Stilt Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstone, and Semipalmated Plover, not to mention exciting birds like King and Clapper Rails, Black Tern, and Fulvous Whistling-Duck.

We continue on north to Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. This is one of the best places in the U.S. to see the colorful Purple Gallinule. This is also a terrific place to search, again, for the always elusive American Bittern. Located at the convergence of two major flyways, the refuge has an important management role for migratory birds. The vast marshes are managed as a nursery for brown and white shrimp, too. 

Once we finish scouring the Cameron marshes, we continue our journey to Lake Charles; we have one more stop before we are finished for the day. The area south of Lake Charles has miles upon miles of fields flooded for crawfish farming. This is perfect for searching for specialties such as Upland Sandpiper, Gull-billed Tern. And if we are really lucky, White-tailed Hawk have been known to be in the area. This is a great area to search for Dickcissel and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, as well. There are even records of Whooping Cranes here. 
Accommodations at the Staybridge Suites (B,L,D)

Mon., Apr. 21         Rutherford Beach | Willow Island | Peveto Woods

We start early today — it’s a big one! Today we are headed back down to the coast with our first stop being Rutherford Beach. This is one of the main stops along the Creole Nature Trail, and for good reason. This is a shore birder’s wonderland! We spend the morning at the beach looking for Black-bellied, Wilson’s, Piping, and Snowy Plovers. We don’t stop there, though. We also scan the beach looking for Black Skimmer, Long-billed Curlew, Sandwich Tern, and perhaps a surprise Magnificent Frigatebird. 

After a morning on the beach, we head to a private tract of land called Willow Island, opened to birders by the owners. Though not an actual island, this tract of oaks and willows stands as a lone island attracting migrants as they make their journey north across the gulf, sometimes spotting this little island of trees after an arduous 800-mile flight. We spend the rest of the morning here before heading out for lunch. 

Lunch is at a local favorite spot in Cameron before we head out for Peveto Woods Sanctuary. This chenier (French settlers’ word for coastal woods), which means “oak place,” is one of the busiest migratory stopovers in Louisiana, with some estimating that over 2 million birds use Peveto Woods each year. This small patch of coastal woodlands, managed by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, is where we spend the rest of our afternoon. As birds migrate through, we wait here as they make landfall. After crossing the gulf, they are famished and go right into a feeding frenzy, not even taking notice of the birders there to see them. We spend a delightful evening among the numerous live oaks looking for migrating warblers such as Worm-eating, Blackburnian, Magnolia, and Bay-breasted. Also passing through, we should have Summer Tanager, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Blue Grosbeak, and Eastern Kingbird.

We stay at Preveto Woods into the evening before heading back to Lake Charles for a late dinner. When the migrants start arriving and settling down, it’s hard to pull ourselves away. 
Accommodations at the Staybridge Suites (B,L,D)

Tues., Apr. 22        Longleaf Pine Woodlands | Cooter’s Bog

Today is our last full day on the tour, and we make the most of it! We venture into a new habitat, the Longleaf Pine woods and bogs north of Lake Charles. We make time to search for Bachman’s Sparrow; early morning is the best time to see this rare and declining species of the Longleaf Pine woodlands, singing its melodious song. The Bachman’s Sparrow, along with the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, are closely tied to the Longleaf Pine woodlands and are truly remarkable at showcasing why conservation of this habitat is so important. The Red-headed Woodpecker is another key species for this unique habitat; and Northern Bobwhite have also been known to frequent the area. 

After lunch we head to Cooter’s Bog, a Western Hillside Seepage Bog, looking for plant species such as Winged Pitcher Plant, Sundew, and Black Snakeroot, all while on the lookout for Red-cockaded Woodpecker. This Longleaf Pine habitat is a particular favorite of this elusive woodpecker, and this be another chance at viewing them. Generally traveling in family units, we typically hear them long before we see this small woodpecker. Watching for this fun woodpecker is the perfect complement to our pitcher plant and flower hunting at the bog. Other birds that favor this area are Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, and Carolina Chickadee. 

Our celebratory wrap-up dinner is a Cajun delight at Pat's of Henderson. Serving some of the best Cajun food in Louisiana for over 50 years, this family-owned restaurant is the perfect setting for our final night together. 
Accommodations at the Staybridge Suites (B,L,D)

Wed., Apr. 23      Sam Houston State Park | Departures

We spend the morning on a fantastic final outing in the Lake Charles area at Sam Houston State Park. This is a wonderful park, filled with many opportunities to see woodpeckers, warblers, and herons. This is also our chance to say au revoir to the American Alligators we have grown so accustomed to seeing.

 After our time in the park, we head back to Lafayette for departures. (B,L)

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    NOLA Bayou Scenic

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Blue Grosbeak

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    American Alligator

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Roseate Spoonbill

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Semipalmated Sandpiper

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Purple Gallinule

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Red-headed Woodpecker

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    Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Cypress Trees on the Bayou

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Gull-billed Tern

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Big Cypress National Park

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    Clapper Rail

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Northern Bobwhite

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Avery Island Oak Tree

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Black Tern

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    Anhinga

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Upland Sandpiper

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    American Alligator

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Ruddy Turnstone

  • Birding Louisiana, Bird Watching New Orleans, Bayou, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Bayou Scenic

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    Bald Eagle

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    Avery Island Louisiana

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the tour is $2,990 DBL / $3,970 SGL, from Lafayette and includes all accommodations, meals as noted in the itinerary, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Cost does not include round-trip transportation to/from Lafayette, optional activities or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, house cleaners, gratuities, or beverages from the bar.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Lafayette Regional (LFT)

Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive April 17, 2025, no later than 1:00 PM

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart April 23, 2025, after 2:00 PM

Travel Tip: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, you can book an early night at our first night hotel, the Carriage House Hotel. You can book online or by calling (337) 769-8400. Send us the confirmation number so you hopefully don't have to switch rooms when the tour starts.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Louisiana

  • Vernie Aikins

    Vernie fell in love with birding in Southern Arizona in 2011 through his love of photography, starting out with just a camera and guide book. He started guiding in 2021 with his wife’s non-profit S.A.A.W.R. and the Tucson Audubon leading bird outings for people with disabilities. Though Vernie is primarily the Office Administrator at Naturalist Journeys, he does get the chance to guide from time to time. His excitement in seeing a Turkey Vulture (his favorite bird) for the 50th time or a lifer is contagious, and he has a true passion for helping others find, identify, and enjoy birds. As an avid mountain biker, he also started a non-profit focusing on trail maintenance and reopening trails after the devastating fires in the Catalina Mountains in 2003, overseeing thousands of hours of volunteer trail work. His favorite place to be is in Southern Arizona exploring along the Santa Cruz River or high up in one of the Sky Islands.

    Other trips with Vernie Aikins

  • Rick Weiman

    Rick lives in Oakland, NJ with his wife Patricia and two adult children, Jack and Annabel. Rick has led birding trips for a number of years as a volunteer for various local nonprofits, and for Oakland residents in his town's 40-acre Great Oak Park. For over 30 years he has counted birds on annual big days to raise dollars for endangered species recovery efforts in his home state. His passion for conservation started during his college years at Rutgers where he majored in Biology, and he has been a trustee of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ since 2000. His volunteer and fundraising efforts for The Raptor Trust, the largest wild bird rehabilitation center on the east coast, resulted in his addition to their board of trustees in 2018. One of his favorite areas to visit is Central America and he has hosted tours for Naturalist Journeys in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Belize. In his spare time besides birding, Rick enjoys playing street hockey, fishing, and visiting the jersey shore, especially Cape May.

    Photo credit: Hugh Simmons

    Other trips with Rick Weiman

Map for Louisiana: Birds, Bayous & Beignets

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please Pack Light! Soft luggage is easier for us to pack than a rigid hard sided Read more

Please Pack Light!

Soft luggage is easier for us to pack than a rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. The trip is informal and the weather fine – no need to pack heavily this time of year.

Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. Your carry-on bag must be able to fit under the seat or it will be taken away by airline staff and put with the regular luggage. You will want a daypack for field trips, so this is the ideal carry-on.

We recommend that you double check with your airline a week or so before departure to verify luggage size and weight restrictions. A reminder, keep your EMERGENCY CONTACT list with your airline tickets – just in case!

In general, the weather during your stay will likely include days in the 80's and 90’s and nights in the 70’s. Rain is always possible.

Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing; they protect you from sun, insects, and vegetation. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal, and you may wish to spray your field outerwear with Permethrin beforehand or try bug repellent clothing such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection. If you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts.

Choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and that is comfortable and easy to wear. Layering is your best strategy for comfort. While closed toed shoes and hiking boots are ideal for our fieldwork, a pair of sandals will be most welcome for travel days and evenings. 

Clothing and Gear

  • Long pants, 2-3 pair. One of these might be rain pants you wear over long underwear or tights. Quick dry hiking pants work well if you plan to do hand laundry
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, 2-3 (Loose fitting keeps you cool.)
  • T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts or equivalent, 4-5
  • Casual clothing for travel days and evenings
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry (Long enough to tuck your pants into, to help protect from chiggers)
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes such as tennis shoes
  • Lightweight hiking boots
  • Comfortable sandals or light shoes for evenings, travel days (Crocs work well)
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho
  • Bathing suit (optional)
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (optional, great for cooling off when you are hot and sweaty)
  • Equipment and Miscellaneous
  • E-ticket confirmation (make a copy to keep in a separate location)
  • Personal identification
  • Small daypack or fanny pack to carry gear while hiking (essential!)
  • Umbrella
  • Walking sticks (optional)
  • Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries in good working order Bring extra batteries, just in case!
  • Alarm clock (or use your cell phone)
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect Repellent (containing DEET)
  • Toiletry articles
  • Earplugs if you are noise sensitive
  • Binoculars (a hotel shower cap is great to cover these when it is raining)
  • Spotting scope (optional). Guides will have a scope to share, but feel free to bring your own.
  • Camera and extra battery, memory card, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual. Do a good check before leaving. (optional)
  • Water bottle (or plan to reuse our store-bought water bottle if prefer)
  • Gallon-size ziplock bags for keeping things dry
  • Laundry soap for hand washing, travel sewing kit
  • Notebook and pen or journal (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Medical and First Aid Items

  • Personal medication
  • Copy of eyeglass and medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed in vans or boat
  • Personal first aid kit including medications for general and stomach ailments
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Foot powder, lotions for dry skin, general “comfort” items
  • Small bottle of hand sanitizer
  • Insurance information
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Louisiana

Lafayette, LA

Lake Charles

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Audubon Bird Guide App

Atchafalaya Basin

Audubon Delta

https://delta.audubon.org

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Jefferson Island

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Creole Nature Trail

Peveto Woods Sanctuary

Cooter's Bog

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Geology & Geography

Geology of Louisiana

Geography of Louisiana

History & Culture

History & Heritage of Lafayette

History of Lake Charles and SW Louisiana

Louisiana Culture & Cuisine

Helpful Travel Websites

Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT)

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

ATM Locator

Date & Time


Photo credits: BANNERS: Snowy Egret, Purple Gallinule, American Alligator, Bayou THUMBNAILS: Northern Parula, Snowy Egret, American Bittern, Swallow-tailed Kite, Little Blue Heron, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Painted Bunting

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