Natural Events Almanac

Louisiana

Lake Martin, Cypress Island Preserve
ŠHarold E. Malde

Event: Wading Birds Nesting

When: Late March to mid-June

Each year tens of thousands of pairs of herons, egrets, ibis, spoonbills and anhingas nest in a large rookery located within an expansive bottomland of cypress and hardwoods.

Open to the public.

Honey Island Swamp, White Kitchen Preserve
ŠHarold E. Malde

Event: Bald Eagles Nesting

Where: White Kitchen Preserve

When: Late October through early April

Each year a pair of bald eagles return to the same nest site. They typically lay two eggs in November; the young are ready to fly in late February. The adults and young remain in the area for a month or so before migrating north to avoid the hot Louisiana summer. Several thousand herons and egrets nest in the same stand of Cypress each year.

Open to the public. Facilities available: boardwalk and observation area located in the preserve.

For additional information on a particular location, click on the name of the preserve associated with the event or visit the Louisiana site.