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Home/Explore Louisiana/Dave’s Favorites

Dave’s Favorites

Bald eagle flying over treetop in southern Louisiana swamp

One Afternoon in a Louisiana Swamp

Dave McNamara
January 9, 2022

I grabbed my camera and a long lens and joined a few other photographer friends for an afternoon cruise into a Louisiana swamp in western Terrebonne Parish. We wanted to photograph bald eagles. But we found so much more. After a few weeks of cold weather, the alligators of this Louisiana swamp couldn’t resist a…

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Hummingbird on nest on tree branch Louisiana

Hummingbird Nest

Dave McNamara
December 22, 2021

Finding a hummingbird nest in the wild is a nearly impossible task. The tiny camouflaged nests look like a small knot on a tree branch, often hidden by leaves. That’s why birdwatchers and photographers are so excited at a wetlands boardwalk near the south Louisiana town of Lockport. The hummingbird weaves its nest out of…

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waterfall at Sicily Island Hills, Louisiana

Louisiana Waterfalls

Dave McNamara
December 14, 2021

In a state full of bayous and marshes, a hiking trip to Louisiana waterfalls was too good to pass up.  There are actually several waterfalls along hiking trails in the J.C. Sonny Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, formerly known as Sicily Island Wildlife Management area.  hike to several waterfalls along louisiana trails I had driven through…

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adult brown pelicans and chicks on nest

The Amazing Brown Pelican

Dave McNamara
October 14, 2021

On land, the brown pelican is a large, awkward looking bird. But when a pelican takes flight with its seven-foot wingspan, the bird is powerful and graceful as it glides through the air. And the pelican is a fierce hunter. brown pelicans vanished from louisiana A pelican feeding its young hatchlings has been the centerpiece…

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rust colored bridge in crescent park New Orleans

Crescent Park – A Hidden Gem

Dave McNamara
August 15, 2021

The curve in this rust-colored rainbow bridge entrance to New Orleans’ Crescent Park Trail nearly matches the bend in the mighty Mississippi River located only 100 feet away. You can watch large ocean-going ships as they make the sharp turn that gives the “Crescent City” its nickname. During the hot and humid summer months, daybreak…

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sunset over Lake Martin, Louisiana featured in Louisiana nature photography

Louisiana Nature Photography Favorites

Dave McNamara
July 30, 2021

One of my favorite Louisiana nature photography moments happened by accident. After an evening kayak trip on Lake Martin, I was picking up my camera gear when I noticed the orange glow peaking through the trees. I knew I didn’t have a second to spare as I quickly unpacked, grabbed my tripod and hurried to…

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man sitting on dock in peaceful setting on Caney Lake at sunset

State Parks Stargazing

Dave McNamara
June 4, 2021

In my overnight stays at Louisiana State Parks, I look for opportunities to do a little stargazing and night photography. Although most of the parks are heavily forested, their lakes often provide the perfect place to enjoy a sunset, sunrise and stars. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park at Delhi, Louisiana has 8 deluxe cabins that…

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gravel hiking trail along creek surrounded by autumn color trees backlit by afternoon sun hike Bogue Chitto State Park Louisiana

Hiking the Gorge

Dave McNamara
January 16, 2021

One of the best hikes in Louisiana is located in Bogue Chitto State Park.  The 5-and-a-half mile long Gorge Run Trail loops through pine-covered hillsides and through river lowlands of cypress and tupelo trees. The main trailhead of the Gorge Run Trail in Bogue Chitto State Park starts at an elevation of more than 200…

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trail through the Kisatchie National Forest

Kisatchie National Forest

Dave McNamara
June 23, 2020

Hiking the Kisatchie Hills The Kisatchie is the only national forest in the state of Louisiana, and it offers numerous trails that can make for a great day of hiking.  The trails range from easy to moderate, short to long distance, and some offer a hilly landscape that is unusual in the Bayou State. The…

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Top of Driskill Mountain, highest point in Louisiana

Driskill Mountain

Dave McNamara
June 23, 2020

Standing at the highest point in Louisiana By Louisiana standards, this really is a mountain.  It is the highest point in the state, located south of the town of Arcadia in Bienville Parish in the northern part of the Louisiana. You are encouraged to sign the guest book at a wooden kiosk at the peak…

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